Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

Step 2: Build your chassis 5x8 red trailer
The 5x8 red trailer design has been modified for use with the Generic Benroy.

The first modification Is to change the width of the trailer from 60” to 58”. This will allow the side walls to hang over the frame, thus hiding the frame.

The second modification is to knotch the frame and mount the axle above the springs instead of under the springs. This allows the trailer to sit lower, albeit not quite as low as the original. For that you would need a torsion axle, with adjustable arms.

And finally, do not install the finders or any of the electrical components

The trailer will be assembled as per the directions that came with it, except for the following.

Using a metal chop saw, cut each of the (4) cross members exactly 2” shorter. Drill new holes in the end, of each cross member.

The 2 center cross members need to be cut to fit into the side rails as shown. Also remove the flange so that you can fit in a pine cross member. This converts the folding trailer into a rigid trailer.

Install a pine cross member in place of the channel cross members.

Notch out the angle iron to give the axle travel clearance.

Cut off xx” from the 45* tongue members. Drill new holes on the trimmed ends.

Finish assembling per the directions.

This would also be a good time to prime the wood and paint the trailer.

mikeschn wrote:Step 2: Building your 5x8 red trailer

Tom S, can you help me with this step?

Mike...

Mike,

I'm not sure exactly what you need from me. The design of the Red Trailer is very similar to the HF trailer. I followed the Kuffel Creek instructions when building the Red Trailer.

The only area where I ran into some trouble during attachment of the spring hangers. I cut off the brackets for the castors and relocated the hangers to center the axle to 36" from the rear of the trailer, per the Kuffel Creek Plans. I ran into some conflicts with the bolt heads holding one of the cross members in place and some of the bolts I installed to hold the inserts in place. I also failed to account for the springs when I mounted my hangers. The Red Trailer uses slipper springs. You need to make sure your mounting bolts don't interfere with the spring travel.

I have slide show detailing my frame build on my web site at
http://www.tomswenson.com/teardrop/trailerframe/index.shtml

Let me know if you have any specific questions. I'll do my best to answer them.

Tom,

Can you give me 2 dimensions from your red trailer?

1) from the inside of the tire to the inside of the tire

2) from the outside of the tire to the outside of the tire.

I'm looking for the worst case dimension, in other words from the sidewall bulge to the other sidewall bulge. You might have to hold a straight edge across the tire to get those dimensions.

Thanks,

Mike...

P.S. Can I use your trailer assembly photos too?

Mike,

I assume you're looking for the distances from one side of the trailer to the other. is this correct?

Yes that is correct.

I plan on drawing a section thru the tires, and overlaying the fenders to determine the best size fenders to use.

On my Lil Diner I used 11" fenders, but I'm hoping I can use 9" fenders on the Generic Benroy.

Thanks for your help...

Mike...

OK. You're timing was perfect as I was working on my trailer this afternoon.

The inside distance is 63 1/4 inches
The outside distance is 73 5/8 inches

The side rail width is 3 1/8 inches.

TomS wrote:OK. You're timing was perfect as I was working on my trailer this afternoon.

The inside distance is 63 1/4 inches
The outside distance is 73 5/8 inches

The side rail width is 3 1/8 inches.

Thanks a whole bunch Tom...

I was guessing the side rail was 2 1/2" high... I'm surprised it's 3 1/8". But that's good to know. Now I can revise my design to the exact dimensions...

As for the fenders, it looks like I can use 7" fenders... I'll have to lay it out on cad and see how that looks....

Your help is much appreciated... btw, can I use your photos for step 2 of the Generic Benroy?

Mike...

Hey Mike,

I just noticed something else. The cross members on the Red Trailer do not have a flanges. So notching them is not necessary to install the pine cross member.

Also, feel free to use the photos on my web site. The only thing I ask in return is a photo creedit and a link back to my site. Also, let me know if you need the orignal raw JPeG from my digital camera. I can get them to you.

Okay, you got it Tom... Thanks...

Mike...

P.S. I'll update the build directions, and add your credits tomorrow...

mikeschn wrote:Okay, you got it Tom... Thanks...

Mike...

P.S. I'll update the build directions, and add your credits tomorrow...

Kewl

I don't seem to be able to find a supplier for the 5x8' red trailer. Could someone please direct me to a source?

Jim

jim7310 wrote:I don't seem to be able to find a supplier for the 5x8' red trailer. Could someone please direct me to a source?

Jim

http://www.redtrailers.com/TrailersFolding.asp

Jim:

Take a look @ the carry-on trailer sold by Tractor Supply. I'm to pick mine up this week. For the money, I think it is a good buy.

Larry

Mike I have started with the folding 4x8 Harbor trailer and am building a 10' by 4' unit for it. My quest. is this should I unbolt the axle assembly and slide it back and redrill new holes for it. right now the body has a 12 over hang on each end. My concerns are with toungue weight when finished.First time builder here. I try not to ask much just learn so much from reading others quest. and answers.....thanks for the wonderful site.

p.s. body not boleted down just yet