Hey all,
I've been kicking around an idea for a while now and after reading TrailerEd's "Wooden Frame" thread, I figured I'd post it up for critique & opinions....
Even though my current build isn't finished yet, I'm thinking about the next one. I'm thinking about an ultralight build with a fiberglass A frame for the trailer - partly because I want to build the frame myself (and I'm no welder) and partly in an attempt to reduce weight.
The idea is to make a male mold for each side and lay it up in alternating layers ('units') of mat and roving. The profile would likely be either C channel or hat section with the flanges glassed to the underside of the floor. The long straight section of the mold would also be used to lay up the cross members as needed. There would need to be solid blocking at the spring mounts and likely a heavier layup there as well to spread out the loading. It will have to be a substantially thicker section than steel to achieve the same strength....but with a lightweight build overall the usual dynamic forces will also be reduced.
There will be bugs to be worked out but I think it should be doable. I've built a few structural members for boats (albeit with epoxy and unidirectional cloth) and have been impressed with the strength-to-weight. The corrosion resistance is another plus, as is the rigidity once the frame is tied into the shell.
Alternatively, one could shape the frame members from foam and glass them, increasing the stiffness and/or allowing a lighter laminate schedule.
I know that most folks aren't as familiar with glass as with other materials, but I'd love to hear any thoughts on the idea.