Ordering a Custom Chassis

[cmrcmk]

I'm ready to start my build but the first thing has got to be the chassis. Can anyone give a good overview of what needs to be communicated to a welder besides the measurements of the frame and size of axle and wheels?

Also, if anyone has a welder they can recommend within an hour or two of Durham, NC, that'd be much appreciated.

[tony.latham]

Should I not assume you've included the steel dimensions and thickness?



This one is 2" .120 square tubing.

Maybe a rotating jack bracket?



Tony

[cmrcmk]

Tony, that's a good point. Would there need to be a conversation based on expected weight or is 2" eighth inch square tube The Answer?

[tony.latham]

Would there need to be a conversation based on expected weight or is 2" eighth inch square tube The Answer?

I chose that wall thickness because it's easier to weld than thinner gauge stuff. A proffesional my try to talk you into a thinner gauge rectangular stock which makes sense. The problem with anything thinner than .120 is the axle attachment may need to be beefed up with some angle or something else.

But I'm not the expert. Hepefully someone else might chime in here.

Tony

[cmrcmk]

But I'm not the expert. Hepefully someone else might chime in here.

You certainly seem to know more than me. Thanks for your input.

[dmdc411]

Don't forget tabs to bolt your teardrop down to. Maybe a flat gusset in the corners, and at the cross members. 6 to 8 bolts seems ok! How about leveling jacks at the rear corners?

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[cmrcmk]

Don't forget tabs to bolt your teardrop down to.

I guess I figured the bolts would just go through the square tube. What advantages do you see to tabs? I've wondered this a couple times as things like DMcCam's blueprints for the Atma Traveler (whose profile I plan on stealing) include them.

How about leveling jacks at the rear corners?

Good point! Thanks.

[tony.latham]

Don't forget tabs to bolt your teardrop down to.

I guess I figured the bolts would just go through the square tube. What advantages do you see to tabs? I've wondered this a couple times as things like DMcCam's blueprints for the Atma Traveler (whose profile I plan on stealing) include them.

How about leveling jacks at the rear corners?

Good point! Thanks.

My walls are 1-1/8” thick. Since they sit over a 2” frame, there’s no space for a bolt.



Tony

[cmrcmk]

My walls are 1-1/8” thick. Since they sit over a 2” frame, there’s no space for a bolt.

That makes a ton of sense. Thanks.

[Ted+Teresa]

Any luck finding a welder?

[saltydawg]

I swear with all the trouble I hear with getting frames I should make some extra ones

Figure 5x8 and 5x10 2200 lb axles could be done for 800 plus labor. What do people wind up paying?

[troubleScottie]

What is needed:

• number, metal size and shape eg square, rectangular, angle or c-channel and placement of cross pieces
• attachment tabs including size and shape ( as others have noted)
• placement of axle: generally 40/60 rule, but there is no standard position. You need to know the approximate weight distribution and locate the desired position
• axle type: leaf springs or torsional, reinforcements if required. Might be better for welder to drill out holes if needed as they have better tools for metal work.
• type of tongue: straight, a-frame, composite and length and attachment point to frame
• safety chain attachment points
• coupler : some are welded on/some are not
• trailer jack: some are bolt on, some are weld on
• fenders: weld on, tabs to mount fender on, etc.
  You might have the frame wrap around the wheels, so a different frame design
• tail light mounts : some are in frame (hole to be cut??) or on frame or some are protruding/extending from frame.
  Light do not have to be on the frame. There are different combinations and positions.

Extras:

• rear hitch mount
• mount points for tables, etc
• spare tire mount/uptake point
• stabilizers
• lift handle on tongue
• propane tank mount points
• rear bumper
• skid plate/rollers
• tow points

[cmrcmk]

Any luck finding a welder?

I got a hold of a few possible welders to get an idea. Only one would ballpark it without exact specs but from what I described (6'x12') he said it'd probably be $14-1500.

[cmrcmk]

@troubleScottie, that's a great list. Thanks!