KCStudly wrote:Dave Nathanson wrote:I've torn up my trailer frame on the way to/from camp. Wasn't doing any significant wheeling, just driving on the washboards roads of Saline Valley California. Yes, the frame actually tore, right where the leaf spring hangers were welded to the frame.
In the pic of the spring hanger torn from the frame, I can't be sure but it looks like the hanger may have only been welded at the front and back of the hanger, and maybe not along the sides. If so, do you think that may have been a factor?
I'm curious about the driving conditions and typical rates of speed, too. Not especially scary vs. "dropping into 16 inch whoops" at what speed?
Not trying to be controversial, just trying to get a better feel for where the limits are.
I would say 1/8th inch is probably a little thinner than I'd be comforable with for the spring perch area. If you build your frame from that I'd reinforce that section with a peice of thinker angle iron, so I had more weld area.
I've found that it helps to air down on washboard roads, and I try and keep the speed up a little bit, then you get less constant rattling, though you have to watch for the big dips!
Tom