Central axle?

[Illgiveitago]

Hi there. I have been given a Conway countryman trailer tent in bad shape. I plan to build a teardrop trailer on the chassis.

I’ve stripped down the trailer and it’s in good shape but the axle is positioned central. Is it possible to build a Tt with rear hatch with very simple kitchen with the axle this far forward?

 

[philpom]

Hi there. I have been given a Conway countryman trailer tent in bad shape. I plan to build a teardrop trailer on the chassis.

I’ve stripped down the trailer and it’s in good shape but the axle is positioned central. Is it possible to build a Tt with rear hatch with very simple kitchen with the axle this far forward?

Hi and welcome! It is technically possible, it's all about trailer balance. You want 15% of the total trailer weight at the tongue or towing will be dangerous. This would work out for example to having a 1000lb camper with 650-700 pounds in front of the wheels and 300-350 pounds behind the wheels. That's a guestimate but you get my point. It could be a challenge with a galley in the rear. I think in the long run you would appreciate moving the axle back to about a 60/40 position. Same weight rule applies but with a little more play, 10-15% total weight on the tongue.

Good luck, it'll be a fun project!

 

[Illgiveitago]

Thanks for the reply. If I am putting the kitchen at the rear I plan to build the front further forward than the trailer base so that would make the axle a bit further back. I’m not really sure I could move the axle tbh. I’m good with wood but no really sure with metal/mechanics. I’m concerned that if I put the kitchen at the front the weight on the tongue would be too much and there no where to add extra weight at the back. Whereas I could add more to the front I guess. Could you look at these two designs and tell me what you think? Thanks (I’ve no idea how to add a pic but will try!)

 

[S. Heisley]

I've been hoping more people would chime in so I wouldn't have to, but....

It's all about the weight. The kitchen/galley will most likely be the heaviest part of your build and, chances are, if you put the galley in the back without moving the axle, you will not make your 60/40% weight requirements. That's 60% of the weight in front of the axle and 40% behind the axle. If you have too much weight behind the axle, you will have trouble keeping the trailer towing straight behind your tow vehicle. If a tractor trailer passes you or a gust hits the side of your trailer, your trailer could start whipping from side to side and you could end up either jackknifing or rolling and possibly ruining both the trailer and the tow vehicle.

While your trailer doesn't have a cabin on it, it is easier to move the axle because you can flip the trailer so its underside is up where you can work with it and see what you're dealing with. It's also the best time to tow it to someone who could move the axle for you, without charging you a small fortune.

If you put the galley in the back and don't move the axle to compensate, you will have to really, really, really watch your weight, putting your ice chest and food and possibly kitchen kettles in the back of your tow vehicle or secured in the front part of your cabin, on the bed, and carry them to the back when you set up at camp and even that may not be enough, depending on the amount of wood you have in the back in cabinets, counter, and lifting hatch (or doors). I left my axle in the middle but my kitchen is in the front of the cabin and, still, I keep my ice chest and some of my food in the back of my tow vehicle.

Best Wishes!

 

[Wolfgang92025]

Thanks for the reply. If I am putting the kitchen at the rear I plan to build the front further forward than the trailer base so that would make the axle a bit further back. I’m not really sure I could move the axle tbh. I’m good with wood but no really sure with metal/mechanics. I’m concerned that if I put the kitchen at the front the weight on the tongue would be too much and there no where to add extra weight at the back. Whereas I could add more to the front I guess. Could you look at these two designs and tell me what you think? Thanks (I’ve no idea how to add a pic but will try!

Sharon is correct about the importance of having a well-balanced trailer. To light a tongue weight can have real bad consequences. Plenty of video's on you tube explaining some of the ins and outs.

Looks like the link to the trailer balance xls worksheet is gone.
It allows you to put in the trailer frame dimensions, you can add estimated weights for stuff like kitchen, ice chest etc. and it will tell you the trailer balance and allows you to make an educated decision.
I'm currently building a foamie and have a copy. if you are interested let me know.

 

[GTS225-TNT]

Roger

 

[philpom]

Like Sharon Wolfgang said...... move it back or you'll probably regret it when all of your hard work is done.

 

[Wolfgang92025]

Roger

Roger, thanks for posting the links. Really useful information.