Width Question for trailer

General Discussion about almost anything Teardrop or camping related

Width Question for trailer

Postby MidTNJasonF » Sun Aug 25, 2013 8:16 pm

I have been planning my build based on a 5'x8' trailer. I wanted the width for hauling the toys and a nice wide bed.

I am going to look at a 4x8 trailer tomorrow that I might be able to pick up for a song.

For those that have built on a 4x8 do you wish you had gone wider?

Those that have cantilevered on a 4x8 frame to make a 5' wide camper did you find it had enough support at the outer edges? Can you describe the method used to widen out over the sides?
User avatar
MidTNJasonF
Teardrop Master
 
Posts: 118
Images: 13
Joined: Tue Aug 26, 2008 9:19 pm
Location: Middle Tennessee

Re: Width Question for trailer

Postby working on it » Sun Aug 25, 2013 8:32 pm

MidTNJasonF wrote:I have been planning my build based on a 5'x8' trailer. I wanted the width for hauling the toys and a nice wide bed.

I am going to look at a 4x8 trailer tomorrow that I might be able to pick up for a song.

For those that have built on a 4x8 do you wish you had gone wider?

Those that have cantilevered on a 4x8 frame to make a 5' wide camper did you find it had enough support at the outer edges? Can you describe the method used to widen out over the sides?

I just finished a 4x8. Built for the use of one adult for a long trip or two for a weekend. We have too many critters at home to be away for long at the same time, and she's the one most likely to take along duration trip. So it will probably work out fine. The 4x8 was my idea(l) of what a TD or TTT should be, and I was intentionally trying to build small and light (failed, but that's a long story...), so that was it. However, if we ever get to travel together, in some future time, I will most likely build a larger 5x10, to incorporate a larger mattress (Queen vs Twin), and make more room for storage. If not able, we have a larger, factory built trailer available, but not a TD or TTT, alas.... Here's a link to mattress sizes http://www.csgnetwork.com/bedsizes.html
2013 HHRv "squareback/squaredrop", rugged, 4x8 TTT, 2225 lbs
  • *3500 lb Dexter EZ-Lube braked axle, 3000 lb.springs, active-progressive bumpstop suspension
  • *27 x 8.5-14LT AT tires (x 3) *Weight Distribution system for single-beam tongue
  • *100% LED's & GFCI outlets, 3x fans, AM/FM/CD/Aux. *A/C & heat, Optima AGM, inverter & charger(s)
  • *extended-run, on-board, 2500w generator *Coleman dual-fuel stove & lantern, Ikea grill, vintage skillet
  • *zinc/stainless front & side racks *98"L x 6" diameter rod & reel carrier tube on roof
173193172890148599
User avatar
working on it
2000 Club
2000 Club
 
Posts: 2189
Images: 457
Joined: Tue Oct 04, 2011 9:05 pm
Location: DFW Texas

Re: Width Question for trailer

Postby tony.latham » Sun Aug 25, 2013 9:31 pm

We've been camping in a 4x10 Hunter tear for seven or eight years. In July I got of look in a So Cal 5 x 10. Two weeks later I started a 5x10.

TL
User avatar
tony.latham
Gold Donating Member
 
Posts: 7080
Images: 17
Joined: Mon Jul 08, 2013 4:03 pm
Location: Middle of Idaho on the edge of nowhere
Top

Re: Width Question for trailer

Postby PKCSPT » Mon Aug 26, 2013 1:05 am

Mine is 4x8 and for me and my dog it is fine, though I do wish it had a door on both sides not just one.

I did buy a side tent for space if grandkids join me or I just do not feel like having the dog lay on me.
121172 116946 159644
PKCSPT
Silver Donating Member
 
Posts: 1515
Images: 61
Joined: Wed Mar 31, 2010 11:27 pm
Location: Minnesota
Top

Re: Width Question for trailer

Postby Kody » Mon Aug 26, 2013 2:15 am

I have built a 5' x 10 chassis for our new trailer. There is no way that I would build a 4' wide trailer, IMO they are far too narrow. The finished size of the van will be 5" inside from wall to wall and the total length is 11 feet 4 inches. This will provide enough room for us, our GSD (in avatar) and for a decent size galley. The trailer frame is fitted with shocks and all painted with Cold Galvanizing Paint. The frame and drawbar (A frame style) is made from 3" x 2' x 1/8" RHS. I wouldn't have it any other way.

Kody
Never be afraid to ask questions here, Prov. 11:14
User avatar
Kody
The 300 Club
 
Posts: 341
Images: 22
Joined: Fri Aug 24, 2012 5:14 am
Top

Re: Width Question for trailer

Postby GuitarPhotog » Mon Aug 26, 2013 10:18 am

My 4 X 10 is just the right size for me. But I travel alone so your needs may vary.

<Chas>
:beer:
GuitarPhotog
Silver Donating Member
 
Posts: 1779
Images: 55
Joined: Tue Feb 08, 2011 12:52 pm
Location: Grants Pass Oregon
Top

Re: Width Question for trailer

Postby grantstew8 » Mon Aug 26, 2013 3:33 pm

There is a poll on the forum about what you would've changed after the build. 5' is the most popular answer.

4' feels like a single bed. 5' fits in the shadow of rav4 ( which in us 4x4 terms is minute. ). 6' seems to lose the cute factor imo.

I've some photos in my gallery that show sketch-up options.
User avatar
grantstew8
The 300 Club
 
Posts: 448
Images: 77
Joined: Tue May 28, 2013 5:26 pm
Location: Dunfermline, Scotland
Top

Re: Width Question for trailer

Postby mike_c » Tue Aug 27, 2013 6:38 pm

Ours is 5 x 10-- actually 57 inches by 120 inches, and I'm REALLY glad I didn't build it smaller. Of course, Kathy and I don't plan much solo camping-- if it was just me a 4 ft wide trailer might be OK, but for two that's just too small, IMO. Ours was built to fit a standard sized 54 in. wide mattress.
If it isn't broke, perhaps a more expensive tool is required to break it....
User avatar
mike_c
Teardrop Master
 
Posts: 124
Joined: Sun Jul 10, 2011 1:40 pm
Location: Blue Lake, California
Top

Re: Width Question for trailer

Postby Greg Barrick » Wed Aug 28, 2013 4:47 pm

I built a 4 x 8 cubby a few years ago. The wife & I loved it, but it was too narrow for us to comfortably sleep. I am almost finished with my campster 12, which is 6'-4" x 12'. A tad large, but is also 5'-2" tall inside so the wife will fit and I 'll need to duck. Momma wanted to be able to sit in a bag chair & read if weather got too lousy.
Greg Barrick
Teardrop Advisor
 
Posts: 85
Joined: Sat Jun 16, 2012 11:31 am
Top


Return to General Discussion

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 9 guests