5x8 vs 5x10

[seth.dromgoole]

Hello All,

Newbie here, sorry if this is a redundant topic. I've used the search function the past few nights and can't seem to find what I'm looking for. Brainstorming for my first build, and have decided a 5' width is definitely for me. We have 1 child so are thinking of some sort of bunk for her, so I would like to go 10' in length so things aren't quite as cramped. Here are my questions:

1) Anyone know where to get a 5x10 trailer? I've searched all over the web and can't seem to find one.
2) Is it possible/safe to build a 5x10 on a 5x8 trailer and using 2x4 build hang the frame either 2' off of the rear or 1' both front and back? Seems like this would add significant weight, which defeats the whole purpose of a TD
3) If 3/4" plywood is used for the sides, I'm assuming a 5' trailer will actually give you an inside dimension of 58.5" rather than a true 60". How does fitting a queen size mattress work here? Looks like most use memory foam, does the mattress just "squeeze" into the smaller dimension, or does the mattress need to be trimmed?
4) I really like the Benroy setup. Obviously widening the plans isn't an issue, just increase stringer length. However, if I build a 10', is it as simple as just lengthening the middle part of the design (where roof and floor are parallel) by 2'?
5) Does going with a 5' width make this project significantly harder/more expensive because standard sheets of plywood can't be used?

Thanks,

Seth

[rgambord]

1. Never seen one, but I've seen mods to harbor freight trailers to make them longer with more c-channel.
2. I am building a 6x12 on a 4x8 frame. Bolted STRUCTURAL GRADE 1 2x4's seem to be pretty dang strong, and the sides/flooring will add to the stiffness.
3. 3/4 ply is very heavy. Are you going to "skeletonize it and skin it"? Anyways, a regular queen size bed is not actually 60" wide. I measure mine at 59"x78". Some people cut the memory foam to fit.
4.
5. Yes. I chose 6' because of this.

[lrrowe]

I have a 5x10 utilitly trailer with steel side framing. It is a heavy duty unit with 3500 lbs axle. I got it at the typical trailer retailers. If I were to build a large size TD, I would consider one of the lower priced ones and cut the side frames off. But this might not be what you are looking for.

[Esteban]

Manufactured 5' x 10' trailers are difficult to find, in my experience. Those few 5x10 utility trailers I've seen are often pricy and heavy. One company, www.northstartrailer.com, offers several 60" x 110" trailers set up for transporting ATVs that might work well with some modification to build a teardrop trailer. About a year ago I called them and was told they are not set up to offer a lower cost version to use for building a teardrop trailer. They're (those few available 5' x 10' trailers) in a price range that, in my opinion, it's often much more cost effective to build your own custom trailer.

[lrrowe]

Yes I agree they are heavy. Why not find a model you like on the lots somewhere and call the manufacturer and see if they will make custom mods for you.
And do not over look all the posts in this forum to see what custom work others have done. Most are nice pieces of work.

[Chuckles]

2) Is it possible/safe to build a 5x10 on a 5x8 trailer and using 2x4 build hang the frame either 2' off of the rear or 1' both front and back? Seems like this would add significant weight, which defeats the whole purpose of a TD

You don't need to go heavy to have the strength to hang the floor over the trailer sides. I have my sidewalls overhanging the frame by 1 foot on each side using 1-1/2 inch square cedar framing members with pink foam in between. there is skin of 1/4 inch plywood glued and screwed to both sides. Using this sandwich construction you have a very strong "stress skin panel" that is relatively light weight. Lots of builders use this method.



The walls are built using a similar sandwich construction.

Or... you can have someone custom build a trailer for you.

[backstrap bandit]

To answer your question yes u can overhang your deck over trailer one ft around won't hurt anything

[Nobody]

NO problem using a 4x8 trailer for a 5x10 build. Even for a heavier build, the 4x8 HF 1720# will adequately handle it. Example - my 5'x114" TD is built on a 4x8 HF trailer. Take a look at this thread - viewtopic.php?f=21&t=62550 . As for frame, you can join pieces of plywood or just use 1/4" ply for your inside wall, glue & staple 1x2" framework to it, 'scab' pieces end to end to achieve correct length, leave the 'scab' inside the wall, place a piece of framing at correct location to attach the 2 pieces of the outside wall, & insulate, paint, or whatever. A BenRoy should be easy to extend length, just as you said in your OP. Mattresses are your choice & whatever you choose, just put it in. Foam or memory foam is pretty easy as you can cut it just a little smaller than your interior walls to allow for easier bed making. You can make your project as easy or as hard as you want, just remember to keep it as simple as possible. No need to complicate things.

[Vedette]

"No need to complicate things"....very wise words "Nobody"!
We all tend to over think things (me included) which really tends to slow down the process of your build.
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi

[seth.dromgoole]

Thank you all for the great information. I've done a lot more research since my original post and feel much better about my first build. I think I'll build a 5'x10' on either a 5'x8' or 4'x8' frame depending on what I find for deals. I plan to do sandwich construction for the walls. Couple of follow-ups:

1) I'm in Utah and do a lot of BLM camping where I like to stay away from crowds. Most roads are well graded, but do have the occasion potholes and washes. Will 12" wheels work for me, or should I try to find 13" or larger?

2) Seems like trailers have a pretty standard axel rating of around 1800 lbs, is this adequate? I hope so, as the whole point of this for me is a lightweight trailer. Just got rid of a heavy pop-up as I didn't enjoy towing it 5 hrs to the desert.

Last thing I need to figure out is a bunk system for my kiddo, but I've seen lots of posts out there on this. A cold beer in my teardrop seems so far away!

Cheers,

Seth

[tony.latham]

Thank you all for the great information. I've done a lot more research since my original post and feel much better about my first build. I think I'll build a 5'x10' on either a 5'x8' or 4'x8' frame depending on what I find for deals. I plan to do sandwich construction for the walls. Couple of follow-ups:

1) I'm in Utah and do a lot of BLM camping where I like to stay away from crowds. Most roads are well graded, but do have the occasion potholes and washes. Will 12" wheels work for me, or should I try to find 13" or larger?

2) Seems like trailers have a pretty standard axel rating of around 1800 lbs, is this adequate? I hope so, as the whole point of this for me is a lightweight trailer. Just got rid of a heavy pop-up as I didn't enjoy towing it 5 hrs to the desert.

Last thing I need to figure out is a bunk system for my kiddo, but I've seen lots of posts out there on this. A cold beer in my teardrop seems so far away!

Cheers,

Seth

Seth:

I think those are tiny wheels for chasing around on washboard roads (It's what I doooo toooo). I put 15 inchers on and one can adjust from there for tire size. I don't own a trailer with that small of tires so listen to the other responses.


But I can answer this: 1800 pound axle rating is fine for what you're building. My sandwiched walled 5x10 'drop weighs 1300#.

Tony

[MtnDon]

Ditto what Tony said on tire sizes. If the back country is on the camping menu 15 inch wheels and tires ride through and over the rough stuff much better. 14" maybe as an alternative, but the tire choices are becoming fewer in that size. It can be nice if the TV wheels can be used on the trailer as that can eliminate one spare. Even if you need an adapter to go in that direction it might be worth thinking about.

[seth.dromgoole]

Tony and MtnDon,

Thanks for the info, you confirmed my hunch that I need bigger tires. I'm assuming if I do a 5' width on a trailer that is 5' I won't have to build over the wheels, is this correct? If so is it as easy as just adding bigger tires? Or will the width of the tire increase too, causing them to rub on the frame of the trailer? I guess my question is can I buy a trailer frame with 12" tires and replace, or do I need to be looking for a frame with larger tires?

Thanks,

Seth

[drjenk]

I know we bought ours through teardrops nw and I believe they made a custom one with a bunk for someone in the past. Ours is a 5x10.

[Vedette]

Look twice pay once.
Start with the wheel and tire size you will be happy with!
15" all the way (coast to coast) no worries.
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi