Aluminum frame

[campertime]

Hi,I want to build my tear with an aluminum frame 5x8 2x2x1/8th wall for the frame2x2 stacked for the tongue along with A supports.does this sound strong enough.dexter torsion axle1-2k pound model .3/4" cabinet grade ply sidewalls 1/2" floor.
thanks

[PaulC]

Just my thoughts here. I use 1/8 steel so I think you are too light with the aluminum(by the way, you guys spell that wrong ) Secondly, any thoughts of saving weight will be absolutely minimum due to having to use bigger/more aluminum to attain the same strength.
The cost factor doesn't even need mentioning here.

Cheers
Paul

[angib]

2x2x1/8th wall for the frame2x2 stacked for the tongue along with A supports.does this sound strong enough.

For most of the frame that does sound OK, but it's the design at the tongue attachment that would worry me.

Does "2x2 stacked" mean a single tongue of two tubes, one on top of the other, welded to each other? If so, that sounds OK for a short tongue on a light trailer. I reckon it's about the same as a single 2x2x1/8 tongue in steel.

The single 4x2 tongue wouldn't be strong enough horizontally, but that's no problem if you're bracing it with diagonals.

The problem area is likely to be the front and second cross-members that the tongue is attached to - they are not strong enough to carry the tongue load. If you doubled each of these up into two 2x2s welded side-by-side, then that might be strong enough, though it's still a bit marginal. It's essential that the gap between these two cross-members is at least half the length of the tongue.

So I think you can do it, but it needs to be a light trailer with (I'll say it again) a short tongue.

Andrew

[campertime]

The trailer is to be very light,i'd like to be around 650 lbs for a 5x8.also i have had several pop up camper trailer frames,they where nothing more than stamped sheet metal for frames(like harbor freight)they had held up fine over the years.they were older frames.guess i don't understand why the frames need be so heavy for a less than 1000# trailer with 3/4" side walls attatched to the frame and a 1/2" floor screwed to the frame halping create even more strength.tongue could be 2x3x1/8th with angle braces,that would suit me..
not trying to be sarcastic,just want an ultra light 5x8 with quality..
thanks again

[Shadow Catcher]

A 2"by3" aluminum frame has been used on ours (you can BTW buy only the frame from them).

[vwbeamer]

Do some research, you likely to be able to build almost as light with steel, at a much lower cost.

Also if the tear drop body is built well, a full frame is not needed. A great amount of wieght is saved by eliminating un needed braces, and frame parts. Look how incredably strong today's unibody cars are, and they have no frame. Most teardrops here are built using 1920's technology, because the contruction is simple, forgiving and easy to understand.

Using the body as stressed memeber of the frame requires more attention to detail and better contruction methods.

Look at the plans Andrew has posted in the design library, I'm sure you can adapt it to a larger size and meet your goal.

Good luck,