cabin weight

[Bandit]

I posted earlier that a heavier axle will make the TD ride rougher. What I meant was that a heavier spring package will make it ride rougher.

[angib]

I posted earlier that a heavier axle will make the TD ride rougher. What I meant was that a heavier spring package will make it ride rougher.

Actually you are right on both counts. The heavier spring package will make a big difference to roughness, but the heavier axle will also contribute a bit to this - the best ride is obtained with the lightest wheels/tires/axle that will do the job.

Andrew

[madjack]

...your best bet for optimum ride versus durablility is to have an axle/spring package that is 50% over your loaded weight...unlike a utility trailer which is loaded sometimes and empty the rest, your Td axle/springs will alway be loaded...ask someone(Doug Hodder) what can happen when load and spring weight are near equal....
madjack

[KA]

Hi All,
Thanks for the weight information. You all have been very generous and knowledgeable. Your teardrops all look really great, too.
The information you have provided is starting percolate into my not-so-mechanical, teardrop-novice mind, and I actually am beginning to understand the issues involved with this part of a build. I like the idea of buying an axle big enough to go on bumpy roads and a spring light enough to keep the trailer from driving me. Since I might want to add a bike rack and maybe a kayak rack, it seems like a 3500 pound axle would be the right choice for me.
If a person made the wrong choice in spring size and found the trailer to be too bouncy or too rigid, is it difficult to switch out once the build is complete (assuming you survive the bouncing)?
If I were to finish a generic Benroy 5x10, with an aluminum top(insulated), marine canvas sides on plywood (not insulated), plywood floor with tar or other bottom coat (insulated), wood doors, a bike rack for 2 bikes, and a kayak rack for 2 kayaks (I could put the kayaks on the car), and plan to go on bumpy roads, does anyone have an idea if I should use a 2000 or 1150 spring (or something inbetween if available) with a 3500 axle? I'll tow it either with my Subaru Outback (this might be iffy due to weight), or with my Jeep Cherokee.
Also, if I want to put a top carrier on the trailer cabin, should I weld some vertical steel supports to the trailer chassis or is the plywood construction with cabinet bulkhead enough. ..maybe an extra cross-brace or two?
Thanks again for the advice. You folks are greatly appeciated.
Kris

[asianflava]

If a person made the wrong choice in spring size and found the trailer to be too bouncy or too rigid, is it difficult to switch out once the build is complete (assuming you survive the bouncing)?

It all depends on the type of axle you are using:

If it is a torsion axle, you will have to remove the entire unit, and replace it with another.
If it is a regular axle with leaf springs, you can adjust it by removing a leaf from the spring pack.

[KA]

Thanks Asianflava! Hope I make the right choice to start with.
Kris

[Mike Spicer]

Kris

You don't need to add steel from the frame to the roof.

For your bike rack check out Lilbears rack
http://www.teardrops.net/LilBear/parts.html#fenders

They screw to the side wall and would work good in 3/4" plywood. they also clear the trim molding.
Have also seen brackets by Yakima or Thule that bolt to the side of a camper.
The best looking on the mostly flat roof of the benroy roof, would be the strip roof rails that Yakima sells. (cost big $$$)
You could also go to junk yard and get a set of cherokee rails. If you use roof rails remember to add something to screw to when you build the roof.

Have Fun
and thanks for the complement,
Mike

[KA]

Hi Mike,
Thanks for the good ideas. There is sure a lot to think about.
Kris