Would love feedback on my original, tiny trailer design

[deleted]

Oh, and nothing about building is off topic here droid_ca. I need the same info you're posting about. I'd appreciate if you would come back and share what you learn about braking systems on the lighter Timbren options since I'll need the 1200 lb system myself.

[droid_ca]

Oh, and nothing about building is off topic here droid_ca. I need the same info you're posting about. I'd appreciate if you would come back and share what you learn about braking systems on the lighter Timbren options since I'll need the 1200 lb system myself.

I'll see what I can do, That is one of the things I like about this site is the willingness to share in a positive manner with others and how polite the people are I might go with a different axle other then Timbren as I'm looking at some other ones at the moment but will keep you updated regardless

[angib]

Timbren make clear in their fitting instructions that you need to have a cross-member very near the suspension units to tie the two of them together - they even have a hole through the units so you can weld a tube directly between them, so it's rash to think of this as a "axle-less" system - it's just a system where the axle tube is part of the trailer frame and not part of the suspension unit(s).

[droid_ca]

Timbren make clear in their fitting instructions that you need to have a cross-member very near the suspension units to tie the two of them together - they even have a hole through the units so you can weld a tube directly between them, so it's rash to think of this as a "axle-less" system - it's just a system where the axle tube is part of the trailer frame and not part of the suspension unit(s).

That is a very good point angib in my situation I will have the cross member on my frame but I would like to have the space between the axles open

[deleted]

Thanks angib.

I did read that in their product description. But can the stabilizing bar be placed just ahead of the wheels instead of dead through the center like a traditional torsion/axle? That was my impression from the video or website (I can't recall) but I may have gotten that wrong. That would give a few more inches of open space for dropped storage beneath the rear section of the trailer if in front of, rather than through, the wheels would work.

[oicu812]

Hi all, there's a twisting motion on the frame rail from the axle, I'm going high with a contoured piece that matchs the body and is "like" a roll bar but not really more of a hard point too counter this. Add minimum metal to drop floor frame. Hope I explained that clear?

[Wolffarmer]

Brakes,

I have a light weight trailer. Well sort of light weight 1150 lbs loaded for camping. And my TV is small. Suzuki Vitara/Chev Trcker. I do not have brakes and i do not plan on putting them on. BUT. for you I would advise brakes, probably a 7 inch drum and shoes. Why I get by with no brakes is I am very very use to driving loaded trucks, grossly overloaded trucks, grossly overloaded farm trucks. Now let me tell you something about farm trucks. Stay out of their way. They often do not have the best of brakes or the best of drivers. I am very use to driving way ahead of me and I fell that my rig stops with all but the best of over the road fully loaded truck.

Just my 2 cents and I know many will chime in calling me a crazy old fool. I will not argue with them.

Randy

[deleted]

oicu812 I think I understand what you mean.

Randy thanks for posting. I do think I should have brakes so thanks for confirming that. Also thanks for the word of warning when I see farm trucks and trailers on the HWY. Will not drive alongside of or hang out behind them in the future.

[KCStudly]

Will not ... hang out behind them in the future.

You're probably safe behind, just don't spend too much time in front of them, I think is the message. Semantics, I am sure.

Really, with all respect to Randy (Wolffarmer), there are just some situations where all the experience and attentive driving will not do enough good (better yes). For those times, and to avoid other frequent "hairy knuckle" situations when towing big loads (i.e. close, or even over vehicle rating) brakes in good working order are certainly advised.

BTW, Stacie, if the TnTTT forum had a congeniality award, you would get my vote. Again, welcome.

Randy, crazy? Yes. Fool? Not hardly, my friend.

[Wolffarmer]

I am crazy, not stupid.

[KCStudly]

Yup, and out in the wide open spaces of the west/mid west there is plenty of opportunity to make decisions, most times.

However, Along the I-95 corridor, thru NYC, and where Stacie (and many other Forum members) live there is a density of traffic that can not be avoided.

The ballista has an issue with the brakes. Worn out non-serviceable temporary duty axles. Not gonna stop us from attending the chunk. Crazy? Sign me up!

[deleted]

Aw, thanks KC.

Well, I really want to have brakes so since it appears TImbren's doesn't offer them for the 1200 lb system I'll go with a traditional axle.

Finalizing a few more interior details, adding a small overhead shelf and a small bunk bed style sleeping platform for my dog, and I think I'll be ready to move forward on finalizing the design. Thanks so much to everyone who has helped out!

[Jiminsav]

you don't need brakes...torsion axles are safe..I think you should make it longer, and when are you gonna be done?

[deleted]

Thanks Jiminsav. The brakes are for HWY 17 to Santa Cruz. It's steep both up and down, long, super curvy and it's not at all unusual for a car to spin out in front of you or to come around a bend to dead stopped traffic. So for that, I think brakes are a really good idea.

Keeping it at 6 feet because I really don't need a larger trailer for overnight trips. Keeping my eyes open for a vintage Minit fiberglass egg trailer. That'll be large enough for two or longer trips. So a sleeper for me and someday, something bigger.

I'm aiming to be done by April next spring. I'll start a build thread once I get going.

[oicu812]

I stopped by a Timbren dealer here in Indpls. to make sure you can't get brakes on the 1200 or derate the 3500 and you can't according to them, he put me on the phone direct and they said no. Good luck with your build.