Adapt Stake sided traile to tear module

[plbecker]

Hello all,

I only get one trailer so it is a multitasker. I have a 5x9 trailer with stake sides. It's and old pop up base with stake side pockets welded on. The sides will come off and a teardrop will get "staked on". It will be non traditional in shape but traditional in use.

If I put a TD on the flat floor, can I rig it using the stake side pockets as the connector. There will be 2 wiring harnesses for lights, but the TD will be an independent unit. Then, I skid it off to a dolly for storage.

Is this too crazy? comments please. Oh, I figure 6-8 bolts per side. Should take 1/2 hr to attach, cant be worse than some of the crazy lawn mower attachments.

Pat

[madprinter]

One of the big drawbacks I see is the issue of having to make the teardrop body sound enough to be able to be removed in one piece without being overly heavy. Connecting it to the trailer would'nt be an issue as much as the weight. The axle placement is anoughter thing to concider. Just my thoughts, but anything is possible and could lead to a new way of thinking. Do some drawings and pictures and throw it all out there for us to see. I'm sure you'll get plenty of advise.
William

[Gerdo]

I have seen it done a few times. I would think that the rails of the trailer could scratch the sides of the TD body. Make sure the trailer has a 60/40 balance and you should be fine. Remember the doors will also be higher because of the railing.

Here is one example.

[plbecker]

It is a true flat bed. The sides are removable. The sides fit into stakes pockets (2x4) to attach. The tear will need a skid foundation. I will loose a little weight to the skid base. Maybe I need a set of furniture movers? or Teflon pads. I could put wheels in a track with a receiver socket. That may be the best option.

I'm sure that weight will be an issue. Heck, I'm going to build a big garden shed/kennel and the TD may be "hoisted" to storage. Actually, that is a good idea. Saves floor space.

We will see how it progresses.


Pat

[Gerdo]

Sounds very doable. The picture above is not mine, just a picture that I found.

[starleen2]

Our first design was built under the same conditions – needing one trailer to do two tasks. After completing the camper, it was very heavy to dismount and remount – in fact it was a PITA! It never slid off easily-even with a tilt bed. Mounting usually took about an hour or so and not to mention the alignment of bolt holes – and there were only four! I finally ended up buying another trailer to build a new version upon for $280.00. Now I have two trailers – but a lot less aggravation. Remember that unless you’re really light – you will have at least about 700 lbs. of object that you’re trying to get on and off . Not saying that it couldn’t be done – just another point of view on the dilemma

[Wimperdink]

Turnbuckles have been proven to work and might be easier than nuts and bolts. They also only require one wrench. Another idea would be to have mounts for camperjacks like that that are used to take slide in campers out of pickup beds.