Using existing trailer for teardrop trailer project.

[ChromeShine]

Hello all! I'm about to embark on building my own teardrop trailer and wanted to get some feedback. I've had a trailer for about 10 years that I want to convert it into a teardrop trailer (see picture). It's got some rust and the flooring needs to be replaced, but otherwise is in good condition. It has a stamp in the metal in the front that indicates the total weight should not exceed 5000 lbs and the tongue weight should not exceed 700 lbs. It's approximately 5x8 feet, BTW.

Does anyone see any issues I would run into if I were to use this trailer? I suspect that I'll need to cut the sides off, but otherwise I don't see any issues with using it. Can anyone with a more informed eye see any issues?

Thanks for the help!

[Ageless]

Should work without the metal sides but you may need to change the spring rating; 2 1/2 tons is a bit much

[madjack]

...remove the excess steel, dump the old floor and move the axle rearward about a foot and you should have a good base for a TD....
madjack

[caseydog]

If anything, it looks like more than you need, not less. My TD is built on a recycled trailer. Works fine.

I agree that you might want take out a leaf on those springs. The average TD doesn't come anywhere close to 5,000 pounds.

But, it looks good to me.

[ChromeShine]

Should work without the metal sides but you may need to change the spring rating; 2 1/2 tons is a bit much

First, thanks for the info!

Is there any harm in leaving it that way? What are the implications? I don't know anything about this kind of stuff so I'm completely in the dark.

[caseydog]

Should work without the metal sides but you may need to change the spring rating; 2 1/2 tons is a bit much

First, thanks for the info!

Is there any harm in leaving it that way? What are the implications? I don't know anything about this kind of stuff so I'm completely in the dark.

Stiff springs and no shocks will give you some good bounce over the bumps. I took a leaf out of my springs for that reason alone. A six hour drive towing a bouncy trailer can get on the nerves.

Like MJ says, you need to move the axle back, anyway, which means moving the springs. Just take a leaf out at the same time.

CD

[M B Hamilton]

Just so those spring packs don't worry you too much, 48 Rob has a pdf on rebuilding leaf springs. Follow the link from this thread:
http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?t=33375

[ChromeShine]

...remove the excess steel, dump the old floor and move the axle rearward about a foot and you should have a good base for a TD....
madjack

As with the spring question, why wouldn't I be able to leave the axle where it is? Is there some structural reason?

Sorry for all the questions, just trying to understand so I do the right things.

Thanks!

[Wolfgang92025]

...remove the excess steel, dump the old floor and move the axle rearward about a foot and you should have a good base for a TD....
madjack

As with the spring question, why wouldn't I be able to leave the axle where it is? Is there some structural reason?

Sorry for all the questions, just trying to understand so I do the right things.

Thanks!

Unless you plan on putting everything in the front of the trailer, your tongue weight is likely to be to low. Moving the axle back solves that problem.

http://www.angib.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/teardrop/tear81.htm

Check the link for more info...........

wolfgang

[madjack]

...remove the excess steel, dump the old floor and move the axle rearward about a foot and you should have a good base for a TD....
madjack

As with the spring question, why wouldn't I be able to leave the axle where it is? Is there some structural reason?

Sorry for all the questions, just trying to understand so I do the right things.

Thanks!

Unless you plan on putting everything in the front of the trailer, your tongue weight is likely to be to low. Moving the axle back solves that problem.

http://www.angib.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/teardrop/tear81.htm

Check the link for more info...........

wolfgang

...yep, teardrops, because of the galley, tend to be loaded heavily to the rear, not moving the axle rearward can adversely affecting balance and safe handling of the trailer...door placement can be affected as well............
madjack

[ChromeShine]

Thanks to everyone that replied.

One last question (for now ;-) ), any recommendations on a type of business to take the trailer to in order to get the axle moved? I don't have any welding experience and it appears it would need some welding expertise. I'm not sure if I should try to find a place that builds trailers or if just a regular welder will do.

Thanks!

[Capt. Home Slice]

Some trailer shops in my area are able to do cut and weld work. Look around for a place that services/repairs trailers. It might also be a good time to start thinking about weight and weight placement. This will help you with determining where to move the axl.

[madjack]

CS, any competent weldor can do this...a good rule of thumb for axle placement on a conventional type TD, is 36" from rear for an 8' long body, adding 3-4"s for each additional foot of body length BUT before any of that, I recommend A LOT of readin' and researchin' before doing anything...heck you might decide to keep the trailer you have and have one built for the TD or buy one of the ready mades.........
madjack

[xzerokidx]

Also adding your location might help to find a member/welder here to lend a hand.

[caseydog]

Also adding your location might help to find a member/welder here to lend a hand.

I was just about to say the same thing.

If you go into the "Profile" area (look at the top of the web page for "Profile"), and add information, including where you live, your location will show up in your post ID area.

There may be welders near you that other forum members can direct you to if they know where you are.

There may even be a forum member near you who will do the job for you.

CD