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Question about outside dimensions.

PostPosted: Wed Mar 02, 2011 7:23 am
by Amrva
Hello,
Been reading through the forums for a while and really appreciate all the info that everyone shares. I'm in the process of building a simple camping trailer and have a question. The trailer frame I'm building on is a 4'x6' and I built my enclosure to 6'x7'. I'm wondering if the overhang past the edge of the trailer frame is going to cause any problems while towing.
Thanks in advance for any feedback.
Anthony

PostPosted: Wed Mar 02, 2011 7:35 am
by bobhenry
You are asking a question that can't be answered.

Pictures might help but at least a bit of info would be of some benefit.
Distance from coupler to axle. ???
frame dimensions forward of the axle vs frame dimensions from axle to rear.????

If you can set your body on the frame and using a set of bathroom scales weigh the tongue weight with the frame dead level you will need 75 to 100 pounds ( opinions will vary) . The width is not as big an issue (my teardrop is 5' 7" out to out on a 4' wide frame). However, it was an evil handeling thing on the road until I lengthened the coupler to axle length to change the weight ratios.

Give us some hard facts and we will try and help! Remember where the galley is and how you load the trailer for the road is good info to have also.

PostPosted: Wed Mar 02, 2011 10:08 am
by Deryk the Pirate
Is weight going to be an issue for you? My PT Cruiser can only tow a 1000lbs and wider ya go obviously heavier but also more of a towing drag.

PostPosted: Wed Mar 02, 2011 10:24 am
by len19070
I did 2 "Over the wheel Builds" with no interior wheel wells a while back and had no problems going to 72". This is the one I did first that was 65", the width of 2 junior twin mattresses.

Both were done basically the same.

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Happy Trails

Len

PostPosted: Thu Mar 03, 2011 3:49 am
by Amrva
I haven't had a chance to measure the exact frame to coupler and axle to coupler yet but as soon as I get a chance I will do and update.
I checked the tongue weight and its just at about 100 pounds so I'm assuming thats where I want to be.
My trailer doesn't have a galley in the rear, its not a teardrop style so I'm just planing on doing inside storage, which I assume should be near the back?
I don't think weight will be an issue for me, I'll be towing with a full size GMC truck. I weighed the floor and walls as I was building them and estimate my frame (floor, walls and ceiling with coverings) to be around 400 pounds.

Here is a picture that you can kind of see the overhanging distance.
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Thanks for the quick responses and advice.

PostPosted: Thu Mar 03, 2011 7:43 am
by Deryk the Pirate
Well you need enough tongue length to be able to make turns. Have you hooked it up to your car yet and tested it?

PostPosted: Thu Mar 03, 2011 9:23 am
by bobhenry
Looks to be every bit as aerodynamic as mine. :lol:

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This was moving day for my daughter. Removed the stored camping gear and gutted out the bed/couch combo and we moved all her worldly possessions in 2 loads. Kinda nice to have a multi purpose kinda sorta "cargo" trailer :laughter:

I have had to lengthen every tongue on all 4 of my builds to date. Before you get too far in the build take it for an interstate cruise and see if it starts to dance side to side at 65+ mine did until I lengthened the tongue. Chubby my teardrop was a real nightmare until I got it done. There are several threads on the harbor freight tongue fix. You might want to study up before you get too far.

PostPosted: Thu Mar 03, 2011 11:29 pm
by doug hodder
Bob...the more I look at your "barn to be wild" the more I like it....I really think you need to get some vintage type graphics on it like an old Red Man ad or something similar like the old barns used to have on them. Barn art was cool I think! Doug

PostPosted: Fri Mar 04, 2011 12:26 am
by Dusty82
...or paint "See Rock City" on the roof...

PostPosted: Fri Mar 04, 2011 7:15 am
by bobhenry
blast to the past.....

[Repost]
Haven't peek in my album lately have you ?

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I do intend to have a mock rolling implement door on each side and a small hay mow door on the front to make it a bit more "barnesk" before the Crossroads of America gathering in July. Gonna pull the Chuckwagon in tandum behind it should be interesting.

I did get a $2500 offer on "Barn to be wild" yesterday if he comes thru with the $$$$ I may be a smokin' on the caboose. I work better under pressure :D

PostPosted: Fri Mar 04, 2011 7:29 am
by bobhenry
Here is a real rough idea of the adds.

Even a mock cannonball track out of schedule 80 1 1/4 - 1 1/2 pvc

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