Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

Hey guys;

I ve come into possesion of a 54 inch wide frame, I want to bulid a 5 foot wide weekender, How much overhang is tolerable if any? Or is it better to extend the axle? if I extend the axle does the fram have to be extended?
Its a bolt together trailer so if I have to widen the frame is it better to cut the middle and bolt in another piece or weld?

thanks matt

If he doesn't respond, you might contact Rich (Nitetimes). He's the professional trailer builder here.

I agree... what does Nitetimes think?

Mike...

I ve come into possesion of a 54 inch wide frame, I want to bulid a 5 foot wide weekender, How much overhang is tolerable if any? Or is it better to extend the axle? if I extend the axle does the fram have to be extended?
Its a bolt together trailer so if I have to widen the frame is it better to cut the middle and bolt in another piece or weld?

3 inches on each side (body over frame) should be no problem with a proper floor (and floor ribs). I have 4" overhang front and 16" back.

If you widen the frame, I'd do it in the middle, with 6" overlap on the bridge piece, welded preferred.. if bolted, I'd go to 9 inch overlap.

If you do not widen the axle, you will have to accomodate the wheels under the tear body..... Also, never widen an axle without moving the springs an equal amount. Meaning, the wheels should still be the same distance from the spring pad as they are now... It can lead to trailer instability and put high stresses on the axle beyond the spring mounting pad if you increase the distance between the wheel and the mounting pad.....

arnereil wrote:Also, never widen an axle without moving the springs an equal amount. Meaning, the wheels should still be the same distance from the spring pad as they are now... It can lead to trailer instability and put high stresses on the axle beyond the spring mounting pad if you increase the distance between the wheel and the mounting pad.....

Not true at all. I have mounted them as far as 10"-12" from the wheel. On a light weight trailer like these it won't hurt anything. But you will need new spring seats and a way to weld them back on after you get the axle centered.
You can either stretch the axle or pick up a longer one, just make sure to keep the camber in it if you stretch it.
The overhang on the frame won't hurt you but like was already stated you'll need to make room for the wheels one way or another.
Is your frme 54" or is that the measurement between the tires? What is the distance from the frame to the backside of the tires?
These measurements will give a better idea what you need to do.

Thanks guys, Nitetimes I will be stripping the trailer down today, its was used as a utility trailer. Ill have some pics later and better measurements.

matt g

Heres the pics guys, what I want to do is build a five foot wide weekender, whats my best best.

thanks in advance
mattg

mgordon wrote:Heres the pics guys, what I want to do is build a five foot wide weekender, whats my best best.

thanks in advance
mattg

A three inch overhang on each side is nothing. You will have to get the axle lengthened or replaced. Now is the time to decide if you want to stay with the small wheels, or go to 14 or 15" wheels. Depends what look you are after. I made that mistake when I had my trailer built for me, and had to get a brand new axle built after i got it home.....

Well you don't need new spring seats, square axle, just redrill the holes after it's lengthened and bolt it back on.
Couple of questions you need to answer: Are you looking for 5' outside dimension or 5' inside? Are you keeping those wheels and tires or going larger? Do you want wheel wells inside your trailer or are you going to widen the axle and use fenders?
These things need to be determined before you get started with your build.

Ideally, I would like to go with 5' inside, I would like to go with bigger wheels and preferably no wheel wells, wheels out side the trailer.

If I am getting into the more trouble than it is worth area please let me know

thanks

matt g

mgordon wrote:I
If I am getting into the more trouble than it is worth area please let me know
thanks
matt g

I don't think it would be too much trouble. You'd have about 4" of overhang on each side so to have about 3/4" - 1" tire clearance you'll need to widen your axle from 10" - 14" depending on the offset of the wheels you use (you'll need them first). Also the type of wall construction will vary that some, ie 1/8" int + 3/4" frame + 1/4" ext = 1 1/8" outside your 5' giving you 62 1/4" where-as 1/2" ply walls will put your box at 61" OD. All this is pretty simple to figure out once you have wheels and a plan.
Personally I would get the frame cleaned up and painted while deciding on the build technique for the box, pick up a set of wheels that you like (hit the boneyards, lots of nice wheels on cars these days that can be had pretty reasonable and most likely ones to fit your hubs) and take it from there. That will save you a lot of re-work.
Whatever you decide, keep in mind it's your trailer so do it the way you want it and don't let a little extra work deter you. In the end you will be glad you did it.

Thanks Rich;

Thats the plan then, I cant thank you guys enough at this point, I ll clean her up and gets some wheels. I'll keep you updated as it progresses.


Matt G

Here's what I did, I had a longer axle to swap out though. I also had a 54" frame. I overhung 5" on both sides. Remember if your doing 5' if thats inside dimensions you need to allow for the wall thickness. Mine is 60" inside and 63" outside.