Trailer Frame Kit

[Trailer411]

Hello Everyone,

I have an idea that I wanted to get some feedback on.

I was wondering would it be beneficial to most all T&TTT ers if there was a main frame kit available for the do-it-yourselfer?

I would think that if a kit could be developed that would remove any welding and be designed with some specific features that could make the rest of the build a little easier, possibly more T&TTT ers would tackle a home build. I see that there are some ready made kits, like from harbor freight, but do they really fit the bill?

If we were to design most of the parts out of and aluminized 12g steel it would add additional corrosion protection and wouldn't necessarily need to be painted. This would give an opportunity to design the outer rails pretty much any way you want. I would still use some lightweight tubing for the tongue but the sheet metal outer rails and cross members would be strong and lightweight.

I would also consider adding a dexter torflex axle as well as coupler and hitch jack. I receive shipments from my supplier every other week and am convinced I could get a really good price on these parts.

So, if any of you think that this is a good idea, before I proceed, I would like your feed-back on a few key questions:

1) Is it a good idea?

2) What size should the main body be. Maybe we could have a few different sizes.

3) What would the average trailer weigh and what is your average cargo weight. Most of this will answer the next question.

4) What type of tires and wheels do most of you like to run? This question is mainly about wheel bolt pattern. Is there a preference?

5) Where is the best place to set the axle? It is common in the trailer industry to set the axle center line back 1" for every foot of trailer length. So an 8 foot trailer would have an axle set 8" back from the center of the main trailer box. Meaning, don't count the hitch. It looks to me as though most T&TTT's have there axles set a bit farther than this.


If we do this I would like it to be a group effort. I have the means to design and produce it, but I would like everyone's feed-back to narrow down the options. Obviously this will keep the cost to a bare minimum. I would also consider a proto-type for free or a very low cost so that someone could give the first one a real world try. My engineers have the means to display prints and plans on-line, so during the design phase, everyone could get a say.

Thanks for your time.

Just trying to give a little something back to the trailer industry.

PS. I wonder if this should be posted in the general construction section as well?

[madjack]

1) Is it a good idea?

2) What size should the main body be. Maybe we could have a few different sizes.

3) What would the average trailer weigh and what is your average cargo weight. Most of this will answer the next question.

4) What type of tires and wheels do most of you like to run? This question is mainly about wheel bolt pattern. Is there a preference?

5) Where is the best place to set the axle? It is common in the trailer industry to set the axle center line back 1" for every foot of trailer length. So an 8 foot trailer would have an axle set 8" back from the center of the main trailer box. Meaning, don't count the hitch. It looks to me as though most T&TTT's have there axles set a bit farther than this.

1) if a person is not a weldor, they are always looking for a proper frame...most of the HF, TSC and RT trailers come very close to fitting the bill but are at best a compromise....

2) this is where the most compromise comes in...most commercially availabel trailers are exact widths(4' or 5") and requires you sit the cabin ontop of the frame. leaving the frame exposed...so for a 5' wide cabin you need a frame that is at least 1.5-2" smaller...the same applies to a 4'er

3) a frame with axle, should weighin at no more than 250#s or less...figure a total weight of between 800 and 1200 pounds for the complete unit

4) we use 205-70-15 LT tires mounted on 5(r6)inch by 15 wheels with a 0" offset and a 4.5 on 5 lug pattern...this lug pattern is probably the most common in the trailer industry...personally, I don't see the need for ST rated tires on these types of trailers......

5) because most of these trailers are heavy to the galley end, the axle is set a bit further back than standard...my own rule of thumb is 3' from the rear on an 8' camper body and add 4" for each addtional foot of length....

6) the big problem for anyone wishing to tackle manufacturing a commercially available frame is the fact that NOTHING about these homebuilts are standard...everyone does their own thing subject to the skills so youwould face the same problems that all the other manufacturers face...you havvta pick some numbers to go with and then the builder will havvta mod the trailer to fit their design or mod the design to fit the trailer frame.....

7) these are just some of my thoughts and would probably be different with anyone else out there...and therin would lay your problem of developing a frame, specifically for TD builders...

madjack

[toypusher]

Another thing to consider is that this is a real 'niche' market and may not be profitable for someone to undertake.

[Nitetimes]

MJ pretty much covered my thoughts.
I would also add that so many people want to build with their own particular style of framing and such that it would be hard to design a kit that would suit more than a few of them.
Thus like he said, not very profitable.
You have to keep in mind that you are doing all the work and unless you can do it real cheap it will be hard to sell. (ie, got a bunch of Chinese workin' for you at China wages??) Seems like nobody wants to spend a whole lot on their frame.
I think the only way for a business to make a profit on small custom frames is if they have a department in the shop that does nothing but that and do it quickly with minimal shop time and material cost. If you had a lot of drops that would fit into the sizes you need you might be able to get ahead with it. Welding is quick, making a bolt together would add to the shop time considerably.
The aluminized metal would be cost prohibitive too.
The trailer manufacturer I used to work for won't even bother with these kind of trailers.