4ft vs. 5ft... Rails vs. "Flat"

[Stealth TDI]

Hello,

I've been contemplating the build of a TTT on my existing 4x6 trailer. The outcome would be quite similar to Starleen's example on HIS WEBSITE. One mild concern is the fact that this trailer would be unavailable for additional parts runs until I'm done with it (I only have VWs... no pickups). Therefore, I'm considering the purchase of another trailer chassis. I originally didn't want to do this. But a 4x6 has limits anyway and it wouldn't hurt to replace it. I KNOW it's given me a return on my $250 investment over 10 years ago.

I've looked at HF, NT, and TSC. I've looked at a 4x8 frame, a 5x8 frame, and a 5x8 frame with rails and no floor. I'm trying to stay sort of light (remember... VW tow car). But I'm going to build something that's 5ft wide. The 4x8 trailer is inexpensive. The 5x8 won't require building over the frame/fender. And the 5x8 with rails offers a touch of security?

I can't put my finger on it. Perhaps I'm paranoid. I figure a 5x8 with rails may ensure any fender benders will result in only minimal damage regardless of fault. My 4x6 has been struck by inattentive drivers twice. Both times I fixed the damage with a wire brush and a can of spray paint while their cars required a visit to the body shop. The recent incident with Spotman's brand new Silver Shadow is heartbreaking. I wonder how a TTT built on a railed trailer would have worked out. Nothing is impervious to damage. But teardrops and most other low-riding campers are bound to be quite fragile in even a minor incident.

Anyway, I'm brainstorming and would appreciate any ideas or input... perhaps pros/cons I have not considered. FWIW, I'm also considering a Silver Shadow cargo version. I need the extra space for hauling race wheels and tools for the VW. Camping will be secondary or tertiary. I like the idea of just buying a tear with known specs and being done with it. But it's tough to plunk down $5500 for cargo trailer when I can build a TTT box with more volume and more headroom for thousands less. In the case of the SS, the I guess the extra money pays for timeliness and STYLE.

I appreciate your thoughts.

Scott

PS: Here's the cargo space of the 5ft SS Cargo... 96" floor! Image sent by Scott of Little Guy...

[Trackstriper]

But it's tough to plunk down $5500 for cargo trailer when I can build a TTT box with more volume and more headroom for thousands less.

PS: Here's the cargo space of the 5ft SS Cargo... 96" floor!

Scott,

I think if you looked around you'd find that you can buy a brand new 5x8 cargo trailer for a whole lot less. A trailer price somewhere between maybe $1400-1800, depending upon the quality and what they cost in your neighborhood. Check prices on eBay, there are a lot of dealers that sell their trailers this way. About 750 pounds in weight. The standard cargo door(s) in the back would probably give you better access to the box for your primary usage than the Silver shadow. You wouldn't be able to build a cargo trailer as cheap as you can buy a new one, if your time is worth anything. You could build some modules that would transition the cargo to a camper pretty quick, units that would mount and dismount easily so you'd have full use of the trailer in the cargo mode. Just some thoughts.

Scott, just re-read your post and I guess the "cargo" trailer that you were talking about was the Silver Shadow version. That's a whole different deal than a common cargo trailer which is what I thought you were talking about...I thought your price was kinda high.

[Stealth TDI]

Hello,

Yes, the $5500 I stated is for a Silver Shadow. And I agree with your assessment of the cost and time involved in a cargo trailer build. The funny thing is I researched 5x8 enclosed trailers years ago. I concluded they are too heavy. Today, I'm not sure what the heck I was thinking. The Silver Shadow Cargo weighs 900-lbs and a Carry-On 5x8 weighs 890-lbs. I could even get a 5x10 and gain a side door at 930-lbs. For 960-lbs, I could get a 6x10 which adds a roof vent and ability to actually STAND (standing for ME, not the trailer).

But I probably should reel back my expectations just a tad. For a guy who was considering a teardrop with 42" of headroom, I really think I can "tolerate" a roomy trailer with 61" of headroom. Plus, I need to be aware of the frontal profile of the trailer and how it will impact my car's drivability. I remember renting an enclosed 5x8 U-Haul so I could move some new furniture. My total load was around 1100-lbs. The weight and handling was fine. But pulling the large box was like pulling a parachute! The car is stronger today than before. But it would probably still be wise to avoid a trailer which is a foot wider and 20-inches taller, right? And I imagine adding a roof vent is fairly easy.

In the end, my goal is to have something in which I can haul my wheels and tools for autocross events, have a dry, shady retreat to relax at the events (electricity and air conditioning would be awesome), a way to move things too large to fit in the car (no more than 500-lbs), and, lastly, an enclosed unit which could be used for camping. I've only camped once since I was a kid. Who knows? Perhaps the camping will really take off with my daughter and we'll do it more frequently than I expect.

Thoughts?

Scott

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