Use of an old tent trailer as a "base"

[Bad-Dawg]

Using a tent trailer as a starter.

I was offered a fairly large tent trailer with major canvas and wood rot framing issues for $200.00. Is it worthwhile to use this as a frame? I know I will have to cut it down a bit. Bonus points are it comes with a kitchen, surge brakes, title, some usable cushions...

[Laredo]

Probably.
Depends largely on what you want to build (i.e. dimensions & weight) and what you tow with (e.g. this is NOT the sort of thing you want to yank down the Interstate behind a GoldWing).

[Bad-Dawg]

Oh... I want to build a 2+2 style setup but want to go 7' wide so I can run the beds transverse and sleep four comfortably. Tow vehicle is a minivan.

[Joanne]

Oh... I want to build a 2+2 style setup but want to go 7' wide so I can run the beds transverse and sleep four comfortably. Tow vehicle is a minivan.

Welcome aboard Bad Dawg!

There have been a lot of trailers built on old pop-up frames. My friends Dave and Kathleen are currently building on one.

Before you buy, look closely underneath to make certain that there isn't serious rust in the frame. Surface rust will surely be there, but if it has serious rust you might want to keep on looking.

Joanne - mom of the Desert Dawg

[Sam I am]

Ditto what Joanne said. If it looks solid, it's probably worth $200 for the kitchen stuff, brakes, cushions, etc. and having a title.

[Ken A Hood]

That's what I paid for mine......and it was pretty well rotten throughout. But I expected that and only wanted it for the frame/axle (torsion) and registered it as a tent trailer. And it is rusty, but still solid and workable.

My thread....
http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?t=16111

[Bad-Dawg]

The guy dropped the price to $100.00! I am going to get it! It's a southern california trailer so the chance of real rust is infinitesimal.

[jeepr]

infinitesimal.

Is that really a word?!?!?


For 100 bucks, I'd jump on it!

[Bad-Dawg]

OK, never did get that popup trailer. Instead, I picked up a "Shore landr" brand small boat trailer. It's 10' long with a very long 4"x4" tongue and the rest is 1."x 3" x 14 gauge box channel. 50 buck$ on craigslist!!!

Axle is mounted 2 ft from th rear end so I am going to extend the rear end I think. Excited about getting this. Now to the drawing board!

[dovaka]

infinitesimal.

Is that really a word?!?!?


For 100 bucks, I'd jump on it!

yes it is

[Bad-Dawg]

infinitesimal.

Is that really a word?!?!?


For 100 bucks, I'd jump on it!

yes it is

Not only is it a word, but it has 6 syllables in it so I get big points for using it... right?

[lil'dave]

Hey Bad-Dog, since you didn't go for the tent trailer, how about PM'ing me the info, and maybe I can take a look at it (if it's still available). I'm looking for another trailer to play with.

Good luck with your boat trailer.