Four wheel gypsy wagon suspension

[boatyardgirl]

Good morning and a Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!
A co-worker was asked to configure a frame and suspension for a four wheeled gypsy wagon. The wheels they want to use are 37 inch. This will NOT be going over the road, rather down a 1/4 mile dirt drive for a summer hideaway. They want the frame to clear the wheels and the front axle to turn. I believe it will be 8 (or 10) ft wide and 20 ft long with some plumbing. The builder is a professional wood boat builder and the welder is also a mechanic. They have some idea of what they can do but limited internet knowledge.
So my question is : Has anyone done this?
Pros /cons ?
What not to do! ?
Trial and error
There is a budget but knowing that this is a complete custom build it is pretty large. Doing it right and safely are top priority. Any thoughts , links, suggestions, pictures will be welcome! I will answer questions but it may take me a few days to answer because I am not in contact with these people on a daily basis.
As a friend and bystander I am excited to see this build and will post pictures when it is underway. Have a wonderful day! Amanda

[Tom Kurth]

The farm wagons we used for hauling hay when I was a kid would be ideal. Not many farmers out here use them any more. If it is the same where you're at, a used one might come pretty cheap. The only problem I can envision is that the beds were kinda flexible for going over terraces, etc.--might totally change function of the undercarriage when you put a ridged cabin on top.

Best,
Tom

[Dale M.]

I believe early wagons Gypsy or hay or stage coaches just had a center pivot front axle for turning... If you wanted real turn capabilities, you probably need to make front wheel small enough to go under wagon body or make some sort of arch from wagon body to pivot pin so wheels can pivot through arch (kind of like 5th wheel style) to a degree where turning is practical....

http://images.lmgtfy.com/?q=gypse+wagons

Dale

[Corwin C]

Here is a link to a somewhat local company that builds modern versions of the type of trailer you're looking at. http://sheepcamps.com/ I haven't looked close enough to see if they go into any detail on their steering/suspension, but I have followed one of these with the configuration your looking for down the road at 65mph and it was well behaved.

[mezmo]

Also check out Shepherd Huts, they have a much more minimal
chassis [no real "suspension", just wheels on axles] with the front
wheels generally on a center pivot and small enough to go under
the body. If it will not be used/towed 'on the road' there's no need to
have the expense of a real full-blown 'suspension'.

https://www.google.com/search?q=SHEPHERD+HUTS

Click on the images for a look at some. They are of a much simpler design
and construction than a Gypsy Vardo. It might fit their needs better than
a Vardo.

[boatyardgirl]

Thank you for the links! I will check them out !
I hope everyone had a wonderful turkey day . Amanda

[H.A.]

P

[Micro469]

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