Trailer without a frame...

[mikeschn]

Trailer without a frame...

Yep... That's what Ted and LuAnne are working on... I just got this photo from them...

Mike...

[Jiminsav]

awwwwww...isn't it cute..i'm gonna do something simular on my next one..no frame..it better work out better then last time..

[SteveH]

I would actually only be concerned about the strength of the floor where the springs are attached, but that is just me.

[Frank]

uhmmmm, Maybe Ted and LuAnn ought to get with Dean. Compromise somewhere in-between.

Frank

[ralaco]

Now the straight of the tear is going to be in the way the body is going to be assembled.

Raul

[Arne]

Mike, that is pretty close to what I plan, with exceptions:

There will be a rectangular metal sub-frame just in the spring area. The tongue will be a 2 piece V meeting at the ball mount. The rear of the rect. will be closer to the back to support the battery and heavy stuff in the galley.

Personally, and I'm no engineer, I'd be happier if there was a piece of angle running 4 or 5 feet, rather than pads... that design places a lot of load on the ply walls... and a V tongue spreads out the front wall load.

I just looked again, they do have the perimeter frame, and I think it will work, except, the I'm still a bit concerned about the front wall on the tongue... I think I'd try to beef that up, maybe with something inside the wall..

[Guy]

Dear Mike,

Would you please ask Ted and LuAnne what the distance between the axle and the tounge is? I am hoping it is enough to allow the springs to depress without the axle hitting the tongue.

[Hardin Valley Magic]

Mike is that fiberglass on the blocks that the axles bolt to? If so will that help keep it from deteriorating.

[Kevin A]

Mike,
What type of rear spring mount are they using? I can't tell from the photo. I would hope it's some form of slipper mount, I don't see a rear shackle arrangement. Sure wouldn't want both ends of the springs fixed.

[madjack]

Mike,
What type of rear spring mount are they using? I can't tell from the photo. I would hope it's some form of slipper mount, I don't see a rear shackle arrangement. Sure wouldn't want both ends of the springs fixed.

...if both ends are fixed, doesn't that make it a "solid" mount...also, it is hard to tell from the pic but is there sufficient clearance between the tongue and axle...I like Arne's idea about the angle iron box...seems with that box, added to the setup shown, you would have a frame even Buford would aprove of...
madjack

[Kevin A]

Mike,
What type of rear spring mount are they using? I can't tell from the photo. I would hope it's some form of slipper mount, I don't see a rear shackle arrangement. Sure wouldn't want both ends of the springs fixed.

...if both ends are fixed, doesn't that make it a "solid" mount...also, it is hard to tell from the pic but is there sufficient clearance between the tongue and axle...I like Arne's idea about the angle iron box...seems with that box, added to the setup shown, you would have a frame even Buford would aprove of...
madjack

Maybe it's just me, but I can't imagine locking both ends of a spring. kind of defeats the purpose, and wouldn't that create undue stress on the springs and mounts?

[madjack]

...well like I said...without a slipper or shackle, the mount would be solid and probably break through at the mount point......

[Guest]

That frame looks to be about 500lbs. shy for my liking.

[Arne]

looks like the closer end is not bolted solid, but is a slipper with cross plates to hold the spring in position..

If both ends were bolted solid, the springs would have no effect. It would be the same as no suspension at all. Meaning, the spring could not spring. Also meaning the springs would eventually separate from the frame after enough highway miles..... it would break free.

[Kevin A]

Looks like M/J, Arne and I are coming to the same conclusion. Not quite sure about Dean. I was mostly just thinking out loud, is that allowed?