Aluminum Frame RD

[WhitneyK]

.....Since my axle isnt wide enough Im mounting it on the inside of my frame, making the arms of the torsion axle even with the outside of the frame. Is this a problem? will I need a special hub or wheel? Im not sure this will work or not. Its kinda a major thing so I need to figure it out before moving forward.

Randy,
Have you considered widening your axle? Looks like it's as simple as cutting and adding a section in the middle of the square tube. That way you can make it whatever width you need to fit the frame accurately. Once a section is welded in it shouldn't effect the structural integrity of the axle. Just MHO.

[RandyG]

cutting and welding a torsion axle can cause alot of problems I'd rather avoid. The way it sits now, I see it as a good thing now

[WhitneyK]

Is the center section not hollow? Is it filled with rubber? I've haven't had the opportunity to work with one,..... yet.

[RandyG]

I dont think the middle is filled but I'd rather not cut. I think it will be better the way it is going now. I'm playin by ear at this point of the build.

[Junkboy999]

Your axle looks to be pretensioned, the upwards bend in the middle not a good idea to cut those.

This youtube video is not for your axle but might give you an ideal of what the axle will look like with ( studs ) hud attached. As long at the arms are not gonna hit your frame with weight on the axle you should be good.

How to measure a torsion axle - trailercanada.com

You might have to get tires that has an OUTSET in the bolt area. This places the wheel and tires farther out away from the trailer. Again a good video that explains wheels measurements.

Measuring a Trailer Wheel and Tire - trailercanada.com

I just look at your gallery too. Nice router table. I was surprised at first to see it all metal but then I said of course, that is what he does.

[RandyG]

Thanks Junky, the bend in the axle is one reason I don't want to cut it. The wheel and hub video helps, I just hope I can find wheels I like with that offset.

[Shadow Catcher]

The big problem with offset wheels is that they load the bearings in a way that hastens their demise.

[RandyG]

Thanks Shadow for bring that to attention. Offsets get alot of hate for killing bearings so maybe just a narrower wheel will work even better. I like the look of a wider tire on a trailer but if it wont fit... More research after I get the axle mounted and panels on.

[RandyG]

Got one side of the axle mounted, using 1/2" plate to fill the gap and beef it up. I'm going to run the axle bolts through the floor and walls. I also used some thick rubber mats to fill the gap between the plates, sure it will last
About to buy 6 sheets of 1/2" ply soon, ready to get some dust flying!

[KCStudly]

Sorry if I have missed some details, and maybe this has already been said, but, becareful when placing something soft (... relatively soft...) in between a bolted connection like mounting an axle. The rubber can compress and break down over time resulting in a loose connection.

[RandyG]

Thanks for the advice KC, but the rubber is very hard. I put it in a clamp and I could not compress it with all my might with a 1" surface area, spread that over an 8" x 2" plane, it should hold up. Some times all we have to go by is good judgement, I maybe pushing the "good" part of that statement more and more.

[KCStudly]

It's all good. So long as you took that into account, you are the best judge.

Now that you mention it, I seem to recall this conversation before.

TLAR

[RandyG]

Got the last bottom skin, just need to cut notches for the axle. I will have to put that one on with blind rivets since I will put the plywood on first so I can run the axle bolts through the floor and walls. Wood shopping tomorrow!

[RandyG]

Ok, so I didn't get to go to Lowes yestetday. My buddy with the truck had other priorities. Now we are planning tomorrow again. I also have a lead on a bigger compressor, this little 3 gallon isn't keeping up well.
Kc has reminded me of how well a vacuum bag can work, so my plan is to attach my inner skin to the walls in this manner. I'm also reconsidering a different type of material for outer skin, reflectix. I will have to do some testing.

[KCStudly]

Reflectix.

Any particular product of theirs?

I took a quick look at their product listing here http://www.reflectixinc.com/ and didn't see anything there that looked like it had much tensile strength without being too stretchy. Mind you I did not study very hard, or look at any specs.

It would be very cool to have an aluminum look outer skin, though, wouldn't it?