HF trailer build setting axle distance

[DGoodwin]

First build, just purchased HF trailer and started putting together. Like the 5 x 10 construction techniques of the benroy and Kilroy.
Should I set initial axle further back for weight distribution? How do I approximate weight, axle distance on a rig I have not built? Should I just build trailer, then worry about moving axle, if I need to at a later date? but the efforts of those that provide the advice on this site. This site has inspired me to tackle my first td.

[mikeschn]

Here are some axle placements from the rear of the trailer.

8' trailer, axle is 34 1/2" from the rear
9' trailer, axle is 40 1/2" from the rear
10' trailer, axle is 46 1/2" from the rear

Mike...

[DGoodwin]

Thanks Mike,

So If I am hearing you right approximate where the back of the trailer will be, then set axle to the distance.
ex. 8ft trailer frame to extend to 10 ft, I will build out 8 in forward, 16 in back then set axle appropriate distance from rear of trailer. Looks like it will be easier to do this before the build. Looking at other threads, they discussed weight distribution in galley and setting axle further back to accommodate for it. Will look at how to move axle back on the frame and see if I will have to drill new holes, or look into welding.

[mikeschn]

New holes are probably the easiest.

So for your design you'd be 46 1/2 from the back of the trailer, or 30 1/2 from the back of the chassis.

That seems to work well for a standard galley design. If you have other floor plans in mind, check out Andrews spreadsheet to calculate the location of your axle.

http://www.angib.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/t ... tear81.htm

Mike...

[KCStudly]

Don't forget to make sure that your side door opening and associated trim are compatible with your fender location. That has bitten a few people.

[Micro469]

Here are some axle placements from the rear of the trailer.

8' trailer, axle is 34 1/2" from the rear
9' trailer, axle is 40 1/2" from the rear
10' trailer, axle is 46 1/2" from the rear

Mike...

So...... That 1/2 inch really makes a big difference? What's wrong with 34" or 35' ????

[jseyfert3]

Here are some axle placements from the rear of the trailer.

8' trailer, axle is 34 1/2" from the rear
9' trailer, axle is 40 1/2" from the rear
10' trailer, axle is 46 1/2" from the rear

Mike...

So...... That 1/2 inch really makes a big difference? What's wrong with 34" or 35' ????

There's a big difference between 34" and 35'.

Seriously though, I just used the trailer balance spreadsheet Mike linked above. It's got 3 "rule of thumb" positions, describing various axle placements for a couple scenarios. For example, I picked 40% (38" on a 8' TD) because it was "A reasonable compromise value for an average teardrop." From what I've seen, many people tend to go a little further back, for example maybe a 35% axle. On the balance site it lists well-equipped/heavy galley and long tongue as two possible reasons for picking 35%. I note that many people seem to have what appear to be pretty heavy galley's with the amount of cabinets, toaster ovens, microwaves, coffee makers, etc, and many people extend the tongue as well. I plan on keeping the tongue stock and having a fairly light galley. I'll have some cast iron will add weight, but no microwave/toaster oven/blender, a Coleman white gas stove, lightweight sink, light counters/cabnets, and such. Towing with a sedan, and I'm building a foamie, both reasons to keep the galley relatively light. Plus I see no need for a toaster oven/microwave while camping, for my uses.

Should I just build trailer, then worry about moving axle, if I need to at a later date?

I thought about this, then decided against it because unless your tires are wider then the TD you probably can't move the axle without bumping into something else you've built, whether that be the floor for a flat floor with wheel wells or a crossbeam on a raised floor. Since you have the 4' HF trailer and are planning a 5' TD, you'll have to build over or around the tires.

Will look at how to move axle back on the frame and see if I will have to drill new holes, or look into welding.

Here's how Nobody did it without welding, I am following how he did it myself on my current (1st) TD build. Here's a couple up close and detailed pics from my build, again guided by how Nobody did it. I've got a couple holes and bolts left on the side, but it's almost done and should give you a good idea of what's going on.

DISCLAIMER: I am building my first TD right now, and have not even finished assembling my HF trailer. Everything in this post is what I've picked up in my research, and should be taken as input only, not an official guide on how to do things.

[angib]

No, half inches, or indeed whole inches, don't matter that much. 'In the right ball park' is the target, as how you load the trailer will be as important - fill the galley up with 200 pounds of stuff and the balance calculations go out the window.