5x8 vs 4x8 design

[munoz357]

I am trying to decide which trail to buy (norther tool or Harbor freight). Other than the obvious extra square feet, what are some of the pros and cons that people have encountered when building a 5x8 or a 4x8. I am already having some hesitation with the 5x8 because of the difficulty finding aluminum wide enough and long enough for a soild roof skin. Is there any other advice/experiences/headaches that you could share with me before I dive off the deal end and buy a trailer.

[David S]

You dont mention if you have a camping mate.
For 2 people,that extra foot makes a big difference.
I didn't have any problem finding 60" metal, I actually bought 72" because I am at a full 60" inside my walls so a queen mattress fits with out trimming .

[munoz357]

I do have a lovely camping mate. Also, my brother and I go hunting every fall and it would be nice to have a real roof over our head instead waking up to a snow covered tent.

[jimger]

Just my take on it. Lovely camping mate - 4 x 8. Sibling (sister in my case, brother in yours) - 5 x 8.

[TimC]

I'm building the 5x8 and like the 13" wheels on my custom built trailer. A similar trailer is available at Tractor Supply for about $700, $600 on sale a few times per year. I too couldn't find aluminum anywhere locally. I chose to go with PMF (Poor Man's Fiberglass) on top of my 1/8" lauan skin on the roof. Might be an option for you if you like the look of a painted roof instead of aluminum. I will likely be camping by myself mostly, but, when the bride comes along it will be more comfortable than the 4x8 versions.

[Dan242]

I laid out a 4x8 space and my wife and I laid down on it, It was pretty apparent with walls we would feel a little cramped, simplified my decision to go wider

[Vedette]

5' wide is a no brainer if you are not sleeping alone!
You can get any material you want if you really want it!
And do yourself another favor and buy a rubber ride torsion axle...... and "no" I am not a salesman for Dexter....but, they are the only way to go! If you plan to travel with this teardop rather than just sleep in your back yard.
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi

[pete49]

+1 on the rubber torsion axle. My 4x10 has one and much easier ride. Would never make a spring version ever again
Pete

[ctstaas]

Hello There, IMHE 5' x 10' sheets of plywood are special order, very much more $$ but worth it Vs. splicing plywood. 5' x 10' Al sheet are common and sold by the square foot so relatively cheap (look online). My first TD is 4' x 4'x 8' and now I want to build a 5' x 5' x 10' with a drop floor.
Enjoy, Chris

[tony.latham]

We had a 4 x 10. It's the one in my avatar. 'Bought it in 2004. We really liked it. I built a 5 x 10 in 2003. We love it. (and I'm glad it's under a 5' wide chassis)

And don't forget, two doors. Tu capisci? Comprende?

Tony

[Catherine+twins]

My rather inelegant boxy camper was designed so I can take my twins camping with me, but when I am camping alone there is room for a queen sized mattress from wall to wall. It's 60" wide inside, so the walls sit just outside of the rails on my 8x5 trailer, and 4.5" high inside. 5" would be better but it works. Right now we have cots, my old single cot, and bunk-bed cots for the kids.

Here's the Penguino II in bunkhouse mode, ready for all three of us.


OTOH, when dear daughter and I went camping last weekend, we just used the bunk bed cots and had room for our camp chairs on the open side. Just a thought for hunting trips with your brother.


The cots are rated for 500lbs.
http://smile.amazon.com/Disc-O-Bed-Cam- ... +camp+cots

Catherine

[booyah]

I was almost sold on doing mine as a 4x8...

That is until I laid down in one.

Nope, aint gonna happen. 5x is the only way to go. There was a poll around here somewhere of "If I were to do it over again I would xxx" and if I recall correctly the most heavily answered option was "build it wider"

Honestly if I were to do it over again, I would build it longer than my 5x8. I think 5x10 is probably the perfect size for a TD.

[dwieland]

I'm just starting to consider designs, but as much as I expect a queen mattress to be a requirement for my wife and me, I'm hoping to build light enough to tow with an Elantra Touring. That makes me lean toward using a 4x8 trailer with over-the-wheels design, but the manual says the TV can tow a 1500 lb trailer with brakes. (750 lb w/o brakes)
What weights are people ending up with for a light trailer with a 5' wide body?

David

[TimC]

I'm just starting to consider designs, but as much as I expect a queen mattress to be a requirement for my wife and me, I'm hoping to build light enough to tow with an Elantra Touring. That makes me lean toward using a 4x8 trailer with over-the-wheels design, but the manual says the TV can tow a 1500 lb trailer with brakes. (750 lb w/o brakes)
What weights are people ending up with for a light trailer with a 5' wide body?

David

My 5x8, which was not built stressing lightness, came out to 1250# loaded with most of the essentials. I was pleased with that weight as I'm pulling with a Ford Edge.

[booyah]

My 5x8 was built with weight in mind, but insulation and usability as the most important things. Came out at 860lbs loaded.

1/2" floor, 3/8" walls lined with 1x2s, 1'*interior ith .75" insulation in between.
Insulated roof, FG on the seams and epoxy all over.
two doors, 4" mattress.