Help with a design question

[bushido41]

Hello Everyone,

I have a 78 x96 semi standee trailer. A few years back I discovered a leak on the roof a bit too late and the interior was moldy. Here in Florida it takes no time for mold to develop with the humidity and heat. I have been fixing the interior as time permits, since I travel internationally a lot. Well, last year I thought I was finished and was doing a once over and discover another leak. Well I took all the interior apart, again, and has been empty for a while. Recently I found and excellent option for a bed, an IKEA Beddinge sofa bed (http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S29089426/ ) , and will fit width wise with a little trimming. The problem I have, is the length, from day one I wished the trailer was 120", since that would be the perfect length for me. I had a welder add a rail cage, in front of the trailer to carry the spare, miscellaneous items and battery, the frame is made of 1.5 "angle steel and is close to 1/8th. What I have been pondering is to remove the front, which would be very easy at this junction and using that frame add the extra two feet I need. Obviously, I would have to reinforce the sides, my trailer is made out of 2' aluminum studs and 1/8 luan covered with Filon. There are some pictures of my trailer in my gallery. I am thinking to use .040 painted steel to add the extra length and cover some delamination I have also on the frot due to the leak.

My concern is how much of an impact extending the body of the trailer an extra two feet will be on the stability of the trailer. The front will be fairly light, since I am planning ti keep the kitchen on the back and just build light storage up front. I will appreciate any comments and advice you can provide.

Thank you ,

Ed

[dogscats]

I think you may have to move the axle back 8'' http://www.angib.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/teardrop/tear81.htm

24'' - by 3 = 8''

[darrellbeck]

My understanding is that the area that the frame area that you will build on already exists FORWARD of the existing cabin area. If that is the case, the towability of the trailer would be basically the same as it was,depending on weight distribution. Just remember to keep 10% of the trailer as hitch weight. If the trailer weight is 1500 pounds, the hitch weight has to be 150 pounds or slightly more, just no less. Put a board across your bathroom scale (to spread the weight) and weigh the front with that to get a very close idea of the tongue weight.

Darrell

[bushido41]

Hello Guys,

Thank you for the comments. Darrell, that is exactly my thinking, but wanted to check with others before going forward. Dog cats, the axle is really back on this trailer, and don't think there is away to go further, but thank you for the comment.

Regards,,

Ed

[tony.latham]

Adding weight forward of an axle isn't a problem–except for tongue weight–and by the looks of your tow vehicle, that's not an issue. Adding substantial weight behind the axle can cause dangerous trailer sway.

I think you're okay if I understand what you're up to.

T

[Alan_H]

Adding weight forward of an axle isn't a problem–except for tongue weight–and by the looks of your tow vehicle, that's not an issue. Adding substantial weight behind the axle can cause dangerous trailer sway.

I think you're okay if I understand what you're up to.

T

I agree with tony. Adding a little more tongue weight will be no problem if you tow with the vehicle in your profile pic.

[bushido41]

Hello Guys,

Again thank you for the comments, they mean a lot to me. As you know is really hard to make structural changes without knowing how they will affect the overall safety of your trailer. I will be posting before and after pictures of my modification as soon as I start working on them later on this year, since we are on monsoon season here in Florida and is 200% humidity outside. My plan is do change from the rounded front I have now to a more traditional Benroy front look. The main difference is that my back is square unlike traditional teardrops. The extra 2 feet will allow me to build front storage on the inside and possibly on the outside, add the Beddinge sofa bed, and keep my kitchen in the back. Also, I am planning to move the access door 2 feet forward, that will allow me to be able to enter the trailer with the bed open.

Again, Thank you for the comments,

Ed