Frame Modifications

[ADK]

I have recently purchased a used trailer frame that seems to be a Harbor Freight type that is bolted together and welded. I plan on modifying it to fit my proposed TTT that is loosley based on MIke Schnieder's "Rock Hopper" design. My version will be 5' wide and 6'6" long. The frame modifications I have planned are to replace the tongue to 9' 3" and add angle iron bracing on the diagonal. I believe these modifications will give the chassis the strenght to support a lightweight body (sandwiched construction) I also intend to replace the original axle with a 2,000lb. version and 15" wheels. I do not have intentions of "off-roading" with this trailer, I just happen to like the look of the beefy tires and high clearance. It took me several tries to figure out how to attach the photo/drawing to this post so be gentle its my first time.

[Nitetimes]

Set your first X-member at 20-24" stop your tongue at the end of that, run your angle braces to about a foot down the side of your frame and you'll be plenty strong and lose some un-neccesary weight.
Otherwise, looks fine.

[ADK]

So you are saying I could shorten up the tongue and diagnol bracing and still be OK?

[ADK]

I noticed on your avatar you are from Butler PA. I worked on the Lackawaxen & Stourbridge RR in Honesdale PA. for a number of years, how close are you to Eastern PA.?

[Nitetimes]

Hope this makes sense, it was just a quickie.

[Nitetimes]

I noticed on your avatar you are from Butler PA. I worked on the Lackawaxen & Stourbridge RR in Honesdale PA. for a number of years, how close are you to Eastern PA.?

About 6-8hrs
I'm only about 30 miles from Ohio.

[ADK]

Got it; I will re-draw and see how it looks, I am all for saving a little weight. Thanks

[angib]

Mike and Rich,

I'm assuming the red bit of your drawing is a HF 40" x 49" trailer like this:



By the time you've put on a new tongue and a new axle and wheels, there's not going to be much of the original trailer left, is there? If that basic frame is exactly what you want, that's fine - otherwise you might be better off making a whole frame exactly as you want it.

Andrew

[ADK]

That picture is similar to my frame, I had not considered building a custom frame; The tongue will unbolt from the existing frame and the two diagonals will be welded to the new tongue. I would like to install a new/heavier axle and larger wheels/tires, I have not costed out custom build vs. re-engineering. I am of the opinion that it would be considerably cheaper for me to re-engineer what I have. I do not weld so whatever I sub out will be expensive. The frame, when finished will suit my purposes not to mention gaining some experience in trailer building for #2.