Must I have fenders?

[Leon]

Leon, that is fine in California...DW is in Idaho so that doesn't necessarily apply

I quoted California Vehicle code because Dave said he's in San Francisco now, I took that as meaning that he's moving to California. Out here I see a lot of trailers without fenders, I just wonder if it is a federal thing requiring them that certain states can override that and say they're not required.

[madjack]

Federal law supersedes all lesser strict state stautes...that is according to the "War of Northern Aggression" and various constitutional amendments however that does not mean that the state has to enforce them...much like your medical marijuana laws......
madjack

p.s. Federal DOT agents could enforce them(like the DEA does the MM laws) but they are almost always looking at commercial vehicles.......MJ

[BrwBier]

So, your saying that Willy was just in Louisiana picking up some medicine.

[jdarkoregon]

Dave, maybe I missed it, but why are you dragging your feet on the fender issue? To me, your trailer doesn't look done.

As for how much is required, Not Much, But heck, you have such a nice shape, if you don't like any of the commercial fenders available, make your own out of wood, and line them with sheet metal.

John

[dwgriff1]

John, I am 70 next time. What I don't have to do I don't do, if I can help it, usually.

And, being an artist by design and eduction, I am not anxious to uses fenders just because they are within my budget, and the good ones are way over budget!!

I really don't mind the looks of the open wheels, Indy cars are open wheels, after all, but I want to be reasonably legal, so I'll make some nice fenders this winter. Doing a good looking set is a LOT of work, but I'll do it. They will be closer related to vintage motorcycle fenders than trailer, however.

I am not moving to California, my budget isn't that big, but each year I visit a daughter who lives in San Francisco, and now I bring the trailer, so we have our own "sweet suite."

dave

[Ira]

Dave, whatever you decide, I can't help you build your fenders, if you decide to build:

I'm still suffering from the ulcers I got from building MINE.

[Laredo]

Aesthetically, I have to admit any fender gives a more finished look on a 4' wide ... but stock HF trailer fenders on a pretty wooden trailer like dwgriff's would have a spoilage effect.

[dwgriff1]

Dave, whatever you decide, I can't help you build your fenders, if you decide to build:

I'm still suffering from the ulcers I got from building MINE.

Shucks, Ira, I was going to come over next weekend to get you to help me!

dave

[Ira]

Dave, whatever you decide, I can't help you build your fenders, if you decide to build:

I'm still suffering from the ulcers I got from building MINE.

Shucks, Ira, I was going to come over next weekend to get you to help me!

dave

My fenders might pose a bigger road hazard than NOT having fenders.

But I'll tell you this and tell it to all the new builders here:

After just completing my first outing, to St. Augustine, it's IMPOSSIBLE to describe the satisfaction and joy of making the trip there and back with all TD parts intact, and not killing a single person as well.

I was NERVOUS, believe me!

[Claw]

Dave you do quality work and have one of the nicest looking trailers IMHO. With your artistic skills you might be able to create a new standard in fenders.

While there is a good argument to protect the guy behind you a fender also protects the trailer and possibly the tow vehicle from something being thrown.

[dwgriff1]

Ira, you are so right.

I got mine ready to go, I thought. I tanked up the car and drove 30 miles to the Oregon border, stopped at Dairy Queen and came back. The trailer followed me, the hubs and the tires were cool and I was one happy dude.

Do it again, Ira, you'll worry less each time.

dave

[dwgriff1]

Dave you do quality work and have one of the nicest looking trailers IMHO. With your artistic skills you might be able to create a new standard in fenders.

Claw, I'm working on the design, and they may or may not be a new standard, but I can promise you they will be unusual.

dave

[jdarkoregon]

Dave,

I like your idea about a motorcyle type fender. something that kept the shape of the wheel, I don't know what kind of suspension you have, but maybe you can bolt it to the inside of the hub rather than the body of the teardrop

Didn't somebody somewhere make some fiberglass fenders for exactly the application you are thinking?

Hope to see you sometime, It sounds like you live near Cadwell if you are only 30 minutes from Oregon

John

[dwgriff1]

John, I do live in Caldwell, born there, as a mater of fact. Looks like you are on the other side of the state!

I have torsion suspension, but there isn't a brake flange on the axle, so I can't use that trick. I would like to mount them to the axle. Any suggestions on how to pull it off?

There are a lot of motorcycle fenders, besides the small round ones! I'm still drawing and looking.

I found fenders that would be wonderful: $500 plus freight. Not on my retirement budget, I fear.

dave

[Tripmaker]

I would think you would want fenders. If for no other reason than to keep the sides of your TD clean. Rain is bad enough but one trip down a freshly paved road or over tar patches will make a mess of things.