TSC 4X8 Trailer into a 5X8

[Tony1960]

I am getting ready to start a build of a benroy camper. I am wanting to purchase a 4x8 trailer from TSC. How can it be done to make it into a 5x8. thanks for any info you can provide. Tony

[SteveH]

Tony,

I would think you have two option...the easiest would be to build out over the wheels and have wheel wells in the trailer. The second and most difficult, would be to cut the frame and axle, and add to the center of it to make it wider. Before I would cut and add, I'd just build my own frame because it would not be much more work, but that is just my opinion. Good luck with what ever you decide to do.

[Kens]

Tony Mine is a 4x8 TSC trailer made into a 5x8. Just build over the wheels. Get a chair and a beer and stare at the trailer it will all come to you.

[Cliffmeister2000]

Kens says:

Tony Mine is a 4x8 TSC trailer made into a 5x8. Just build over the wheels. Get a chair and a beer and stare at the trailer it will all come to you.

Kens, what did you do to protect the wooden frame from the elements? I just tore a teardrop down to the trailer and scrapped everything, because the builder didn't protect the edge of the plywood and it delaminated.

- Cliff

[surveytech]

gotta epoxy those edges before they go on!

[Kens]

Cliff . I just smeared alot of that black goop around. I hope that is enough.

[Bigwoods]

I wanted a 5' on a 4' HF trailer so I widened the axle. It seems to have worked very well. I wanted to put Kerry's fenders on mine. If you would like to see ho I did it, check out The Northwoods under Members Designs.

[starleen2]

Take a look at construction of our weekender camper at http://www.txstewartfamily.com. The trailer measures 6’2” X 8’.., I sealed the wheel wells – and all exterior seams - with a sticky asphalt-butyl rubber tape with an aluminized backing (normally used to seal gutters and roofs). If you paint the plywood before you install it will add another level of protection against water and delaminating. Get a good exterior gloss paint – I know this sounds like a lot for a wheel well – but trust me – this is not something you want to have to replace after a year or so. I am a professional upholster and water damage is the number one cause of plywood failure in boats. The best companies paint their wood before applying any foam or vinyl (boat tip upholstery is for free) Money spent here is well worth it if you plan to cover over the wheel wells. Tip: the trailer tongue mounts to the trailer at only two points with hardened bolts. When I built my camper using this trailer, it became oblivious that these two bolts were the only things holding the tongue bar to the trailer assembly. I guess this was a design feature to allow for a tilt bed feature. Upon the completion of the camper and the first trial run, I noticed that there was considerable movement between the two bolts and pivoting within the joint. The 2X2 angle iron on the frame was also flexing. Every movement of the camper made the two joints jump and pivot like a see-saw. To remedy this, I welded the points were the bolts passed through the tongue and angle iron connections. BE SURE TO REMOVER THE TRAILER WIRING HARNESS FROM THE TUBING BEFORE WELDING! This eliminated the problem.Best wishes for your build

[Cliffmeister2000]

starleen2 says"

Take a look at construction of our weekender camper at http://www.txstewartfamily.com.

Awesome weekender! Thanks for the link! I am building a notebook of great ideas from all you guys. Hopefully my TD will be something my kids wil fight over when I'm done with it (not done building it, done using it) many years from now!

Cliff

[doug hodder]

I just tore a teardrop down to the trailer and scrapped everything, because the builder didn't protect the edge of the plywood and it delaminated.
- Cliff

Cliff, it has been mentioned in this thread and whether or not you use an epoxy to seal the edges, it is up to you...however...they really do need to be sealed up and sealed up well, for longevity. I use epoxy, and just smear/paint it on things like the door jamb or any open grained ply ends whenever I have any left over from another step...sand it down and then apply more when I have some extra epoxy...same thing for the bottom edges of the sides, but don't do the sanding on them so much as it can't be seen...My door jambs however, are very smooth as I have plenty of sealing on them...Overboard, maybe...but it's just leftover resin from other steps that I've put on it, and sanded it down and painted...It sure stops the problems that you had on the original, ...just what I've done..other opinions may vary....Doug

[Tony1960]

Thanks for all your responses, They were greatly appreciated.
As it turns out, I ended up buying another trailer,A 5x10 from a guy that lives up the road from me. For $200.00. I just couldn't pass up that deal, considering what excellent shape it was in. I am now on my way for the build. I am working on the floor. Thanks again for being so helpful. This site has been awesome for tips & advice. Tony