Extending a RedTrailer 5X8 frame

[Sparksalot]

As part of my self assigned pre-build TD research, I have been going through many older threads in both the chassis and construction forums.

I found an older thread about Redtrailers in general with a small bit of discussion on lengthening the side rails.

http://tnttt.com/viewto ... c&start=75

Mike's generic Benroy plans actually lit this idea. He shows using one of the crossmembers used to make the trailer non-folding. I got to thinking, why not use two of them to add the 19" I need to get the 115" length used by the 10ft Comet. After all, as stated in several places, the TD body torsion box has much of the strength. The frame is a convenient attachment point for all the bits.

No, I don't expect the side rails to be able to carry the full rated load, if used as a utility trailer, when it's extended as proposed. I do plan to do a 2x2 wood frame and 1/2" plywood deck floor and go vertical from there.

[mikeschn]

Now you've got me wondering... how long can a 4x8 trailer be extended to... ???

I extended my a little bit for the Winter Warrior/Escape hatch, but no where near close to 19".

I'll have to play with that idea a bit...

Mike...

[Sparksalot]

My thinking is this:

-The horizontal strength is the same whether it's 1" or longer.
-Vertical strength (shear) will come from the plywood sides to the box.
-I can use the "stock" rear spring hanger mounting holes to get the axles approx. 41" from the rear of the frame.
-I won't have to cantilever either end over the ends of the frame. Strench again is probably not issue. I would like something solid under the rear end in case of minor backing mishaps. I don't want to overlap the front end too much, so that the turning radius is compromised.
-I could stay with the 8ft length and shorten the overall tear some, but I do like the longer profile.

[chorizon]

I say go for it. I'm building the comet, and I've pretty much got it all planned out. My only concern would be the significantly (smaller than the plans) less robust axle and wheel scenario. After I followed the plans verbatim, I ended up with a pretty substantial looking frame not to mention a pretty radical amount of ground clearance (good for off-roading, bad for hot-rodding). The HF trailer is still the best bang for the buck in that it is a complete/completely engineered/proven/adaptable base for any light towing application. Weld everything, ~40" from the back, good to go.

[satch]

Can't speak for a red trailer, but on my hf, I extended it 12" using that method.

[Sparksalot]

I say go for it. I'm building the comet, and I've pretty much got it all planned out. My only concern would be the significantly (smaller than the plans) less robust axle and wheel scenario. After I followed the plans verbatim, I ended up with a pretty substantial looking frame not to mention a pretty radical amount of ground clearance (good for off-roading, bad for hot-rodding). The HF trailer is still the best bang for the buck in that it is a complete/completely engineered/proven/adaptable base for any light towing application. Weld everything, ~40" from the back, good to go.

I did upgrade the axle/hubs to the 2000# unit. I has 5 bolt hubs and for now 13" wheels. I have one (found it on the road dead, I swear) Ford Ranger 14x6 wheel. I like how it looks, and will test is for fit to see if i want to buy a 2nd one.

[Sparksalot]

Can't speak for a red trailer, but on my hf, I extended it 12" using that method.

Length or width?

[angib]

I would say - go for it. The small reduction in bending strength isn't a problem if there's a well-made teardrop body providing as much strength as the trailer frame would.

Andrew

[Sparksalot]

Thanks for the input folks. Now, if the final box of trailer parts would get here, I could get on with construction.

[satch]

Can't speak for a red trailer, but on my hf, I extended it 12" using that method.

Length or width?

Length, the width was extended 12' also, but I cut the axle and welded a rod on it, also made a carrier to support it. (pictures in my album)

[Caradoc]

I extended mine about 16 inches, but I could have gone farther. I ended up butting the extension against the other cross members, but I could have made the whole thing longer.

I posted some pictures of my conversion:

http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?t=14137

--Lance

[Sparksalot]

I extended mine about 16 inches, but I could have gone farther. I ended up butting the extension against the other cross members, but I could have made the whole thing longer.

I posted some pictures of my conversion:

http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?t=14137

--Lance

Hmmm, I missed your thread previously. I have the basic frame together now. I also have some closeup shots of the extension area I need to get uploaded. Overall length is 115" now.

[jp03]

I decided to use 24 inch extension. Will take 1 1/2 inch angle, cut to fill the 24 inch gap on top and bottom of inner frame "C" channel (welded) as an extra brace. Figure this will stiffen the horizontal flex and make up for the slight differance of metal thickness. With two foot added, the axle fits just at 41 inch from end, with no modifications but a hole or two needed.

[Sparksalot]

I decided to use 24 inch extension. Will take 1 1/2 inch angle, cut to fill the 24 inch gap on top and bottom of inner frame "C" channel (welded) as an extra brace. Figure this will stiffen the horizontal flex and make up for the slight differance of metal thickness. With two foot added, the axle fits just at 41 inch from end, with no modifications but a hole or two needed.

The Working Stiff is sitting on the extension here.




More close up detail. You can see a bit of the 1 1/2" angle I put in as well.





I salvaged the angle from the brackets that would have been used for the casters if the trailer had been set up for folding.

[Tommy2tone_1999]

Can't speak for a red trailer, but on my hf, I extended it 12" using that method.

Can you please give step by step instructions on how you did that. Iam a complete noob, but that idea appeals to me, as not everyone has a 5x8 trailer.