New lightweight frame

[dguff]

I have just finished my new lightweight frame. It is going to hold a Modernistic/Cub style tear 4 1/2 feet wide. The frame is a bolt together 2x2 1/8" angle with a 2x3 1/8" tongue. the torsion axle reinforcements are 2x2 3/16" angle. With all of the linear feet of angle, the tongue, nuts and bolts I estimate the frame to weigh about 127 lbs. as it sits without axle or wheels. I am not going to have it welded. The nuts are torqued and with Loctite. The floor will keep it square. I am basically using the frame suggested by Mike in the thread labeled "Lightweight frame building" Attached is a picture. You may also see the start of frame building on my Yahoo Photos accessed through the Hall of Fame under Jerome Guffey's 46 Kit.


Jerome

[mikeschn]

You might want to double check the name of the jpg that you uploaded. Everything else looks good!

Mike...

[Arne]

I like the looks of it, and the bracing.... the tongue in on the slender side, but the bracing should let it work nicely....... a tongue jack might put a temporary twist in the tongue.....

The size of the pic is what makes scrolling necessary.... make it smaller, would be better....

[mikeschn]

dguff,

I like the looks of it too...

Could you get out there and take a few more photos for us... especially the joints...

Thanks...

Mike...

[s4son]

What size nuts and bolts did you use? I've been trying to decide on a frame and I think I just did. Thanks for sharing, that is one thing I have noticed in this forum, everyone is so willing to share ideas, pictures, etc. It is really great for a new trailer builder such as myself.

Scott Forsen

[dguff]

I used 3/8" by 1" galvanized bolts, nuts and lock washers. Everything is torqued to 40 ft.lbs. Through the tongue and angle are 3/8 by 3" galvanized bolts. I really don't think that tongue will twist with a jack. I will post more details on the joints and so on as soon as I can. I am not sure how to make the photos smaller. Any tips on that? Thanks for looking.

Jerome

[mikeschn]

Download a copy of paintshop pro from jasc.com

Then open up your photo, and say "image"->"resize"->640x480
Then "File"->"Save"

Mike...

[Geron]

I am not sure how to make the photos smaller. Any tips on that? Thanks for looking.

Jerome

Irfanview from Download.com is a remarkable userfriendly and (FREE) Photo viewer and editor.

Click Image - resize/resample - then pick 640x480 or customize the size.

Lots of other free editors but this one I really like.

Geron

[Kevin A]

I used 3/8" by 1" galvanized bolts, nuts and lock washers. Everything is torqued to 90 ft.lbs. Through the tongue and angle are 3/8 by 3" galvanized bolts. I really don't think that tongue will twist with a jack. I will post more details on the joints and so on as soon as I can. I am not sure how to make the photos smaller. Any tips on that? Thanks for looking.

Jerome

Jerome,

I don't mean to be a nitpicker here but something doesn't make sense to me, I don't know of a 3/8" bolt that wouldn't be overstressed at 90 ft lbs. Most grade 8 fasteners would torque to 40- 45 ft lbs for 3/8", 65-70 for a 7/16" & 90-105 for 1/2".

[An Ol Timer]

Mike wrote,

Download a copy of paintshop pro from jasc.com

Then open up your photo, and say "image"->"resize"->640x480
Then "File"->"Save"

=============================

One step further in paintshop pro is that when you use the "save as" function and save your image as a jpg, you can click the options button in the save box and then run the optimizer. With it set at 40 - 60% you will get a much greater reduction in file size.

[dguff]

Hi Kevin,
Nits are meant to be picked and you are absolutely right. My frame bolts are torqued to 40 ft. lbs., not 90. I was working on my old Buick yesterday,rotating tires, changing oil etc. getting ready for Minden and I torqued those lug nuts to 90 ft. lbs. That must have stuck in my mind when I was answering the post. Thanks for helping to get that info corrected. I have edited the earlier post.

Jerome

[cjm]

what was the estimated cost w/o the axle?

[dguff]

I had the metal cut at the supply shop to my dimensions, so I only had to make a couple of cuts with my sawzall at home. The steel, cuts, and nuts,bolts,washers came to about $115. With the Torflex axle coming and some surplus 15" wheels I have, a $16 coupler. some safety chain, and a spare folding screw jack I have the total cost for the rolling frame will be under $450.

Jerome

[dguff]

Here is some more detail of the tongue attachment before priming and painting. Again it is upside down.
http://www.teardrops.us/userfiles/dguff/tongue.jpg
Jerome

[cjm]

im a rookie so sorry bout all the questions. where exactly did you get the steel? reccomendations on the most inexpensive places?

thanks for your help!!!

cjm