Weight distribution question...

[EffieRover]

Been reading this and that, following build threads, making more sketches and trying to decide between building an overgrown tear or refitting a cargo trailer...

Anyway, dumb noob question ... do you ever get problems with weight distribution if you put bunks on one side of a trailer? How about cabinets meant to hold clothing and such?

Wondering if this is a concern or if I can keep sketching.

[Lgboro]

I'm certainly not one of the pros, but I know sometimes builders add a tongue box if they need more tongue weight (not usually the problem). I would think as long as you position your axle accordingly it shouldn't matter where the weight is as long as you plan ahead and make necessary allowance during axle placement. Need to consider the weight you will have in your galley also. I tow with a Corolla so I have to be careful on how my trailer will be balanced due to the low hitch weight recommendation for the TV. I believe you will find smaller light cars even more sensitive to trailer balance. I have logged many miles towing different trailers with a Celica and Corolla with no problems except a couple of times when I overloaded and had the balance way off.

[brian_bp]

As I understand the question, the concern is with side-to-side weight distribution, rather than front-to-rear.

Yes, uneven distribution - especially when combined with a relatively soft suspension and/or tires - can make the trailer pull off to one side a tiny bit, and in unfortunate circumstances can make it rock side-to-side (leaning left and right). My Boler B1700RGH does that when loaded unevenly enough, and it's not just mine, as other owners have noticed the same thing. Moving some cargo to reduce the imbalance eliminates the problem; the shock aborbers which I added reduced the trailer's sensitivity to this effect.

Trailers (and motorhomes) often have this concern, due to the internal arrangement of heavy components, and I think avoiding severe imbalance should be considered in layout design.

Bunks seem unlikely to me to be a concern... refrigerators, water heaters, stuffed food storage compartments, and other concentrations of mass are more likely to be issues.

[Alphacarina]

I think he's concerned about having more weight over one trailer wheel than the other - Shouldn't be a problem unless you have a LOT more on one than the other . . . . 100 pounds or so would probably be OK

Don

[48Rob]

Effie,

Don summed it up well, if minor weight differences are being considered.
Most often, minor weight differences can be corrected by simply re-arranging the placement of all the "stuff" we tend to throw in the trailer for a camping trip...

If however, you are creating a design where ther is a major weight difference from side to side, it can cause stability issues.

Speaking from experience, a weight difference (side to side) of a couple hundred pounds can make a noticeable difference in handling and stability.

The further your axle is set toward the rear of the trailer, the less critical it becomes, and of course the more centered it is, the more stability issues arise.

I redesigned a 40's trailer, removing a heavy fridge from one side.
I corrected the problem by adding weight to the frame/floor area underneath the "light" side.
Problems solved!

Rob

[EffieRover]

Side-to-side was my question ... sorry for not being more clear. I'm thinking I can get two bunks in a cargo trailer if I put them both on one side and wondering what that will do to the towability of it (is that a word?) at highway speed. Sounds like it's not an issue for the weight I'm talking - they won't have actual people in them at 65mph

Thanks ... still considering way too many options but continuing to read old threads here is helping.

And, he is a she. I'm the person top-right in the picture. Known as 'Kiera and Alannah's Mom' to most of the western world.