A Pop-up Frame Dilemma

[sleepercatcher]

I just purchased an old pop-up camper frame. It was originally a Starcraft Co, Starmaster 6 popup camper. It's 78" wide and 10' long and in fair condition. The tires are new. If I build on it as is, the box frame will hide the wheels and tires. I got an estimate on having the frame width reduced but the materials and labor costs would be more than purchasing a new trailer from HF or TSC. The axle is just over 48" wide. I'm wondering how such a wide trailer will look as a teardrop and about the stability and difficulty if I have to change a tire. I don't have pictures yet because it had a minor bend in the tongue that is being repaired. I can't decide if I should look for another welder or start all over with another frame.

Any Thoughts?

SC

[Laredo]

Go with what you have, I say. Build a 6' wide -- you'll have more interior room, and you can do prettier designs (up to a Cabin Car).

You can also fabricate or buy fenders to alleviate any anxiety about the width overall.

Keep the overall center of gravity in the camper fairly low and it should be fine at that width. Pop-ups go down the road popped down for exactly that reason.

[2old2tent]

No problems getting the tires off.

SC I returned your PM.

Jack

[Mark McD]

Two things to consider
1.) Don't "hang" or extend the sides past the frame. A couple of inches is okay, anymore and the wheel will hang up on the side when trying to remove.
2.)Keep the cut outs around the wheels as large as the original or when you jack the frame up to remove the wheel you won't be able to tilt it ,(the wheel),enough to pull it out.

So if you build it like it was, it won't be a problem.