Not much but it is a start, done in Sketchup

[coostv]

Well, I do not remember if I have even posted to this group before (I suppose I could look it up, but I am, well, lazy).

This is my first attempt at using any sort of 3d modeling program. I would like to build a utility trailer and I plan to build a small hybrid slide in for this trailer of my own design. The perimeter tubing is 2"x3"x3/16" and the running gear will be rated for 3500# and the size will be 6.5'x12'.

I am learning as I go here, but I am running into road blocks on the axle, springs, wheels, angle steel for cross beams, etc. How have others done it? I tried the search, but maybe my terms are not the same as others use?



Thanks,

Chris

[mikeschn]

Hi Chris,

That's a tough question... but of course we have answers...

Grab a file out of the design library, and look at a side view.

Or grab a wrl file, and look at a side view.

Here's one with a torsion axle..

http://www.mikenchell.com/images/ww1.wrl

and here is the harbor freight 4x8 with the axle you mentioned. Sorry, I forgot the tongue!
http://www.mikenchell.com/images/harborfreight.wrl

Remember to grab cortona to view these files...

http://www.cortona3d.com/cortona

Mike...

[Dewi]

Thats a good start... took me weeks to get that far in SketchUp, its not as easy as the tutorials make out is it?

Cheers, Dewi

[starleen2]

WhaI did was to find some trailers in the online 3-d warehouse and edit from them. You can the scale them to whatever size you need - it takes some practice. My trailer can be found by using the search terms'Starleen2 4x8 no floor trailer" for a 4x8 TSC trailer

[coostv]

Thanks guys. Mike, I could not get the program to load to view those files so I tried a different one, it loaded, but the files do not open. I will play with that later.

I had some time today to mess around a bit. I may not even care if I get an axle on it. I am more or less doing it for my steel layout. I do however have a nifty dotted line where the axle would be.



Next I need to set the spring spacing for the other cross members. I like SketchUp, it seems a bit easier than the last one I tried.

Thanks again.

Chris