Axle questions....

[Gunswinger]

I will be building my own trailer instead of modifying an existing design. Here is where I am having trouble. I am sketching my design out on a scale of 1 inch equals 1 foot. I have designed it to a tire diameter of approx 30 inches. When I do that I am guessing that I will have a 24 inch clearance from the ground to the bottom of the camper, and with that I have approx. 5 inches from the top of the axle to the bottom of the frame. Does this sound right? I am not sure about the spring and shackles what that will give me or how much travel I will have when they are in place. I want the springs to be on top of the axle, I think that would give me the most ground clearance. I will be building a 5x10x5 unit. ( That is 5 feet wide, 5 feet high and 10 feet long. ) With these measurements I get a hatch opening of 7 feet that is letting the hatch open to the level of the top. Then if I add a rack on top that will let the canoe on top remain on top and still use the hatch. This is for an off road design. I like to prospect and the like. Do I sound like I have learned a thing or two reading this forum? About asking for help that is? Thanks!

[tinksdad]

I guess the frame to axle clearance would depend on the springs you are using. Out of curiosity, I just went out and measured the HF slapper springs on mine. It's right at 5" from the frame to the bottom of the springs (I have my axle top mounted and I removed one leaf from the springs).

[hugh]

I am also building an off road capable trailer. So far the frame is made and the floor is tarred, insulated and mounted to the frame. Similar in size too, 8 1/2 long by 5 wide by inside height of 5 or possiby 5 ft 6 ". The springs are over the axle and have 7" clearance from the bottom of the frame to the the top of the axle tube. Tires are 31' but the tape says 30'. Ground clearance is a tad over 25" from the frame to the ground, sounds like your specs will be right where you figured.

[Gunswinger]

Thanks guys! I knew I could count on the great people here on the forum to help. I want to nail down the design and start ordering my parts. Going for the axle and springs then the frame and tires. This will start me off really great. With the size down and clearances I can make a galley layout in the garage and get the wife's approval on it before I start.