General Trailer question

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General Trailer question

Postby madfinnhockey » Fri Aug 28, 2009 11:48 am

I'm just starting to think about building my own Teardrop. I currenty have a full size hybrid TT which is pulled by a Chevy Suburban, but would like something a lot smaller that I can pull with my Subaru OB wagon.

I also have an older tent trailer with a 6x8 box, which has seen better days, but it has a pretty new axle, wheels and bearings, so that part is in great shape.

I'm thinking of stripping it down to the frame and building a Teardrop on it. One question is weight distribution, I see many kits use a commercially available trailer and build upon that, and I'm assuming they have done all the planning and the weight distribution is correct and the trailer doesn't sway or bounce when towed. But I'm worried about getting the weight distribution right so my trailer tows properly.

Any suggestions on doing as I'm thinking? And I'm only in the "thinking about it" stage, and would appreciate any ideas on the subject!

Thanks
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Postby demtears » Fri Aug 28, 2009 1:44 pm

It seems like you are all ready ahead of the game, many making the choice to build a Teardrop start from scratch and have to purchase or build the frame that the teardrop will roll upon. If you can recycle and re- use like in your case go for it. There have been many builders on this site that have re-used an older existing camping trailer like yourself to build and end up saving from the additional cost of not having to buying a trailer. If you consider pursuing your build the guys and gals on the site could help with weight to axle setup Good luck take care. :thumbsup:
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Postby Jst83 » Fri Aug 28, 2009 1:57 pm

Just my opinion, but I built on a popup frame and didn't adjust a thing just started building. I have no trouble with bounce or sway and I've got 3,500+
Maybe I don't have trouble because it ways 1,750 lbs but I'd not worry about it to much. Again that's just one mans opinion.

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Postby del » Tue Sep 01, 2009 11:39 pm

http://www.angib.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/teardrop/tear81.htm

Weight distribution, most likely more than you want to know.

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A tent trailer is the start of my next project.
I do plan on moving the axle.

good luck
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