Tongue question

[parnold]

I am extending the tongue on my HF 40x48 trailer using 1/8" 2x3 tubular steel. As it is WAY stronger than the existing tongue, I am contemplating the following to support the tongue to the trailer body. I would like comments on whether this would be sufficient or not. I really think because of the strength of this steel, the whole frame would twist before this tongue would bend. I'm estimating total trailer weight at around 600 - 700 pounds loaded.

The Black lines are the trailer frame and tongue. Red is the floor of the trailer, and the green is how far the curvature of the trailer will overhang. I think this will give me plenty of clearance, and put the wheels in optimum position so I have a decent hitch weight.
BTW the new tongue is one solid 7' 10" piece. I indicated on the drawing where the old ball was for informational purposes only.

[angib]

This reply is in several parts (which may appear to say different things - but don't).

Beware of looking only at tongue strength - what the tongue is attached too matters a lot also. We have the example on this forum of a couple of builders who used a Tractor Supply trailer with a sturdy 2x3 tongue - but it is attached only to two closely-spaced angle iron cross-members and the second cross-member would bend long before the tongue strength was reached.

In this case, you effectively have gone for a frameless design - most of the tongue load will be carried by the front wall and floor of the teardrop body and the original HF frame will just be holding the axle in place.

I don't see any problem with this plan, providing you are building the front of the trailer strong enough to take this load. To do that you need to:
- Glue the bottom of the front wall/roof to the floor - a few nails or screws attaching it aren't enough.
- Put a reasonably strong bit of framing under the front edge of the floor - this doesn't need to be very big (1x3 or 2x2 would be enough) but it would be nice if it was oak or something strong like that.

In case it isn't clear, the vertical tongue load will actually be carried by the front wall/roof of the body - the framing under the floor is just there to make a good connection between the various parts.

Andrew

[parnold]

Andrew,

Thanks for the reply, and your answer makes perfect sense, and actually reinforces what my assumption was. I plan on using glue everywhere that wood meets wood, along with screws, and my original plan called for one 2x2 under the 3/4 ply floor in the front, but I think prudence would suggest beefing that up.
I can't wait for the weather to warm up a bit so I can get started.. right now my trailer is buried in about 11 inches of snow.

[teardrop_focus]

parnold

I'm estimating total trailer weight at around 600 - 700 pounds loaded.

An ambitious goal! Welcome to T&TTT!

I too am attempting a lightweight build using traditional materials, i.e. quality ply and mild steel. My goal is for no heavier than 900 lbs going down the road, with no more than 80 lbs of that (preferably less) as tonque weight.

I have one question, and one thank you:

Q. What items, or, in what minimalist camping style do you intend to acheive a 700 lb loaded weight? I'm asking so that I may benefit in regards to my setup.

Thank you and Andrew for both posting and replying... I too intend to build a 'superleggera' in which the chassis's load is shared by the wooden teardrop cabin structure in the style of monocoque construction... a quality which most teardrop designs share (some more than others as illustrated so well in this short thread).


Pls forgive my 'windiness'. I feel as though I have trouble expressing what interests me technically, because I am not formally educated or trained.

[parnold]

I'm planning a very fast build for my first, since I want to use it this summer, and won't start until mid to end of March. 40" x 75" clamshell with a mattress and nylon tent. See thread with more detail at
http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?t=35212

I have a second trailer that's shot and I'll use the axle off that. I am planning a 4x8 true tear build, which maybe I'll start at the end of the summer.

[teardrop_focus]

I have a fairly simple project in mind for my first build, it will be teardrop shaped, but it will basically be a clamshell with tent sides. I have to organize my drawings and I'll post them. I have put together my supply list and the total is 445.00. I'm suspecting I've forgotten some things so I'm estimating more like 600.00 when I'm done. (I already have a HF 4x4 trailer)

My design is just big enough to fit a single mattress, as I will be camping alone, and it doesn't have a lot of bells and whistles. I drive a small Hyundai Accent, so the trailer should be easy to pull.

I have a second trailer (4x8) for my more ambitious project, a true teardrop, but it is in such bad shape I'll probably only utilize the axle and suspension from it. I am hoping to build the simple one this spring, and money permitting, start on the second in the fall.

Great idea!

And, again, Welcome!