Here's what I'm looking at, what will work??

[jeepinjason51]

Needing a little advice since I'm terrible at judging weight.

This is what I'm wanting to do.


Ideally, I'd like to build it 10'-12' long x 6' wide x 6' tall. Not pictured is A/C and and a small fridge.

What I'm trying to figure out is what kind of frame should I go with. Will a bolt together from Harbor Freight or Tractor Supply be adequate or do I need build something a little more substantial.

P.S. This will be a tiny travel trailer

[kennyrayandersen]

either would likely do.

Or none at all if you are really clever... and just go with a partial frame and structural box.

[bobhenry]

You will be approaching 1200 - 1400 pounds when complete.

A lot depends on your method of construction. You did not mention the tow vehicle. This will also be a factor into the equasion. Have you concidered a cargo conversion? Some turn out real sweet. My campin' buddy Jeff has a electric fireplace in his cargo conversion.

I would concider a heavier frame maybe an old popup
( these are generally real stout and 6x10)
or maybe 5x10 flatbed cargo trailer.

I have walked up to the door and knocked and been given 3 badly neglected trailer frames. I bought one recently for $60.00 and my 5x10 is built on pieces and parts from a 4x8 HF trailer I purchased on E bay for $75.00. One note on the HF and red trailers...Do yourself a big favor if you decide to build on one and reinforce the tongue with a stout center member. I stole the Idea from "nobody" (Thanks Harvey). There are pics in my album!

The barn build was built on a nice 5x8 cargo and I extended it forward for 2 extra feet. I had to replaced the badly bent tongue. It was $250.00 with nice tires and fancy wagon spoke rims and very well made.

http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?t=30307

There are unloved and unwanted small trailers setting in backyards and alleyways everywhere there is no need to cough up $400-$500 for a new unit. Just walk up to the door and ask the worst they can say is NO !

The frame kinda dictates the build unless you custom build the frame to match your plans.

I have found it more interesting to listen to the frame and build what it seems to want.

[jeepinjason51]

This is the tow vehicle-


I considered a cargo conversion but cant find a cargo trailer at the right price.

This this just landed in my lap though-




$125. Havent looked at it in person though. If what you say is true about the weight, I already know I'll be in the market for a heavier axle assembly and possibly some beefing up of the frame.

[kennyrayandersen]

so you might consider after you get a new axle and modify the frame -- how much of a head start did that really give you.

After seeing your tow vehicle. I'm thinking you should go for one of the off-road trailers that a few of the guys have put together -- it would follow your TV nearly anywahere.

I don't think that's the frame you are looking for unless you scale back your idea of what you want...

[jeepinjason51]

Yeah, I'm thinkin I may have to shorten it up a bit and not make it as tall. As far as off roading goes its probably not going to see the rough trails, more than likely just get parked at the trail head. Maybe down the road I'll consider some kind of modification so it will keep up on the trails.

[bobhenry]

either would likely do.

Or none at all if you are really clever... and just go with a partial frame and structural box.

???? hf WAS OK and now that he has found a nice 2500 pound boat trailer it's not strong enough ?????

I think it is an excellent candidate. A quick shortening of the tongue is about all the surgery needed.

I would make a 2x6 perimeter frame (think sandbox)with 2x4 joists 2' on center. You would then be able to cantiliver the front about as far as you want to and maybe a foot to the rear.

Kenny is right it won't be a rock crawler but it will handle a beaten path and a goat trail with little difficulty.

[jeepinjason51]

Again, no expert on guessing weight, but is that a 2500 trailer?

If thats the case then what about building some framework farther up the tongue and keeping the actual camper shell at 12'?

[bobhenry]

yes yes yes



Fill in the dimensions and someone will be better able to help with the balance calcs.

How tall are the existing steel fenders measuring from the top of the frame rail? I am guessing 5-6 inches. I bet the frame is exactly 5' wide inside of fender to inside of fender.
you could stay 5 wide or place your side to side joists to allow the final sheet flooring to just cover the steel fenders. Ever look at a cardboard carton divider cut a 1" deep notch in your 2x4 floor joist and a 2 1/2" deep notch in the 2x6 perimeter "sandbox" and let the joists extend to the full width of the fender I am also guessing it will be about 6'3" - 6'-6".
The front 2x6 will rest on the tongue that is at the exact same plane as the frame rail top if I am seeing the picture correctly.

[caseydog]

I built on an old boat trailer frame. After some cutting and welding, I ended up with a nice solid platform to build on.




CD

[bobhenry]

The green is the 2x4's the red is the 2x6?'s

[bobhenry]

Notice there is no floor under the last 2 feet in the front of the barn.




No I didn't leave it that way I glued and screwed a sub floor to the bottom wall plate and inside I added insulation and a section of 7/16 osb sub floor. I don't think I would jump on it with me 310 pounds but it will take foot traffic and is mostly a dead storage area under the front cabinets. You have an advantage in that you have center support. In fact with a plywood floor on the frame then the "sandbox " then your floor you could have several shallow under floor storage lockers.

[jeepinjason51]

Hmmmm...


Gentlemen, I think I have my frame now.

[bobhenry]

SEE !

I told ya they will talk to ya !

[jeepinjason51]

Looks like I'll be picking it up on Thursday. Already spent the afternoon at Lowes pricing some things out.