Andrew/ engineers, what's going on here?

[Larry C]

What's the deal with the extra reenforcement on this frame. I haven't seen this done before... Andrew, anybody.

This is from the Aussie Teardrop site. the trailer weighs 300KG (660#) If nothing else, it sure looks cool!







Larry C

[Shadow Catcher]

Same idea as the old truss rod railroad cars and bridges. it is a way to stiffen the frame.

[Alphacarina]

. . . . it is a way to stiffen the frame.

But it would seem to be absolute overkill on a 660 pound teardrop . . . . unless the tongue is made of spaghetti

Don

[Steve_Cox]

That tongue looks to be about 35mm box tubing, if it was thin wall for light weighting the added structural support could be beneficial to stop flex, but was probably planned for the cool factor which it definitely has.

[dh]

Who knows what that trailer did in its previous life before becoming a TD frame. I have to agree with Steve on the coolness factor.

[PaulC]

That TD was built by Reiner at Aussie Teardrop Campers. It did not have a previous life. The bracing is to add rigidity to the draw bar. The draw bar is constructed from 50x25x3mm tube. Reiner does not like the possibility of people over stressing his product, so he does some cool German engineering. Yes, it looks cool but it is also increasing the structural integrity of his chassis. You can check his site here
http://www.aussieteardrops.com/

Be warned, some of you will think that he builds too light

Cheers
Paul

[asianflava]

There is an old thread somewhere about aussie rules trailer tongues. Apparently, they want their trailer tongues to be really strong.

Probably because the tongues in their mouths aren't. They mash up words and omit parts.

[PaulC]

There is an old thread somewhere about aussie rules trailer tongues. Apparently, they want their trailer tongues to be really strong.

Probably because the tongues in their mouths aren't. They mash up words and omit parts.

Do Not

Cheers
Paul

[Larry C]

That TD was built by Reiner at Aussie Teardrop Campers. It did not have a previous life. The bracing is to add rigidity to the draw bar. The draw bar is constructed from 50x25x3mm tube. Reiner does not like the possibility of people over stressing his product, so he does some cool German engineering. Yes, it looks cool but it is also increasing the structural integrity of his chassis. You can check his site here
http://www.aussieteardrops.com/

Be warned, some of you will think that he builds too light

Cheers
Paul

Paul, The reason I asked about this in the first place is my chassis tongue is made of the same dimension rectangular tubing, 2" X 1" X 1/8" which is same as 50X25X3mm.
I am more than just curious, I'm considering doing the same or similar on my chassis. I had hoped the resident engineers would chime in with their opinions, pro or con.
The coolness factor is definitely part of my consideration for using it as well as the extra rigidity.
My present chassis is quite spartan for my 500-600# planned build.




Larry

[mezmo]

Hi Larry C,

That "undertrussing" - as I'll call it - is quite common
on older Australian and New Zealand Caravans (TTs),
of all lengths, that I've seen on various Au & NZ web sites.
Going for strength and lighter weight I presume.

Some of their new Caravans have it too, as well as their Off Road
Caravans and Campers. The Australians have some
some interesting and awesome RVs and such.

[afreegreek]

in Oz we truss..

[Corwin C]

Another advantage to the trussing is that when off-road (dragging trailer over rocks, etc.) any damage will be easily visible long before failure. In other words, if the truss rod is bent you've gone a little too far, but it will most likely still get you home.

[mezmo]

in Oz we truss..

"Pun-a-liscious" !

[fm-usa]

Hi Larry C.

1x2?
That's a lil narrow for that length there partner.
Might consider another cross member than just that one, unless your planning on the Teardrop frame to be that extra cross member.

Stresses in a side wind or (heaven forbid) a bad sway may buckle or twist it.

[PaulC]

Hi Larry C.

1x2?
That's a lil narrow for that length there partner.
Might consider another cross member than just that one, unless your planning on the Teardrop frame to be that extra cross member.

Stresses in a side wind or (heaven forbid) a bad sway may buckle or twist it.

Reiner and I have never had a problem with that way of doing the a frame. It complies with all Australian Standards, which happen to be the most stringent in the world, bar none. Maybe Andrew would like to confirm that.
Cheers
Paul