Gator trailer rework for teardrop

[tuber]

I have an old Gator tilt bed boat trailer that was used to carry a 1000# boat. It has a 48 x 63 inch rectangular shaped base with a 50 inch long triangle in front of the base. The tongue extends another 74 inches beyond that. I'm planning on shortening the tongue as necessary. The wheels are 4.80 x 12's, the axle is 1-1/2 tube, and the springs are 5 leaf, 2 x 22 inch. The fenders sit 3 inches above the frame. The frame, axle, and wheel bearings are all in good shape. Frame was hot dipped galvanized and shows no signs of rust. Really don't want to move the axle location if possible.

Questions: should I take trailer apart and repaint? Should I take axle and wheels apart and completely inspect? What other suggestions can people make?

I want to put a 54W or 58W x 96L x 48H [exterior] teardrop on top of this platform. Width depends upon how I make the attachment of the walls to the floor. I am planning on building a floor of 3-1/2" high material, to clear the fenders, and using 1/2 ply for flooring with rigid foam insulation below. This will be cantilevered over the original frame about 3-5 " per side, over the rectangular portion and about 19-21" per side where it sits on the triangular portion. I'm really looking to keep this light and be thrifty. [not unsafe]

What suggestions do people have for construction materials, methods, etc. I'm thinking of using SIP construction, 1/4 luan over 1-1/2 inch rigid foam, for the walls and ceiling. I can't figure a way to do this for the floor as I need to get above the fender to accomadate a full size matress. [I'm married]

I'm experienced with building, still have 10 fingers, toes, and 2 eyes. Thanks for any help.

[Cliffmeister2000]

Questions: should I take trailer apart and repaint? Should I take axle and wheels apart and completely inspect?

Yes, and yes

Building your teardrop both wider and longer than the frame is not impossible, but does create some considerations. I would weld (or have welded) some stubs on the side. You don't want the box of your teardrop bouncing like a drum.

Without knowing how your trailer is built, I made some guesses.

Assuming this is your original trailer



This is what it would look like with a 58 x 96 base, and some stubs welded on.



You might also lengthen the tongue.

[tuber]

Cliffmeister,
Thanks. The trailer has a a rail on each side that stretches from the front edges of the rectangle making a triangle. Welding stubs is a good idea. I'm estimating the weight of the finished camper to determine where I have to locate it on the frame. welding stubs would be a good idea to locate the corners of the floor. Would give me the elevation I need without much added weight. Thesed would also give me points to attach jacks at the corners. Small gussets would give the stubs the strength the need even though its not much of a cantilever.

I'm going to have to shorten the tongue actually.

[bobhenry]

7 inches added to the frame got me past the wheels for a wheels under look.