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I've been looking for a frame to start from. I'm not thrilled with the looks of the bolt-together models (don't like the slipper springs or tongue). Custom-built trailers are available but far from cheap. Most used trailers/frames aren't ideal.
Personal watercraft trailers look a lot better. I haven't measured any and dimensions of the frame aren't published since they are basically sold as "single" or "double". It looks like the singles are about 40-48" wide at the frame and doubles are about 80". That's based on overall width of 68-76" for the singles and 96-102 for the doubles from various manufacturers' web sites. Overall length ranges from about 13' to 16', depending on whether they are designed to have a cargo box or if they're for the really big 4 person pwc. (Older ones for the original stand up Jetskis are narrower and shorter).
More expensive ones have curved cross pieces and cheaper ones have flat cross pieces. The axles are set well back, and many have spring hangers clamped to the frame to allow adjustment (good!). Wheels are usually at least 12". Hitch seems to usually be 2" for newer models. They often have gear boxes on the tongue and look plenty long for a 9" teardrop. GVWR for the singles seem to be around 1200-1800#. Advertised weights start around 350 pounds with the bunks and winch for a pwc.
Lots of these are for sale in the $200 to $400 range, though sometimes you have to take an old watercraft as part of the deal.
What do you all think? A single looks fairly ideal for a 4' teardrop. 5' wide would probably mean inboard wheels (ok by me). They're too long for an explorer box trailer, but could be shortened quite easily.
