Tiny Cargo trailer conversion...???

[GPW]

Thanks Eddie ... I was wondering about the Torflex , but figured since the springs and hangers were already there, I'd have to stick with a straight axle ... The other alternative is to lengthen the old axle ... which as Angib described might be unsafe ... And then I'd still have to change the hubs ... so no real savings there ...

[CT Eddie]

Thanks Eddie ... I was wondering about the Torflex , but figured since the springs and hangers were already there, I'd have to stick with a straight axle ... The other alternative is to lengthen the old axle ... which as Angib described might be unsafe ... And then I'd still have to change the hubs ... so no real savings there ...

I hang out in a shop that "streches" frames and all kinds of things on 18 wheelers and trailers. Cutting an axel to widen it is no real problem, you just have to use common sense, straight is straight and no substitutes. Also, extra good welding skill is required. ie, I hang out where they work.

[GPW]

That would be a bit cheaper ...

[schaney]

GPW, try southwestwheel.com, they are in Texas. A 3500 lb straight axle w/ hubs of your choose, to your f2f length is about $110, figure $30-35 shipping to New Orleans.

[GPW]

Thanks Schaney , that seems VERY Reasonable ... ... I only spent $750 for the CT ... so a less expensive axle would be fine for me ...

[GPW]

I must confess I'm still a little confused with this axle business...
Since I'm changing the axle , might as well go to a larger wheel tire ... Those 4 lug 12" wheels just don't seem up to the job , and need to be replaced anyway ... I have room (fender wise) to use larger,better load rated tires ,that and the all steel CT is heavier than most , for it's size... so running bigger tires would be much better.. especially when i'm tooling down the road with 20K$ of band equipment in it ... (re-pourposing) So getting the right length axle is very important , AND the right wheels too.....
So many sizes, and then there's that bolt pattern selection ... I guess you can imagine why I'm confused?

Maybe I should weigh the CT...?? At least I'd know where to start .. Maybe get the wheels first ... I dunno' ??

[schaney]

The "normal" 5 lug bolt pattern for trailer axles is 5 on 4 1/2.

A C-range 175/13" will be 24" tall with a max load of 1360 lbs so you'd have about a 2700 lb capacity.

A C-range 4.80x12" will be 20 1/2" tall with a max load of 990 lbs so you'd have just under a 2000 lb capacity.

Hope this helps with the

[GPW]

Thanks , I think I'd feel better with the larger capacity since it will also be used for hauling cargo (imagine that) !!!

[bdosborn]

Here's a link to the Goodyear Marathon tire site:

Goodyear Marathon

I spent a lot of time looking at this (OCD?) before I picked a tire/wheel size. I went with a 14" wheel and a 205/75 tire. It was the best compromise between capacity, size and price at the time for my trailer. YMMV.

Bruce

[GPW]

Bruce Thanks , that's good to know !!!

[GPW]

OK, I’m Back ... While waiting on the HF trailer to finish the Foamie TD, my thoughts have gone back to converting the Tiny CT ... After all , I Have it ... might as well make it work for a camper conversion ... It’s not really big enough but for one person , comfortably .. but a possibility would be a slide out , the square Steel tubing frame more than strong enough to support same . Just an Idea ...
Being built by somebody’s Dad , it’s heck for STOUT !!! Should be able to take most any modifications ... Just trying to think how i can get the most space of the 4x4x8 and not go Crazy !!!

Ultimately , I’m looking for something a little Bigger so I can also bring the wife and the dog !!! But I Have this one ... might as well make it work !!!

[StandUpGuy]

You know what would be totally awesome for a kid? If you purchased a tent that exatly fit ontop of your trailer and made a platform and perminent mount and then put a hatch that opened up inside the tent through the trailer roof. The hatch could be by a wall and you could have ladder rungs built into the wall.

[GPW]

Whoa !!! That’s a Cool idea !!! Steel square tubing structure would surely support it ... This CT is waaay overbuilt ... Double decker tent top ... Hmmmm?

[StandUpGuy]

Whoa !!! That’s a Cool idea !!! Steel square tubing structure would surely support it ... This CT is waaay overbuilt ... Double decker tent top ... Hmmmm?

A lot of two man tents are 5' wide rather than 4'. That might be a challenge to find a 4' wide one. 8' long is pretty standard. You could even do a ladder on the outside to the regular tent opening. Fun for a kid.

[BC Cargo]

To make any tent width work, you could hinge to the roof a piece of plywood the length of the tent. In the travel position it would cover and seal the roof access on the one side. When stopped it would flip over giving access to the hatch and hang over the other side of the trailer the amount required to fit the premade tent...say a foot for a 5 x 8 tent.