Floor overhang

Ask questions about Harbor Freight trailers, or questions about building your own...

Floor overhang

Postby jandmz » Fri May 13, 2011 6:26 pm

If I use 1/2 in plywood over 2x2 framing for the floor, would that type of structure hold up building a 5x9 on a 4x8 trailer frame?

It seems like it would be a robust enough design to handle a 6 inch overhang all around. I have an old popup that uses the 3/4in plywood floor as a structural member. It has a "X" frame with the plywood floor screwed to it, and the perimeter of the floor supports the sidewalls, the bed mechanisms and the roof with no other metal or wood framing.

It would seem that a framed floor could support a TD if lightweight wall construction was used.

Any experience with floor overhangs on an HF trailer?
jandmz
Teardrop Master
 
Posts: 226
Images: 3
Joined: Fri Dec 18, 2009 4:24 pm
Location: Southwest, Ohio

Postby Toytaco2 » Fri May 13, 2011 6:51 pm

Here's a pic of mine that is 5'x9' by 5' tall on a 4x8 frame. I used 1/2 Baltic Birch with 2x2 framing just as you described. I don't have that many miles on it yet, but, it seems to be holding up just fine. I put 8" of the overhang on the rear.

Good Luck,

Mike

Image
User avatar
Toytaco2
500 Club
 
Posts: 540
Images: 368
Joined: Mon Dec 10, 2007 1:57 pm
Location: Oklahoma City, OK

Postby Nobody » Sat May 14, 2011 10:51 am

Yep, it'll work with no problem! My TD is 60x114x52" on a 4x8' HF trailer. Current weight is around 1150-1250# & I'm unable to find ANY 'give' or 'flex' in either the chassis or trailer body. Even after being rear-ended last Labor Day weekend, doing considerable damage to the rear of my TD, the cabin & front 85% of the chassis show no racking/twisting - My walls are 'stick' built with 3/4" foam for insulation & rigidity; 1/4" oak ply interior, 1/8" luan exterior covered by .040" aluminum -

Image
Image
Image
Image
Harvey -

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Doing the right thing ain't always easy but, . . . it's always right!
User avatar
Nobody
1000 Club
1000 Club
 
Posts: 1196
Images: 342
Joined: Wed Jan 25, 2006 1:09 pm
Location: Benton, Arkansas
Top

Postby jandmz » Sat May 14, 2011 12:32 pm

Thank you for the advice.

That's the great thing about this forum. If you have an idea, somebody has probably already tried it...
jandmz
Teardrop Master
 
Posts: 226
Images: 3
Joined: Fri Dec 18, 2009 4:24 pm
Location: Southwest, Ohio
Top

Trailer overhang

Postby Min » Tue May 17, 2011 10:12 pm

I already have a 4 X 8 utility trailer. I have built it in two components.

One is the frame, 3" channel with cross members. 4' x 8' platform. 3500 # torsion axle, mounted about 1/2 way on the platform.

The other is the utility box. Built the box with metal tabs that are clamped onto the frame, making the box removable.

I was thinking about doing the same with a 'tear' body. I would probably have to move the axle back a bit, for the balance? I would probably have an overhang, at the rear, of around 12". I would probably build with a sandwich/insulated floor and sandwich walls.

I am considering making an attempt at storage under the bed area, possibly this storage would be accessible from outside.

I have read many posts on this forum, and, it will probably be at least the fall before I get started. After all, summer is for fishing and camping.

Just one question, about doors.

There seems to be a number of designs with doors on both sides of the sleeping compartment. Any particular reason? Also, what is the reason for the rear entrance door on some of the 'standies'?

Thanks, Min
Min
Teardrop Inspector
 
Posts: 12
Joined: Wed Oct 14, 2009 10:53 pm
Top

Postby bobhenry » Wed May 18, 2011 8:07 am

In my case a one word answer

BEER !



it's gotta go somewhere :oops:
Growing older but not up !
User avatar
bobhenry
Ten Grand Club
Ten Grand Club
 
Posts: 10368
Images: 2623
Joined: Fri Feb 09, 2007 7:49 am
Location: INDIANA, LINDEN
Top

Trailer Overhang

Postby Min » Sat Jul 23, 2011 9:57 am

I like your answer Bob.

Probably is the reason that progress is sooooo slow!!!!! :lol:
Min
Teardrop Inspector
 
Posts: 12
Joined: Wed Oct 14, 2009 10:53 pm
Top

Postby len19070 » Sat Jul 23, 2011 11:38 am

I went 65" on a 4' frame w/no inside wheel wells...no problems.

ImageImageImage

Happy Trails

Len
:peace: :peace: :peace: :peace: :peace:
http://s26.photobucket.com/user/len1907 ... 20trailers

"If you do good things, good things will happen to you"..... Earl Hickey
User avatar
len19070
3000 Club
3000 Club
 
Posts: 3054
Images: 24
Joined: Tue Aug 17, 2004 7:44 pm
Location: S.E Pa. Morton
Top

overhang

Postby Min » Sat Jul 23, 2011 11:44 am

That little guy looks awesome Len.

Looks like 2X4 floor components?

Nice looking work on the aluminum exterior. Awning looks great also.
Min
Teardrop Inspector
 
Posts: 12
Joined: Wed Oct 14, 2009 10:53 pm
Top

Postby starleen2 » Sat Jul 23, 2011 11:50 am

How about 14" (each side of overhang with no support on the over hang with 5/8 plywood for a floor? Remember that the walls act as supporting beams on the sides and keep it from sagging down. No need for a supporting structure underneath the overhang if the plywood is thick enough
From the green lantern build:
Image
User avatar
starleen2
5th Teardrop Club
 
Posts: 16272
Images: 224
Joined: Sat May 12, 2007 8:26 pm
Location: Pea Ridge ,AR
Top


Return to Trailer and Chassis Secrets

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 0 guests