PopUp Chassis

[NebraskaTeachr]

I asked this in the general forum with no response, so I thought I would come here.

I have an old popup camper with a busted lift mechanism and rotting canvas. The frame of the trailer is 78" x 92" with a 48" tongue. The axle is 42" from the back of the frame. I am wanting to build something like Andrew's wanderer, because mama says it has to sleep 4. I thought I could put bunks in front and a dinette in the back, similar to his B layout for the 10 ft plan.

If I use this frame am I going to have to extend it or move the axle back? I was thinking I could move forward 12" toward the front, but then I am still hanging 16" of trailer over the back end of the frame. This just seems like an odd sized trailer.

TIA

Tim

[NebraskaTeachr]

Here is a rough (very rough) model of what I have in mind for the trailer.


This would leave 18" hanging over the back of the frame and you can see there is a conflict with the door and the wheel.
Here is what the floor would look like if I extend the tongue 12"

At times like this I wish I really knew how to use sketchup.

[angib]

You could almost squeeze that layout into the 92" length, if you were willing to give up more than a narrow galley: 48" dinette + 20" walkway + 24" single berth = 92"

Extending an equal amount front and back of the frame is not generally a problem structurally, but you do run the risk of making the front corners of the body come close to, or hit, the tow vehicle when turning. Trying to hang much more over the back than over the front may give you a balance (and hence towing stability) problem.

[NebraskaTeachr]

Here is a sketchup with the dimensions given above. I think this is doable.

Thanks Andrew.