Trailer Build- Need Advice

[Java]

I'm building a small offfroad trailer, something like this one, and I'm wondering what sizes and shapes of metal would be right for the tounge and frame. Also, how long of a tounge? does 48" past the frame to the end of the coupler sound right? Im new to fabrication and could use some advice, any advice really. I want it to be 40" wide and about 48" long (I know HF makes one that size but it's too light weight). I plan to have fixed sides about 16" to 18" high with two cross bars just like a roof rack that will make the sides more rigid and hold a roof top carrier over the top, and there will be tailgates front and rear on it. The front tailgate will rest on the tounge when it's open making a sort of table. I think a standard 2" hitch ball will be fine offroad, not really sure though. I've seen some 2" ball / pintle hybrids that look interesting.

Does anyone know of a good local source for trailer axles, used or new? I'm looking for a used trailer with a 5 x 4.5 bolt pattern that I can cut up, but so far CL is full of junk, if anyone has one or just an axle I'm interested.

Thanks!!

[Brad]

Not a expert by any means but when I was researching a HD axle for my popup I came across these:

http://abctrailerparts.com/

http://www.humphreystrailerparts.com...=HUMPHREYPARTS

i believe you need to figure the weight, via options you are planning to add then figure the structure. You can do overkill but it will force you to tow more weight than you need.

[Hypoid]

Try these guys: http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthrea...trailer+supply

Myself, I'd use some type of C-channel for the frame. Less material, less weight, no sacrifice in load capacity. There is a reason you see it used for load bearing elements in trailers, cars, trucks, rail cars...

Maybe one of the engineering types on the board can shed more light on the subject.

[Popsgarage]

Junkyard axle bearings that would work for what you want to do will come off a Chrysler mini-van. Hubs unbolt and use a piece of DOM for the axle tube. Leaf's off of a Chevrolet mini-van might be short enough and work well enough. And what Mike said about the frame. Measure from the edge of your Jeep to the centerline of your Jeep to determine tongue length, that way you can make the front of the trailer clear the quarters and turn the trailer 90 degrees to the rig. You could always do the collapsible tongue we discussed several months ago. Long for highway use and in camp, short for on the trails.

[Hypoid]

Something I heard years ago (take it with a grain of salt), is to set the wheels at about 2/3 the way back from the end of the tongue. Maybe somebody else has heard the same, or otherwise.

[Popsgarage]

Dunno about that one. Sounds about right, but I'm not sure. Do your research, Paul.

[Java]

Thanks! I'm just going to center the axle under the bed for asthetics and adjust the load to keep the weight over and towards the front of the axle for function. The heaviest thing I'll have is about 10 gal of water, 88 lbs, and my box of Jeep tools and parts, about 100 lbs +/-. Total load should be easily under 500lbs, and I want to keep the trailer as light as possible without using too thin steel. I'll err on the side of overkill if I'm not sure. I'm just going to buy an axle, Northern tool has full setups with hubs and leaf springs starting at $199.00 that look good. The only issue I'm finding is that the springs are mounted too close to the hub face on all of them for 33s on 8" rims with 5" backspacing to clear, they'll have to be cut and rewelded.

[CR]

Try redneck trailer supplies. They are local and will have any imaginable axle size and configuration. They are also full of good advice.

[Chris]

Paul when you have some time to kill you could read through this thread.

Drew's Expedition Trailer Build

Drew is a local guy, Rising Sun member that would be easy to get in touch with if you would like to talk to someone with experience building his trailer.

[Java]

thanks again! Chris, that thread will take some time!! butit looks great, thanks. From what I've read already I think I'll go with the pintle instead of the ball.

Everything about this is proper. I want to wheel his house too!

[Cr33p3r]

You can also check out Jayhawk Trailers in Commerce City, they are on the south side of 72nd Ave between Holly St. & Ivanhoe St. I have done business with them a few times and always been treated good there.

[Java]

Thanks, Sean. I've found a few sources, just narrowing down what I need.

This guy has a kind of butch version of what I want, and has some pretty clever features on it. Gotta love the tailgate bolts with the wrenches welded on!