View Single Post
  #5   Spotlight this post!  
Unread 09-02-2008, 21:17
Jay H 237 Jay H 237 is offline
Down at the railroad
AKA: Jason Hartmann
FRC #0237 (Black Magic)
Team Role: Mentor
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Rookie Year: 1999
Location: Watertown,CT
Posts: 3,331
Jay H 237 has a reputation beyond reputeJay H 237 has a reputation beyond reputeJay H 237 has a reputation beyond reputeJay H 237 has a reputation beyond reputeJay H 237 has a reputation beyond reputeJay H 237 has a reputation beyond reputeJay H 237 has a reputation beyond reputeJay H 237 has a reputation beyond reputeJay H 237 has a reputation beyond reputeJay H 237 has a reputation beyond reputeJay H 237 has a reputation beyond repute
Send a message via AIM to Jay H 237
Re: building a trailer

I built an open utility trailer from scratch, but not an enclosed one. From what I'm gathering you're looking for something like the Featherlite here http://www.fthr.com/trailers/style_t...lity&cat =rec ?

They use an aluminum frame with an aluminum sheet as the exterior skin. As mentioned pop rivets are used for the skin and some of the cross pieces in the frame. The main frame parts are TIG welded to the chassis for strength.

What is the frame that you already have? How large will this trailer be? What do you want to do about doors?

Now keep in mind too what the total weight will be (gross) of the trailer PLUS the stuff in it. In some states it will require it's own brakes if it's above a certain weight and may require a second axle (tandem).

If the trailer will be large for safety's sake get a sway control for the hitch, last thing you want is a cross wind catching the trailer and making it sway and thus making the tow vehicle sway (especially with smaller tow vehicles). They call it "the tail wagging the dog".

237 did have a small enclosed trailer (8' Haulmark) that a previous mentor (now deceased) had purchased. Once that trailer was filled with our stuff it was much heavier, will trailers you have to remember that the contents weigh more that the trailer itself. He had no trouble bringing the empty trailer home with his Aerostar but once filled the Aerostar wouldn't pull it. Add in wind resistence and it gets worse.
__________________
2006 Maryland Delphi "Driving Tomorrow's Technology" award
2006 Connecticut General Motor's Industrial Design award
2005 Finalists-----------New Jersey (along with our alliances again, 56 & 303)
2005 WINNERS of the Radio Shack Innovation in Control Award (not once, but twice! )
2004 WINNERS ------ Johnson & Johnson Mid-Atlantic Regional (also thanks to our alliances 56 & 303)
2004 General Motors Industrial Design Award Winners
2004 Archimedes Quarterfinalists (also thanks to our alliances 121 & 386)

NEMO _________ NonEngineering Mentor Organization
"Make it idiot proof and someone will make a better idiot!" - author unknown
Reply With Quote