HF weight comparison to custom buillt trailer

[GeorgeT]

Harbor Freight says their 1800# trailers weighs 243 lbs. Was wondering if a steel trailer of the same size with a torsion axle could be built that would weigh less. Would the weight savings be worth the extra cost of custom built? I can't weld......(yet)

[mikeschn]

I seem to recall my 5x8 trailer weight estimate in the 265# range. That did not include the wheels.

Andrew also did a weight estimate on my trailer... I'd have to go searching the archives for that though...

If you can afford to go with the torsion axle, that's the best choice... with the dampening action, it keeps the trailer from bouncing all over the road.

Mike...

[angib]

Mike, the weight estimate I did was of the Winter Warrior.

George, so here comes the instant estimate for a 5x8 trailer based on Mike's Baja Benroy:
926" of 2x2x1/8 tube 237lb
Axle #9 Dexter (2200lb capacity) no brakes 68lb
Wheels 175/70x13 29lb each
coupler 7lb
fender (steel, round) 6lb each
paint, weld, lights, chains, etc, say 5lb
Grand total 387lb

If you wanted to go lighter, but still at least as strong as the HF, you might get something more like:
less steel tube, say 150lb
Axle #8 Dexter (1100lb capacity) no brakes 53lb
wheels 5.30x12 24lb each
coupler 7lb
fender (smaller) 3lb each
paint, weld, lights, chains, etc, say 5lb
Grand total 266lb

Hands up all those who want me to do the 'weight estimating' web page with wall weights and the chassis weight data used above?

Andrew

Edited to correct error - weights have increased.

[Steve Frederick]

My 5' by 10' frame weighs 310 lbs. 2" by 2" by 1/8" thick tube all 'round. 2000 lb. rated spring setup.

[GeorgeT]

The smaller trailer estimate with the 1100 lb axle would work for me. So, I'm looking at maybe a 30 lb or so loss of weight compared to HF trailer. The torsion axle would be great but the cost, since I cain't weld, to have one built would probably be significantly more than the HF. For me the 30 lb difference and the extra cost to achieve that (even with the benefit of having a torsion axle) doesn't win out over the HF trailer. If I had a welding unit and could confidently weld, I would go that way. Thanks you very much for your input and helping me with my decision.

[mikeschn]

Hands up all those who want me to do the 'weight estimating' web page with wall weights and the chassis weight data used above?

Andrew

Yes, I'd like to see the weight estimate webpage... I'd also like to see an estimated weight of my 5x8 Lil Diner trailer. The trailer dims are here
http://www.mikenchell.com/lildiner/trailer.html

Or was that what you just did? Then I'd be curious to hear what you think the Baja Benroy trailer weighs...



Mike...

[mikeschn]

Andrew,

Can you also estimate the weight of this 4x8 Welded trailer!!!



Thanks,

Mike...

[asianflava]

The torsion axle would be great but the cost, since I cain't weld, to have one built would probably be significantly more than the HF.

If you're interested, I could to talk to my buddy. He has a place that does roll cages http://www.jkcustoms.com/ and he said he'd weld my frame up when I was ready. He already has the accounts with Magnum Trailers and the steel place. So he could order everything up too. He's kinda running his buisness on the side now so he's got funny hours.

[GeorgeT]

I think I am going to stick with the HF trailer and do a few little mods to it. Seems to be the least expensive way to go. Not always the best way to go but sometimes its the best ya can do. Talked to welders as UT Physical Plant and they said it would still be expensive even it they gave me a good labor rate as the steel and parts and stuff would be more than the HF trailer. Thanks though and hello from Austin. I'm in South Austin down William Cannon way. I go up to Pfluegerville occasionally to visit a friend. Do you have your camper built yet? Haven't seen any of these little trailers around here. Would like to see one and hopefully someday go to a gathering. We used to motorhome a bit and I sure liked the group of people we met that were camping out too. George

[asianflava]

What about the UT teardrop? I saw one painted up in the burnt orange and white livery with a cannon on top! It was at somebody's house in Cedar Park. I was meaning to get a pic of it but I haven't made it up there.

There are a few people around, Capt. Dan is in Jarrell He is finished, or is close to finishing a cubby. I have to contact him.
D. Tillery is in San Antonio, last I remember he won't be starting till next year.
Mine is coming along, Got the side wall and floor framing done. Was planning on laminating the walls this weekend but that may not happen because I still lack a few things. You can read my build log (since I have it fixed now)
http://asianflava.journalspace.com/ Maybe we can get together one weekend just to meet up?

[angib]

Cor blimey! Here they are with workings-out, carryings-over and lickings-of-the-end-of-the-pencil.

Lil' Diner (all 2"x2"x1/8" @ 3.07lb/ft except tongue):
Tongue 2x66=132" of 2"x2"x3/16" @ 4.62lb/ft = 50.8lb
Side longitudinals 2x94=188" > 48.1lb
Front/back transverse 2x58=116" > 29.7lb
Intermediate transverse 56" > 14.3lb EACH
So frame with one/two/three intermediate transverses = 143/157/172lb

Other weights as in previous post, but axle weights quoted are for 60" hubface so add, what, 5lb for the extra width? I would expect the extra bits in a Flexiride axle would increase the weight over a Dexter, but that's a (wa) guess.

4x8 (all 2"x2"x1/8" @ 3.07lb/ft except tongue):
Tongue 2x57=104" of 2"x2"x3/16" @ 4.62lb/ft = 40.0lb
Side longitudinals 2x94=188" > 48.1lb
Front/back transverse 2x46=92" > 23.5lb
Intermediate transverses 2x44=88" > 22.5lb
So total = 134lb (or 121lb with 1/8" wall tongue)

Previous calc was for 5x8 frame, with detail taken from Baja Benroy pics (and a coupla guesses), in 1/8" wall tube throughout.

Previous calc also had an error in it - I had left out the extra side members - now corrected. Hopefully this calc has been done more carefully!

Andrew

[GeorgeT]

Sure, a weekend meet would be fine. Next time I go to Pfluegerville, I'll contact you beforehand and set up a meet. Like to see whacha got done. I am going to go ahead and order trailer. Harbor Freight down here doesn't have one in stock but they said they'd order me one for the same price as online price but would still have to pay sales tax. If I order from HF they send free plus a little 5 buck charge for something and no tax. I called HF in San Antonio and they have none in stock. I'm beginning to think the retail stores only stock displays. Good luck on your build. looks like it's coming along.

[mikeschn]

4x8 (all 2"x2"x1/8" @ 3.07lb/ft except tongue):
Tongue 2x57=104" of 2"x2"x3/16" @ 4.62lb/ft = 40.0lb
Side longitudinals 2x94=188" > 48.1lb
Front/back transverse 2x46=92" > 23.5lb
Intermediate transverses 2x44=88" > 22.5lb
So total = 134lb (or 121lb with 1/8" wall tongue)

Axle #9 Dexter (2200lb capacity) no brakes 68lb
Wheels 175/70x13 29lb each
coupler 7lb
fender (steel, round) 6lb each
paint, weld, lights, chains, etc, say 5lb
Grand total 387lb

Looks like roughly
40
48
24
23
68
58
7
12
5
-----
285 lbs for the rolling chassis... very good! I like it!!!

Mike...

[Capt. Dan]

hey GeorgeT, glad to see that Texas is being represented here. I'm building aCubby, started in Aug and about 80% done...down to installing the aluminum sides and minor details.

Asianflava, give me a call when your ready to come over...I'm finally to the point that it looks like a camper!

Capt Dan

[BrianB]

In Austin too, but I'm still scribbling designs in AutoCAD.

I stopped by Lowes up on I-35 and Parmer and it had 5x8 Carry-On Trailers for $598 (or maybe it was $498, can't remember). I figure the cost of steel + axle + trailer parts + tires + welding would be about that much anyway and I like the idea of someone who actually knows what they're doing building the foundation for my trailer.

It weighs in at ~400lbs, though. Not a lightweight.