Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

I can get a 5 x 8 utility trailer locally, or I have found this site where I can get the kit (minus the steel and wood) for about half the cost. I'd appreciaste opinions and experience you might have had with making the choice.

The link to the kit is http://www.utilitytrailerkit.com/

and once there, I chose the 2000 pound weight for $270. There would be a shipping fee but no sales tax. Buying the trailer locally would be no shipping but TN tax of about 50 bucks.

For a 5 x 8, approximately how much would be the framing steel?

And one other question: your opinion on bolting the frame vs welding (I am NOT a weldor )

Thanks! Rebel

Rebel,
Aren't you the guy from East Tennessee? Anywhere near Gatlinburg? We have property in Cosby TN.
Anyway, about the weld versus bolt trailers.
We went with the bolt together frame. Though hubby can weld, just found it easier to get the bolt one.
We used lock-tite (I think thats what its called) on all bolts or you can use the store bought kind. We thought with the locktite stuff, it would be just fine.
Bev

Rebel,,if you have a tractor supply or a northern tool store handy they both have a good supply of trailer parts and accessories, and both have web sites though I dont have the link for them,,northern tool also has complete trailers,,,one thing about a bolt together, ya can always weld after its together if ya a little unsure of the bolts,,dont know how much the steel will cost ya but its high right now,,make a new friend with a welder in my case I found a 6x12 trailer and cut it down or well a friend and I cut it down to size,,then he welded it back together,,cost me a bar tab the next time I see him to get it done,,oh well the price of building a TEAR,, a nifty little grinder will clean up ugly welds,,just make sure they are solid,,

if ya get down to upstate SC give me a shout , I am in construction phase but will be glad to show ya what I got so far,,,

chip

Thanks to you folks for your tips and suggestions. I'd love to see your TD's (those under construction or completed). I live near Oak Ridge on Poplar Creek not too far from Knoxville.

I am checking out any info I can find on the web as well as asking around here. Will make a decision in a few days. I have a mechanic I want to talk with who might be able to help me with any welding, but if not, I will go ahead with the bolts plan.

I want the cab to wind up being a 5 x 5 x 8. Next question is whether to choose a 4 ft trailer and extend the walls over the sides by 6 inches or go for the 5 ft to start. I kinda liked the idea of the wheels being partially under the walls with cutouts, but not sure if that is really a good idea. My van (a Kia Sedona) when including the side mirrors would still be wider than the 5 ' with the wheels outside.

I like the idea of the torsion axle if for no other reason than for a better ride for the TD. I can get one including the rest of the trailer kit (not counting the steel) for about 400 plus shipping.

Hope to start within a couple of weeks!

Rebel

Hey Rebel,,, Jim in Savanna , Ga has got a metal frame that he is canning and starting a wood frame trailer,,ya'll might could talk,,

just my openion but you could pick up a dang nice trailer complete for the 400 bucks you say it will cost for axle and etc etc,,,you will be a long way ahead of the game if ya can and then build to what you got,,width wise its just a matter of cutting off a little or adding a little,,length is a whole different situation,,scarfing panels or finding plywood over 8',,,but no matter its just another detail you have to figure out and design around,,
one point also is funds,,if its not a prob then just go have a welder turn key build you a trailer to your exact specs,,,

make it a good day,,Chip

Rebel,
You may want to check with a trailer builder for a quote on one built to your specs if you're talking about $400. plus steel. I was given a price of $480 for a 5'x10' earlier this year. Another $100 to have it powder coated.
Good luck,
Clancy

Hey Rebel,

I built my frame for much less than $400 and it's custom made just for my trailer. Maybe if you know someone that can weld (doesn't have to be certified) it can be done in an afternoon if you have all the materials on hand. I got my wheels with tires on them in a wrecking yard for 50 bucks and when finished just put on decent tires.

Happy tear-dropping's,
Denny

Hey Rebel,
I got the components for my project from the same source. I had a problem with a wheel stud. The service was great! They sent me a repair part AND a spare, not that I should be needing one!
I spent about $120 on steel,2"x 2"x 1/8" tube, (quite beefy) $20 or so for welding rod and such, welded it myself. I'm not certified, but I know how to use a grinder!
The frame weighs 320# It's 5'x10'
I painted it for $20 in Rustoleum spray paint.
After finishing the frame, I canned the wheels that came with the kit in favor of 15" chrome units. If you want car style wheels, delete the spoked ones when you order. All in all, I'm happy, and I can say... " I did it, MY WAY" Frame is down side up in the pic!

You folks offer some very good ideas. Steve, thanks for the pic of the trailer. I also took a look at the web pages you all offered. Very nice! I hope I can have a page with progress showing soon, too.

The larger tires was going to be my next question. Sounds like thats the way to go.

Rebel

steve,

look carefully at your frame picture. in the upper right is something i have never seen before.....OH!


a clean workbench!!!

we could all share in this lesson; good job on the frame, too.

Hey! That's no workbench...It's the Teardrop's floor, freshly coated in asphalt roof coating. If it was dry, it would be covered in stuff..Look farther in the background to see the "real" workbench, buried alive!
I found that I lose a lot of time in the shop, looking for stuff. Lately, I try to keep a cleaner, more organized shop, and a list of tasks. I have made a lot of progress lately...must be the list?

It seems that 11 gauge (apprx 1/8 inch) is the standard for the trailer. Kuffel Creek recommends it for their Comet, too.

Rebel

oh yeah, so it is.....


boy your shop is a mess!

OK, here is my part list from that place:

Qty Description Part Number Price
(1) Trailer Axle price (5-4.75" idler hubs) xxxxx 79.95
(2) Leaf Spring T2SW4B 16.95 ea.
(1) U-bolt Kit T3APUBR238BX 14.95
(1) Hanger Kit for Single Trailer Axle T3APS1BX 17.95
(2) Single Wheel Fender (14"-16") (round) TF271232 10.95 ea.
(2) Fender Back for TFT68E TF271232 4.95 ea.
(1) Trailer Light Kit PM545 23.06
(1) Atwood 2" 5,000 lb. A-frame coupler A880072 21.95
(1) Atwood A-frame jack A880401 21.95
(1) Atwood caster (2" OD) A880552 15.95
(2) Safety chain (36" x 1/4" 1-Hook) LCSC1436-1 3.95 ea.
TOTAL 264.41

Does it look like I forgot anything? All I have to do is find the steel locally and have it pre-cut (saving the cost of a chop saw I would only use once)

Bill of materials for selected 2,000 lb. trailer kit:

(1) 2,000 lb. Flexiride Torsion Axle

(2) thirteen inch ST17580D13B white spoke wheel and tire

(2) thirteen inch fenders

(1) trailer light kit including tail lights, clearance lights, license plate bracket, and wire with connection

(1) Atwood 2" 50° A-frame coupler

(1) Atwood A-frame jack

(2) Safety chain

Part Number: ASINTFLEXKIT2000 | Total weight: 300 lb. | Price: $399.95

I then went back and did "price individually" including an upgrade on these wuth *

(1) 2,000 lb. Flexiride Torsion Axle = 189.95

*(2) 14" X 6" 5-4.5" BC MODULAR TRAILER WHEEL W/ ST20575D14C TIRE MOUNTED AZ128692WT25B $54.95

*(2) RECOMMENDED ROUND SINGLE FENDER FOR 14"-16" WHEEL TFT68E $10.95

(1) SUBMERSIBLE LIGHTING KIT (UNDER 80' WIDE) VA007539 $29.51

(1) 5,000 lbs Atwood style a-frame coupler for 2" ball.
80072 $21.95

(1) 2,000 lbs Atwood a-frame jack 80401 $21.95

(2) 36" X 1/4" 1-HOOK SAFETY CHAIN LCSC1436-1 $3.95


Total price = $403.06 (of course, note the torsion axle over the standard leaf axle

Kit for standard leaf axle is $269.95 as opposed to same torsion kit at $399.95