noseoil wrote:OK people, here's a working design I'm going to build in the future. It will be a simple 5x10 benroy with 2" tube frame, 3/4" skeletonized plywood sides, aluminum skins and whatever I can afford inside for finish & comfort.
My question is about the axle setup now. I'm thinking the 2000# Flexiride would be best, but down-rated to about 1500# for this version (target weight of 1200#) with a "start" angle of 22 degrees. If I'm pulling with a Nissan Frontier & a hitch height of about 13"-14" what am I looking at for a tire size to keep things level? I'd like to pull with 15" rims to match the truck and tow easier on bumps. I can adjust the ride height by choosing the correct aspect ratio of the tire. Best guess from the folks here on where I'll end up and comments on this type of axle? Would a Dexter be better? Best place to buy the axle and any tips on setting it up properly (cost, shipping, etc.)? All input greatly appreciated. thanks for looking, tim
noseoil wrote:John, thanks for your reply. The pattern you see in the sketch of the side is the 3/4" plywood side, cut out for the "frame" for sides. It will have 1/8" skins inside & outside for shear panels. I'm planning on 1 x 2 spars for the roof, 1/8" ceiling & roof panels, all covered with .032 aluminum skins. I'm sure I haven't thought through all of the weight issues, but hopefully I can do some light, strong stuff to cut weight and still have a good tight box.
I took a quick look at your build (at work still) and it does look plenty stout! What thickness skin did you use for aluminum? It looks thick, but I can't tell from the pictures. Best, tim
noseoil wrote:I'm wondering if a 1200# target weight is even realistic now for a 5X10, without going to exotic materials like we used in aircraft cabinetry. With frame & panel construction for joinery, 1/8" skins wherever possible, the usual amenities and not too much in gear (no microwave but a 5K A/C unit running on shore power plus a group 27 battery for 12 v power & 65 watt solar panel) is this a realistic target weight? Still looking for a thread which posts all-up weights and relative sizes. Is there one out there which I've missed in a search?
I still need to order an axle, but don't want to go too light on the weight rating. I'm thinking a 2000# axle would be too stiff for a nice ride & tow. If you have a moment, could you post to this thread with your basic build type, overall box dimensions, a finished picture & the actual rolling weight? Thanks, tim
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