asianflava wrote:I don't think you will need so many cross members 1 maybe 2 max. The trailer body is where most of the rigidity comes from. Think of it as a box loaded with gussets (the cabinetry). Since the frame is bolted to the box, the frame will only flex when the box does. I only have one crossmember on my frame. It serves as reinforcement for the single tube tongue.
I also plan on having only one central cross member of the same frame tubing as the "box". I will add two more cross members inbetween, but they will only be 1"x2"x1/8 angle for floor support. I hope my tongue weight calculations work out correctly, as I don't see any way to move the axle once it or mounting brackets are welded to the frame, except to make some elaborate 2-piece bracket system that works with bolts to move and refasten. And that would drop the axle 2 more inches below the frame, requiring a 0 or negative start angle to keep the frame from riding too high.
So, here is another of Cracker's wacky ideas. BUT, IT COULD WORK!!!. I may even try it.
As I said above, this would lower the axle 2" beneath the frame, rquiring a zero or even negative start angle. First cut a piece of 2" by 1/4" tube, 10" (same length as the axle mount) and bolt it to the top of the axle mount. But, first, drill 2 horizontal holes through the piece of tube 7" apart.
Then, I'd calculate approximately where the axle should go, and weld a 18"-24" piece of 2" by 1/4" angle to the bottom of the frame side rail, centered on the approximate axle location. This would give me room to maneuver the axle back and forth from it's starting point. Before welding it on, I'd drill a series of holes through the side of the angle, 3 1/2" apart. This would give me a series of positions 3 1/2" apart for axle movement forward and backard.
Then, bolt the tube on the axle to the angle. If I needed to lighten the tongue weight, just remove those two bolts, move the axle forward one or two holes and rebolt it on. Same goes for increasing tongue weight, move the axle back. These end view and side view diagrams show what I mean (hopefully):
Now, is that as clear as mud? Does anyone see any flaw with this design for mounting a "repositionable" axle?