Hello, this is my second post, I originally posted over on the chassis page without seeing this offroad dedicated forum. I have a '86 Jeep CJ7 and want to build an offroad capable Teardrop. I don't see taking the Tear on trails but definitely will use it on rough roads for hunting and fishing trips. While fishing in Wyoming last month we had to cross several road washouts and streams that I would never have taken a HF trailer across. I want to build a sturdy frame that can also be used as a utility trailer with the cabin removed, I don’t know that I would actually ever do that but it sounds like a good idea. I am concerned with weight and the strength requirements. I don’t want to tow anything to heavy with my Jeep. I was thinking of building a 5’X10’ frame out of 2”X2” .125” tubing with cross members on 24” centers. I was considering replacing the internal cross members with 2” angle. My question is are all those cross members needed? It looks like the difference in weight would only be 26 lbs. The whole frame made out of 2”X2” with a 2”X3” tongue looks like 178 lbs. I don’t know the weight of 3500lbs axle and 31” tires & wheels. I also read somewhere that you don’t want a crossmember over the axle, why is that?
Thanks for any info, this was all I needed one more obsession!