Thread: A problem for all the budding engineers

Originally Posted by walker

I like the way you think Michael

The main problem I can see is that it would have to be about 500mm which might be a bit high/unstable for blocks of wood......but I do have a set of ramps which would easily fit inside the trailer, I will have to see how high they are.

As I said earlier I have decided to KISS and will have the tent fixed in position. The axle/hubs/brakes and suspension has been ordered as has all the steel. Will post on some pics...or start a new thread when i start the build.

You like the way he thinks but when I have the same idea you don't even notice?!

Mind you, I did follow it up with some slightly crazy ones so perhaps it got lost in the mess.

There's the reverse type of design in the 4WDM mag this month (arrived today) - a bike trailer with raised tent that's dropped to make camper - you could do the reverse if you want to give up the KISS thing.

Steve

Hi, I empathise with you. I am currently dealing with the same issue. I am getting my heavy duty 6*4 being revamped with longer drawbar, electric brakes etc etc. Hubs already match my 110 with same/rim-tyre setup. Like you I am wanting to fit a frame, however, I need to creep a bit higher, as I have a galvanised Lid which hinges open to the left.

I need to open it enough to get things in and out. The Lid slides of to the rear, which doubles up as solid Table. I am putting a frame up for the rooftop tent, however, I am going to fix it by flanges rather than the tube in tube to prevent the jamming effect. The idea is, that the whole frame can come of with rooftop tent, so I have my box trailer back in the big smoke, or even drop the frame to the ground if I need the trailer whilst away.

I am aiming to put a large box in front of the trailer on extended draw bar, to cater for my 60l Engel.

I have the Anderson plug kitted up on the truck rear, fitted with welding cable to hold the charge, to run it to the trailer to charge the Deep Cycles. This will allow me to hook up a 3phase charger by mains to charge the trailer batteries, and push it back to the deep cycles in the 110.

All fun and games. I need to make a quick decision whether to proceed with my trailer, or start afresh with a Chopped Up Land Rover. Likely though I will proceed with the trailer because it is a tangible item.

It will be good to see how you progress. PM me if you like, I would certainly like to exchange ideas.

Regards.

How long are you making your drawbar and what size steel are you using?


I was looking at a few makes and they have whopping big ones!!!

I hope I have big enough steel for my drawbar. I am using 75x50x4mm and it will be 1800 long. I am going to make the drawbar become an integeral part of the frame, it will all be one piece on each side with just a notch cut out to bend it to the right angle then weld it back up

http://www.lrocv.com.au/gallery/disp...lbum=35&pos=14

http://www.lrocv.com.au/gallery/disp...lbum=35&pos=16

Hi Adam,

Had a look at your word.doc's. I will have new draw bars welded which will be approx 640 longer than current, haven't got the actual length in front of me at the moment. So far as to say, from all my homework, the ideal length of a trailer is: Hitch to Axle = Length of wheelbase of tow vehicle.

Interestingly for me this equates to about the 640 above, which incidently is the size in width of the box I will need to put on the Aframe for my Fridge. Tube Size at the momement is 50*75 and my Trailer Guy "Back Yard" though he works contract for Treg as well, suggesting 50*100. Thickness to 3 or 4mm.

Regarding your drawing, I would suggest extending your drawbar underneath the trailer to just in front of the springs (if you have not already planned for this).

Your trailer looks great - purpose built ground up. I am simply working with an old but proven Trailer that I already have. I need a bit of room, as I am not only camping, but need to cart my dive gear around as well.

Where abouts in Melb are you. I am considering coming over for the long weekend and a few days around. I may head to Queenscliff for some diving. Also I might book into LR automotive for Springs/Shockers.

Regards,

Steve.

OK, well that doesn't give me a lot of confidence. I guess I will have to hope the 75x50 is big enough. One thing in my favour is that the trailer is not going to weigh more than 700kg fully loaded.

The long rails on the chasis actually form the drawbar. Does this make sense? So the 75x50 tube drawbar will be cut and bent where it becomes the chassis and welded back up.This means that the drawbar actually extends to the rear of the trailer and also sits up higher.

I am hanging out to start but have to wait till the axle/hubs arrive. I dont want to go making up the frame and find it is too wide.

have tried to make sense of the last two pages, sounds like the red stars thread,no sense,have just made up my trailer for camping and the base unit was the trusty 6x4 box ,then swung the axle under the springs for extra height ,then fitted 15 inch commodore rims with31x10x15 tyres ,more lift ,the top is made from discarded canopy from old moby,with the steel frame roof rack that to me looks like it had a roof topper fitted by some previous owner bolted on top,the sides and top will simply unbolt should i need the standard trailer,and front and rear doors as well,right rear corner i have welded a support leg for stability,and on the left front side there is a sink arrangement (not shown ) that simply folds down ,so that we even take the kitchen sink!

Can't speak for the other contributers Ferno, but I was brainstorming some ideas to get a raised bed with a low towing height. When I puts me money down and buys it I'll post a photo of my mate's camping trailer - think 5x7 converted to a mini-caravan. It looks like yours only tougher and, if possible, uglier. I don't own a rooftop tent and wouldn't put one on a camping trailer if I did, but I did try to help with some sensible and silly ideas to get the creative juices flowing - and they seem to have flowed rather well, which probably had nothing to do with me.

Stars thread indeed. Humph and double Humph.

Steve

Originally Posted by fernockulated

have tried to make sense of the last two pages, sounds like the red stars thread,no sense

You big whinger!!! It all makes perfect sense......well except for the portable hole.