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Thread: Trailer Frame - Height vs Stability

  1. 18th November 2006, 07:48 AM #1
    mr_sav Guest

    Trailer Frame - Height vs Stability

    OK, I am seeking input from you guys out there knocking up trailers, and those with experience with Trailers and frames for Rooftop tents or Boats.

    My trailer is being reworked. I am going to have a frame made to suit a rooftop tent.

    The ideal is to get as high as possible, without risking an easy rollover.

    I have not got picks, but will organise as soon as I get access to it again.

    The issue for me is the trailer has a hinged (removable) lid which opens up on the right hand side of the trailer, along the long edge. This is handy and I would not like to lose it. (It makes a great table as it comes off and I put legs under it) I will have to cut the support arm of the lid so it does not open so high. However, I need the frame to sit above the maximum hight of the lid opening.

    This would make the frame, with the roof top tent on top (when I source one) sit just below the roof height of the Land Rover.

    Is this ridicuously to high?

    I know walker opted for the lower frame. I am open to other peoples experiences.

    Regards.
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  2. 18th November 2006, 06:52 PM #2
    walker's Avatar
    walker
    walker is offline Wizard
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    Even with the lower frame I built it is still very high.

    I too wanted the rooftop tent to remain below the roof height of the Disco, this gives you a max height of 1900mm

    Now with the spring over the top of the axles, 30" tyres and 600mm sides on the trailer, the top of the trailer is at 1400mm. I then have a 100mm gab from the top of trailer to the rack which holds the rooftop tent and the tent sits 360mm high when packed away. This means the tent only sites 40mm below the roof height of the Disco.

    I could have made the sides of the trailer lower but I think 600mm sides is a good height.

    If you put on a tregg hitch then you can roll the trailer without rolling the car anyway.
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  3. 18th November 2006, 07:08 PM #3
    Bush65
    Bush65 is offline YarnMaster
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    The height of the centre of gravity will depend upon how much weight is down low in the trailer, as well as the weight and height of the roof top tent.

    Having the tent high, has 2 undesirable affects. Reduced stability and increased wind resistance.

    Have you considered other ways to get the tent lower?

    Just one thought! I assume to suit a trialer, it is the type which folds, like Ezi Awn or Howling Moon. Then you could slide the tent foward over the draw bar (imagine a fridge slide for example - my Howling Moon tent is lighter than my loaded fridge), open your hinged lid, then open the tent, back over the trailer.

    IMHO you will find this better than a high tent when it is windy, both towing and sleeping.
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  4. 26th November 2006, 10:16 AM #4
    mr_sav Guest
    I was considering the Slide, however did not think of over the drawbar. I was considering ability to slide left or right.

    Still up in the air about the rooftop tent option. I am considering something similar to a Universal Canvas or Mr_Swagman style.

    As I want the option to be able to fit an annexe etc, for Longer stays.

    Still waying up. This option would mean a length of 2.2 - 2.4m with a width between 1.4 and 1.8 depending on Model.

    If I had one custom made I would opt for a 1.70 x 2.4 Base.

    ie: similar to:

    http://www.mrswagman.com.au/rooftopt...oduction.shtml

    He Can custom Make to Size. Going slightly wider on the base would also extend the optional annexe out proportionaly as well.

    Decisons Decisions.

    All to hard.
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  5. 26th November 2006, 10:29 PM #5
    DEFENDERZOOK's Avatar
    DEFENDERZOOK
    DEFENDERZOOK is offline OldBushie
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    any chance you could rig up something to raise the tent up to open the lid of the trailer......
    then lower it for when on the move......?


    similar to a pop top caravan......
    the four support posts can be raised or lowered.......whether manually or mechanically......



    just an idea.....
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  6. 27th November 2006, 08:04 AM #6
    mr_sav Guest
    Zook,

    I have already commissioned a friend to have a look at this option. He's a gifted welder/toolmaker/ etc etc.

    I would need gas struts or something to the liking.

    The Ideal would be to have a frame approx 400mm high, with the struts being able to take it another 400 or so.

    This will allow clearance to open the lid for general stuff, and to raise for larger items. Further it will raise the Tent to similar height of Roof Rack, which will allow for my proposed Tent and Annexe to be suited to either the vehicle or Trailer.

    So Option 1 as above, or option 2 with this design would be to keep it as low to the trailer top as possible and have the stuts extend it up to approx 830mm.

    I do not know what strut systems are out there.

    The Idea is to have general rear view visibility over the trailer for general driving either with the frame low, and long struts, or view between the frame and trailer top with shorter stuts to raise it higher.

    One advantage of the higher frame is I have space to strap items between the frame and trailer top when need be. ie Firewood for example.

    I am concerned the frame 400 high may be too much though. I am open to comment about the frame sitting at 400, if this would be an issue or not.

    I weighed the Trailer, and it cam in at 500kg exact, as is in the photos at

    www.consultaus.com/Trailer

    Any constuctive view points would be appreciated.

    Regards.
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