car trailer design

WZ JUNK · April 08, 2014, 12:55:00 PM

A friend is wanting to build a simple single axle nostalgia race car trailer for his gasser. I know there is a rule of thumb for designing the tongue and axle placement but I have forgot what they are. I am hoping that Frank or someone will remember.

John

Charlie Chops 1940 · April 08, 2014, 03:27:19 PM

google single axle trailer plans and similar searches.

chris spokes · April 08, 2014, 05:43:43 PM

this one was put up by frank a long time ago hope it helps

http://www.ehow.com/way_5278394_trailer-axle-placement-tips.html

jaybee · April 08, 2014, 09:56:03 PM

Great way to describe how to determine the axle location. The goal is to get 60% of the weight ahead of the axle. That's a rule of thumb which helps keep the unit from becoming unstable behind the tow vehicle.

phat rat · April 08, 2014, 10:41:25 PM

I've always been under the impression it was 1" behind center of bed for every ft of bed length, 15 ft trailer the axle would be 15" in back of center. The 60% factor would put the axle 3" further back on that 15 ft bed. I don't see where it would be a big difference from one to the other.

1800guy · April 08, 2014, 11:35:29 PM

My single-axle tilt trailer has a 12 foot deck. The axle center is 74" from the front of the deck and the ball center is 56" ahead of the deck. The trailer is very stable both loaded and empty at highway speeds. Best advice I received was to buy good trailer-rated tires. Worst problem is forgetting that you have the trailer behind you

phat rat · April 09, 2014, 10:01:10 AM

Quote from: "1800guy"My single-axle tilt trailer has a 12 foot deck. The axle center is 74" from the front of the deck and the ball center is 56" ahead of the deck. The trailer is very stable both loaded and empty at highway speeds. Best advice I received was to buy good trailer-rated tires. Worst problem is forgetting that you have the trailer behind you

But if some day you wind up with just a bit more weight on the rear you'll find it unstable above a certain speed. As far as trailer rated tires being the best, that's something I've never paid attention to and have never had a problem. I would estimate that I have over 70K on my 24 ft trailer and it's never had trailer tires on it and I've only had one blowout. One thing about trailer rated tires. Did you know they are all made in China? Have you ever read some of the negative comments on the RV forums about tire problems

1800guy · April 09, 2014, 07:02:11 PM

I adjust the car position to put 275-300 lbs on the hitch - seems to be pretty stable.

Although the tires say Made In Canada, I suppose they could be fakes. I'll keep my fingers crossed. My understanding of the value of trailer tires is in increased sidewall stiffness, but that could be wrong too.

Crosley.In.AZ · April 09, 2014, 08:29:52 PM

I'd suggest a dual axle trailer for safety. Nostalgia is all fine n dandy , but I prefer safety factor

tomslik · April 10, 2014, 05:46:25 AM

Quote from: "1800guy"I adjust the car position to put 275-300 lbs on the hitch - seems to be pretty stable.

Although the tires say Made In Canada, I suppose they could be fakes. I'll keep my fingers crossed. My understanding of the value of trailer tires is in increased sidewall stiffness, but that could be wrong too.

that, and the sit more than regular tires so they don't get flexed as much and brakes on BOTH axles is a good idea...my 18ft flatbed only has 1 axle brakes and it can be an issue at times...

PeterR · April 10, 2014, 10:10:20 AM

Quote from: "tomslik"...... and brakes on BOTH axles is a good idea...my 18ft flatbed only has 1 axle brakes and it can be an issue at times...

I have a simple approach. If a trailer needs two axles to carry the load, it needs two axle brakes to stop it.

tomslik · April 10, 2014, 07:04:26 PM

Quote from: "PeterR"
Quote from: "tomslik"...... and brakes on BOTH axles is a good idea...my 18ft flatbed only has 1 axle brakes and it can be an issue at times...

I have a simple approach. If a trailer needs two axles to carry the load, it needs two axle brakes to stop it.

I agree, but there's a lot of trailers that were built before 1993 (mine)...feds mandated brakes on both axles if it's a 2 axle trailer...mine is a 92..