Converting a Travel Trailer

[DavesTractor]

The I-beams look light duty compared to an equipment trailer. As many have said, the superstructure on the RV adds quite a bit of stiffness allowing for a lighter frame. You might consider shortening the trailer, then placing the axles in the optimum position based on that length. Add to that the reinforcements you are considering and it should make a nice 16-20' flatbed deck trailer.

 

[dilligaf241]

Ok, got a pretty accurate measurement on the frame today. It's just under 28' load area and the axle is set at right at 17'. That's right on the 60/40 ratio. The main I-beams are 10" and are 1/8" thick in the center and 1/4" on the top and bottom. I already planned on building my own cross bracing. Steel here isn't too bad on cost and there is a place near me that scraps and has a big pile of structural that they sell at .45 a lb. All in all, I'm going to go ahead with this project. Mainly because I have this one, I just put $600 in tires for it and I can spread out the spending over time and ease the load on me financially. Did get the suggestion to use channel instead of box due to the wet climate here, and think that's a good idea.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Good luck but I agree with most others the best thing to do is sell it for what you have in it and put that money into the right trailer. In the long run you will be money ahead.

Figure you will have 30 hours into this one and probably $750 more in materials. Use that 30 hours to get some overtime at work or do a side job with your tractor. You will be happier in the long run.

This is coming from a guy with 20 plus years in the trailer business.

Chris

 

[dilligaf241]

That would be something to consider except that I work in law enforcement, so there is no such thing as overtime. Side jobs are why I'm doing this. I have been offered several but can't take them without a way to move the tractor. Also my wife has decided that we are in debt reduction mode right now so that puts a stop through just going to the bank and savings just got hit to pay off some liabilities.

 

[yelbike]

I see the point of selling and buying the correct trailer but built it, take pictures, post them. I'm sure lost of us will watch. I too have thought of the same project but just don't have the time. Good luck.

 

[kenmac]

That would be something to consider except that I work in law enforcement, so there is no such thing as overtime. Side jobs are why I'm doing this. I have been offered several but can't take them without a way to move the tractor. Also my wife has decided that we are in debt reduction mode right now so that puts a stop through just going to the bank and savings just got hit to pay off some liabilities.

I hear you . Pay as you go and don't take out a loan to buy a trailer. You may have a little more in it when finished, but it will be paid for. If you know what you're doing, it should work out ok for ya. Just check your weight . You don't want to over load your axles/tires. I went through the weight issue adding to make my 18' a 20' trailer. I had to up grade to 5200 lb axles and E rated tires

 

[timswi]

I also agree with the others in regards to buying a purpose built trailer...That said, if I was going to do this, I'd cut it down to a max of 20' and do some serious reinforcement. TT's really aren't built for concentrated weight, and the superstructure keeps it square and stable. At 28' you are going to have one heavy and unwieldy trailer.

 

[Diamondpilot]

No OT in law enforcement? I have two cop buddies and all they do is work security and OT. Must be a departmental thing.

I truly believe that in the long run you will be money ahead. I have seen this situation before.

By the way, I have a trailer and truck. In 19 plus years of owning trailers for my tractors there is two things I have learned. First is I don't use it nearly as much as I thought I would. Second is if it's 5 to 7 miles away I just drive the tractor. It's quicker. By the time you hitch up, check the tires, load the tractor, strap it down, drive there, and unload I can be 5 to 7 miles down the road driving my tractor.

Something to think about.

By the way, I would not be without my trailer either.

Chris

 

[timswi]

No OT in law enforcement? I have two cop buddies and all they do is work security and OT. Must be a departmental thing.

I truly believe that in the long run you will be money ahead. I have seen this situation before.

By the way, I have a trailer and truck. In 19 plus years of owning trailers for my tractors there is two things I have learned. First is I don't use it nearly as much as I thought I would. Second is if it's 5 to 7 miles away I just drive the tractor. It's quicker. By the time you hitch up, check the tires, load the tractor, strap it down, drive there, and unload I can be 5 to 7 miles down the road driving my tractor.

Something to think about.



By the way, I would not be without my trailer either.



Chris

There are salaried people in law enforcement. That's what I read into that.

 

[dilligaf241]

No, We are comp'd out. They can't afford to pay it anymore. Budget cuts every time we turn around. I don't get details because I'm a Corrections Officer. Never liked the idea of being in a car all day or night long. Guess being locked in with the criminals wasn't much of an improvement but after almost 20 years I can't afford to get out now. I agree on the 5 mile thing, I have done that a few times, but it's really rural here and most everything is more than that away from me.