Enclosed Trailer Build

[BrentonSpear]

Hi All,

I recently purchased this trailer frame and plan to enclose it.

Attachment 161950

The dimensions are:

Total length (hitch to rear): 4000mm
Wide: 2310mm
From back to start of tapered section: 2600mm
Tapered front section: 900mm
Between the guards: 1850mm
Axles: 38mm Square

My plan is to enclose the whole trailer to look something like this:

Attachment 161952

I am going to use it to store and cart my radio control planes and gear around so the total weight it has to carry will not be very big but I will build it and register it so that it is still rated higher than I need it to be.

I think that I will replace the hangers and springs and put in an equaliser bar as I am not sure that the current setup is the best (or legal?):

Attachment 161951

I'm not really sure why those chains are welded to the axles either.

All comments and ideas appreciated.

[Bushmiller]

As long as you keep the GVM below 2 Tonnes you will be OK. Above this weight you will require all wheels to be braked and also override or overrun bakes are no longer adequate or legal

From what you are saying all up weight of 2 tonnes should be ample. Besides which, the towing vehicle starts to becomes an issue over this weight. In fact not many cars are rated to tow much more than 1500Kg.

This link, which was updated for me by Yonnee (the forum trailer expert) ,should be of help to you.

Vehicle Standards Bulletin VSB1

You can't go too far wrong if you follow these guidelines. Often your dept of transport can be helpful, but I would contact the major centres rather than a small local office.

Regards
Paul

[BrentonSpear]

Thanks Paul.

I have been a long time reader of these forums and have read the VSB1 document cover to cover in anticipation of building this trailer

I need to address the position of the axles as the trailer currently is nose heavy, so much so that the rear wheels lift off the ground when its not attached to the vehicle.

[danielhobby]

i would suggest the chains are there to stop the slipper springs from coming out of the rear keepers,not fun to fix on the side of a potholed road!!.check the tube where the keepers are welded,one in the photo has been rewelded and could be a sign of the rhs tube wall thickness being a bit light???