DDavisIAMT
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Joined 11 years ago
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How to tell trailer axle rating without placard?
This is for a boat trailer, but I figure someone would know the answer to this. I am curious about the axle rating for my boat trailer, but the placard with all of the information is worn off. I took some pictures of the axle and leaf springs in hope that this may help. The trailer is 17ft long and 5ft wide. I'm just trying to get an idea as I am going to convert this trailer to a utility trailer then move this boat to a smaller trailer. Thanks for any help! Oh, and don't worry about that dangling wire...:B1.6KViews0likes6CommentsTrailer tire wear question
This isn't a RV, but I figured maybe someone could give some insight into the wear I am seeing on these tires. The wear is the oddest I have ever seen and I was a auto technician for about 7 years as well as a marine mechanic, so I've seen every type of tire wear. From under/over inflated, etc. This one, I cannot figure out. The wear is choppy with the lead portion of the tread sticking up with the trailing end worn flat. It's like a sawtooth. This is seen equally on both tires. It's about 1/3 out from the center of the tire, both inner and outer of each tire. The only thing I can come up with is the trailer is way under weight for it's rating. The boat is much too small for the trailer, but I wouldn't think this would be an issue. I also question the tires as they are cheepo brand tires that came with the rims. I would think the trailer axle is out of alignment but I didn't see this with my previous tires. I have probably 10,000 miles on these tires, so they are well used, but this wear is just odd.4.1KViews0likes10CommentsRe: Truck camper on a trailer
SuperDave, I have a topper on my truck now that I would like to keep on there to keep gear dry, etc. I am looking for a camper to have a place to sprawl out and sleep, move around a bit more. Trail-explorer- Thanks for the link, looks like some good information. Reddog1 - I am not too worried about camping year round as I will not have and plumbing, refrigerators, etc. I camped out of my truck topper two nights at -2 deg. (then proceeded to load a boat and boat to a place to start my elk hunt) It was cold, but with the proper equipment I was able to keep the bed at around 40deg. I think with some cheap insulation I could manage to keep a TC fairly warm. Nor do I intend to be back in that degree of cold again. This was last winter while I was living in Montana.630Views0likes0CommentsRe: Truck camper on a trailer
Well, I am a ASE certified technician and worked as a tech for 5 years or so before finishing my geology degree and taking a job as a engineer, so I think I'm pretty qualified to install a surge brake system on a trailer. Now, in my opinion this isn't something I think would really be necessary for the application I am looking to build. There are those out there that will claim it won't be safe. That is the main reason I am looking for ballpark estimates on weight. I fully understand that there's a opportunity cost to evaluate with time here, but also, finding a suitable camper located near me may be hard to do, so I am evaluating all of my options. I have my CDL, I've worked on a ranch for 3 years while going to school, I was a marine technician for several summers and worked on houseboats and I have pulled a massive variety of trailers/loads with a multitude of rigs so I understand how a load should pull properly and be safely towed. I have no experience with TC's so I am looking for some specs to get an understanding. There's a absolutely perfect way to do this project that would in fact cost quite a bit, nickle and dime me, and eat up my free time. However I also feel there is a completely safe way to go about this project while spending the amount of time I feel I would want to spend on this project, as well within my budget. I am looking to see if people have had experience doing this and have tips. Simply calling something "unsafe" by a photo or description doesn't seem valid to me (although I agree the posted photo from above looks like the jacks are ready to get busted off). I am looking for real world experience and feedback. Sorry if this comes off as curt to some, just my trying to explain my situation.629Views0likes0CommentsRe: Truck camper on a trailer
Yeah, I think with a bit larger trailer it can be done. I don't feel I really need a double axle trailer for this. I would prefer not to have a double axle trailer actually.... You see 18-21ft fiberglass boats weighing 2000-2500lbs on single axle trailers. I understand the new ones have brakes, but a surge brake setup would not be hard to install. I also question the necessity of brakes when the whole setup will most likely weigh less than 2000#. I have been hauling an aluminum boat that weighs close to 1500# w/o brakes and my 1/2 Ton Silverado has never had an issues.302Views0likes0CommentsRe: Truck camper on a trailer
Wow, ok, I wasn't expecting a slide in camper to weigh this much. I may look into a smaller bumper pull camper. I was thinking I could mount at TC to a single axle 1900lb capacity trailer from Tractor Supply Company or Lowes. It doesn't appear that way...197Views0likes0CommentsTruck camper on a trailer
I came across a thread that had quite a bit of information regarding mounting a TC on a trailer to make a toy hauler. I have seen this done before by modifying a boat trailer, which worked smoothly. I would like to do this, but I do not need the toy hauler part, I just need it mounted on a trailer so I can disconnect my truck. What kind of weight can I expect from a 1970-1980's TC? How large of a trailer will I need to mount this on? My biggest concern is stability of the camper on a smaller trailer while turning, etc. I would like to use the smallest trailer possible and keep the costs down as much as possible. My plan is to find a cheap old TC and gut it leaving only the bed and counters. I will be using my Coleman stove for cooking, I am not to concerned about water, toilet, etc. I have managed w/o those for years while camping out of my truck bed topper. I am getting tired of the cramped quarters of my truck bed topper and would like something hard sided I can stand up in as well as camp year round in. Thanks!6.1KViews0likes23Comments
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Prefer to camp in a travel trailer? You're not alone.Jan 20, 202544,029 Posts
