Modifying Trailer

[DMillard]

I have a 28ft tag a long ( 28 ft box ) and want to set it up so that the front is for living and the back is for my race car, ( 2600 lbs ).

I was wondering if I can make a fifth wheel or a goose neck out of it? This would allow more weight over the front of the trailer. Tongue weight is limited to 1000 lbs. I have a 10K limit over the wheels and with my truck at 7500 lbs, about 11K total tailer weight. My GVWR is 20K.

I have the goose neck set up in the truck already. I have a welder and was a one time certified.

Does anybody know if this is OK with ADOT.

 

[EricBu12]

I don't see why that won't work... just weld up a strong enough beam system to the hitch. . might want to strengthen the front of the trailer frame to take the added/different stresses... then have fun modding the inside for home use. . some RV magazines have vendors for fold up dinettes and couches that work well...



If you get a stove and furnace, remember to get the Co gas sniffers and smoke alarms.



Eric

 

[y-knot]

Sure what your talking about is done all the time. I would suggest checking out Norther hydraulic, they sell trailer blueprints and that would help you build the right front end. DOT doesn't care what you do, just don't over load the trailer. It has a set rating that comes from the factory, unless you change axles, you will not be able to legally carry any more weight then if it was still a tag . Shop around on the web, there are many places that specialize in trailer appliances and furniture. The right way to do this would be to add a wall between the car area and the sleeping area, only carry gas in approved containers, and make sure you have an escape hatch in the sleeping area. Like before, safety should always be first and foremost. There is also special conditions and practices concerning the electrical system of Rev's. so get yourself a National Electric Code manual and do it right. One of the biggest draw-backs to thees types of projects is that normally people do not have the necessary skills, or abilities to properly install all of the equipment. Do it right, or get it done by someone how will... ... or don't do anything. Good luck

 

[DMillard]

Thanks for the replies, I believe I'll give it a try. I have a slide in camper that you all know I'll never get any money for if I try and sell it. So I'm going to move all the stuff in the camper to the trailer. I still need to purchace a shower, some windows, ect. Separating the garage from the house was in my plans because of the smell. I was going to wire it up like its wired in the camper.

If any of you have any internet sites that I could check out for the shower, etc. please let me know. I'm headed for Hastings for a couple of RV magazines.

 

[Jumbo Jet]

http://www.rvsurplussalvage.com/catalog/display.php?category_id=50

 

[DMillard]

Thanks Jumbo Jet.

 

[NVR FNSH]

There's some decent "how to build your own toyhauler" type threads it the towing forum on www.pirate4x4.com



Make sure you know what you're doing design wise when you convert it to a goose/5th wheel configuration.



Brian

 

[DMillard]

Thanks NVR FNSH, And your very correct in the advice about knowing what I'm doing. My wife calls me Mr. Safety. I don't do anything without making sure it's safe and legal. Too much to loose.

I've decided to build the trailer first trying to keep the tongue weight at 1,000 lbs by weight distribution. If I can't then I will look into the best way to convert to fifth wheel. Thanks for the web site.