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car trailer
1916baja - November 2nd, 2011 at 08:02 PM

Hi guys, im looking at getting a single axle car trailer built and was wondering if anyone with a single axle car trailer could tell me roughly how far from the rear of the trailer the axle is placed? And ideally how much weight should be on the towball? Wanting to drive the beetle straight on.

Thanks
mick.


Stanley - November 2nd, 2011 at 08:41 PM

Your tongue should have a weight stamped on it or your towbar or even car specs. eg mine is 100kgs suggest 50-75kgs
The rest is a bit subjective as it depends on trailer dimensions (draw bar length) and car weight but in particular the Centre of Gravity of the whole thing (sorry i'm a weight and balance engineer by trade).
As long as the car axle is aft of the car CG and don't exceed the draw bar weight no problem. Trailer CG is easy to work out as you build. Car CG can also be worked out.
Probably doesn't help much. I can give you my dimensions but it may vary for yours.


1916baja - November 2nd, 2011 at 08:46 PM

Thanks mate, that would be helpful. If anyone has any pics or design ideas that would be cool too.


Stanley - November 2nd, 2011 at 08:48 PM

PM me your email


bevoracing - November 4th, 2011 at 11:45 AM

When you build a single axle car trailer, you build the frame first, then put a piece of 2” pipe under it on the shed floor, put the (race) car on it, then roll it back and forth on the pipe to find the spot where you can only just lift the draw bar, 80kg or so. Mark it there and put the axle in that spot.
If you buy a trailer, and intend to put a VW on it, I would suggest you get prepared to cut the axle and guards off and re-position them correctly. Anything else will just have you out in the paddock. Good luck.
Tony


11CAB - November 4th, 2011 at 05:39 PM

Here's some pics of Stanley's trailer

http://www.manxgallery.org/gallery/albums/album718/100_6572.sized.jpg

http://www.manxgallery.org/gallery/albums/album718/100_6573.sized.jpg

http://www.manxgallery.org/gallery/albums/album718/100_6574.sized.jpg

http://www.manxgallery.org/gallery/albums/album718/100_6575.sized.jpg


Stanley - November 4th, 2011 at 07:21 PM

Thanks Graham. That was Warwick 2009 I think. I designed and built it to weigh less than 1000kgs with car which is the towing capacity of the lancer.


1916baja - November 4th, 2011 at 09:33 PM

That's such a neat trailer, im actually going to have a look at another trailer on Sunday, its a duel axle but the price is right. See how it goes.


1916baja - November 7th, 2011 at 07:47 AM

Looks like i have purchased the trailer i looked at on sunday, thanks for the advice guys.