Towing without a floor in place?

[horsedoc]

I realize this post might be in the wrong section, sorry.

I'm looking at a few project trailers. One in particular is gutted with most of the flooring removed. As I read about floor replacement, I'm thinking its probably not feasible to pull such a trailer very far.

How much of the floor needs to remain to provide enough structural integrity for transport?

[perryg114]

The floor between the shell and the frame needs to be there. Otherwise the shell might become airborn while towing. If the frame is still attached to the shell and the trailers is gutted and empty I don't see why it can't be towed. I hope the one without the floor is a real deal.

Perry

[inTransit]

Originally Posted by horsedoc

I realize this post might be in the wrong section, sorry.

I'm looking at a few project trailers. One in particular is gutted with most of the flooring removed. As I read about floor replacement, I'm thinking its probably not feasible to pull such a trailer very far.

How much of the floor needs to remain to provide enough structural integrity for transport?

I had to tow a short distance with rear bathroom plywood subfloor out and I'll tell you it was a chore to get the shell in place when it came time to replace the plywood and reattach. I've read threads here about bracing the internal shell to retain it's shape but unless that shell is going to come off anyway as part of restoration, expect challenges keeping it all together.

The axle was shot and when you'd hit a bump the shell went airborne.

I looked at a vagabond that's missing a 1/3 of the subfloor and they will have to drop the price to below reasonable value for me to tow or flatbed with missing subfloor.

[horsedoc]

Originally Posted by perryg114

The floor between the shell and the frame needs to be there. Otherwise the shell might become airborn while towing. If the frame is still attached to the shell and the trailers is gutted and empty I don't see why it can't be towed. I hope the one without the floor is a real deal.

Perry

That one is a $1000 Tradewind. maybe that's $900 too much for it. I've only looked at three trailers but i'm beginning to think that it must be assumed that every trailer outside of the desert has floor and frame rot unless proven otherwise.

Another related question occurred to me. Is a single-axled TW more susceptible to frame issues than a double axle version (sags, separations, fatigue)?

[perryg114]

I don't know that the number of axels makes a difference. I have seen some trailers that looked way too long for one axel though. I would say if over 20ft it needs two axels. I would pass on the $1000 Tradewind. Yes suspect all trailers even ones you find in the west to have floor rot and frame issues.

Perry

[Protagonist]

Can't say this is true for all trailers, but in general, the number of axles has more to do with the weight of the trailer than with the length. When the trailer gets too heavy for just two tires to support it, the trailer needs a second axle no matter how long or short it is.