Moving a gutted trailer?

[Larry in MO]

I don't know if this is the correct place for this question but I tried the "search" w/ no results.

The background: my '57 Flying Cloud is nearly gutted inside. I have replaced the axle w/ a torsion model and have new radial tires. I tow w/ a 1/2 ton 2wd truck. I am in the process of removing the inner skin for insulation, wiring, etc.

The question: Can the trailer be moved around (as in towed) with no inner skin? I know it must contribute structurally to have the inner skin intact but will it damage the outer skin if moved about without it? I'm not talking about 500 miles but little trips for various reasons.

Thanks!

[n2batr]

Larry, Obviously the inner skins do add strength to the overall intergrity of the unit. Having said that my 58 was in similar condition; new floor ,axles and wheels with the inner skins out. It was towed to and from storage a couple of times in that condition. The storage was 30 miles away. So, in my expereience there were no adverse effects. Ed

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Larry in MO

I don't know if this is the correct place for this question but I tried the "search" w/ no results.

The background: my '57 Flying Cloud is nearly gutted inside. I have replaced the axle w/ a torsion model and have new radial tires. I tow w/ a 1/2 ton 2wd truck. I am in the process of removing the inner skin for insulation, wiring, etc.

The question: Can the trailer be moved around (as in towed) with no inner skin? I know it must contribute structurally to have the inner skin intact but will it damage the outer skin if moved about without it? I'm not talking about 500 miles but little trips for various reasons.

Thanks!

Yes you can tow the gutted trailer, within reason.

Keep the speed and bumps "DOWN."

Andy

[Lumatic]

I have seen gutted trailers successfully towed for reasonably short distances. One point your original post does not address is, is there a structurally sound floor. The floor also is a factor in the integrity of the monococque design. You might also consider adding some temporary cross bracing depending on how wiggly the unit is, but that is just a guess.