How narrow is too narrow for a trailer?

JimS · Feb 22, 2023

How narrow is too narrow?

Im building an antenna trailer. It will be 24 not
counting the tongue as the width determines tongue
length. Antenna towers are obviously narrow, but I was
thinking 60 hub face axle, 46 spring width mount.

The bigger issue, it would seem, is weight distribution
with an appropriate weight on the tongue. This is not a
problem for me to put weight on the tongue. Utility
companies tow poles on narrow dollies and they seem
stable. When you consider the length of some long
semi trailers and their width, my length to width ratio
is actually greater.

Is there a rule of thumb on this? Will it be stable no
matter its length and width as long as the axle is
properly placed to distribute an appropriate load of at
least 15% on the tongue/hitch?

wp6529 · Feb 22, 2023

The width is nearly irrelevant, in transport it is modest weight and low center of gravity essentially like a pole trailer.

Scott 730 · Feb 22, 2023

What is an antenna trailer???

wp6529 · Feb 22, 2023

(quoted from post at 15:56:30 02/22/23) What is an antenna trailer???

https://duckduckgo.com/?t=ffab&q=antenna+trailer&iax=images&ia=images

BarnyardEngineering · Feb 22, 2023

Width is more dependent on the height of the trailer.

A tall trailer with a narrow track is less stable and more likely to tip over in a sudden maneuver or even going around a sharp corner.

If the tower is close to the ground when laid flat, then you don't need a very wide trailer. If it's 6' off the ground when laid flat, you should look at getting the widest axle you can.

Greg_Ky · Feb 22, 2023

Thi

This one is 81/2ft wide and is 107ft. Tall and weighs just under 10,000 lbs. its made by American Tower.

Greg_Ky · Feb 22, 2023

Another view

JimS · Feb 22, 2023

Im less than half that height and Im putting the tower on the deck of the trailer, so low center of gravity.

JimS · Feb 22, 2023

More like this.

JimS · Feb 22, 2023

wp6529 · Feb 22, 2023

Modest weight and low CG, trailer width is largely irrelevant. Outrigger span will be important as will ballast weight presuming a self supporting tower. Perhaps something like some 55gal barrels or IBC totes you can fill with water during setup rather than carrying the weight all the time?

Tony in SD · Feb 22, 2023

I dont think if matters much BUT if you ever decide to use the trailer for something other than the tower the wider the better.

JimS · Feb 22, 2023

The outriggers will be the length of the trailer and swing forward at about 45 degrees. The length of the
trailer will make the third leg. There will be four jack stands, five counting the tongue, one on each
corner, to level the trailer before extending outriggers. There will be jack stands on the end of each
outrigger.

The tower is a stand alone design that doesnt require guidelines. Its normally set atop a concrete block
2x2 and 4-6 feet deep, depending on the soil. Larger blocks required for looser, softer soils.

The tower can withstand 90 mph winds with a moderate antenna at full extension. Ill only be running a
couple of dipoles and will never have it up in winds like that.

For comparison, your average light trailer is just shy of 30 feet and has only two four foot outriggers at
90 degrees with the length of the trailer making up the third arm.

But this is off topic, Im trying to determine if a 24 trailer 4 wide, axle 5 hub to hub, with a 480 pound
antenna tower lying on it would be more stable were it a little wider.

Greg_Ky · Feb 22, 2023

Tomorrow we are going to skirt it and make it 100ft. 160m. Antenna for the 160m contest this weekend.

showcrop · Feb 22, 2023

Save yourself some money and purchase standard off-the-shelf-width axles. Build the bed whatever width you want. Bonus: standard width is much easier to keep track of while towing. You will not be constantly questioning yourself on its whereabouts. Double bonus: It will be WAAAAY easier to back when you have the full width.

Steve@Advance · Feb 22, 2023

A couple of concerns, you'll want to keep the spring mounts out close to the ends of the axle, especially if the axle is loaded near its limit.

And for an exceptionally long load, I would move the axles further back, even if it meant having a heavier than recommended tongue weight. Wag the dog is a terrifying experience!

Tony in SD · Feb 22, 2023

Not sure what you plan to do with the tower but I suspect a HAM radio perhaps. Take a look at this command center with a tower attached and 2 Onan generators.
Command Center with Tower

JimS · Feb 22, 2023

Cool beans! Post some pictures and a report please.

Im working on a couple of these trailers, primarily for repeaters. Im part of several CART (Community Animal Response Team) groups and a CERT (Community Emergency Response Teams). We do a lot of stuff during the fires and earthquakes here in CA. I also hope to offer these trailers for field days for local Ham clubs and learn more from Hams much smarter than I am.

JimS · Feb 22, 2023

Pretty cool. Sadly, I dont think we could get it registered in CA/Crazy America.

JimS · Feb 22, 2023

Thanks. Will do. I was thinking of making the tongue heavier. Im going to build the trailer, place the tower, and then find the center of gravity to physically prove my math. From that center, the axle fulcrum, if you will, will be moved back a couple of feet and the tongue weight checked. Only after I have physically proved it will I attach the axle.

How narrow is too narrow for a trailer?

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