Baseline Weight of 13' Trailers

[gjenkins]

I love these trailers, but I have a 1400# tow limit. Researching here, and else where, I realize that the sub 1000# advertised weights were not accurate. I have pursued a couple trailers online which were advertised as 900~1000#. As a condition of purchase, I asked they be weighed. Both came in in at about 1400#.

I can't let go of the dream, and I still think a complete overhaul could net a trailer that is in the 1000# range. So here is my question:

I have seen many rebuilds on here. Has anyone been able to weight the trailer and fiberglass shell ... no flooring, wall cover, appliances, furniture, or fixtures. Just the bare bones egg trailer?

Any 13' models and other feedback would be appreciated.

[Frederick L. Simson]

I don't have a direct answer to your question, but I know this:

The 1st trailer in http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...tml#post217169 was stripped out and lightweight birch shelving, not enclosed cabinetry was used to furnish the interior.

[gjenkins]

Thank you, Frederick. That is a start.

[Dave Bese]

The tag on my 73 Compact Jr shows 1370#, however when I weighed it with water tank empty, (2) deepcycle batteries, food, dishes, pots and pans, bedding and clothes; it was only 1240#

[gjenkins]

Originally Posted by Dave Bese

The tag on my 73 Compact Jr shows 1370#, however when I weighed it with water tank empty, (2) deepcycle batteries, food, dishes, pots and pans, bedding and clothes; it was only 1240#

Very Interesting! Thank you Dave.

[GuyNicoletti]

We had weight concerns when we bought our '78 Trillium a few years ago so I had it weighed. Empty, with a battery and full propane tank, it weighed a shade over 1,000 lbs. so there's hope for you. Mind you, the previous owner stripped out the water tank and this particular Trillium had no heater. Good luck with your search.

Guy

[Orlen Wolf]

Check out the Weiscraft Little Joe. It is lighter than most at around 900 lb (true) base weight. The overall height is also a bit lower so it should be easier to tow. Depending on what you add for options you could be under 1000 lb empty.

They are at weiscrafttrailers.com.

[gjenkins]

Originally Posted by GuyNicoletti

We had weight concerns when we bought our '78 Trillium a few years ago so I had it weighed. Empty, with a battery and full propane tank, it weighed a shade over 1,000 lbs. so there's hope for you. Mind you, the previous owner stripped out the water tank and this particular Trillium had no heater. Good luck with your search.

Guy

Thanks Guy. I believe it is possible. I suppose I could go for it and just sell it if I find out different.

Originally Posted by Orlen Wolf

Check out the Weiscraft Little Joe. It is lighter than most at around 900 lb (true) base weight. The overall height is also a bit lower so it should be easier to tow. Depending on what you add for options you could be under 1000 lb empty.

They are at weiscrafttrailers.com.

Very interesting, Orlen. I like it as an option, but the "egg" shaped models are a preference. I spent a while checking them out last night, and I have some customizations in mind that would make one of these very agreeable. In fact, if I decided I do not want a project, this appears to be the only choice.

[GuyNicoletti]

...just to clarify...although our '78 Trillium didn't have a built-in heater, and the previous owner removed the water tank, it wasn't stripped to the bone. It had a 3 way fridge, sink and an awning set packed away under the gaucho. We wanted to get into lightweight RVing and we travelled very light until we upgraded to a better tow vehicle.

Guy

[gjenkins]

Originally Posted by GuyNicoletti

...just to clarify...although our '78 Trillium didn't have a built-in heater, and the previous owner removed the water tank, it wasn't stripped to the bone. It had a 3 way fridge, sink and an awning set packed away under the gaucho. We wanted to get into lightweight RVing and we travelled very light until we upgraded to a better tow vehicle.

Guy

Yeah, I got that. It has me really intrigued. I really wonder what the shell and trailer weight. I can envision some minimalist cabinetry and appliances that could reduce another 100~200#.

Thanks again!

[Peter Steckhan]

I've got my '71 Boler off the frame right now with the interior completely stripped except for the ensolite. I'll see if I can weigh the empty shell tonight with a bathroom scale at each end.

I don't have easy access to the frame at the moment.

[gjenkins]

Originally Posted by Peter Steckhan

I've got my '71 Boler off the frame right now with the interior completely stripped except for the ensolite. I'll see if I can weigh the empty shell tonight with a bathroom scale at each end.

I don't have easy access to the frame at the moment.

Awesome! Thank you.

[gjenkins]

Originally Posted by Peter Steckhan

I've got my '71 Boler off the frame right now with the interior completely stripped except for the ensolite. I'll see if I can weigh the empty shell tonight with a bathroom scale at each end.

I don't have easy access to the frame at the moment.

Can you include a pic?

[Peter Steckhan]

I've removed the closet, but I don't have a more up-to-date picture.

[gjenkins]

Originally Posted by Peter Steckhan

I've removed the closet, but I don't have a more up-to-date picture.

Perfect. Thanks!

[Peter Steckhan]

The empty shell, stripped except for the ensolite, is close to 400 pounds. I've got it mounted on a fake wood frame that is sitting on a large dolly to make it easier to roll around the garage. There are only two contact points from the frame to the dolly. I put the bathroom scale under each in turn, so the 400 pounds includes my fake frame. The fake frame consists of two eight foot 2x4s and two four foot 2x4s. It doesn't weight much. The rear weight was 180 pounds and the front weight was 220 pounds. I think the rear weight was less than the front because the rear cross piece is closer to the edge of the shell than the front cross piece.

[gjenkins]

Originally Posted by Peter Steckhan

The empty shell, stripped except for the ensolite, is close to 400 pounds. I've got it mounted on a fake wood frame that is sitting on a large dolly to make it easier to roll around the garage. There are only two contact points from the frame to the dolly. I put the bathroom scale under each in turn, so the 400 pounds includes my fake frame. The fake frame consists of two eight foot 2x4s and two four foot 2x4s. It doesn't weight much. The rear weight was 180 pounds and the front weight was 220 pounds. I think the rear weight was less than the front because the rear cross piece is closer to the edge of the shell than the front cross piece.

Thanks Peter!

WAG'n here ....

Shell 375#
Trailer 200#
Windows and door: 100#
Floor: 75#
Cabinetry: 100#
Utilities: 50~100#

Total: 950#

[Lizbeth]

We think you are underestimating the weight of the "trailer" in your list. Three tires and wheels (you are going to have a spare aren't you?) are going to be 60-75 lbs., the axle about 100ish lbs, plus the frame itself, the coupler, safety chains, tongue jack...at a minimum. Depending on how you are going to use the trailer you might want a battery (up to 75 lbs.) and/or propane tank.

I have a 13 ft Boler that weighs in at 2200 lbs loaded for a weekend trip. This weight included a battery, a propane tank, a window AC, heater, 3 way frig., no water tank and no additional "toys".

[Peter Steckhan]

I should have mentioned that the shell currently does have the door and windows installed, but no closet or furniture.

200 lbs is probably a bit light for the trailer. My Boler is one of the earlier ones, and the frame was made of a very light gauge (I've seen fenders with thicker metal) C-channel. It had cracked in many places, been reinforced, cracked again and was bent. It, along with the axle/wheels/tires was probably over 200 lbs. I didn't weight it, I'm just guessing from what it took to move it around. The new frame will be stronger and heavier. I'll weigh it separately when I get a chance.

I think 1000 lbs is within reach for a stripped-down egg. That assumes you don't have any appliances (fridge/stove/furnace), water tank, battery or much of anything in it besides the furniture. This isn't completely useless either - it sounds a lot like the Westfalia camping interior I had on my VW van. The van was a lot more convenient and comfortable than a tent.

I'll weigh each of the furniture pieces this weekend. My Boler didn't come with a furnace, but I'll weigh the fridge, sink and stove separately.

[gjenkins]

Originally Posted by Peter Steckhan

I should have mentioned that the shell currently does have the door and windows installed, but no closet or furniture.

200 lbs is probably a bit light for the trailer. My Boler is one of the earlier ones, and the frame was made of a very light gauge (I've seen fenders with thicker metal) C-channel. It had cracked in many places, been reinforced, cracked again and was bent. It, along with the axle/wheels/tires was probably over 200 lbs. I didn't weight it, I'm just guessing from what it took to move it around. The new frame will be stronger and heavier. I'll weigh it separately when I get a chance.

I think 1000 lbs is within reach for a stripped-down egg. That assumes you don't have any appliances (fridge/stove/furnace), water tank, battery or much of anything in it besides the furniture. This isn't completely useless either - it sounds a lot like the Westfalia camping interior I had on my VW van. The van was a lot more convenient and comfortable than a tent.

I'll weigh each of the furniture pieces this weekend. My Boler didn't come with a furnace, but I'll weigh the fridge, sink and stove separately.

Thanks Peter, you are going above and beyond

I have seen some alternative cabinetry that looks very minimal and functional. Smaller, no doors or lighter door materials. Perhaps even framed/trussed structures instead of fully enclosed.