Vending Trailer Build

bootlegbbq · Posted: Jul 20 2011 Post subject: Vending Trailer Build

Got steel in yesterday for my new vending trailer. Designed a 18' trailer but I-beams came in at 20'. Trying to decide if I should go with a 20' trailer now. Total length with tongue will be 27'. Anybody foresee any problems? Seems kinda long to me.
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Jarhead · Posted: Jul 21 2011 Post subject:

You will find a use for that extra 2'.
For events, you are still gonna have to pay for 3 spaces.
IMHO, go with the 20', won't be that much more weight.
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bootlegbbq · Posted: Jul 21 2011 Post subject:

You are correct Jarhead. The shop owner had a 20' gooseneck and I was able to lay out the design on that. I'm building it so that the back end can be a serving window as well as each side so that I have the option of using up a 10' space or a 30' depending on the event. I'm not sure what the finished weight is going to be but I'm a little concerned I may need a road tractor to haul this thing once the water tank is full and the 1500lb cooker is loaded.
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daddywoofdawg · Posted: Jul 26 2011 Post subject:

If your going to be over 20' with the tongue then go with the 20' like some one said you'll have to pay for three spots and there is never to much room.as far as the water tank don't fill them till you get there.saves road weight.
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bootlegbbq · Posted: Jul 26 2011 Post subject:

Good point on the water weight daddywoofdawg. That brings up another question. My intention was to install my Lang 84 Kitchen on the tongue and put the tanks on the opposite side of the trailer to balance out the weight (the Lang is about 1500lbs). Wondering if the trailer will track properly on the interstate if I do that??? Confused

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BBQMAN · Posted: Jul 26 2011 Post subject:

BBQMAN · Posted: Jul 26 2011 Post subject:

A good explanation here:

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-parts/towing/towing-capacity/information/tongue-weight.htm
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daddywoofdawg · Posted: Jul 26 2011 Post subject:

1500 lbs is alot of weight on the toungue.I am assuming that he is using it as a vending rig.so most events have water and the HD is ok with using it as an approved water source.
To me and I'm not in any way a trailer expert and I stayed in my camper last nite,I would think of the water tanks up front and the lang in the back,or to the middle.
are you doing a bumper setup or 5th wheel?to me a 5th wheel might be better of weight dist.
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Char grill smoker
Weber kettle

BBQMAN · Posted: Jul 26 2011 Post subject:

Did a quick check of my paperwork:

My trailer is right at 8,000 lbs (give or take a few).

Tongue weight is about 700 pounds (correlating to figures at the link above).

Axel placement was spot-on for ease of towing AND ease of backing/turning radius while still maintaining the proper tongue weight and over all weight distribution.

Well's Cargo (along with my own calculations for where the equipment would be mounted and how much it weighs) did a good job!

And there is the kicker- my trailer (same as yours, and many others) was purpose built for MY needs and my equipment.

I worked with the designer on where all said equipment was to be mounted.

That being said, there really wasn't much compromise on my end to where that would be, and what my final floor plan looked like.

And, once again, all things being considered they did a great job and saved me quite a bit of calculations and guess work.

That being said, it certainly is not as simple as getting a trailer, loading it up, and heading out to cook BBQ.

YMMV
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bootlegbbq · Posted: Jul 27 2011 Post subject:

BBQMAN...Thanks for the site info. I have passed this on to the builder. He's very capable so I'm sure he already has this but he also understands that he's working for an anal-retent. Rolling Eyes

daddywoofdawg...It will be a bumper hitch, I will be using it for street vending as well as festivals.

BBQMAN...8000lbs is pretty impressive. How big are your I beams above your axles? Mine are 10" which I'm concerned are a bit of overkill.

You are very correct about the simplicity thing. I have built this thing in my mind and on paper many times. I have designed this for MY needs but do not have enough building experience and must rely on the builder for functionality. He's a friend and I trust him but I like to gather as much info as I possibly can.
_________________
UDS
Thermos
Cinder Block Spit/Smoker
250gal. Offset Smoker
84 Lang Kitchen
Ya know how ya git to Carnegie Hall don't cha...practice

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openwheel · Joined: 16 Jul 2008 Posts: 21

Think about getting a stabilizer hitch. It will make towing much easier. You can adjust to your likeing.

bootlegbbq · Posted: Aug 01 2011 Post subject:

openwheel...thanks for the suggestion. I'll look into that.
_________________
UDS
Thermos
Cinder Block Spit/Smoker
250gal. Offset Smoker
84 Lang Kitchen
Ya know how ya git to Carnegie Hall don't cha...practice

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