Stacker build

EmpirE231 said:
Dang that's BIG trailer! sounds like it will be dialed in!

Do you plan on towing it with the American Coach w/ 450? or are you going with something bigger there as well?

I'd like to upgrade from my 20' pace American stacker to a 22' w/ V-nose, but new build prices went to the moon, so I'll be sticking with what I have for a few more seasons. 
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Yes she’ll be large and in charge lol.

The coach will still be pulling it. We thought about moving to a toter but for what we bought our coach for, and the price increases we will wait it out.

She’ll do fine, maybe a little slower on the hills but that’s to be expected.

The biggest thing to me was the v nose. Having a completely flat front trailer it was incredible the wind I pushed. If it’ll just reduce it some I will be extremely happy!

 
I've read mixed reviews on towing flat front vs. V-nose. Hopefully you will share your real-world experiences with us. 

 
Dockmaster said:
I've read mixed reviews on towing flat front vs. V-nose. Hopefully you will share your real-world experiences with us. 
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It would be interesting to hear what you’ve heard.

I have owned multiple v nose trailers over the years and still own a couple. But never a stacker. 
the ones I’ve owned so far have pulled behind my coaches like they aren’t there.

Again not the same as they don’t stick above the coach, but I am hoping for similar results.. I’ll be certain to give an honest opinion regardless.

 
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I had a boat with a 9'6" beam that I towed across the country and used it most every weekend during the spring and summer.  It did not look all that wide as it is not a rectangular box, but I never got permits or had issues.  It was a handful on part of I-10 in construction zones as the damn lane was only 10'-0" wide. 

You will likely never have an issue with the width, just don't give them a reason to pull you over.

 
108 is NOT illegal 

I get so tired of hearing this, 

you can run as wide as you want, different width use different permits,  CA is actually one of the cheapest states to get a permit,  NV is more expensive 

If someone is so concerned they can get a over width permit, some states it is $20 each some states $2000, depends on the state, you can get over length and overweight, it not uncommon for this permit, 

just about all RV and Travel Toy trailers are wider with the acc on the out side anyway,  

I have never seen anyone get a over wide ticket,  for 108  

When i built my flat bed it is 104,  and the DMV when inspected for a title said it was close enough to 102'',   The DMV in Nevada actually also told me if a trailer comes in at 102-15/16 then they still call it a 102, they said that it has to go over the 102'' to be over, 

so really depends on where you live,  

I am sure a plastic straw is a bigger deal in CA then a 108 trailer, 

 
matt86m said:
You can tow over 8.5' wide. Here is a quick read https://oversize.io/regulations/maximum-width-by-state

I have friends that have a boat they tow to Florida and back and its wider than 8.5. You may have to do some xtra planning but its doable. 

That frame work looks awesome! Sounds like its going to be very nice. Was there a big difference in price to go with heavier axles? Just curious.
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I just called about axles.   7,000lb axles loaded are only 495,(loaded is with brakes complete.    8000lb are about 800 each. that is my cost from the our RV dealership

 
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It was a good day to see these photos! Week 4.

Roof had been done, which will get a full waterproofing to help with Utah winters (I’ve still got snow at home). Wall skins had started as well, and you can see from the pics that I am doing a drop skirt around the tires. 
floors had been installed and they are really going to town!

That’s a damn big back door! 
Lift was ordered, will sit flush with the exterior walls and is a 16’ belly lift.

45ECF951-C428-4AC2-A61E-41BCCD598A96.jpeg

3A6419EC-CE42-430C-B8CD-CA164BC87254.jpeg

 
Justgetnby said:
It was a good day to see these photos! Week 4.

Roof had been done, which will get a full waterproofing to help with Utah winters (I’ve still got snow at home). Wall skins had started as well, and you can see from the pics that I am doing a drop skirt around the tires. 
floors had been installed and they are really going to town!

That’s a damn big back door! 
Lift was ordered, will sit flush with the exterior walls and is a 16’ belly lift.

View attachment 25521

View attachment 25522
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isn't it crazy that these things are held together with 2 sided tape for the alum panels.  they are almost impossible to remove with that damm tape. 

 
Justgetnby said:
Dude, they’ve been incredible! I’m betting that getting parts will be the hold up if there is one.
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I just got a quote from him and his prices are totally insane I don't know how a material went up 20 grand in a month from your trailer

 
Squatcher said:
I just got a quote from him and his prices are totally insane I don't know how a material went up 20 grand in a month from your trailer
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That’s too bad. I’m sure that isn’t all steel pricing.. 

That being said this same trailer from others wasn’t far off what you were saying, and one Trailers unlimited wanted 115k with no insulation or interior paneling.. 

They are all over the place for sure.

 
Justgetnby said:
It was a good day to see these photos! Week 4.

Roof had been done, which will get a full waterproofing to help with Utah winters (I’ve still got snow at home). Wall skins had started as well, and you can see from the pics that I am doing a drop skirt around the tires. 
floors had been installed and they are really going to town!

That’s a damn big back door! 
Lift was ordered, will sit flush with the exterior walls and is a 16’ belly lift.

View attachment 25521

View attachment 25522
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when you see them in this state, you always think man I could have built that lol. It looks simple to do. im sure there's some science going into this.

 
I've never owned an enclosed trailer, so I'm curious. Is it really only the tape that holds the panels on, or are there screws or rivets also?

 
J Alper said:
108 is NOT illegal 

I get so tired of hearing this, 

you can run as wide as you want, different width use different permits,  CA is actually one of the cheapest states to get a permit,  NV is more expensive 

If someone is so concerned they can get a over width permit, some states it is $20 each some states $2000, depends on the state, you can get over length and overweight, it not uncommon for this permit, 

just about all RV and Travel Toy trailers are wider with the acc on the out side anyway,  

I have never seen anyone get a over wide ticket,  for 108  

When i built my flat bed it is 104,  and the DMV when inspected for a title said it was close enough to 102'',   The DMV in Nevada actually also told me if a trailer comes in at 102-15/16 then they still call it a 102, they said that it has to go over the 102'' to be over, 

so really depends on where you live,  

I am sure a plastic straw is a bigger deal in CA then a 108 trailer, 
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I think the extra height of a stacker will hide the 108" width pretty well.  Most stackers look "skinny" as a result of this.

That being said, unless you're filing a permit, 108" is illegal.  The CVC (where this trailer will end up) is pretty damned clear on this:

https://dot.ca.gov/programs/traffic-operations/legal-truck-access/vehicle-widths#:~:text=General Rule,shall not exceed 102 inches.

Awnings, handles, etc, are specifically exempted from the 102" maximum.  

To file an annual permit ($90, single trip is $16):

https://dot.ca.gov/programs/traffic-operations/transportation-permits/application-annual

Not sure how it works for an out of state private party to apply for their not for hire vehicle.  There are also display requirements when running over width (question 9 and beyond):

https://dot.ca.gov/programs/traffic-operations/transportation-permits/faq

Personally, I wouldn't sweat it.  But it is a reason to get a ticket unless you're gonna get  Wide Load banner and file for a permit :biggrin:

 
kazuaki said:
I've never owned an enclosed trailer, so I'm curious. Is it really only the tape that holds the panels on, or are there screws or rivets also?
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There will be trims around all the exterior that hold the ends and they are screwed on. But yes for the most part that tape is it. Pretty tough chit!

 
Rockwood said:
I think the extra height of a stacker will hide the 108" width pretty well.  Most stackers look "skinny" as a result of this.

That being said, unless you're filing a permit, 108" is illegal.  The CVC (where this trailer will end up) is pretty damned clear on this:

https://dot.ca.gov/programs/traffic-operations/legal-truck-access/vehicle-widths#:~:text=General Rule,shall not exceed 102 inches.

Awnings, handles, etc, are specifically exempted from the 102" maximum.  

To file an annual permit ($90, single trip is $16):

https://dot.ca.gov/programs/traffic-operations/transportation-permits/application-annual

Not sure how it works for an out of state private party to apply for their not for hire vehicle.  There are also display requirements when running over width (question 9 and beyond):

https://dot.ca.gov/programs/traffic-operations/transportation-permits/faq

Personally, I wouldn't sweat it.  But it is a reason to get a ticket unless you're gonna get  Wide Load banner and file for a permit :biggrin:
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Rockwood that’s good information.

Mind you I don’t live in Cali, however over width rules apply every where.

I have much experience with over width rules as I own and transport my own heavy equipment.

That being said, if you are someone that is worried about things like this just don’t own them. I am pretty certain the little bit of extra width won’t be what gets their attention, it will be my overall length of 80’ that does!

If you are pulled over for over width, you will likely get a small fine and told to not move if you are outside the transport window. You will then travel on your way.. 

Again I don’t sweat it, but if you do then just don’t own one.

 
Just a few more pictures of the chassis being built..

68990C50-7E4D-4232-A8BC-9B0B8D5D5154.jpeg

8B0388E9-3413-4B53-BEA5-923BEF94DDF4.jpeg

F905638A-68D7-45AE-8284-A901C1452A66.jpeg

33333423-2905-4644-AF6A-A46C16B9496D.jpeg

C8A2FC0A-0C2F-46FA-8A32-2BE016285951.jpeg

 
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