Frame size question

[btupy]

I'm starting the planning process for a new build next spring. I'm going to go 8x20ish. But my question is why are ice castle frames 8x21 and others are 8x20? Is there a reason for the 21 instead of 20 feet for building/weight distribution reasons? 

[Lip_Ripper Guy]

The 21' are the RV editions, and the 20' are the regular/toyhauler, is my understanding.  I think the extra 1' is for extra shower/bathroom space.

[btupy]

That makes sense. I just didn't know if they knew something I didn't.  I have an 8x16 now and have an issue with swaying. I have tried to put all my gear in the front of the house, didn't seem to help. It even sways when I have the wheeler in the back of my trail which I thought would help because of the extra weight in the bed. It's a regular inside layout too. I'm thinking it has something to do with how the frame was designed. 

Lip ripper, did you do any figuring when designing your layout for weight distribution purposes? 

[Lip_Ripper Guy]

I've not personally towed a 16', but it seems like a lot of guys have the same troubles with weight distribution.  I think they are just simply too long for a single axle.  I had a similar size house and I couldn't make it tow worth a darn.  I even tried loading 8 bags of softener salt over the hitch and it still swayed.  

I didn't really do much figuring for weight distribution, but I can load every single piece of equipment behind my axles and it doesn't tow any different than if they are in front.  It doesn't have any sway or squirreliness to it whatsoever.  The tandem axle is awesome for that.      

[Hawg]

Mine is an 8 x 16 frame from Miltona Blacksmith and I have no sway problems at all. I agree it's borderline weight for a single axel trailer though.

Edited August 14, 2015 by Hawg

[JSK76]

Btupy, was your 16' an Ice Castle or Cabin? I had a Salem Ice Cabin 16' toy hauler and it had horrible sway issues from 55 and up. I added 175 lbs under the front cabinet  an extra battery on the tounge and a spare tire to the front and it took care of it. Mine was a 2010 and later I went into a 2015 and noticed that they moved the wheels 7" back from where mine where.  I now have a 2015 16' Ice Castle and no sway issues.

[Elm Creek Local]

For what its worth my 8'x16' +4'V Big Bite pulls like a dream, but my next house will be a 20'-24' tandem.