Launch Trailer

Launch Trailer Project

As our rockets get larger the need for more substantial launch gear becomes apparent. A trailer makes a good launch base and will transport the Ezups, folding chairs and the smaller launcher, the Pro Launch wireless launch controller and battery will be mounted on it. So on launch morning just hitch it up and go!


When we looked at this trailer it was proposed to change our name to trash trailer aerospace! It's the right size to haul our gear and the price was right, free. So we stripped most of the paint, sanded and treated the rust, it will get primer and white paint. The box and fenders is all we will use, we bought a Harbor Freight trailer for the light kit, axle assembly and coupler.


The rail adapter taking shape, it's made from 1.5" square tube and bolts to the trailer with four bolts. The 1.5" x 10' rail and hardware is from the good folks at MainFrame in Mesa Arizona. Their rail has a smoother finish without the grooves on the faces making cleanup easier and is somewhat lighter but just as strong, good stuff!
http://www.mainframeinc.com/index.html



The axle is tacked on and aligned, we had to extend it about 5" and it still needs to be welded solid. The axle was robed from a Harbor Freight trailer kit that we paid $129 for, add a rail adapter and support legs and the kit would make a nice launcher. The launch adapter is attached by four bolts so it can be removed and the trailer used for other duties. http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=42708


This week the tongue was cut to length and the coupler installed, we added a rail support for loading rockets and transport, finished the bracing for the rail adapter and welded everything solid.


The first rail is 8020 1010 rail, next is Main Frame's 1" x 1" then their light and regular 1.5" x 1.5". The 1.5" light is what we are using for this project.