Does anyone have any opinions about the relative benefits of an "alligator"
style opening trailer vs a full opening top?
the Luebke plans trailer I am building will be 31 feet long and 53 inches wide with a 17.5 inch tall lower sides. the top would be 37 inches taller in the front half and taper down in the back half. Steel square tubing frame with aluminum skin. if I build the front half fixed and open only the back 16 feet, I could dramatically reduce the weight of the opening portion, with a small penalty of limited access.
The problem of the top weather seal is more difficult, but not impossible.
Also the ability to control the opening top "shake" while on the road is much easier.
I think the full opening top might easily get to 300 lbs, while the partial top could be as low as 120 lbs.
Last year I saw a online article of a Lak with a partial opening top and it seemed to be a good solution.

Thanks,
Scott