Welding a Side-mount jack onto dump trailer

[Sodo]

Just another simple project for the forum.
Welded with a portable Miller MultiMatic 200 MIG/TIG/Stick using the MIG & C25 gas
Settings? Haha, I just chose the factory setting for ---> 1/4"

Tailgate hits jack when the trailer is attached.
Pretty much can't open tailgate, unless you have a rag or something to prevent damage.

This trailer was made in 1998.
How could they sell trailers like this?
Were tailgates ever that short?

This jack was only $46.95 with free shipping. Included the weld-on lug and the pin!
(5,000 lb. Side wind Ram tubular swivel jack with weld-on pipe mount. 15" travel by Southwest Wheel)

Beveled the side mount and ground off the paint. Tacked side mount.

Root weld and cover weld.

Welding done.

Painted.

Jack pivoted, stowed. Handle falls down by gravity.

Using the pin-chain lanyard to support the handle.

And finally, just verifying that the jack's bevel gears were greased by the mfr.
I had doubts that at $46.95 and free shipping,,,, they could afford to grease it, but they DID! ...

 

[Fishingfoolemjak]

That’s awesome. I was pondering this the other day with my trailer, and my son said “move the jack to the side”. Great job! Now I have another thing to add to the list....

 

[sixdogs]

Wow, nice welds and impressive work. First class job.
There are lots of engineering faux paus out there. That's why we have welders and horse sense so we can do the job they were supposed to do.

 

[yomax4]

Had the exact problem once. The top turning jack on the trailer was a real nice one so I just added more flat plate behind it and moved it back.

 

[flusher]

Nice job. Done several of those jack hacks myself.

 

[MinnesotaDaveChalmers]

Had the exact problem once. The top turning jack on the trailer was a real nice one so I just added more flat plate behind it and moved it back.

I did the same with one of mine a few years ago. The jack originally was perfectly placed to pinch my hand between the tailgate...

Sodo, I also always wondered why they came that way. I doubt they ever fit any truck.

 

[MossRoad]

.....
Tailgate hits jack when the trailer is attached.
Pretty much can't open tailgate, unless you have a rag or something to prevent damage.

This trailer was made in 1998.
How could they sell trailers like this?
Were tailgates ever that short?.....

I have a similar issue with my 1993 Suburban. Although I have the side opening barn-style doors, not the drop-down tailgate, I have to be parked pretty close to straight or one or the other of the doors will swing open and stop against the jack stand.

 

[bcp]

Those couplers were meant for travel trailers pulled by cars.

Bruce

 

[dragoneggs]

Sodo, excellent job and detailing your steps with pics! :drink:

 

[fried1765]

I have a similar issue with my 1993 Suburban. Although I have the side opening barn-style doors, not the drop-down tailgate, I have to be parked pretty close to straight or one or the other of the doors will swing open and stop against the jack stand.

Yup...
Me too, with my 1997 Suburban

 

[Sodo]

Thanks guys, glad you like it. Surprised though; not a single naysayer. We'll see what we can do about that.....heh heh.

Now, in use I've realized what a hassle it **was** having that centerjack blocking me from stepping over the trailer tongue.
Which happens often in a landscaping scenario.

AND when the tailgate is perched on the center jack, EVERYTHING you WANT, is out of reach, cuz you can't put your weight on the tailgate to go after it.

Much better now.

I have a car-trailer with jack pad that telescopes up and down with a pin. THAT is a nice feature, BUT a major hassle compared to the side-mount type that rotates 90* with a SINGLE pin pull. It's probably be stronger though.....depends on the application. For example if you had to disconnect a loaded trailer from the vehicle you (may) want a strong jack that can handle a side load for some conditions.

 

[BukitCase]

In my almost NEVER humble opinion there's nuthin' "nay" to SAY; excellent job, ditto pics and 'splainin'... I wuz, in my "endearing curmudgeonly manner", gonna comment that you now had a "free cup holder" for when you're hitchin' up, but thought better of it (oops, guess not )

"For example if you had to disconnect a loaded trailer from the vehicle you (may) want a strong jack that can handle a side load for some conditions. "

I have a tentative plan (for if/when I EVER get around to my own car trailer) to use FOUR of the jacks like yours, probably beef up the stake pockets on mine and make the jacks "plug-in" - then, just use the FRONT pair for the loaded trailer scenario - and for the majority of times when it's EMPTY, use ALL FOUR and jack the weight off the tires/springs...

Of course, they'd ALL need to be fairly stout since the BACK pair would get used to keep trailer tilt to a minimum if loading a tractor...

Just thought I'd throw that out there as an idea, not sure that'll make it to the top of MY project list before I (don't) feel 'em "pattin' me in the face with a shovel" ... Steve

 

[Sodo]

Just thought I'd throw that out there as an idea, not sure that'll make it to the top of MY project list before I (don't) feel 'em "pattin' me in the face with a shovel" ... Steve

Here's what I have on my "shovel list" for my CAR trailer. The main jack lifts up and down to load the corner supports. The support swings down 90* then has an adjustable foot.

My list had them only on the rear corners (then Steve had to go and up the ante). I want them on the rear, and prob never actually put them on the front. I like 4570s ramp type but my CAR trailer has the hidden ramps that slide into slots, which are lighter duty, have some benefits too (easy). The trailer's only rated for about 8,500 lbs.

 

[downsizingnow48]

Since it is a dump trailer you already have a hydraulic power pack, how about putting cylinders at the four corners. I believe it would be self leveling.

 

[flingwing1969]

Nice job. I have this sort of jack on all of my trailers. The only way to go. Thanks for the post.

 

[MossRoad]

Since it is a dump trailer you already have a hydraulic power pack, how about putting cylinders at the four corners. I believe it would be self leveling.

I'd bet his reservoir isn't large enough to hold the retracted fluid from four additional rams.

 

[Sodo]

Since it is a dump trailer you already have a hydraulic power pack, how about putting cylinders at the four corners. I believe it would be self leveling.

Not leveling a dump trailer. That's Bukitcase's car trailer, which probably doesn't need leveling any more than a dump trailer.

 

[4570Man]

Nice job on the jack modification. I should do the same to my trailers. I've seen trailers that have 2 folding jacks on the back corners. That seems like less hassle than trying to raise the front up enough to make a stationary leg touch the ground. Don't forget about the potential of the trailer sitting lower once loaded making it impossible to get the pinned legs up.

 

[4570Man]

Since it is a dump trailer you already have a hydraulic power pack, how about putting cylinders at the four corners. I believe it would be self leveling.

It wouldn't work. You'd have to put equalizer son the cylinder or design the cylinders to be fully extended during use. In either case it's not going to self level. If you just plumbed all 4 cylinders together the cylinder under the lightest load is going to get all the fluid. I don't think they'll hold position either and the back end will compress when loaded.

 

[BukitCase]

"Don't forget about the potential of the trailer sitting lower once loaded making it impossible to get the pinned legs up."

This is why I don't like ramps with built-in "anti-squat" legs OR "jack-stand" types either, and why I thought of the versions I first suggested here - by making the jacks "plug-in" to beefed up stake pockets, AND the fact that those jacks can swivel up when not in use, you have the option of removing them COMPLETELY (or not) -

That would let you stow the jacks somewhere less likely to get STOLEN if you need to park the trailer (say, during a trip) - I haven't worked out ANYTHING beyond a "Bukit" list, but making the "plug-ins" padlockable is also on that list... Steve