ATV Trailer Build

[pmsmechanic]

Something you might want to consider. When I built my walking beam hunting trailer I set the beam pivot point a little to the rear so the the front tire could easier walk over obstructions.

 

[aczlan]

I was planning on using a 50mm ball hitch (I think that is slightly bigger than 1 7/8in). I think walking beam suspension is decided. It is going to be used on a pretty rough road, in performance I don't think a single axle would compare. I am building it with a walking beam because of the suspension advantages not the weight carrying advantages.

A 50mm ball is about the same size as a 2" ball (1.96"). I would HIGHLY recommend going with a 2" ball over a 1 7/8" ball as its too easy to put a 2" trailer on a 1 7/8" ball and a 2" trailer can just bounce off...

Aaron Z

 

[The Fred]

I believe the use of 1-7/8" balls on NEW trailers is finished, you just don't see any out there even on the smallest trailers.

I think your walking beam is a great idea, if I may recommend you use a solid bolt for strength then have your grease point in the actual bore of the beam and a groove machined into the bore of the beam for grease to surround the bore. The bolt with a zerk installed will really weaken the bolt itself.

I wouldn't overbuild the trailer too much as empty weight is not your friend. You can buy square tube with .090" wall (about like exhaust tubing) that would work well for a frame.

Regards, Fred

 

[dmricke]

I have one of the tandem axle trailers located here: ATV Trailers Made in The USA by Country MFG.

If you watch near the end of the video for the tandem, you see their variation on a walking beam.
Dale

 

[plumbstraight]

Look up Tundra Tuffy. I have a friend that makes these in Ak. He has a clip on you tube. Has made several and they work well. He is now in Wa State. Anyway, this will give you some good ideas about your build.

 

[aczlan]

I believe the use of 1-7/8" balls on NEW trailers is finished, you just don't see any out there even on the smallest trailers.

Unfortunately, they are still available from both Lowes and TSC for up to 5x8 trailers.

Aaron Z

 

[NS Gearhead]

The point to a walking beam is not to carry more weight, but to smooth the ride for the load, as well as remove some shock load from the tow vehicle. I like my trailer, but I have to slow way, way down when carrying some things where I could travel a little faster & smoother with the walking beam.

 

[The Fred]

Unfortunately, they are still available from both Lowes and TSC for up to 5x8 trailers.

Aaron Z

Yes I see, thanks for the correction, Fred

 

[ferrari99]

Something you might want to consider. When I built my walking beam hunting trailer I set the beam pivot point a little to the rear so the the front tire could easier walk over obstructions.

Thanks for that I think that is a good idea.

I think your walking beam is a great idea, if I may recommend you use a solid bolt for strength then have your grease point in the actual bore of the beam and a groove machined into the bore of the beam for grease to surround the bore. The bolt with a zerk installed will really weaken the bolt itself.

I appreciate what you are saying, but I don't really have the facility to do that. The trial was a 1/2in bolt with a reasonably large hole, the real thing will be a 3/4 bolt with a very small hole say 1/8in would that still not be strong enough?

 

[Sodo]

its too easy to put a 2" trailer on a 1 7/8" ball

I ditched of all my 1 7/8" receivers (and balls), put 2" balls and receivers on everything. It's easier that way. Then I got a trailer with a 2-5/16". But that's OK, all standardized except one.

I like walking beam for trailers, as mentioned much smoother ride and easier pull over obstacles. But more difficult to block from rolling downhill,,,,

 

[Rio_Grande]

That country mfg design doesn't look right, seems as though it could just fold under? Am I wrong, and it will balance instead?

 

[ferrari99]

Progress has been a bit slow. I got the base of the bed done a few weeks ago but didn't get anymore done until today. I also welded caps on the ends of some of the main beams. I did the end of one of them and filled it with water... and it held I was pretty impressed considering the 15yo novice welder that I am. Anyway here are some pics of today's progress.

 

[Xfaxman]

:thumbsup: Looking good!

 

[The Fred]

Yes looking good. I would think a 3/4" bolt with 1/8" lube hole would work fine.

Regards, Fred

 

[ferrari99]

I would think a 3/4" bolt with 1/8" lube hole would work fine.

I hope it will because I haven't thought of anything else.

I made up the hinges for the dump box this morning, I hope to get them attached to the box later on. Then I can attach the main beams.

 

[ferrari99]

I got the hinges attached and also attached the main beams at one end, sorry no pics yet. I will post pics soon.

 

[Sodo]

I was pretty impressed considering the 15yo novice welder that I am

I am too. Creating must be in your blood - keep at it. :thumbsup:

 

[ferrari99]

Creating must be in your blood

I don't know about that, but I must admit I do like creating things. The hardest thing is knowing what to make and funding it...
Here are the promised pics, sorry they aren't really that good.

 

[ferrari99]

I finally got some more done. It is on wheels :cool2:

 

[Xfaxman]

:thumbsup: Looking good.