Convert Air Brake Equipment Trailer

ArXane · Apr 12, 2017

I have access to an old equipment trailer for very cheap or free. Would it be worth converting from air to electric brakes and to use it? Or would it just be still way to much weight? I would tow it with a 1ton. It currently is a "dually" I would have to spend a lot of time tracking parts down, but would defiantly be a heavy duty trailer. It is a tilt 20x8ft.

CDN Farm Boy · Apr 12, 2017

Way too heavy to be worth it. Take it for free, sell it for scrap and add the cash you'd spend to convert to electric and buy a trailer more reasonably sized. :2cents:

ArXane · Apr 12, 2017

That's what I wanted to know. Thanks!

Diamondpilot · Apr 12, 2017

I agree. I bet that trailer weighs 8,000# or more empty. I also know of no direct bolt on replacement to take it to electric brakes.

Stimw · Apr 12, 2017

I would get it if the price is that low and try to trade it for one more practical for you.
I used to be really good with air brakes but haven't touched them in 20 years.
I always wondered about a 12 V compressor with an electric controller for an air brake trailer???

GLyford · Apr 13, 2017

I like that walking beam setup, thank you for posting the pics.

Redlands Okie · Apr 13, 2017

Hmm, get it for free, and sell it ? Would seem to be a item that not sell every day but still more money than scrapping it. Looks like a easy fixer upper project, new boards and paint. I think i would check local sources that advertise such items and see what they sale for and then decide if the possible money earned makes it worth it. Accepting a reduced sale price offer would help move it quickly one would think. Tilt bed is quite attractive to commercial equipment operators.

RickB · Apr 13, 2017

It's a dinosaur, and priced at free because nobody wants it. The axle placement is waaay too forward to make the full deck length useable. It has more axle and tire than deck. Go buy what you need.