Folding trailer idea - build or buy?

adlertom · Jun 10, 2005

I have an idea for a folding 6 x 14 foot trailer to haul my TC33DA. It would be 14 feet long in operation, but only 8 feet long when folded.

I want to do this so it will take up less room in my shed when not in use.

My question is, should I go to the time and trouble of presenting my (unproven) design to a custom trailer builder, or is there somebody out there that already sells a similar product?

I've seen the smaller folding utility size trailers on the internet, but didn't locate anyone who makes larger ones.

Thanks,

Tom

jim_wilson · Jun 11, 2005

I guess the question is - where would it be folding? I can think of a number of ways you could make a trailer "smaller" so that it could be stored in smaller area and you would not necessarily have to make it fold. I think if you went to a trailer manufacturer with something like this you are going to pay maximum $$ to get them to build something custome like this.

adlertom · Jun 11, 2005

The middle section (with the wheels) would be stationary. The front and back would be hinged and fold back onto the middle. There would be tubular slide in/out reinforcements in tubular side rails.

To fold the trailer, the sliding reinforcements would be slid out and the ends folded in.

What are your ideas for making a trailer smaller without folding it? Perhaps standing it on its side?

jim_wilson · Jun 12, 2005

Sounds like you have a pretty good idea of how to do this. So what you are thinking of is a trailer bed with three equal sections that fold into the middle section where your axle(s) would be located? That actually sounds pretty easy to build. I would make a suggestion that you could actually make the storage space smaller if you made the entire tongue of the trailer removable also - make the tongue so that it slides into some receivers or bolts up to some plates that attach to both the middle section and the frontmost section and you will tie those two pieces of the trailer together.

The other suggestion I would make is to look into making this yourself if you somewhat mechanically inclined. Normally buying a trailer premade comes out cheaper than building one yourself - trying to get one custom made however might be a different story. My father built a 5 x 8 utility trailer himself back in 1971 that is still going strong - and the reason is that he built it out of aluminum. If you are building yourself making the trailer out of aluminum has some advantages - it is much easier to cut and drill than steel is. This trailer my father built was entirely bolted together with stainless bolts. He stamped the build date right on the front rail - and it is still in good shape 34 years later. If you bolted the trailer together instead of welded (like a typical steel trailer is) you could pretty much build the whole thing with normal hand tools like a drill and metal cutting saw. Aluminum will make the trailer lighter too which will make it easier to move around as you try to get it into your shed.

have_blue · Jun 12, 2005

Tom,

Here are some random thoughts, which are about the only kind I am capable of.

A trailer for your TC33 REALLY doesn't have to be much longer than the wheelbase of the tractor itself. Maybe just some pull-out brackets for resting the FEL and whatever implement you have on the 3 point hitch. (although a bush hog could require something long back there!)

As Jim Wilson mentioned, aluminum is the last word in home-built trailer construction if stowage and portability is a top priority.

My thoughts about aluminum: You may hear people carping and whining about cost and safety, and predicting your doom. Well, the running gear will still be mostly steel. Most all trailers are overbuilt, and yours will probably be no different. The structural frame members will probably be thicker than the steel normally used, and probably stronger. You will probably not be making cross-country hauls, so metal fatigue is not a large factor. You can inspect the frame after every trip, and any loose bolts will show up instantly by kicking and tapping on the frame.

At today's steel prices, aluminum is looking a little better. (although I hear Al prices are up too).

Good luck with your project! It sounds like loads of fun. Regardless of whether steel, aluminum, self-built, or outsourced, TAKE LOTS OF PICTURES! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

adlertom · Jun 12, 2005

Thanks for the suggestions. I don't think I'd want to build this myself, so it probably would be expensive to have it custom made.

The other idea I had was to simply buy a regular double axle trailer, and store my tractor in my shed *on* the trailer. I would park the trailer with the back end toward the overhead door. That would take up the least floor space of all!

It wouldn't be as convienent, since I'd have to start folding the ROPS (I currently can just drive straight in/out of the shed) but it would probably be a lot less money for the trailer.

bobodu · Jun 12, 2005

There ya go!!! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

TheKid · Jun 13, 2005

( Perhaps standing it on its side? )

That's what one of my friends does. Big eye bolt on the wall and a come-a-long. Has a couple of pieces of 6X6 that it rests on.

bczoom · Jun 13, 2005

Tom,

Oh, what the heck... let me throw a couple more questions/thoughts out.

Is the reasoning for putting the trailer in a shed due to esthetics or protection of the trailer deck? I'm asking in that you could probably replace the decking several times before you would come close to the added cost of the folding trailer. (I'm asking if the trailer can be left outside)

Another thought. How about another shed or add on to an existing? If the cost difference is more than a few hundred, you could probably add on or build another shed for the price difference. One of those canvas carports can be purchased for around $200.

( The middle section (with the wheels) would be stationary. The front and back would be hinged and fold back onto the middle. ) I'm pondering how you would do this. To get to fold flat, a unique hinging system would be required since you'll need one section to fold over the top of the other folded section. Think of taking 3 2x4's and hinging together into a line. When one of the ends folds to the middle, the other end will only fold to a certain point before it hits the first folded section.

Brian

have_blue · Jun 13, 2005

( To get to fold flat, a unique hinging system would be required )

If I were to build a collapsible trailer, I don't think I would hinge it. I think I would telescope it. The front and rear wouldn't even need a deck, but you could optionally add one for storing light odds and ends. The extension's only function could be to support the FEL out front and the (whatever) implement hanging on the 3 point hitch.

The center part could be massively strong and of course have the axles and a short but massive frame. The front part would telescope out from the center part, and of course the tongue would be attached to this as usual. It would be plenty strong and lock in place with beefy hardware. It would either have no decking at all, or decking would fold out from the center section for carrying light stuff. Light cross members would quickly snap on for triangualtion and good rigidity.

Same for the rear section.

I can visualize unloading the tractor and stowing the trailer thus:

*Back tractor off the trailer in the usual way.

*Loosen all heavy-duty hardware securing the telescoping rails

*Telescope front section into center section, just push!

*Telescope rear section into center section, push!

*Unhook trailer from receiver and crank down the jack as usual.

*Lock all the telescoping hardware on the frame rails (lightly or partially lock it for storage)

Stowed trailer is now only about ~12 feet long, including tongue, and will still balance perfectly on the tandem wheels. It can be locked and used as a stubby trailer as it is, or extended to ~20 feet.

Yawn. It's a good dream anyway. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif