The main frame looks stout but those crossmembers are too weak. They will bend especially laying flat like that. Gussets won't help it isn't the weld that is the problem they are laying flat on the frame with very little stress on the weld. The problem is the material is too small to span that distance.
Trailer got stolen, so decided to build one
- Thread starter sldva00
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Deere Dude
Elite Member
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The fix sounds easy enough after looking at my PJ trailer. If it was me I would get some 3" channel iron and weld them directly beneath the tubing in question.
The overhang on each side should have a channel or square tubing supporting that on a 45 deg. angle to the lower frame member. This would also help with strength for when you chain something down. I didn't reread all these posts and maybe you have something all figured out already. In either case, it looks like a very nice project. I wish I had a trailer that size.
The overhang on each side should have a channel or square tubing supporting that on a 45 deg. angle to the lower frame member. This would also help with strength for when you chain something down. I didn't reread all these posts and maybe you have something all figured out already. In either case, it looks like a very nice project. I wish I had a trailer that size.
jenkinsph
Super Star Member
What he said ^^^^.
I did criticize this build but feel this is necessary sometimes. If you are going to build a trailer it needs to meet some design criteria if used on public roads. I am all for DIY projects but feel that this cross member issue does need to be resolved properly. A suggestion would be to COPY others such as Big Tex and PJ to name two manufacturers who have already figured this out.
Renze
Super Member
Thats a very good idea as well. The flat laying tube will form the upper flange, and the angle iron the vertical and the lower flange of what together acts as a C channel
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sldva00
Silver Member
The deck will be made of steel and lumber. I used different sizes to compensate for the thickness of the lumber (1.5"). It looks fairly level when transitioning from one to the other. I'm still going to add plenty of weld to the front section where I elevated the plate with 1/4" strips.
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sldva00
Silver Member
I Thank All of You that criticized and stated the obvious. I did something very similar to Renze's modification of the trailer he did. I used 2 1/2" x 1/4" square tube to go length wise in the middle of the crossmembers. At the halfway mark, I added a 2" x 1/4" square tube under the side rails with gussets all around it. Then I added a triangular brace up to the 2 1/2" beam. It came out strong and I can definitely notice the difference afterwards.
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sikmusicfreak8
Silver Member
That looks good. I started my trailer build off of a toy hauler frame, and its worked great for me, gets a lot of use! Added a winch, deck lights, etc.
Nice work bud!
Nice work bud!
sikmusicfreak8
Silver Member
If you don't mind me asking, what do you have into your trailer? I think I bought the trailer for $1500, and after a winch, lumber, steel, and lights, I have less than $2800 into the whole thing now.
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sldva00
Silver Member
$3,900 so far by my numbers. According to my wife, it's closer to $4,100. She includes the lunches I have to buy, the fuel costs of all my fill-ups during the build. Took a trip to Corpus to get the axles and tires. The steel yard is about an 1hr drive. Building at my cousin's place, which is about 20 minutes away.
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sldva00
Silver Member
Thanks. Coming from someone I can see knows what he's doing, it does make me feel good. You've done great work on your trailer.
Plan B for my trailer was something similar to yours, where the deck wraps around the fenders. If I couldn't get my truck to hook up to the high trailer design, I was going to lower it to look like yours. I wanted a high trailer to eliminate a lot of trucks that can tow my trailer away. I do realize that if someone wants it, they will find a way and take it. This just makes it harder to do so.
Renze
Super Member
Do you guys have kingpin locks in the USA ? It is a two piepe clamshell thats secured by a standard lock, which clamps around the trailer kingpin. It would require battery or gen power angle grinders at location, to take your trailer. So thieves will pass yours and go look for an easier target instead.
drizler
Platinum Member
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- 735
Oh I don't know about that. I just got done doing the *** end of my bass boat trailer. I haven't even gotten the boat back in the water from it's rebuild and I am cutting grinding. Personally I would rather pass on that stuff unless it's saving me money, preferably a lot of money. Summer isn't exactly welding weather either:thumbdown:.
If you religiously hunt Craigs list you can always find good trailers worth grabbing. For some reason when axle hangers get worn out or an axle gets bent people just want to dump them. I never knew how bone simple it is and relatively cheap to fix until I helped a guy fix on a couple.
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sldva00
Silver Member
Got the dovetail decked out.
Want to place the ramps anywhere along the bar, so came up with this.
Used a 2x4x1/4" rectangular tube cut in 4" pieces, then cut in half. Centered a foot apart.
The bar is 1".
Want to place the ramps anywhere along the bar, so came up with this.
Used a 2x4x1/4" rectangular tube cut in 4" pieces, then cut in half. Centered a foot apart.
The bar is 1".
jack707
Veteran Member
Well I have the trailer on CL just put it there yesterday at 3100 if it don't sell in 45 days I will back in my pole barn and start to make into a 18' I'm NOT taking a LOSS.
Deere Dude
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Why 45 days? Keep it in there as long as it takes. On the 46th day some serious buyer may be looking for just that kind.
jack707
Veteran Member
That what CL run time
Deere Dude
Elite Member
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Why 45 days? Keep it in there as long as it takes. On the 46th day some serious buyer may be looking for just that kind.
George2615
Super Member
Yes, but after that time period you can renew your ad. I use CL all the time and currently have several items listed. I log into my account almost every day and can edit the ad, pics, and renew. Even after it expires you can repost.
jack707
Veteran Member
I have a few things on there also but I noticed some people are cheap want your stuff for half price! because it's used.
