MaineFarmer Trailer Build.

[MaineFarmer]

Today I moved from collecting parts and steel to the 'build it phase'.
I purchased a used HF style trailer by after peeling the old 3/4" PT plywood deck and checking out the quality build I have since decided to keep it as a utility trailer and build myself a good EXPO platform.

 

[rustED]

Looks like you're off to a great start, your Millermatic has my welder envy acting up again lol.

 

[MaineFarmer]

Looks like you're off to a great start, your Millermatic has my welder envy acting up again lol.

Thanks. With a one year old girl it's important to find your escape, welding happens to be mine. I love my Millermatic! Lays down nice beads and makes it feel simple.

I've made a little progress this evening. I've attached the spring perches to my 6000# axle but I got it brand new for a steal so why not over build once in a while.

Got the spring hangers burned on solidly and am coming up on a quick mock up soon!

Just as soon as j can get this frame burned all together and the bottom skin on I will see who the tires fit.

The tongue is tacked on and is dead square to the axle! Let's hear it for simple geometry and some advice form your dad.


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[MaineFarmer]

Made some more progress last night.

Still a long way to go, and probably a ton I haven't though of but it's now rolling!


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[anickode]

I would seriously reconsider the tongue design to be lapped underneath the frame and extend back to the large cross member above the axle. Right now, you are relying on the torsional strength of the front of the frame and your welds (on what appear to be unprepped steel) to bear the entire tongue weight of the trailer.

It also appears that your axle is centered on your frame. Unless you're planning to permanently mount something very heavy in the front, you need to move the axle back so you have an approximate 10% calculated tongue weight. A trailer with little or no weight on the tongue is going to wobble and sway all over the place at highway speed. Look at every commercially available trailer on the market, and look at where the axles are.

 

[Lucky j]

As for the tongue placement, I agree, that is a lot of tork on that piece on 2x2 to prevent twisting and well failure.

As for the axle placement, seems like you are planing for something in front, water tank or something?? That will balance the weigt?

 

[anickode]

The addition of the extra tube from the tongue back to the frame rails is a definite improvement. It will add some stiffness and help transmit the pulling force directly to the frame and back to the springs.

And I noticed you moved the gas cans away from your welding area. :campfire: