badwithcomputer
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Post by badwithcomputer on May 2, 2013 7:36:30 GMT -4
I inherited (aka my old man dropped it off and never came back and got it) an old "tent trailer" that was converted to utility, from the outside it looked ok, it was rough but not rotten. I peeled the skins back to expose the frame as I was going to build a new platform but one frame rail was longer than the other and the short one wasn't attached to the tongue. I figured it was best to remove the axle, tires and springs and build a new frame and platform. That way I can make it the way I want as it had some short comings.
Here is my plan and this is where I need help because I know nothing about steel and I don't want to spend a boat load.
frame will be 4x8 platform will be 5x9
I was figuring to use 2x4 steel for the frame and tongue which calculated out to be about 40ft of it... too heavy/expensive? I want this trailer to be as light as possible but still able to carry 1000lbs.
Then I thought get 2x4 but cut each piece in half so I have a "c" channel to make the frame, this would cut down the need for 2x4 by half. bad idea? It would be a lot of work and I am unsure of the strength of a piece of 2x4 cut in half.
Im sure there's a few folks on here who have built these before and have it dialled in weight to strength on the type of steel they've used.
Thanks for you help! this is the first real endeavour with the welder so it should be interesting, I'll post pics!
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The Garagemahal
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Post by The Garagemahal on May 2, 2013 8:12:43 GMT -4
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badwithcomputer
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Post by badwithcomputer on May 2, 2013 8:34:44 GMT -4
Thanks for taking the time to document that build scott!! This will help me immensely! I'll call around today and get a price on some 2x2! In the back of my mind I kind of thought 2x2 would be enough but my inexperience told me otherwise.
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badwithcomputer
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You have DC2's? You just made a new best friend.
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Post by badwithcomputer on May 2, 2013 9:33:46 GMT -4
$42 bucks for an 8ft length of 2x2 1/4 (new) wall sound reasonable or should I keep shopping?
Might have to update my tetanus shot and go scrap pile climbing!
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Post by mostheman on May 2, 2013 10:06:29 GMT -4
I imagine 2x2x1/4 angle would suffice for an 1000lb payload if using the 2x2 i would go with 3/16 as the 1/4 is overkill. for a light single axle 2x2 by 1/8 may suffice (again without doing math, engineering foot may end up in engineering mouth)
Edit: I see Scotties frame was 1/8th and he loaded it to the nuts with firewood so give er....too lazy/busy to do the math....
John ross is as cheap place as any for lengths of steel,
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badwithcomputer
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You have DC2's? You just made a new best friend.
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Post by badwithcomputer on May 2, 2013 10:36:01 GMT -4
Ah shit you're right I completely read right over the 1/8th I'll call back and ask for that price, I don't imagine it will probably be too huge of a price difference though.
Now that I am thinking I may have understated my payload. This summer will likely be a big one for hauling as we need several house related things like roofing material, cement, fill, gravel all that good stuff. I know the jeep is capable of hauling 1500lbs so I'll likely be maxing that out quite regularly maybe even pushing it closer to 2000lbs for short distances.
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The Garagemahal
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Post by The Garagemahal on May 2, 2013 10:52:09 GMT -4
Metal price seems right My tongue was made from 1/4 wall , I don't remember what wall thickness the frame was. Won't hurt to go over kill , but your small axle will be your limiting factor I weighed the trailer on our scales when it was full of wet hardwood , it was just shy of a metric tonne
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Post by mostheman on May 2, 2013 11:03:48 GMT -4
2000lbs is still just short of a Metric tonne, which is what Scot had is loaded down to.......
In reference to Big G's trailer, I did some member sizing for his before he started with a desired payload of 4000 Lbs 2x3 by 3/16 (on edge) was overkill by way more than just a comfortable amount.
With a ladder frame work, crosspieces supporting the deck, there is really no long unsupported spans (rear overhang, between ends of leaf springs, front overhang which is tied to pole usually)
Take from it what you will, beef up the pole with 1/4 as it should be overkilled other wise I think you good. I'll see if I can locate my steel design manual if your realy worried.
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badwithcomputer
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You have DC2's? You just made a new best friend.
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Post by badwithcomputer on May 2, 2013 12:51:46 GMT -4
Thanks Mo!
Well the more I add things up the more I realize now that I have no other choice but to junk yard source the steel. I am up to $262.50 for new steel for the frame/tongue and bracing. Still need to buy a new coupler, as well then figure out what to do with the sides! I hate going to the junkyard, I can't tell who works there and who is just like me digging through the scrap.
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Post by mostheman on May 2, 2013 12:55:35 GMT -4
yeah I was the same way when I was going to build a trailer... its almost cheaper to go out and buy a good freisen or something like that new as youll be in the same price range when your done anyways.
I also meant John ross sells new lenghts of steel for good prices. Youll drive your self crazy scratching around for scraps in the yard.
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The Garagemahal
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Post by The Garagemahal on May 2, 2013 13:01:42 GMT -4
I have a partially finished trailer here , I would sell , just needs ramps / gate and wiring 4X8 and way over built
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Post by mostheman on May 2, 2013 13:03:51 GMT -4
From Freisen Trailer website www.friesenfab.com/FriesenTrailers.htm#Single_Axle_TrailersSTANDARD EQUIPMENT AXLE - 3,500# idler axle SUSPENSION - 4 leaf double eye springs TIRES - 205-75-15 Tires WHEELS - 15" silver modular FENDERS - 9 x 32 single axle COUPLER - 2” Atwoods A-frame JACK - 2,000# set back topwind STRUCTURAL - 3 x 2 x 3/16 channel frame & 4" channel tongue - 3 x 2 x 3/16 channel crossmembers - 2 x 2 x 1/8” angle top rail
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Post by mostheman on May 2, 2013 13:04:19 GMT -4
I have a partially finished trailer here , I would sell , just needs ramps / gate and wiring 4X8 and way over built pix and price?
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Post by SocialWheeler on May 2, 2013 13:38:30 GMT -4
If you take it Mo I could drop it in Truro on Saturday AM if I make it for the Charity Run.
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badwithcomputer
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You have DC2's? You just made a new best friend.
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Post by badwithcomputer on May 2, 2013 13:51:03 GMT -4
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