Post by: stlaser on March 23, 2020, 09:06:37 PM
Had been acquiring “things” when a good deal come around for some time now. Picked up a set of 7200# axles from Farmer Jon last summer which Nate so kindly delivered. Purchased over a ton of 3x3 1/4 angle out of the back of a Kohl’s Dept store they moved for $200 and today I picked up a set of Chevy truck rims and crappy tires for $100 to fit those axles. Tires will get updated in the future as will the wheel bearings, seals and brakes on the axles prior to use.
I then ordered new 3 20’ lengths of c6 and a single length of c3 channel for the frame along with some trailer parts to hang axles.
Shooting for 22-24’ deck with dovetail and removable ramps and pintle hitch. Probably use some tube in shop and bend up drive over fenders. Should see rest of the steel by end of week. In meantime going to start fabricating the 3x3 x1/4 angle into a heavy C shape for the upper frame structure, the c6 will be lower frame and tongue. The single piece of c3 will most likely be ramp material.
Post by: stlaser on March 23, 2020, 09:11:27 PM
102” is max but have no reason to go that wide really. Measured the axles and back space of wheels. So outside of wheels looks to be right around 94”
As a point of reference I measured the built jku w/ 1 ton front and fairly wide tires. Overall it measures 90” roughly. So I’m thinking 94” outside overall width would be spot on.
Change my mind, I’m not hauling tractors and equipment, just cars, trucks and projects plus lengths of steel on occasion.
Post by: Bigdave_185 on March 23, 2020, 09:21:08 PM
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: stlaser on March 23, 2020, 10:09:13 PM
Trailer will need a winch, I believe Norm purchased a 12k badlands hf unit a year or so ago for his. Guess I’ll hit him up on his experience but what does everyone else think?
Post by: TexasRedNeck on March 23, 2020, 10:19:57 PM
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Post by: stlaser on March 23, 2020, 10:23:30 PM
Easier to get a truck on a trailer too wide than get a truck on a trailer too narrow...go maximum. Unless you are worried you aren’t able to tow such a rig.....
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Good point, not worried about towing capacity for this trailer (excursion maybe, fummins negative)
Post by: Bigdave_185 on March 23, 2020, 11:46:25 PM
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: stlaser on March 24, 2020, 12:16:29 AM
Post by: Bigdave_185 on March 24, 2020, 12:24:29 AM
17 feet bumper to bumper
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200324/4ab026d3fef2c65de52af2884a138d8b.jpg)
Or do you not worry about over hang?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: stlaser on March 24, 2020, 05:21:07 AM
Post by: stlaser on March 24, 2020, 02:45:57 PM
And so it begins, 24’ total 20’ being flat and 4’ (roughly) dovetail. Upper section of frame will just be 3x3 x 1/4 angle structure, it will be more than heavy enough to support loads w/ C6 lower frame and tongue under it by my thinking. Essentially a 9” tall beam.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: stlaser on March 24, 2020, 03:53:39 PM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200324/ea2ade8279cfab7109b0bb50c36667d1.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200324/10f5fd92e0c665c4cf647cccbd88e31a.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200324/5851d15673ff72c6460665fcf339c24a.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200324/fad01b31b215f74345f6cfc52a4b56f0.jpg)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: Sammconn on March 24, 2020, 04:35:49 PM
Post by: stlaser on March 24, 2020, 04:43:21 PM
I’ve got the HF 12k Badlands in my bumper. It’s no Warn, but for $200 it’s served me well the few times I’ve needed. Pulled an F-350 out of a near vertical 8-9’ deep ditch on single line. So it works.
Spoke to Norm, said basically same thing. It’s not a warn but serves its purpose. His largest concern was the aluminum drum and or housing. Said if line was wound up wrong you could bust it potentially. Being his is mounted to a trailer he shortened cable to 40’ and no worries now.
Post by: stlaser on March 24, 2020, 08:03:19 PM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200325/311dbb45c32429610dede16ba521dc57.jpg)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: Bear9350 on March 24, 2020, 08:38:14 PM
Post by: stlaser on March 24, 2020, 08:40:39 PM
Post by: Bear9350 on March 24, 2020, 09:00:19 PM
Approximately 76” or so between fenders, drive over fenders are the plan and a winch.
Based on the sketch, the center section will be open/ not decked. Do you plan on ramping the entire decked section over the wheels?
Post by: stlaser on March 24, 2020, 10:21:02 PM
Post by: stlaser on March 25, 2020, 05:09:33 PM
Upper frame section 20’ long, square within a 1/16th I’ll take it! Ratchet strap for the win....
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: Bigdave_185 on March 25, 2020, 05:34:05 PM
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: stlaser on March 25, 2020, 06:28:40 PM
The photo makes that look really narrow
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
That is currently 70.5” wide but will get bumped out around 12” each side with outriggers
Did receive an update the C channel I ordered won’t arrive until Monday now. So I’ll have this frame completely welded and ready for lower frame on Monday.
Post by: stlaser on March 27, 2020, 05:27:09 PM
Slow progress waiting on all the small cuts in the saw. So working on several things as saw cuts.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: Flyin6 on March 27, 2020, 09:41:16 PM
Post by: stlaser on March 27, 2020, 10:30:22 PM
Post by: Bigdave_185 on March 27, 2020, 11:15:41 PM
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: stlaser on March 27, 2020, 11:29:08 PM
Post by: stlaser on March 29, 2020, 04:36:06 PM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200329/69207cf7862f676e9663081ac13ea313.jpg)
Upper frame welded up, c channel for lower frame and tongue due in tomorrow
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: stlaser on April 01, 2020, 10:26:34 PM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200402/63d6313f517ce0e1696a575fbb1f2661.jpg)
Took apart the suspension from the donor axles I received from Jon. Wire wheeled them and used graphite paint on the springs. The shackles were worn out so I am building new ones and waiting on new ubolts and frame mounts for the springs. Steel showed up and laid the lower frame out on cad to calculate angles and notches and measurements. Starting to come together bit by bit
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: stlaser on April 07, 2020, 04:21:22 PM
Post by: stlaser on April 07, 2020, 04:22:20 PM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200407/22ef082d0ebed737ccb40dedaca62ef1.jpg)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: Bigdave_185 on April 07, 2020, 05:55:15 PM
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: stlaser on April 07, 2020, 06:41:44 PM
Why are you making it short? Why not source new axles?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Well, it’s not just axles. It’s suspension, hangers, wheels, mounting hardware etc etc. so I’ll finish building this as I haven’t cut and notched long channels for the tongue and sub frame. 22’ will do 90% of what I needed and the parts are bought and paid for.
Post by: Bear9350 on April 07, 2020, 10:31:03 PM
Post by: stlaser on April 07, 2020, 10:54:36 PM
So are you just shortening it up a bit to reduce trailer weight? Doesn't seem to me that you will be trimming off that much weight and it sounds like your intended cargo would keep you under 10,000. Will the shortened trailer cause any concern for weight distribution when loading?
The idea with 24’ was to get two short wheel base vehicles on there with heavier axles. These axles won’t give me capacity to safely do that at least in my opinion and I’ve broke several trailers overloading them (steel industry). My initial thought upon learning of my error was to cut loose back 4’ of the upper 20’ frame and dovetail it making a 20’ trailer overall. After cleaning up the axle tubes for paint I decided not to mess with the upper frame and just do a short 2’ dovetail to be able to load a single truck with or without ramps depending.
Your right I could make it 24’ and then I’d probably overload it at some point and would rather not so that’s my logic and probably flawed.
Post by: stlaser on April 08, 2020, 01:19:14 PM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200408/938f9f2b0655f4b50942d3e3bc7acd35.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200408/c0e130d3028fda194c0ddace7dfb2377.jpg)
Pulled out the mobile painting booth. Cleaned up the “5200#” axles and sprayed them with etching primer and then gloss black, the spring packs were blown apart then coated w/ graphite paint and reassembled w/ new grade 8 hardware
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: Bigdave_185 on April 08, 2020, 02:03:02 PM
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: stlaser on April 08, 2020, 04:08:20 PM
Post by: stlaser on April 08, 2020, 04:24:40 PM
Interesting info, so I looked up bearings and brakes. It would appear those are all the same 5200-7000# axles....
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: Bigdave_185 on April 08, 2020, 05:48:42 PM
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: stlaser on April 08, 2020, 05:50:01 PM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200408/bbfb13b2acf9f18cabc4dd4dd14e26bf.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200408/38ca66d4ba6fa6a16d497e491c94e3fe.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200408/270f39a002c817bfb52e145573fe9014.jpg)
Lower frame rails, notched and bent by hand then welded at appropriate angle (both ended up within half a degree that same way, overbent)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: stlaser on April 08, 2020, 05:52:46 PM
So.... with the bearings being the same what gives? Springs?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Yes and my guess is the spindles are identical & just as strong but the tube is thinner. So as Mike has stated (not sure if it was in text or here) I should have just cut them and sleeved the outside. Which could have been done but, forward progress and all. I missed out on a smoking deal today if trailer was done I could have flipped a truck.
Post by: Bigdave_185 on April 08, 2020, 06:37:46 PM
Sleeve the axles? Cut the spindles off, slip the tube inside a bigger tube and call it 7k axles after you weld the spindle back on. Is that really how simple ?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: stlaser on April 08, 2020, 06:59:47 PM
Post by: stlaser on April 09, 2020, 08:34:24 PM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200410/1bef060b6103a8ab41f2bf4cf8dad235.jpg)
I got about this far today on the trailer..... kept getting sidetracked with jobs that pay me money.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: KensAuto on April 09, 2020, 10:18:08 PM
Post by: stlaser on April 09, 2020, 10:23:14 PM
Thanks for vote of confidence though :likebutton:
Post by: KensAuto on April 09, 2020, 10:29:48 PM
Post by: stlaser on April 09, 2020, 10:45:15 PM
The Mr clean was a reference to how often you cut your hair.
When I was dating my wife (and prior when I was on high school baseball team) I shaved my head with a bic. It didn’t bother me too much because back then they actually thinned my hair when cutting it. Now nature has done that for me! So I am considering the bic razor and a little scared I won’t need that much longer either! Lol
Post by: stlaser on April 10, 2020, 04:06:06 PM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200410/fd139e73393d2882115599f39d1f1040.jpg)
Removable hitch for front of trailer so I can remove at storage yard.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: Farmer Jon on April 11, 2020, 08:21:06 AM
Sent from my SM-T727V using Tapatalk
Post by: stlaser on April 11, 2020, 08:35:43 AM
Post by: stlaser on April 12, 2020, 05:16:45 PM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200412/85689c48f1d1f1f6a1d1753eaf6d7697.jpg)
Lower subframe & tongue structure squared and tacked in place
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: stlaser on April 16, 2020, 04:28:04 PM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200416/7c7d267766fe64a3bb06cbcc52adef7d.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200416/acffe9863c28b416898084eba5e3a88e.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200416/d580c6a11d2ee77deb8cb7414ff409d9.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200416/9fa472182f6b32c6574474de5d2a9f4c.jpg)
So the spring hangers are welded front and back underneath (I flipped frame to lay them out). Since these are all used parts aside from springs, torsion pivot and new shackles which are same as originals just with round holes now instead of oval I am unsure if the setup is entirely correct.
I was able to take info from a couple different sources and end up here. I do know if spring hangers are too close together bad things can happen. Had a new dump trailer once and shop knucklehead mounted hangers on wrong side of layout fixture. Unloaded it was fine, loaded it threw the front tire up into bed of frame.
That trailer dealer had a book with all different setups, unfortunately I have no idea what that book was and dealer is back in Indiana.
So if any of you’ uns see something glaringly wrong speak up unless you name is Ken or Dave or Nate because he currently owes me one too....
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: Bear9350 on April 16, 2020, 05:22:32 PM
Post by: KensAuto on April 16, 2020, 05:54:54 PM
The middle ones should be flipped up above the pivot, kinda like the rear of a truck hanger.
At least every trailer I have is that way, and every one I've worked on
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200416/a64545a7d8d5ebd3945c1029a1cdabe2.jpg)
Post by: EL TATE on April 16, 2020, 06:03:49 PM
Post by: dave945 on April 16, 2020, 06:22:28 PM
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: stlaser on April 16, 2020, 06:28:33 PM
If you look at the axles you can see front one is kicked forward and rear one is kicked back. I’m assuming that rusty pic Ken posted is in the compressed orientation
Post by: Nate on April 16, 2020, 06:50:50 PM
Post by: stlaser on April 16, 2020, 07:00:00 PM
I think when I get time tomorrow I’m going to toss jack stands under both axles to get them to compress.
Edit: which gets me wondering or assuming that if the shackles are the correct length then the spring should be sitting level I would think at ride height (compressed)?
Post by: KensAuto on April 16, 2020, 09:28:23 PM
Post by: Bear9350 on April 16, 2020, 09:58:28 PM
Post by: stlaser on April 16, 2020, 10:57:10 PM
Edit: been digging and researching for last hour. Came across some good info, will post up tomorrow. I need to measure but I think we were all partially right and wrong. Will explain after I have time to confirm what I think is going on with this setup.
Post by: KensAuto on April 17, 2020, 01:05:42 AM
Post by: stlaser on April 17, 2020, 08:03:37 AM
Maybe you should just move the front and rear hangers towards each other about 2" each and quit over thinking it. ;)
My main reason for not doing that in the first place was because the spring hangers came with documentation and I’m nowhere near 2” off from the measurements they gave with them. The second reason is because I want it right, btw I think I hear H calling you Ken...... :tongue:
Post by: stlaser on April 17, 2020, 09:09:55 AM
Good resource here if anyone needs or wants to educate themselves
https://www.etrailer.com/faq-Double-Eye-Trailer-Suspension-Review.aspx
Springs at ride height supported by jack stands for reference w/ rv equalizer.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200417/ffe840c59df8c5787195ec840aca6d54.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200417/c5805ab511e7bab2a50d45a4f3669edf.jpg)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: KensAuto on April 17, 2020, 02:47:29 PM
Hehe
Post by: TexasRedNeck on April 17, 2020, 04:38:11 PM
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: stlaser on April 17, 2020, 04:46:01 PM
Is it that the center hangar is the same height as the front/rear when it’s supposed to be longer? In addition to what Ken said
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
No center is longer, the problem was I acquired (not knowing the difference) a set of hangers for a car hauler utility trailer. I set these hangers up for that while trying to use an rv equalizer. Buy correct equalizer and all is well.
For the record the bushing in the rv equalizers had seen better days. Not completely shot but useable so trying to save $50.....
Post by: stlaser on April 29, 2020, 07:16:20 PM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200429/ce6060e0d7e40a63cde37ef4086581bc.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200429/c0e3aec5f4bf43a713125aeae8391d2d.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200429/5d5f3a6e0a84fc1b07b4307af15205ab.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200429/212e972ee0a2c0f2e6520755404e3587.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200429/4eb20819a12f602923cfc90b378863ca.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200429/7885e87892b12d238870c3edca86d8dc.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200429/238e2a5c7779c019c534c72d29022c1d.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200429/4b7dcab86165d6412761e6b6b19d1cf5.jpg)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: KensAuto on April 30, 2020, 12:51:58 AM
Not trying to be negative but why's the jack handle pointed forward?
Post by: stlaser on April 30, 2020, 07:10:37 AM
So I measured for drive over fenders, they will only be about 4” tall. I believe I’m going to use 3/16” flat material (I can buy it 10” wide unlike tread plate) and I’ll use small dimple dies on it to increase traction when driving over it. Need to sit down and figure last steel order to finish the fab portion of the trailer. Need short outriggers either side and some flat stock to cap it down both sides.
Post by: KensAuto on April 30, 2020, 09:34:09 AM
Post by: stlaser on May 01, 2020, 09:56:27 PM
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: TexasRedNeck on May 02, 2020, 06:10:20 AM
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: Bigdave_185 on May 02, 2020, 09:10:34 AM
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: stlaser on May 02, 2020, 10:14:15 AM
I had picked up some secondary steel grating a couple years ago and I’m tired of moving it around. I did a quick measurement of it yesterday and I don’t have enough to do whole trailer. I believe what I will use the grating for is the outrigger area on both sides and the dovetail. That will leave two strips about 16” wide by 16’ long I need to fill most likely with wood and then a little in front at middle unless I have some grating left I could use.
The wood I’m thinking Douglas Fir but have yet to stop by local lumber yard, hasn’t been a priority and social distancing etc...
IMO: Trailer isn’t a show piece it’s a tool, I’m not living in it and it’s sits 90% of the time. So it’s being put together as solidly and least expensive as possible. Used tires and whatever I can source secondary and keep moving forward.
Post by: Flyin6 on May 02, 2020, 10:16:30 AM
Post by: stlaser on May 02, 2020, 10:20:37 AM
Post by: JR on May 04, 2020, 04:57:19 PM
Glad you got the spring/hanger thing worked out. That looked rough back in post 66.
Can you change the hubs and still have 7200 axles? If the bearings are the same maybe the axle tubes are too? Then you could add a little steel and get the trailer you want.
I like the idea of the grating, been eyeing that for the ridge, keeping the dirt dust down. Or even diamond where the tire run and flat/wood other.
Post by: stlaser on May 05, 2020, 09:21:42 PM
Have more pics but Tapatalk app isn’t cooperating today.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: stlaser on May 05, 2020, 09:22:54 PM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200506/1abedac05db75dcfc958c037d2793b76.jpg)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: stlaser on December 27, 2021, 09:04:10 PM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211228/4065e3e4c09cc32d8148d5f072a99bc9.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211228/c0e6aacb6f7e4cb4e02c4d205b00a240.jpg)
So this has been on the back burner for quite awhile. I had it sitting in the back of my buddies overflow storage space. I’ve been wanting to drag it to outside storage for the winter and middle child was home from college. She needs money and I put her to work slapping chassis saver on the frame. It will get completed at a later date most likely this spring.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: JR on December 27, 2021, 11:57:01 PM
Post by: Flyin6 on December 28, 2021, 09:56:52 AM
Post by: stlaser on December 28, 2021, 12:51:03 PM
Looks like you have some good help there!
Yeah, pretty good. Wasn’t a fun job but she kept pushing thru to get it completed.
Post by: Nate on April 21, 2023, 03:26:47 PM