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My Do It All Trailer build.....

Sethmark

Well-Known Member
Messages
230
Location
SC
I caved. It's A frame now. Meets the calculator for tongue strength.

http://www.angib.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/teardrop/tear84.htm

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1370706949.587205.jpg
 

4speedfunk

Well-Known Member
Messages
4,247
Location
Tardville
What is the wall-thickness on your tubing?
What gauge skin are you using?

If I had started from scratch like you...I would seriously consider an aluminum tub. IMO...you can't build an H3 trailer light enough! (The I-5 can barley pull itself).

In addition to rear hatch access...that long tongue will make it easier to back up. One thing I've noticed is that my trailer is pretty much totally hidden from view when backing up. I've even considered making some marker rods (similar to what snow-plows use) and welding them to the rear corners of the bed so I can see it. Maybe put a little flourescent orange tip on em. It would be cool to put em on a solenoid and tie em into the reverse lighting circuit....so they pop-up in reverse. God, did I just say that?...(I really need to get a life).

After wheeling my trailer for a year or so...I highly recommend a "curly" wiring harness. This will allow you to have all kinds of extra length without a bunch of slack. I have un-plugged my standard wiring several times by hooking it on rocks & roots...
4115SafaXYL.jpg

Project looks great.
 

Sethmark

Well-Known Member
Messages
230
Location
SC
The spine, if you will, is 2x2x3/16".
The box is 2X2X1/8".

The lip of the top of the box will be 2x1, same as the A-frame.

I'm still working on gauge for the decking and walls. I have considered doing them out of aluminum. However I already own a sheet of 12 gauge. The trailer is actually fairly light. Currently it's about 199 pounds for the steel +70 each for the tires.

I really enjoy welding aluminum and considered doing the whole thing out of aluminum. However, the big problem is price. Yes it's 30% the weight, but it was three times the cost.... And I have an Alpha!!!!
 
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chad

Well-Known Member
Messages
545
Location
florida
Where did you get your axle? I've been looking at local place here and no luck. Also been trying to call abc trailer parts and no luck. I'm moving in a few weeks so I now got to speed my project up.
 

Sethmark

Well-Known Member
Messages
230
Location
SC
Not interesting, but its where I've progressed to. It feels like a space shuttle maneuver. I've done 1/2 the roll to right side up permanently.

The structure is complete. I have an hours' welding left then acres of fine details.

My list... Mostly for me since I need one.
- make the cooler rack for the front
- add gussetting to all the corners
- cut and weld in floor
- sheet the sides
- The tailgate needs hinges to be fabricated
- latches.... I need to make a decision and move on it.
- end caps for the rail
- make the stabilizers
- do all the electrical.
- fenders and steps.
Then paint and LineX.

It's remarkable how slow the progress has been.

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1371000117.234570.jpg
 

Sethmark

Well-Known Member
Messages
230
Location
SC
Thanks. Tailgate just hit the trash bin as I picked a different style latch that requires more meat.

Going to use these I think for the tailgate.

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1371147090.879093.jpg

All hinge options stink, so I'm going have to hand make them. Unfortunately, I'm done until the 24th. It's time for a road trip. Hopefully the axle will arrive when I'm gone. I'd like to pull this thing out of the garage.

8a8ezugy.jpg
 

Sethmark

Well-Known Member
Messages
230
Location
SC
I finished a few odds and ends before we left town yesterday. Nothing too exciting, but I should be off to the races here shortly.

I found a simple 20 inch pole jack which I'll bolt a wheel to.
ImageUploadedByTapatalk1371382553.001471.jpg

And I cut out a stack of gussets ill weld in. I realize I'm well into overkill land. I like that. Mostly it was an excuse to play with the plasma. Gotta love a tool that'll cut 3/16" plate like scissors through wrapping paper....

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1371382700.967767.jpg
 

Sethmark

Well-Known Member
Messages
230
Location
SC
Lol. Yeah. It's an addictive tool. I had a buddy call me a couple of weeks ago with a gooseneck hitch that he wanted cut out. 1" plate at the ball. Cut it like a hot knife through butter.

I'm never sorry to own bigger tools than I need.
 

Bigunit

Hammer Down!
Staff member
Messages
6,561
Location
Arizona
So Sethmark, when do you think my trailer will be ready for me to pick up.....:D. Nice work? :thumbup:

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapataint
 

4speedfunk

Well-Known Member
Messages
4,247
Location
Tardville
Next time...build one with independent coil suspension with upper and lower A-arms. That should net you some MASSIVE center ground clearance...much like a Humvee.
 

Sethmark

Well-Known Member
Messages
230
Location
SC
I considered bagging it. Part of me likes the idea of building the ultimate ass hauling off road trailer.

But wtf for? I don't live in the desert anymore, as much as I want to. My guess is this trailer will haul trash and bicycles 100x more than camping gear.

I miss anza borego.
 

Sethmark

Well-Known Member
Messages
230
Location
SC
Haulmark generally makes a decent trailer, but an aluminum frame with no A to triangulate is weak. The gross payload is way too low in my opinion, ranging from 600 to 1800#. I have no use for that light duty a trailer.
 

Sethmark

Well-Known Member
Messages
230
Location
SC
Today I got back on it and got the tailgate pins finished. They allow the tailgate to push closed with one hand then be locked into place.

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1371931799.076933.jpg

Still no axle.... Which means I can't start fenders or sheet metal.
 

Sethmark

Well-Known Member
Messages
230
Location
SC
Not a ton of time to work today, but I got the hinges lengthened, located and tacked. It was important to me that the gate sit flush with the floor of the trailer.

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1372101433.848403.jpg

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1372101445.173768.jpg

The ends are butt welded on the bottom instead of mitered because I had a trick up my sleeve. It didn't work, so I flipped the tailgate so the mitered end is up and I'll cap the bottom.
 
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