Trailer build question

[TReel98]

So I purchased a used trailer from a friend of mine. Now I only paid $50 for it. Most of the trailer is made of 3X3 square tubing. Its 4 feet wide and 12 feet long. A few problems I have run into while slowly rebuilding it is No. 1 the axle is only about 2 feet from the back so I'd like to move it more twords the middle of the trailer. No. 2 its only 4 feet wide so id like to make it 5 or 6 feet wide now making the deck wider isn't the problem but more of the axle. Is it possible to make the axle wider or would it be more beneficial to buy a new axle?

The attached picture is basically what I want the finished project to look like.

 

[texasranger]

How heavy is the axle? If it's less than 3500 lb rating I'd buy a newer heavier axle the width you want. I've got basically the trailer you're trying to build and it has enough space to easily overload the 3500 lb axle that is on it. It is licensed at 2950, but I've had 7 yards of mulch on it before which is well over 2 tons. Tires weren't rubbing the fenders, but it was close! It is made from 2x2" 3/16" angle iron.

Of course a heavier axle may mean new springs/wheels/tires/etc. And widening it will be a lot of cutting and welding on the deck and ramp gate.

I'd probably just fix the trailer up and sell it, then buy a bigger one.

 

[jackson1701]

That's a lot of work, like texasranger said, maybe sell it for a decent profit, then build yourself a nice stronger, bigger trailer that meets your needs.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... Pictures of what you Got, Vs: what ya want would help a 'ell of alot,....

Generally speakin', startin' fresh is way easier than tryin' to build what ya want, outa what ya got,...

 

[TReel98]

The axle is probably rated for a ton or less. Its only 4 lug with 12 inch wheels. It doesn't have a gate or anything and it's been stripped down to just the frame. I would go take pictures of it but its in the backyard and I'm stuck to a wheelchair right now due to an accident.

 

[gungatim]

typically the axle isn't in the middle, it is at the 60% of the bed length, a bit further back from middle so it tracks.

I have cut axles and re-welded with a pipe sleeve before. no saying I recommend it, but it gets done a lot, especially when shortening a mobile home axle.

if I were you, I'd just buy a new axle, springs, and hangers from a local trailer supply shop. they really aren't that expensive. that way you'll upgrade the weight capacity significantly from the old one. probably make $50 selling the old axle, springs, and wheels anyway.

post a pic of what you have, 2ft from the rear of a 12' trailer is awfully hard to envision (you aren't including the tongue, right?)

see the attached and you will get the gist of the dimensions for a typical 5x12.

 

[aka Larry]

A good rule of thumb for the axle location is to move it one inch per foot of trailer bed length behind the bed center line. Your axle would be 7' from the front of the trailer.

 

[ddawg16]

Anyone who tows a trailer should be required to watch this video

 

[gungatim]

that is a cool video. I do wonder if the speed, weight, springs, vehicle, etc. are all actual scale. did his finger match actual wind load? be even better if they could do a design of experiment on braking as well...but it definitely makes a point.

 

[texasranger]

The axle is probably rated for a ton or less. Its only 4 lug with 12 inch wheels. It doesn't have a gate or anything and it's been stripped down to just the frame. I would go take pictures of it but its in the backyard and I'm stuck to a wheelchair right now due to an accident.

Also check that the fenders will cover the larger tires. You'll probably end up with 5 lug 15" rims and something like 205/75/15 tires. A pic would help, but I agree it is hard to envision the axle being as far back as you say.

 

[gungatim]

if you do go bigger on the wheels, I have a hard time finding decent 15's anymore. may consider getting 16 or 17" rims for more common trailer tires if that is an issue for you...

 

[TReel98]

typically the axle isn't in the middle, it is at the 60% of the bed length, a bit further back from middle so it tracks.

post a pic of what you have, 2ft from the rear of a 12' trailer is awfully hard to envision (you aren't including the tongue, right?)

No I wasn't including the tongue the bed of the trailer is 12 feet long then the tongue is about an extra 4 feet long. currently the whole trailer is tore down to just the frame and axle. It'll be a while before i get to working on it just because of my medical issues. So I'm trying to get an idea of what I need to do.

 

[Lwel9226]

What are your welding skills? and welding equipment availability??? If you need to farm it out it will probably be quite costly, and you will be better off selling it and buying what suits your needs.....

LynnW
FoBW

 

[gungatim]

LGR!

 

[koditten]

Get me a picture and I'll give you an honest direction to go.

 

[TReel98]

What are your welding skills? and welding equipment availability??? If you need to farm it out it will probably be quite costly, and you will be better off selling it and buying what suits your needs.....

LynnW
FoBW

My welding skills are pretty good I've been in a machine shop/Fabrication shop for the past 4 years of school. I've got access to a couple welders there's a little miller 110v mig buzz box then ive also got a big twin cylinder gas miller arc welder.

 

[TReel98]

Get me a picture and I'll give you an honest direction to go.

I don't know why my second picture didn't come through. The top picture is what I want to have in the end the bottom one is what I'm starting with now.

 

[gungatim]

I turned it and blew it up. horrible pic, but it looks like someone took a 4x8 and extended the front, then added that rear deck. I would look it over very carefully for good welds and structure. you can see where the original tongue was.

 

[koditten]

I'm not going to sugar coat my response.

I think you would be further ahead to scrap out that trailer and use the $ towards new materials.

I don't know what kind of axle that is. If I could see it closer, maybe it would be a good donor axle. Axles don't really wear out. Put in new bearings and put it under a new frame.

If you get a chance, check out my trailer building thread.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=143895

 

[TReel98]

Well I guess I'll just start off fresh and get rid of this trailer.i bought it because i figured for $50 you couldn't go wrong but I guess I did lol. This would be my first really big fab project and I intend to keep this and use it for years to come. it would haul everything from Harley's and quads to moving and everything in between.

 

[koditten]

Did you look at my build thread?

I'm firm believer in recycling axles. Are these light duty?

 

[gungatim]

you didn't go wrong, I've bought a lot of trailers for under $100, did a little work and sold them until I built my nice heavy duty 5x10.

first one was a $40 4x8, heavy duty but light axle welded solid to the frame (and way too far forward). cut it off, welded spring perches and proper suspension in the right location, and added stake pockets and sides.

had $80 into it at that point and sold it for $350.

you could just move that axle, add some deck boards and list it and make some cash. you may have to do that a few times until you end up with a really nice trailer.

 

[TReel98]

Did you look at my build thread?

I'm firm believer in recycling axles. Are these light duty?

Yes I did. looks like an awesome thread very informative.

I don't know any specifics on the axle but its very small diameter 4 lug and 12 inch wheels. and the springs are very soft like 350lbs and its bottoming out.

 

[koditten]

Probably best to cut it up for scrap and get yourself a case of beer.

I can't count the times my good intentions ended up at the scrap yard.

 

[Lwel9226]

My welding skills are pretty good I've been in a machine shop/Fabrication shop for the past 4 years of school. I've got access to a couple welders there's a little miller 110v mig buzz box then ive also got a big twin cylinder gas miller arc welder.

IT sounds like you have a pretty good grasp on what is needed....
I would go for it..... and good luck....

LynnW
FoBW

 

[Lwel9226]

you didn't go wrong,
you could just move that axle, add some deck boards and list it and make some cash. you may have to do that a few times until you end up with a really nice trailer.

Sounds like a good plan to me.......

LynnW
FoBW