TXST8tj homebuilt 'Sherpa' type build

TXST8tj

Observer
Added the interior pieces and finished welding the main frame.


0EE6471C-C31A-4DA5-A528-83FFF5DCEB02_zpsqdvd6kvh.jpg




I also cut and prepped the rear hitch pitch piece. I did not have time to fit it in today.


DD49C763-4E68-4BE6-AF53-13FDA434798E_zpsnwzgx6rr.jpg
 

TXST8tj

Observer
Springs are mocked up. Tacked in place for now in case I need to make any adjustments.
I also cut the tongue piece.





39856AC6-ADFA-4686-8282-C0CF20627568_zpsn0rpxk80.jpg
 
Last edited:

TXST8tj

Observer
She's a roller. The frame is 100% welded now. I need to finish burning in the spring hangers. I am going to work on the tongue jack so I can get it completely rolling.

I also picked up the 2" tube to get started on the fender skirts and vertical upper frame sections.


ADC84E9E-5C4F-4411-9269-7A0FABC9F8B1_zpseyjkds0u.jpg


0E8F1FE2-566E-4D44-9EDE-850D746AE050_zpsdlhh3gkg.jpg
 

TXST8tj

Observer
I modified the tongue jack today. I might just be silly, but I really prefer the weld on tube mount style vs the bolt-on plate style.
I cut off the flat foot and welded the wheel on. It would've been easy to just drill a hole through and use the pin, but the slop would no doubt bother me.


BE7C8CBE-D42E-491F-B6F5-DFA398CB0C9B_zpstn2pnsj4.jpg


AE0184A9-3F8D-4272-B9D8-E01F25B077D7_zps0bhxp1n3.jpg


35C92BDE-BF79-4507-B3DB-C94C604843A6_zps8pgi4cem.jpg
 

TXST8tj

Observer
Looks good, what's the length of the tongue?

I had planned on 2x3 but like the 2.5" you used
Thanks! The tongue is 64" from front edge of the frame to the tip of the receiver. It is 88" all the way back to the front crossmember.

I always liked the symmetry of the 2.5". That's really the main reason I went that route.
I don't think you can lose either way.
 

RagnarD

Adventurer
Caster came out nice.

Looks like you butt welded a pre-fabbed 2" receiver section (2.5"x2.5"x3/16) to the end of the 2.5"x2.5"x1/8" draw bar. i know its too late, but why didnt you use 3/16 wall tubing for then entire draw bar? Would just need to drill a hole and add a collar for a one piece complete draw bar.
 
Last edited:

TXST8tj

Observer
Caster came out nice.

Looks like you butt welded a pre-fabbed 2" receiver section (2.5"x2.5"x3/16) to the end of the 2.5"x2.5"x1/8" draw bar. i know its too late, but why didnt you use 3/16 wall tubing for then entire draw bar? Would just need to drill a hole and add a collar for a one piece complete draw bar.
The piece on the end is a hitch extension.
Two and a half years ago when I bought the steel, I bought a 12' piece of 2.5"x1/4". When it came time to start building this thing, I realized that I did not buy true receiver tube material and what I have has the weld on the inside. 2" tube does not slide in with that weld in the way. On top of that, I realized just how heavy that 1/4" tube is compared to the 1/8" wall and it seemed excessive.
I truly wanted to run a single piece for the tongue, but I had a lot of the 1/8" tube left over, and had the hitch extension. I am hoping this will not prove to be an issue.
 

RagnarD

Adventurer
It should be fine, just wondering what the reason was. Another option could have been to use 2" tube for the draw, slip the 2.5" receiver tube over it, then weld or bolt them together.

I do wish 2.5"x2.5"x1/4" with the weld broached was a more standard item at steel yards.

You will enjoy that caster wheel. I enjoy mine.
 

FosterWV

Baller On A Budget
Thanks! The tongue is 64" from front edge of the frame to the tip of the receiver. It is 88" all the way back to the front crossmember.

I always liked the symmetry of the 2.5". That's really the main reason I went that route.
I don't think you can lose either way.

Yeah I'm sold on the 2.5" now, my delima has been 2x3" frame w 2" tongue and tying it all together, I found a 2.5" standard coupler so I'm ready to get started lol, glad I found your build.
 

TXST8tj

Observer
With 2x3 frame and 2" tongue, you have the option to run the tongue through the 2x3 getting 4 edges of weld per side of the pass-through.
I was after a completely flat surface to work off of, so the 2.5" made sense to me (2" would honestly work too).
 

TXST8tj

Observer
I took a pause from the trailer project to build a proper welding cart. The wheel dollie just isn't cutting it anymore.





4B6723D0-5052-4FAC-9754-DEDE03C7BA12_zpsapi9iwth.jpg
 

Forum statistics

Threads
185,534
Messages
2,875,626
Members
224,922
Latest member
Randy Towles
Top