First trailer build!

[b63215b]

Well guys I have been watching the site for awhile now looking at builds and wanted to introduce myself.

Anyways here is my starting point. It was a trailer that my Dad gave me that he used to haul his water in for his barn/workshop. (notice the ambulance in the background my Dad and I are working on to make a 4 season camper!!!!)

Thanks for looking and any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[b63215b]

I should add the ambulance is 4x4 with a 454, I believe a quigley. We can tell it was an old military ambulance turned civilian ambulance due to the drab green over spray in the corners of the doors and hood. Any help on identification?

 

[Mark Harley]

Steelsoldiers.com for ID on the ambulance.

Take a road trip and get this tub.

http://akroncanton.craigslist.org/rvs/3958695327.html

 

[b63215b]

I know Manley already offered it to me, I just need to sell some things hopefully he still has it by then. Thanks for the information on the ambulance.

 

[Mark Harley]

Ebay your junk and buy the tub!

Post your build.

 

[b63215b]

Update on the trailer my build has started. I am looking for some suggestions on anything you see. I decided on 1" 16g steel as the box and lid, and 2.5x1" for side steps.

So today I purchased a metal chop saw, what a major difference from cutting everything from a angle grinder. Don't hate in me it is a harbor freight 14inch, so far done the job even with 45 degree angles. Some pictures below.


I know my welds aren't the best, mostly due to not cleaning up the metal enough. I will get better the more I get back in the swing. Being a teacher my time is limited, and it's been awhile since I've welded. But I'll get better as I go.


I have a couple questions, do any of you see any advantage of bolting the box down to the frame rather than weld? My plan wS to either weld the uprights to the frame or create a box that is removable. Through experience have any of you had luck with one or the other? Thanks more to come. Love learning as I go.

 

[b63215b]

Update please let me know what you think.

 

[robertwalker2003]

Looks good so far. Looking forward to what you biuld. Hope to get mine out this weekend, might be last one for the year.

Robert Walker

 

[robertwalker2003]

I would go with bolting the box. The reason I say this is that if the box get damaged or the frame is damaged it would be easier to work on one when it seperate from the other. Look at how welding on the frame is easier without any thing in the way. Just my opinion.

Robert Walker

 

[WahooCreek]

I'm following your build. I just picked up a little trailer I'm looking to do something similar with it.

I've got no real input on welding or bolting the boxes on, but the first thing I thought of when I saw your pics is placement of the boxes in relation to the tires/axles.

Can't really tell due to the angle of the pic, but it look like you wouldn't have much room if you later on decide to go with a bigger tire/wheel combo.

Keep the pics coming.

 

[Mark Harley]

Bolt the tub on.
So much easier to work on and refab later when you can remove the tub.
My 101A2 was torn apart to build and it was better to work with.

 

[b63215b]

Thanks for the comments guys I will go with bolting on. I figured it was the smartest thing to do. Another question, do you guys think I will need gussets? You guys are also right pointing out that I need to be careful if I ever want to put larger wheels and tires on. Right now they are 175 80 13.

 

[b63215b]

Here are some more pictures from earlier today. Still going just taking a lunch break. So far upper and lower rim on box is done. Need to finish grinding and then install the uprights.




More to come later today when the box is hopefully together and at least tacked.

 

[b63215b]

Here is some more of the work I have done today. Feels good to fabricate and think and plan. It is a much needed refreshment from teaching. Here is some of the work.







Let me know what you think, as expected my welds are getting better and cleaner as I go. Comments welcome.

 

[b63215b]

Hey attention all fabricators my wife has a sewing business and among the many things she makes is welding caps with extra long bills to cover your neck. If your interested PM and I can get you the info you need. Quality construction. $15 including shipping anywhere in the continental US.



If this is against forum rules I will gladly take down.