My trailer build - I need help with trailer supplies...

[The Adam Blaster]

I apologize if I add seemingly random posts to this thread, but it's going to be where I keep track of everything. And also to tell Randy how I want certain parts constructed.

For tie downs on the side platforms, and the front tongue platform I want to have slots cut in the sheet metal about 3/4" - 1" wide by about 3" long. On the underside have a piece of approx. 3" long round stock with a 1/4" or 3/8" diameter. The underside may have to have some reinforcement to strengthen it a bit...

I was thinking about this method of creating tie-down points on the platforms last night and I want to make sure the platforms are totally flat so dragging a box or bin across the surface won't end up getting caught on something protruding above the surface.

 

[SWITAWI]

No, for a utility trailer, the axle must be set back a little bit, so that the tongue load builds up as load is added evenly in the box. Otherwise, say if you have 50lbs tongue load with an empty trailer, axle centered, but as you add load the tongue load does not increase. You could have 3000lbs in there with still only 50lb tongue load.

That's as perfect and simple an explanation as I've ever seen/heard/read. Thank you very much!

...As for the placement of the axle, I'm thinking dead centre at this stage. In camping trim, I'll have two 31" or 33" tires right in front of the main box, in front of those I'll have a larg-ish nose box that will eventually have at least one large and heavy battery in it, possibly 2. So there will be lots of weight out front, and the only counter-balance to that will be 2 jerry cans that I will mount on the platforms that are just behind the wheel wells. But the net result is that the front will be heavier than the rear.

Before I have that all set up, and for it's maiden trip from Windsor to AB loaded with my tools etc., I will make sure to load the front of the trailer with the heaviest items. As well, I just remembered I have one of those really large (4' long) Rubbermaid Action Packers that I can fill with stuff and bolt it to the tongue to help load the front up even more. So, with those provisions, I should be pretty good.

Sounds like a sound plan. And Action Packers rule...

 

[The Adam Blaster]

Check out McMaster Carr's website. They have a section on their Gas Spring pages that tell how to properly spec out and mount gas springs for your lid lift application.
http://www.mcmaster.com/#gas-springs/=bujej6

Thanks for the link Scoutman.
I finally took the time to look at the link and I'm a bit confused as to which one I should be specifically using for my application, but that will likely depend on how and where the struts are mounted I guess...
In regards to the weight rating though, in the horizontal to vertical lifting arc, it seems like you just pic the strut rated for the same weight as whatever you're trying to lift.
Lid is 100 pounds, get a 100 pound strut.

At least that is what it seems like to me...

 

[The Adam Blaster]

I have put a hold on 4 tires and rims at my work here, I chose some 205/75R15's in a 8-ply rating. They are rated at around 2100 pounds @ 65 psi each, so they will easily carry the trailer loaded with my tools.
I was previously looking for something super-cheap, but at the discount level that I'm able to buy tires and wheels at, it just made sense to spend a bit more and get a combo rim/tire package that will be super easy to replace later on, and will hold literally a ton of weight. (Technically 2 tons.)

I can't ship the tires after they've been mounted though, so I will have to send them down as separate pieces and have them mounted in Windsor. A bit of a bummer because I could get a better deal through a local-to-me tire shop, but oh well.

I'm also going to order a pair of jerry cans from DS Tactical and get them shipped to Randy's place so he can mock up the brackets that will hold the cans in place right behind the wheel wells.

 

[The Adam Blaster]

Alright, trailer build is back on the books!
I had to hold off while my house was up for sale, but that got finalized last night, so I can now commit to driving back to Ontario this summer and picking up the trailer.

 

[DividingCreek]

the slide costs more than the fridge ?

 

[The Adam Blaster]

the slide costs more than the fridge ?

Ouch...
Maybe there was a price increase since he originally came out with the item? I definitely don't remember it costing that much when I first looked at it...

 

[The Adam Blaster]

Just added some specific dimensions as it looks like Randy will be able to start on this thing fairly soon, maybe this weekend.
This is mostly for my own records, sorry if it's a boring update.

 

[SWITAWI]

Thank you, Mr. Boring! :elkgrin:

 

[randycj7]

So I went and picked up some stuff for your trailer Adam.......

 

[The Adam Blaster]

Thank you, Mr. Boring! :elkgrin:

I can always use another nick name!

Randy, I'm still waiting for pictures!!!
Leavin me hanging...

 

[Vince1]

To quote the great Elvis......a little less talk, a little more action! Seriously, two months and all that has transpired is you bought some steel? Come on man, before you know it, camping season will be over.:bike_rider:

 

[The Adam Blaster]

Actually Vince, I have done even less than that, all I did was send money to Randy and HE ordered the steel. At least I hope he spent my money on steel and not hookers and blow.... :Wow1:


EDIT: The real reason that there was a delay is due to the fact I had my home up for sale and had purchased a 2nd home but didn't have any bites on house #1. Financially I could have swung hanging on to 2 houses at once, but there was a lot oflarge details that would have changed if #1 ddn't sell - including cancelling my trip back to Windsor this summer where the trailer would (and now is) be built. There was a solid month I had to put everything on hold, but then we found a buyer for our place and everything is back on schedule.

 

[2k64runnin]

For that dimension box and the 31" or 33" tires you are going to put on, what length axle are you getting?

I am going to be building a very similar trailer to yours, or maybe the exact same one. If you don't mind me stealing your plans. I am going to build it myself this fall, since I am going back to school and there is a welding class that I am taking on the side, for hobby purposes. The trailer would be my project for the class, since I will have access to the tools and someone to tell me if my welding sucks. I will be using my trailer mostly the same way you are, with camping and offroading being second.

 

[The Adam Blaster]

I've been a bit busy doing demolition work on my wife and my new home, and I haven't talked to Randy to see if he's made any progress on it yet.
He did send me some pics of the steel he bought.

As for the axle width, I believe it was around 60" from hub-hub.
Randy was able to score a new/used one. Previously purchased by a friend, but never used or even worked on. It has brakes and the 4.5 bolt pattern I need.

I'll let Randy chime in on that issue when he pops back in here, and after he picks up the axle of course.

As for stealing my plans, no worries, I'd take it as a compliment to be honest. :beer: