I had originally ordered a couple like the first one you posted, but after i paid for it, I realized that it was a 2 month wait. I canceled that order and almost bought the one in your second link, but I didn't want something that big, so I ended up with the ones that I posted. http://www.amazon.com/Amico-Holding-Capacity-Action-Toggle/dp/B008NGSQHM/ref=pd_sbs_indust_11` I agree, my swing out tire carrier has a much larger one, but for a lid, you are basically just holding it closed. Gravity does most of the work. I think these smaller ones should be adequate. They have a 359 lb. rating.
FlashHole's M416 trailer Build
- Thread starter Flashole
- Start date
I had originally ordered a couple like the first one you posted, but after i paid for it, I realized that it was a 2 month wait. I canceled that order and almost bought the one in your second link, but I didn't want something that big, so I ended up with the ones that I posted. http://www.amazon.com/Amico-Holding-Capacity-Action-Toggle/dp/B008NGSQHM/ref=pd_sbs_indust_11` I agree, my swing out tire carrier has a much larger one, but for a lid, you are basically just holding it closed. Gravity does most of the work. I think these smaller ones should be adequate. They have a 359 lb. rating.
Adventure Copan
Adventurer
Your right about the design and I think it was a good idea to keep some of the appearance. I'm mostly curious as we approach the end of our build and I'm trying to figure out what we want to do regarding paint, etc. Thank you!
-Daniel Kent
Well, disaster happened. Rounded up a neighbor to help me put the tub back on the frame and it no longer fits. The bottom where it fits around the frame is to narrow and it won't sit down around it. I was worried about the old metal moving around, but I didn't expect this problem at all. I made sure the tub was still square before I welded the floor in, but I didn't think to measure side to side to be sure it was still wide enough. I have no clue what to do about it without tearing it up.
I will update again, once I figure this one out.
I will update again, once I figure this one out.
Adventure Copan
Adventurer
Well that's rough, but it'll get done one way or another and possibly better than original. 
-Daniel Kent
-Daniel Kent
Thanks guys for the encouraging words. As of yesterday, I was honestly ready to scrap the tub and build one from scratch. But I'm not that easily defeated, so yes, I will work it out one way or another, it's just a setback that I didn't want or need. I will let it rest until tomorrow before dealing with it.
Update
Well, I took a week off to reflect on my ignorance and to formulate a plan. Since the tub no longer fits the frame, I figure I really only have two good options.
1.) Have metal bent and put together a new tub from scratch. So, while I was cooling off, I made a trip to a local sheet metal fabrication company to get a quote. They suggested bending each side and having them meet in the middle of the floor. This way there would be just one welded seam down the middle of the floor. Then of course the two end caps. The quote for the metal and the bends and cutting the end caps was $520. If I ever build another trailer, I will fabricate the frame from scratch and then go this route for the tub, but for this project, $520 is to much money.
2.) The only other good option I could come up with is to build a sub frame out of 1" x 2" tubing. Basically, a spacer that would fit between the tub and frame. One that is slightly narrower than the frame to fit the new width of the tub. I decided to go this route since the cost for the materials was only $57. The problem of course with this is attaching the sub frame to the frame, and of course raising the tub an inch means that none of the bolt holes will line up and neither will the fender mounts where they attached to the frame. Still, it seemed way easier than starting a tub from scratch, and way cheaper.
On the bottom, the floor was only spot welded every couple of inches, basically to keep the lip from bending open. They weren't really structural type welds, so a couple tore loose when I started beating and bending metal. So, I ground off the undercoating and seam sealer and re-welded the areas that had broken free.
Primed, laid down more seam sealer and repainted.
I made a frame out of 1" x 2" tubing to fit between the tub and frame. The silver lining is that while I am at it, I can add some support for the floor over the large open area above the axle.
The thing I found very interesting is that the sub frame that I made is perfectly square, but it doesn't fit squarely on the frame. In fact, it doesn't fit the frame, much the same way the tub doesn't fit the frame
Now I'm wondering three things
1.) Did the frame somehow move out of square during this process. If so, how?
2.) Is it possible that bolting the tongue arms and lunette receiver back together could tweak the frame? This seems unlikely. But somehow, the frame is no longer completely square.
3.) Maybe these tubs are mated to frames before they are completely welded up and this frame was out of square from the beginning? Seems unlikely too.
Anybody have any thoughts?
Well, I took a week off to reflect on my ignorance and to formulate a plan. Since the tub no longer fits the frame, I figure I really only have two good options.
1.) Have metal bent and put together a new tub from scratch. So, while I was cooling off, I made a trip to a local sheet metal fabrication company to get a quote. They suggested bending each side and having them meet in the middle of the floor. This way there would be just one welded seam down the middle of the floor. Then of course the two end caps. The quote for the metal and the bends and cutting the end caps was $520. If I ever build another trailer, I will fabricate the frame from scratch and then go this route for the tub, but for this project, $520 is to much money.
2.) The only other good option I could come up with is to build a sub frame out of 1" x 2" tubing. Basically, a spacer that would fit between the tub and frame. One that is slightly narrower than the frame to fit the new width of the tub. I decided to go this route since the cost for the materials was only $57. The problem of course with this is attaching the sub frame to the frame, and of course raising the tub an inch means that none of the bolt holes will line up and neither will the fender mounts where they attached to the frame. Still, it seemed way easier than starting a tub from scratch, and way cheaper.
On the bottom, the floor was only spot welded every couple of inches, basically to keep the lip from bending open. They weren't really structural type welds, so a couple tore loose when I started beating and bending metal. So, I ground off the undercoating and seam sealer and re-welded the areas that had broken free.
Primed, laid down more seam sealer and repainted.
I made a frame out of 1" x 2" tubing to fit between the tub and frame. The silver lining is that while I am at it, I can add some support for the floor over the large open area above the axle.
The thing I found very interesting is that the sub frame that I made is perfectly square, but it doesn't fit squarely on the frame. In fact, it doesn't fit the frame, much the same way the tub doesn't fit the frame
Now I'm wondering three things
1.) Did the frame somehow move out of square during this process. If so, how?
2.) Is it possible that bolting the tongue arms and lunette receiver back together could tweak the frame? This seems unlikely. But somehow, the frame is no longer completely square.
3.) Maybe these tubs are mated to frames before they are completely welded up and this frame was out of square from the beginning? Seems unlikely too.
Anybody have any thoughts?
Adventure Copan
Adventurer
I see you live in Texas... Where are you cause maybe I can come over and help with a fresh set of eyes, I'm in DFW.
-Daniel Kent
-Daniel Kent
I'm in Irving. You are more than welcome to stop by.
Adventure Copan
Adventurer
Pm me your contact info cause I'm in Keller, only 30min from you. I do my own fab work too so maybe I could help.
-Daniel Kent
Pm me your contact info cause I'm in Keller, only 30min from you. I do my own fab work too so maybe I could help.
-Daniel Kent
Daniel, thanks for stopping by today. It was good to meet you.
Adventure Copan
Adventurer
Yes sir and you. You've done a great job and your on the down hill now. I can't wait to see it finished as I'm sure are you.
-Daniel Kent
Small update today, even though I feel like I worked my butt off
Finished Welding up the sub-frame as I call it. About that time, Adventure Copan stopped by to see what I had going and to help me brainstorm the best way to attach the sub-frame and tub to the frame. He suggested just bolting the whole thing down and after about a minute thinking it over, I agreed.
Got the holes drilled in the tub, frame and sub-frame. Welded in a few of the tabs that I cut off the tub and painted it black to match the frame.
While the tub was flipped over, I took the opportunity to reinforce the areas on the angle iron where the lid hinges are going to be. Should be plenty strong.
Tomorrow, I will throw it all together just to make sure everything fits. Providing it does, I'll move on to building the lid, figuring out the fenders and wrapping up the final body work.
Finished Welding up the sub-frame as I call it. About that time, Adventure Copan stopped by to see what I had going and to help me brainstorm the best way to attach the sub-frame and tub to the frame. He suggested just bolting the whole thing down and after about a minute thinking it over, I agreed.
Got the holes drilled in the tub, frame and sub-frame. Welded in a few of the tabs that I cut off the tub and painted it black to match the frame.
While the tub was flipped over, I took the opportunity to reinforce the areas on the angle iron where the lid hinges are going to be. Should be plenty strong.
Tomorrow, I will throw it all together just to make sure everything fits. Providing it does, I'll move on to building the lid, figuring out the fenders and wrapping up the final body work.