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Tractor Talk Discussion Forum

Tractor Hauling Trailer Construction

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Ibby

05-07-2004 03:15:40




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I'll be building a trailer to haul my tractors around later this summer. I've got a quantity of 4" H beam and 4x4x3/8" Angle iron. If I plate over each side of the 4" H beam (essentially making it a double box tubing)for the main beams and use the 4" angle as cross members on a tandem axle trailer, will that be strong enough to safely haul up to 3 ton tractors? I'll also be building a 12" railing around the front and sides with 2x2 box tubing, which will also provide some additional strength. Any opinions and advice would be appreciated

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wdTom

05-08-2004 18:20:35




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 Re: Tractor Hauling Trailer Construction in reply to Ibby, 05-07-2004 03:15:40  
I would not use a tube or box for any part of a trailer. You can't see inside to know how much rust is there. Unless you live in a fairly rust free area of the country this could cause your trailer to fail in the future and it could still look sound from the outside. A tube with water or road salt water in it could be rusting the metal away and you would never know. At the least you should be sure tubes are sealed. Maybe spray oil in them once a year through pipe plug holes you put in the tube every so often. Some may laugh at all this buy I have seen what road salt can do. It is the main reason a person has to get rid of a vehicle around here, southern New England.

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T_Bone

05-07-2004 22:40:34




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 Re: Tractor Hauling Trailer Construction in reply to Ibby, 05-07-2004 03:15:40  
Hi Ibby,

From reading your post, you need to buy a engineered trailer plan for about $30. This will guide you too what you need for a safe trailer for the weight your wanting to haul.

Load weight placed at 3 or 4 places on the deck is much different than load weight spread over the complete deck surface.

T_Bone



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Ibby

05-08-2004 04:01:29




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 Re: Re: Tractor Hauling Trailer Construction in reply to T_Bone, 05-07-2004 22:40:34  
Buying a set of plans sounds like an excellent investment. Where could I find such a thing?



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T_Bone

05-08-2004 04:24:31




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 Re: Re: Re: Tractor Hauling Trailer Construction in reply to Ibby, 05-08-2004 04:01:29  
Hi Ibby,

Northern Tools lists several sets of plans. There's also several websites that I've seen.
southwestwheel.com
bigtextrailer.com

I've never used any of the above plans so I don't know what you'll be getting. Are they DOT certified?

T_Bone



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Scott TN

05-07-2004 14:53:19




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 Re: Tractor Hauling Trailer Construction in reply to Ibby, 05-07-2004 03:15:40  
Speaking from experience, Your trailer will be too light. I tried to save $500 and have put $800 in improvements or repairs to my trailer. I read on here about trailering and someone said buy one 50% heavier than planned. I didn't and am still beefing up my trailer. Do it right the first time and save yourself some trouble!! Over do it!!



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JMS/MN

05-07-2004 12:25:03




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 Re: Tractor Hauling Trailer Construction in reply to Ibby, 05-07-2004 03:15:40  
I would compare other trailers' construction. I have an 18' made with 6 inch channel frame, tandem axle,and usually haul WC, WD45, etc, and it is built to carry more. I think the 4 inch H beam is too light, depending on length, 6 inch would make a lot of difference. Angle iron you mention would make good cross members, but the main frame is more important, as well as axle placement.You don't mention web thickness-that has a major impact on capacity. Reminds me of buying gates that are 'heavy duty' but the seller can not tell me what gauge pipe is used. OD doesn't mean squat if it is paper thin material.

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Rauville

05-07-2004 08:20:37




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 Re: Tractor Hauling Trailer Construction in reply to Ibby, 05-07-2004 03:15:40  
Get the advice of a Structural Engineer, and I'm sure you will find that you're woefully underdesigned. And remember, even the best designs will fail at the weakest point. (Just look at the KC Hyatt Regency Hotel walkway failure that killed 114 people mainly due to a simple threaded rod change order!) Be Sure...Be Safe!



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John (C-IL)

05-07-2004 07:01:41




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 Re: Tractor Hauling Trailer Construction in reply to Ibby, 05-07-2004 03:15:40  
Listen to kyhayman's advice first. Second, go to the local dealer and check out the trailers that are classed to do what you want to do. I think that you will find you are way too light with your structural members. This advice may or may not apply to your situation, I assume no liability for your actions. Further information and engineering study may be required. The lawyers made me say that.



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kyhayman

05-07-2004 05:16:18




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 Re: Tractor Hauling Trailer Construction in reply to Ibby, 05-07-2004 03:15:40  
While I am far from being a 'poster boy' for hauling correctly a word of caution. If a motor vehicle is involved in an accident on the highway resulting in serious injury or loss of life the lawsuits generally include the manufactorer of the truck, trailer, and of course the driver. That's why we pay liability auto insurance, to cover our risk as a driver. If you build your own trailer you are assuming the role of a towed vehicle manufactorer with ALL the liability this entails. Remember, you dont have to be at fault in an accident, if someone hits you they can still sue the maker of the trailer, especially if soemthing about it is non conforming. I used to build a lot of stuff like this for people at work, still do some but I stamp in bold letters into the steel, NOT FOR HIGHWAY USE/FARM-OFF ROAD USE ONLY.

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