My build journal - frugal fomie - trailer frame prep

[couponjnp]

Hi all,

I finally decided to start my own build journal after following all of you regularly for more than a year.

First thing first, I have started to prepare the free trailer frame I received with my house. I have started new topic on trailer and chassis section for suggestions for my free trailer chassis. I thought I will start my build journal as well as new topic here as well. Here is the link to my topic in 'Trailer and chassis section':

http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?p=1019595#p1019595

All your suggestions are welcome and help me start with the actual build.

By the way, there are a number of in the topic already. I assure to supply more as I proceed further.

JNP

[GPW]

A Free trailer is a Wonderful thing !!! That one sure looks beefy enough !!! Clean it up , make sure it’s tight, modify it to your purpose... a nice paint job , some new tires .... doesn’t get much better than that eh !!!

ALWAYS try to use a FREE trailer whenever I can ... usually they’re better made than the usual commercial offerings , and can be found anywhere just for the looking ... especially around here ...

[couponjnp]

Yeah, can't agree more on that. In fact, free trailer is virtue here because new trailer cost fortunes here.

I remember Glenn that you were trying to remove rusted bolt on one of your old trailers. Did you manage to unbolt it or just cut it? Because all the bolts on my trailer are completely stuck because of rust. I am planning to cut them apart.

JNP

[GPW]

Cutting them is likely the easiest thing to do as you’ll have to get new ones anyway . I’m really considering coating all my threaded parts with something to prevent rust ... maybe just some undercoating ?... You could always heat that up if you needed to remove them later ...
Tried soaking them for days with Liquid Wrench ... a few came loose , some broke off with the Gorilla on the other side of the wrench ... My welder buddy burns them off with a stick welder turned UP ... you should see that ... quick too .. Looks tricky, only for the “experienced” ...

[couponjnp]

Hmmm...I will cut them off then. For new ones, how about using some cheap petroleum jelly on the bolts to avoid water. I am not sure how will that work with road vibrations because of petroleum jelly lubrication property.

[GPW]

Maybe a little thin and you might have to keep applying it more often ... I’m looking for something we don’t have to fool with ... less maintenance...

[couponjnp]

Good point!!

Keeping my eyes open for more options...

[KCStudly]

Try unbolting them first. If they are weak and twist off, that is quicker, cleaner, and easier than grinding.

I wouldn't worry so much about treating the new fasteners, but if you think you might need to take something apart again some day a dab of antisieze on the threads isn't a bad idea, just be sure to reduce your torque value to about 60% of what you would use dry (the lube makes it easier to over stretch the bolts). Then I would just hit them with spray bomb (canned spray paint) after assembly for some additional rust protection. Easy-peasy and not a hassle to deal with like undercoating will be.

They will out last the trailer, unless you are dipping it in salt water like a boat trailer.

[couponjnp]

Great suggestions KC!! Very much appreciate them.

Only reason for me to treat them is because of rain and humidity throughout the year here.

[pchast]

In the case of rusted on bolts I've found 'Nut Crackers' to be real handy.
Often working with old cars I've had to resort to them. There are 2 types to work from the side or the top.

[couponjnp]

Hi Pete,

That may be an option too. However, I have already cut all four bolts from leaf spring eye using receprocating saw and metal blade. I will try separate leaf springs and axle from the frame tomorrow. That will make my cleaning process faster.

JNP

[GPW]

Just sayin’ .... if you had to cut the bolts off due to corrosion , it might be good at this point to change /replace any and all other parts that could be suspect ... You sure don’t want to have to change anything later , once the cabin gets mounted ... Do everything you need to do now ... might be a few extra bucks , but worth it “down the road” ... JMHO (ask me how I know this )

[couponjnp]

Just sayin’ .... if you had to cut the bolts off due to corrosion , it might be good at this point to change /replace any and all other parts that could be suspect ... You sure don’t want to have to change anything later , once the cabin gets mounted ... Do everything you need to do now ... might be a few extra bucks , but worth it “down the road” ... JMHO (ask me how I know this )

Yeah, I am looking at complete make over of the frame as every thing is quite rusted. I don't know whether you have seen the pictures or not but rust treatment of leaf springs (even I may replace with new ones). Same situation with axle as well. Let's see how much budget gets approved from her majesty.

JNP

[couponjnp]

Some update and questions posted in trailer and chassis section. I repeat it here, any suggestions??

Hi all,

Small update and couple questions. I separated axle and springs from the frame. Also spearated tires, hub, whatever leftover bearing parts. I had to cut pretty much all the bolts present in this process (except spindle nuts) and will replace with new ones when assembling back together. I will post pictures after I will get home today. Also cleaned the frame with wirebrush and bought POR-15 starter kit. Now, I have couple quick questions:

1. What is your suggestion on adding reinforcing to the existing tongue from both corners of the front cross-member? Also, whether 1x3 C-channel reinforcing is sufficient or I need 2.5"x2.5" square tube same as the existing?
2. My curvature of the cabin and tongue box will extend ~ 24" from the front cross-member. Shall I extend the existing tongue which is 40" long right now? If I do, then, will 12" extension be enough? or any sugguestions??

Are the questions clear to understand??

Thanks,

JNP

[Mary C]

Now My one and only question: what is your tow vehicle and are you planning very light weight?

Mary C.