trailer rails

[mikevet]

i have a 5x8 utility trailer. it has angle iron railings on three side. i would like to cut those off to build my flat drop. has anyone done this? does the trailer need to be reinforced? if so, does anyone have a plan or pictures?

[saywhatthat]

there's a reason they're called trust trailers dont cut them. in bed in walls

[JasenC]

there's a reason they're called trust trailers don't cut them. in bed in walls

Exactly, those are structural.

[mikevet]

Was is meant by or why is it called a trust trailer?

[tony.latham]

I've got a different philosophy on this.

Those rails are structural. No doubt about it. They add stiffness to the frame so you can haul junk like a refrigerator in the middle of the trailer without it flexing.

You lose strength when you cut them off, you gain it back when adding the teardrop cabin that is a torsion box --assuming you use at least three bolts per side to mount it to the chassis.

Cut 'em.

Tony

[RJ Howell]

I'll even go a step past Tony's and ask what structure? Too high and few points on contact to be meaningful on the floor frame. I've always looked at them as tie/strap points.

I agree whole heartedly that the box you build will be the added support you want. I did see a guy that left them and build tables/shelves to hang from them. Guess it comes down to how you will build and if they are in the way..

[saywhatthat]

the strength is in the difference between the top Rail and the bottom rail. and each one of the little uprights creates its own box for side racking. As I have involvement in several RV repair shops if you're going to have insurance on this. One of the first things the adjuster looks for any type of modification.
you will see a clause in your policy that they won't cover it because of Any modification. according to a few adjuster that I have talked to you modify the light bulb. Stops coverage I've never seen them go that far but I've seen him do an awful lot of stuff not to have to pay. Also the other guys lawyers investigator all the way from saying your modification enhance the damage so you're not entitled as much money all the way to your modification actually cause a problem. and you end up having to pay the other guy.
Seems to me those rails add strength from front to back .
if you decide to cut them off I would recommend you use them to box that bottom rail in