I may have lucked into a cheap - nearly free - 4 by 8 trailer from a relative. The frame is a bit rusty, and the bed needs to go, and the tires are too small, but I just can't pass it up.
I know I need to upgrade the wheels/tires. How do I determine if the springs are good (leaf spring). If the tongue is strong enough? etc. I will replace the hitch itself - since I think it is rusted solid.
Have people used cans of car paint, or is it worth buying a quart of 2 part linear poly - like Imron - for the frame?
I was going to build something like a weekender, but lately I have been leaning more toward the explorer box. A true tear or weekender or whatever would call more for a 5 by 8.
Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailersor t n ttt for short (tnttt.com) |
Trailer evaluation
2 posts
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Trailer evaluation
by ZendoDeb » Wed May 20, 2009 6:55 pm
"Houses are but badly built boats so firmly aground that you cannot think of moving them.... The desire to build a house is the tired wish of a man content thenceforward with a single anchorage. The desire to build a boat is the desire of youth, unwilling yet to accept the idea of a final anchorage." - Arthur Ransome: Racundra's First Cruise, 1923
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ZendoDeb - Teardrop Builder
- Posts: 42
- Joined: Thu Nov 06, 2008 3:12 pm
- Location: Greater Tampa Bay
My 2c worth
by Carter » Sat May 23, 2009 5:01 am
Find the worst rusty spots and use a stiff putty knife and wire brush to clean to bare metal. If it's just surface rust there will be solid metal nearly the same thickness as new. Be sure to inspect all of the welded joints. If there's holes or "soft spots" think twice. If it is solid underneath, Rustoleum makes several primer products for rusty metal then use a couple of Rustoleum or equivalent top coats. IMHO Imron is serious overkill for an old frame that will be mostly covered with the body. Just spend some extra time sprucing up the exposed tongue.
Check the spring attachment to the axle. Make sure they are tight with no evidence of movement that could cause wear. Check for broken leaves (or is it leafs when talking about springs) Check for wear in the bushings, hangers and hanger screws. There may be a tag on them to show capacity, make sure they are correct for the weight of your intended trailer.
Check out Andrews Tongue Strength page in the Design Library for some strength guidelines. If it is a commercially built trailer and the tongue meets your needs the rest of the trailer and suspension "probably" is sufficient. Check out the axle location. It may be too far forward on a utility trailer if you plan to have a heavy galley in the rear. Trailer balance information is also in the Design Library.
If you decide to take the plunge post some pictures, you'll get lots of feedback
Jim
Check the spring attachment to the axle. Make sure they are tight with no evidence of movement that could cause wear. Check for broken leaves (or is it leafs when talking about springs) Check for wear in the bushings, hangers and hanger screws. There may be a tag on them to show capacity, make sure they are correct for the weight of your intended trailer.
Check out Andrews Tongue Strength page in the Design Library for some strength guidelines. If it is a commercially built trailer and the tongue meets your needs the rest of the trailer and suspension "probably" is sufficient. Check out the axle location. It may be too far forward on a utility trailer if you plan to have a heavy galley in the rear. Trailer balance information is also in the Design Library.
If you decide to take the plunge post some pictures, you'll get lots of feedback
Jim
I need a new Avatar. I'd put my dog up there but she doesn't look much like me. She's the skinny one.
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Carter - Gold Donating Member
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