Possible Trailer Frame

[mach58]

New here but have gotten the bug. A local truck service center has this trailer setting off the the side of the lot. It's really heavy duty, probably way overkill, but I can get it cheap. 5200 pound axle, very heavy frame members and a 5' X 8' size with 15 inch rims. I would pull it behind a full size pickup or a large SUV, so weight won't be a real problem. What do you think?


Craig

[Larry C]

Leave it there..........

[angib]

It's curious how most of the trailer is really heavy-duty, but the one strength-critical part, the A-frame, is just angle and so not very strong at all.

[mach58]

Didn't notice the a-frame being angle iron. Thanks for the reply.

[Larwyn]

It's curious how most of the trailer is really heavy-duty, but the one strength-critical part, the A-frame, is just angle and so not very strong at all.

At the place I used to work we had a tank mounted on a trailer for purpose of containing transformer oil when servicing the tap changers on large electrical transformers. The oil was then filtered and pumped back into the tap changer after servicing. The frame had to be strong enough to support the weight of the tank when filled with transformer oil. It had a large, heavy duty, drop leg jack at each corner to support the frame and filled tank. The running gear however was only required to be heavy duty enough to transport the empty tank to the next job. That little trailer may have been used in a similar capacity, but it's just a guess.

[rladams39]

Actually it looks like a chassis from an air compressor. if you used lighter springs then it could work out.

[Larwyn]

Actually it looks like a chassis from an air compressor. if you used lighter springs then it could work out.

That could easily be, my guess was just based on my own experience, though I have used a trailer mounted air compressor, I never actually closely examined one............

[bve]

You wouldn't get a whole lot from that frame that is appropriate for a teardrop.

At 5200 lbs capacity the axle and springs are about 4x too much. The tires and rims although 15" are on 8 bolt hubs. As Andrew pointed out the A-frame is weak compared to the rest of the frame and the mounting for the coupler is questionable.

In my opinion the only good thing about this for a teardrop is the fact it is 5x8, you would never tax the existing suspension enough to like it, it will bounce like a SOB and be a real bugger to tame.

Walk away you will find something better.


Burke

[48Rob]

I'll agree that a better trailer could be found, but...

The tongue, though "weak" compared to the rest of the trailer, is plenty for a teardrop.
The heavy steel frame can be lightened by removing the top rails and some of the extra crossmembers.
The heavy duty wheels and axle are okay.
The springs can be reworked (leaves removed) to get an acceptable ride, or simply replaced with a set to match your completed weight.

The one thing I'd be most concerned about is the axle placement fore and aft on the frame.
If you have to move it to make it work with the design of your choice, it may or may not be easier to start from scratch and have a custom frame made.

If you can get it really cheap, it could work.

Rob

[Shadow Catcher]

Look at the gauge of the steel in the A frame, it ain't Harbor Freight

[Alphacarina]

If you can get it really cheap, it could work.

A 5200 pound axle, springs, hubs and 8 bolt wheels and tires are never going to 'work' on a trailer that weighs (hopefully) less than 2,000 pounds

Whatever you build on top of that setup is going to beat itself to death bouncing down the road. A short talk with a Dexter engineer will change your thinking. I had 3 Dexter 5200 pound torflex axles and wanted to build a 2,000 pound trailer for my 8,000 pound boat - Their engineer quickly talked me into using only 2 of them . . . . and of course he was right. The rating of the axle(s) and the load they will be carrying should be correctly matched

Don

[48Rob]

A 5200 pound axle, springs, hubs and 8 bolt wheels and tires are never going to 'work' on a trailer that weighs (hopefully) less than 2,000 pounds

Don,

Respectfully...I said it could work, if:

The springs can be reworked (leaves removed) to get an acceptable ride, or simply replaced with a set to match your completed weight.

The weight rating of the axle, hubs, and the type of wheel, be it 8 bolt, or 4 bolt, has no bearing on how soft, or hard, the ride will be.
The springs and the inflation of the tires will.

Rob