Need help building a trailer

mongo75 · Aug-15-2007, 04:37 PM

I'm planning on making my own 27' tandem axle 10k capacity trailer- because it's cheaper than a new trailer, and I like building shit. I need some advice on axles though- I was told by the guys at freeway trailer in escondido that axles have a slight bow to them, just like a flatbed tractor trailer. Anyone know if this is even noticeable, and is it necessary? And second question- can I just weld some spindles to a piece of 2" square tube, 1/4" wall thickness, or do I need to use a solid bar? Thanks!

skipjack-20 · Aug-15-2007, 04:45 PM

i built trailers at aros for a couple years, we used to weld 2x2x1/4 square to the spindles for axles upto 4000# w 2-3deg camber pre-load( not 100% on that). if you go to any steel stock web site you do your own calculations on any size steel tube. I made the axles on my last trailer with 2x3x1/4 and used less camber. you need the camber so that when you are loaded down your tires will wear evenly.

Dirtguy · Aug-15-2007, 05:33 PM

Don't EVEN need solid. And I consider using round instead of square or rectangular. If you're not sure on what to use, check out the trailer site I used for my trailer parts. Southwest Wheel .com. Very reasonable and all American made off the shelf stuff.

You have choices for brakes, capacities, and widths. And you also have a choice to go triple , at at that weight. I did mine for 7000lb., two 3500 lb axles and it was a big undertaking. Glad I did it, but 5 inch channel was kinda heavy to deal with. Trailer frame alone was 1700 lbs. and 30 ft long.
Have a great time!
DG

skipjack-20 · Aug-15-2007, 05:46 PM

one more thing to add, I believe an easy way of getting camber with out having access to a hydraulic press is just putting a little angle in the spindle inside the square tube, the only problem is sometimes it's a tight fit and you can't achieve enough camber, if you call Tony at AROS, he'll tell you how it's done weather you want to hear it or not

BTW I know how to make trailers, I have a welding shop, and i'll still go right down and buy one because it just isn't worth it for what those factory spits em out for.

Dirtguy · Aug-16-2007, 10:33 AM

Yeah it's hard to beat mass production or large purchase discounts.

You own a welding shop and you actually thought about using "solid" on an axle? What kind of welding shop?

DG

skipjack-20 · Aug-16-2007, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dirtguy

Yeah it's hard to beat mass production or large purchase discounts.

You own a welding shop and you actually thought about using "solid" on an axle? What kind of welding shop?

DG

where did I say to use solid? but anyways, I have seen old trailers with solid axles.

FishBert · Aug-16-2007, 11:48 AM

I just finished building my trailer .. see picture.. It took a lot longer then I expected,, and turned out a lot heavier then I anticipated.. but I am sure it is strong...

DO YOURSELF A FAVOR.. buy axles.. they are not that expensive and you can get them with any kind of brakes and in different weight ranges..

Quote:

Originally Posted by mongo75

I'm planning on making my own 27' tandem axle 10k capacity trailer- because it's cheaper than a new trailer, and I like building shit. I need some advice on axles though- I was told by the guys at freeway trailer in escondido that axles have a slight bow to them, just like a flatbed tractor trailer. Anyone know if this is even noticeable, and is it necessary? And second question- can I just weld some spindles to a piece of 2" square tube, 1/4" wall thickness, or do I need to use a solid bar? Thanks!

Dirtguy · Aug-16-2007, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skipjack-20

where did I say to use solid? but anyways, I have seen old trailers with solid axles.

Here:
"can I just weld some spindles to a piece of 2" square tube, 1/4" wall thickness, or do I need to use a solid bar? Thanks!"

No biggie. But AKRO is the manufacturer that I got mine from through Southwest Wheel. It's called a "trailer kit" and had everything from shackles to wire and lights.

DG

?? fisherman · Aug-16-2007, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dirtguy

Here:
"can I just weld some spindles to a piece of 2" square tube, 1/4" wall thickness, or do I need to use a solid bar? Thanks!"

No biggie. But AKRO is the manufacturer that I got mine from through Southwest Wheel. It's called a "trailer kit" and had everything from shackles to wire and lights.

DG

Read it again, that was the original poster (Mongo-75) and not skipjack-20

The unknown fisherman

skipjack-20 · Aug-16-2007, 01:01 PM

thanks unknown, I was getting confused

Dirtguy · Aug-16-2007, 02:42 PM

Sorry! Really! My drift was that maybe he should buy stuff if he's not sure. I'm sure you guys that have been there knew that.

Apologies!

DG

skipjack-20 · Aug-16-2007, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dirtguy

Sorry! Really! My drift was that maybe he should buy stuff if he's not sure. I'm sure you guys that have been there knew that.

Apologies!

DG

Now that that's all cleared up (J/K dude

)

Fishbert is right, axles aren't that expensive and you can tell them exactly what you need after you figure out the frame rail width, and what kind of flange for your brakes. Not worth making your own.