Anything welding

I did allot of cutting over the past couple days, also partially welded a few pieces together. The next day off will be allot of metal prep before the bulk of the welding starts.

Also I must have been drunk when I ordered the metal. There is ALLOT left over lol. Going to build some nice decorative grape trellis with it eventually.

 

Where is the axle going?

Please feel free to discuss this decision. I see many trailer builds that the axle is completely located in the wrong place.

I never claim to be a pro trailer builder, but I've built over 300 trailers in many styles. I would like to help make sure the trailer is built the best you can make it.

 

Thank you I do appreciate input since this is my first trailer build! The overall length of the trailer is 15'. The rectangular portion will be the main cargo box area which is 10' long, tounge is 5'.
I was planning on following the 60/40 axle placement rule so was planning on placing the axle roughly 4' from the rear. There will be a decent bulk of weight towards the rear due to a rear slide out kitchen. I was also planning on mounting my water tank and batteries just forward of the axle. The roof top tent will be mounted as far forward as possible. The front of the trailer will be misc storage. Also plan on a small deck on the tounge. Just big enough for a dirt bike. Sorry if that's long winded. Just want to give you a good idea of weight distribution.

 

God damn, it sure is hard finding a respirator these days!

I went to three stores on my way home, and the only respirators I saw were already attached to the faces of idiot hoarders, milling around the barren toilet paper isles like zombies.

But at least I'm cherishing the irony of breaking open my "shit-hit-the-fan survival kit" for its breathing mask, not for protection from the global pandemic unfolding around us, but so that I can continue grinding steel to dust in my garage.



If this is the real zombie apocalypse, count me the fuck out.

 

I made this image in frustration



and now I feel better.

 

I agree with your placement of the axle. That extra distance in the front along with the tongue will make it tow good.

You have the advantage of building the trailer knowing that the weight distribution will not change much. It kind of sucks having to design a trailer around the fact that half the time it will be towed empty. Yours' should not change much more than 2-300 lbs depending on the amount of time spent off grid.

I do like how you ran the tongue most of the length of the body. I see so many that the tongue ends at the front of the body and I just cringe seeing that.

Can you experiment and artificially load it with the axle only clamped to the frame? you really only need 100-200 lbs of tongue weight to make it tow safely.

My biggest seller is a 5 x 10 utility trailer. I have had good luck placing the front spring hanger 56" from the front of the trailer frame. I don't know what that is in percentage to front to rear.

 

I've always heard if one axle, 1" toward the back per foot of the trailer. True or not?

 

Mostly.

That works okay for a trailer that is constantly loaded. Not so much for a trailer that has a fluctuating load.

A person really has to think hard on what the trailer will haul.

I'm a firm believer that there really is no perfect formula.

 

Covid19 time

 

I always think of building a slider .

Then I think of building a stretch trailer as well

Some days I get strange ideas

 

I need to put together a file of your pics.

I get asked often what welder would be a good purchase. I always tell them the Vulcan welders are the real deal. Showing some of the welds would add to my endorsement of those machines.

 

No doubt you have been buying Harbor Fright Stock and The Company that Imports Vulcan Welders

 

Lol. Yeah I like them. I do wish they would force the price of the domestic units to become a little more reasonable.

 

Thanks for the input. I think I will throw some weight on it before I permanently affix anything.

 

Had to do a little welding on some key ways on some gears for a customers roll press. The big one is 28” x 4” thick. The little ones were all jacked up with broken 16mm bolts. The keys are 1 3/4” wide. Finally got done before I left work, they been rush rush rush. I love being a machinist and a welder

 

I do wish harbor freight would stop carrying that POS Chicago Electric flux core machine. The only thing that fucker is good for is lighting a cigarette.

 

Good one.

 

not to mention HF welding wire as well. Haha

 

These Marlin Crawler cam tab/lca mount gussets are now on the top of my list of the crappiest things to install.

 

Interesting. Crappiest ?
What is the thickness?