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Car haulin

Posted: Fri Oct 06, 2017 9:14
by Dwduc
So it seems like every few months I need a trailer for something, and I have neither the space or funds currently available for the one I want. So I picked up something to work in the mean time.
It was custom made to haul a VW powered sandrail thingy, so the length is good for most cars and the framework is very sturdy. But just on a 3500# leaf sprung idler axle.
I loaded the FD on it for kicks and it about squished it to the ground! Used it to haul some house building supplies.
Then I came across a guy selling a 5200# torsion sprung axle with electric brakes for super super cheap on CL, I snatched it up and took the whole pile of stuff to the shop.
Took the little axle off, will probably reuse it on a personal utility trailer or something someday. Cut the leaf spring shackle perches off the frame and set it on the new much beefier and wider axle. I widened the frame with some enormous angle iron scrap from work and extended the fenders out to match the new hub width. I mounted this axle slightly further forward than the original to account for more nose heavy vehicles being hauled.
I still need to wire the brakes and while I'm at it gonna rewire the whole trailer as the existing wires are in bad shape. Maybe add a small battery and winch to the tongue to make single person loading easier. Also thinking of ways to make the fenders moveable so car doors can be opened while loaded.
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Re: Car haulin

Posted: Mon Oct 16, 2017 9:14
by Huzer
Sweet. Would you save that much space for being able to open the doors if the fenders were movable/positionable? Wouldn't the tires still be in the way? Nice work!

Re: Car haulin

Posted: Mon Oct 16, 2017 9:14
by Shadowden
Those are nice beads.

Huzer, seems rubber would be more friendly than metal at least.

Re: Car haulin

Posted: Mon Oct 16, 2017 9:14
by Huzer
Obvious point eluded me!

Re: Car haulin

Posted: Wed Oct 18, 2017 9:14
by Shadowden
Huzer wrote:Obvious point eluded me!


You would still gain a couple inches on each side too. I know DW has mentioned an airlift trailer at some point. Not sure this is a candidate for that, but that would be sick. It would be extremely nice to be able to go flat to ground to bottom of doors over wheels. That is a lot of travel thoughh (25" or thereabouts?).

Re: Car haulin

Posted: Wed Oct 18, 2017 9:14
by Dwduc
This would be a good test bed for that kind of stuff. It's a torsion axle so I was contemplating a hydraulic Jack that would turn it to point up when loading and then level it out for travel. But for now I think the extra 2-3 inches gained by a moveable fender would help alot!

It got it's first real workout today, hauling off the Mercedes wagon to the pull-n-pay. That is a bigger heavier car than I intend to use it for. Merc weighs approx 4,000 lbs!! Had no issues and pulled nice. Kept it slow since my straps were kinda weanie and I haven't hooked up the trailer brakes yet.
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Re: Car haulin

Posted: Thu Oct 19, 2017 9:14
by RX-7 Chris
I didn't realize how much of a throw back to the early '90s your truck is with the decal and the rear sun shade thing.

Re: Car haulin

Posted: Fri Oct 20, 2017 9:14
by Dwduc
RX-7 Chris wrote:I didn't realize how much of a throw back to the early '90s your truck is with the decal and the rear sun shade thing.



And a Visor, but it is removed for repair right now. Super 90s styled square body!

Re: Car haulin

Posted: Tue Oct 24, 2017 9:14
by RX-7 Chris
I remember back in the 90s I wanted all that stuff for my truck. I used to cruise through the JC Whitney catalog every month.