Car haulin

[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.

IMG_0792.JPG (2.09 MiB) Viewed 6558 times

IMG_0793.JPG (1.66 MiB) Viewed 6558 times

IMG_0796.JPG (2.09 MiB) Viewed 6558 times

IMG_0797.JPG (2.31 MiB) Viewed 6558 times

IMG_0801.JPG (818.11 KiB) Viewed 6558 times

IMG_0804.JPG (1.37 MiB) Viewed 6558 times

IMG_0805.JPG (1.88 MiB) Viewed 6558 times

[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!

[Shadowden]

Those are nice beads.

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

[Huzer]

Obvious point eluded me!

[Shadowden]

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?).

[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.

IMG_20171018_094348.jpg (4.04 MiB) Viewed 6522 times

[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.

[Dwduc]

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!

[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.