Welding a Side-mount jack onto dump trailer

[Sodo]

Just another simple project for the forum.
Welded with a portable Miller MultiMatic 200 MIG/TIG/Stick using the MIG & C25 gas
Settings? Haha, I just chose the factory setting for ---> 1/4"

Tailgate hits jack when the trailer is attached.
Pretty much can't open tailgate, unless you have a rag or something to prevent damage.

This trailer was made in 1998.
How could they sell trailers like this?
Were tailgates ever that short?

This jack was only $46.95 with free shipping. Included the weld-on lug and the pin!
(5,000 lb. Side wind Ram tubular swivel jack with weld-on pipe mount. 15" travel by Southwest Wheel)

Beveled the side mount and ground off the paint. Tacked side mount.

Root weld and cover weld.

Welding done.

Painted.

Jack pivoted, stowed. Handle falls down by gravity.

Using the pin-chain lanyard to support the handle.

And finally, just verifying that the jack's bevel gears were greased by the mfr.
I had doubts that at $46.95 and free shipping,,,, they could afford to grease it, but they DID! ...

 

[Fishingfoolemjak]

That’s awesome. I was pondering this the other day with my trailer, and my son said “move the jack to the side”. Great job! Now I have another thing to add to the list....

 

[sixdogs]

Wow, nice welds and impressive work. First class job.
There are lots of engineering faux paus out there. That's why we have welders and horse sense so we can do the job they were supposed to do.

 

[yomax4]

Had the exact problem once. The top turning jack on the trailer was a real nice one so I just added more flat plate behind it and moved it back.

 

[flusher]

Nice job. Done several of those jack hacks myself.

 

[MinnesotaDaveChalmers]

Had the exact problem once. The top turning jack on the trailer was a real nice one so I just added more flat plate behind it and moved it back.

I did the same with one of mine a few years ago. The jack originally was perfectly placed to pinch my hand between the tailgate...

Sodo, I also always wondered why they came that way. I doubt they ever fit any truck.

 

[MossRoad]

.....
Tailgate hits jack when the trailer is attached.
Pretty much can't open tailgate, unless you have a rag or something to prevent damage.

This trailer was made in 1998.
How could they sell trailers like this?
Were tailgates ever that short?.....

I have a similar issue with my 1993 Suburban. Although I have the side opening barn-style doors, not the drop-down tailgate, I have to be parked pretty close to straight or one or the other of the doors will swing open and stop against the jack stand.

 

[bcp]

Those couplers were meant for travel trailers pulled by cars.

Bruce

 

[dragoneggs]

Sodo, excellent job and detailing your steps with pics! :drink:

 

[fried1765]

I have a similar issue with my 1993 Suburban. Although I have the side opening barn-style doors, not the drop-down tailgate, I have to be parked pretty close to straight or one or the other of the doors will swing open and stop against the jack stand.

Yup...
Me too, with my 1997 Suburban