log/utility trailer

[jimmysisson]

Thought you guys might like to see a tandem I bought used and outfitted for moving logs and such-like. I looked for 8 months before finding one with a deep frame. I welded 4x4x3/16 tube on 4 corners for uprights, and two more partway out the tongue for stands. I made a couple of bunks out of 6x8 PT, and used more tubing so a 4x4 PT upright would hold the bunk onto the trailer. The pic will make that a bit clearer.
I actually figure on using this in the woodlot also, and haul 10-12' sticks out for firewood, so they're not bucked up until back at the barn. Less hand-work (back-work) that way. The stands allow me to haul the trailer to the woodlot, then set it up stable. I unhook the tractor, then I can have the tractor to lift sticks onto the trailer. The stands pin at a couple different heights if the ground is uneven.
I've used this over the road also, and it hauls nice. It's only 11' long, and the corner posts are fairly short, so I can't overload it. I think about 6K of log weight is a decent load.
To-do list: move the jack location forward so I can spin the jack handle all the way around; a little re-wiring for reliability; tune up the elec. brakes. I'd like to get more ground clearance, but it tows nice as is, so I can live with it. I'll post a second photo in another post. All opinions welcome.
Jim

[jimmysisson]

Another view of the log trailer

[jimmysisson]

here's the front end

[ragkar]

Now that's a very creative and practical build.

[wkpoor]

Thats nice. I've wanted a trailer dedicated to logs for some time. We use a landscape trailer for now and its easy to overload. That trailer looks real stout.

[radioman]

very nice trailer. It must fit your needs perfectly as you got the bigger equipment to move it with.

[jimmysisson]

This thing actually isn't that heavy. The steel is I section and no more than 1/8" thick in the web. I just like that it's a deep section and so holds the square pockets well. I don't think it weighs 3000# empty. I pull it with a 1/2 ton and take it easy. I'm not sure how much the 3 8' pine logs and 1 cherry 7' weigh - anyone?
Jim

[bitternut]

Good idea Jimmy. Looks like a real handy trailer. Just might have to copy that.

Here is a link to figure out your log weights.

Log Weight Calculator at WOODWEB