Add on to trailer or buy new later

[LS Tractor Owner]

Need some advice or maybe even some "how to". I have a 12 year old 4x8 metal side rail (12" high") trailer that was used to haul a 350 gal water tank 6 to 8 times a week (about 60 miles loaded per week) for 4 or 5 years. In between used to haul construction debri, mulch, concrete bags, etc.... Used and abused but still works. Most of my projects now require longer boards (12 to 16'). My thoughts were to get 1 1/2" or 2" angle (whatever matches existing trailer frame), extend the frame 4 to 6', redeck it w/ pressure treated, and extend the rails. It has a 2500 lb axle, which I will move to the rear about 3'. I have 2 welders, an arc and a wire feed, but have only repaired stuff, never really fabbed a frame or mounted an axle. I have no idea what the metal would cost (can buy new or have a local scrap metal lot). Question is: 1) should I just keep or sell the 4 x 8, and buy a new trailer (funds are really really tight so it would be a while, so I'll keep paying $30-40 delivery charges) 2) will my plan to modify the trailer work and solve my issue of length work? Your input is greatly appreciated.

 

[jenkinsph]

There are good used trailers all over the place I would find one that works and buy it. Unless you need something special why buy a new one if funds are tight?

If you do decide to add on to your existing trailer I would take a ride south to Huey Steel in Corona. They have everything you need for building a new trailer or adding on to yours. Great family run business operation with good pricing and large inventory. I buy all my new steel from them.

 

[Teachu2]

I built a riser for my 5x8' with 2' sides. @" sq .120 wall, 3.5' tall, slides into the trailer if I need it, sits out if I don't. I used it to haul 7x16' garage doors and 12-16' lumber often. Extend the tongue if needed.

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

There are good used trailers all over the place I would find one that works and buy it. Unless you need something special why buy a new one if funds are tight?

If you do decide to add on to your existing trailer I would take a ride south to Huey Steel in Corona. They have everything you need for building a new trailer or adding on to yours. Great family run business operation with good pricing and large inventory. I buy all my new steel from them.

I have been looking for a used one but they have been real POS's and wanting high dollars. Maybe I'll be able to find one at a good price, just started to put the feelers out. Corona may be a bit far for getting metal, about 2 hrs away, but I'll check their prices.. Thanks for the info.

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

I built a riser for my 5x8' with 2' sides. @" sq .120 wall, 3.5' tall, slides into the trailer if I need it, sits out if I don't. I used it to haul 7x16' garage doors and 12-16' lumber often. Extend the tongue if needed.

So you built the riser to be able to move the material up and forward? Does it extend out the back? I have carried 3 or 4 16' with them centered on the trailer pushed out over the tongue but they still hung off the back about 5 feet. Also very low off the ground in the back. Problem is now I'll need to get anywhere from 12 to 20 of them at a time (lumber), and also 30 to 40 of the 8" rough Tex composite siding (also 16' long). The rough Tex is like carrying a 16' long wet noodle! .

 

[jenkinsph]

I agree you need a longer trailer or rack on a pick up truck. The way to get a good deal on a trailer is to save up the cash and have it ready to pounce on a good deal.

This fall I will be looking for a used PJ 22' tilt bed trailer for hauling my tractor and laser grader. Let me know if you see one.

 

[Teachu2]

So you built the riser to be able to move the material up and forward? Does it extend out the back? I have carried 3 or 4 16' with them centered on the trailer pushed out over the tongue but they still hung off the back about 5 feet. Also very low off the ground in the back. Problem is now I'll need to get anywhere from 12 to 20 of them at a time (lumber), and also 30 to 40 of the 8" rough Tex composite siding (also 16' long). The rough Tex is like carrying a 16' long wet noodle! .

I built the riser to allow me to carry longer material with better ground clearance. You could certainly extend the length - I'd go 12', 2' over on both ends. If you center the boards on the trailer, you are less likely to stab your tow vehicle on turns. Make sure to maintain proper tongue weight, and get a set of Harbor Freight tow lights if needed so that your tail lights are out on the back of the load. Red flag as needed.

If you're good with welding, extending the tongue is strongly recommended. It makes towing smoother, backing easier, and gives you some clearance on longer loads. Beware of taking curves and corners fast, as your trailer is narrow and load will be high - keeping it centered will help.

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

I agree you need a longer trailer or rack on a pick up truck. The way to get a good deal on a trailer is to save up the cash and have it ready to pounce on a good deal.

This fall I will be looking for a used PJ 22' tilt bed trailer for hauling my tractor and laser grader. Let me know if you see one.

I'll keep an eye open for you, I have seen the bigger trailers around for a decent price

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

I built the riser to allow me to carry longer material with better ground clearance. You could certainly extend the length - I'd go 12', 2' over on both ends. If you center the boards on the trailer, you are less likely to stab your tow vehicle on turns. Make sure to maintain proper tongue weight, and get a set of Harbor Freight tow lights if needed so that your tail lights are out on the back of the load. Red flag as needed.

If you're good with welding, extending the tongue is strongly recommended. It makes towing smoother, backing easier, and gives you some clearance on longer loads. Beware of taking curves and corners fast, as your trailer is narrow and load will be high - keeping it centered will help.

Sounds like a good plan to extend both ends, that way I don't have to mess w/ the axle. Sure would make it easier then. I can definitely extend the tongue and reinforce it at the same time. I'm going to research the metal cost tommorow.