Converting 7000# car hauler to 10000#?

[Lasgambler]

So I was browsing the internet looking for discussion on 7000lb vs 10000lb trailers b/c I'm looking to build one or the other. I stumbled across this thread and thought maybe I could offer up some comments.

Lasgambler I'm curious if your trailer is a car hauler type (no uprights) built out of 5" channel framing with 2 X 3 X 1/4" cross members. If so I would say the frame itself is capable of a 10400 gross. You'll need to upgrade the coupler and the springs, possibly the wheels/tires (depending the current capacity).

Thanks for a reply on a more "Positive Note". I have an 18 ft. flat with 5 inch channel frame. I think the cross members are only 3X1 1/2 channel.

As for as "Maning up and by a 10400" I could sell mine for 1500 maybe and put about $2100 with that and buy a 10400# or I could spend $800 for a new 3500# axle with brakes, a new coupler, 2 new tires and wheels. I don't know, it is a hard dicision, $2100 out or $800 out. Terry

 

[JB4310]

5" channel frame sounds good, but still at the end of the day your only gonna save a grand and your gonna end up with a home made trailer for all intents and purposes.

Might have trouble registering it and if your needs ever change, might have trouble selling it as a 5 ton.

JB.

 

[structures282]

I wouldn't do the 3rd axle option. It could mess up the trailers axle/tongue ratio and most likely will pull awkwardly. And well it'll look funny. But don't sweat the 1.5" X 3" cross members. The stiffness comes from the vertical flange (3 inch length) and 1.5 inches of weld will give you plenty of shear strength. What's the spacing of your cross members? 16 inches? That would be good. You really should upgrade your coupler to 2-5/16. Get axles with brakes on them. I would recommend both axles w/ brakes, 10000 lbs is a lot to stop. Now as for registering I can't help you there. In the great state of OK we don't have those sort of regs. I'm just happy when somebody has a trailer with 4 working tires.

Also you'll prob need to upgrade the wheels and tires. The rating for the wheels should be stamped somewhere on the inner side and the tires are posted on the sidewall. So no less than 2600lbs per wheel/tire.

As for cost: $350 per axle + $130 per wheel-tire + $90 per 2-5/16 bulldog coupler.

So around $1450 (tax!) for all new parts. Maybe you could find some used parts cheaper.

 

[afish]

I was never saying adding the third axle was the best option just the cheapest. Money is tight for a lot of folks right now, so not everyone can run out and buy a new trailer but of course that would be the best option which I'm sure everyone here already knows. The other thing is if you replace the axles and they are still in good shape you could probably sell them on craigslist to recoup some of your money.

 

[RickB]

As for as "Maning up and by a 10400" I could sell mine for 1500 maybe and put about $2100 with that and buy a 10400# or I could spend $800 for a new 3500# axle with brakes, a new coupler, 2 new tires and wheels. I don't know, it is a hard dicision, $2100 out or $800 out. Terry

And when you are done you have a trailer that is worth less to an informed buyer than what you have now. You are not addressing the issue of the manufacturer's tag, or do you live in a state where you can scribble any GVW on the registration form?

Apparently a "response on a positive note" amounts to telling you what you want to hear. I apologize for not being able to do that.

 

[Lasgambler]

Apparently a "response on a positive note" amounts to telling you what you want to hear. I apologize for not being able to do that.

No problem. To each his own. I would much rather find a decent 10400# for a reasonable price. I am thinking of ways to make ,do with, what I have in the mean time. The places I tow my tractor you may not see anyone all day long and possibly 2 or 3 days. Some of those areas there is no cell service.

I, along with most everyone I know, like hearing something positive instead of negative. Isn't that what a forum is for? Everyones oppinion counts, whether good or bad.
Terry

 

[Diamondpilot]

No problem. To each his own. I would much rather find a decent 10400# for a reasonable price. I am thinking of ways to make ,do with, what I have in the mean time. The places I tow my tractor you may not see anyone all day long and possibly 2 or 3 days. Some of those areas there is no cell service.

I, along with most everyone I know, like hearing something positive instead of negative. Isn't that what a forum is for? Everyones oppinion counts, whether good or bad.
Terry

I would not want to head out to the boonies like you do with equipment that is not up to the task. No help, and if you have a problem it may end up costing you a lot more $$$$ in the end.

Chris

 

[jimainiac]

I have a PJ 7000# 18 ft. car hauler. Brakes on 1 axel. The problem is my tractor as it sits is just over 7000#, now you see the problem when I deduct the weight of the trailer the tractor puts me about 2000# overweight.

The PJ is well built and I am capable of fabrication and welding if needed. I found a seller on ebay with 5000# or so (don't remember exactly) axels that were very reasonable. Has anyone made this change to there trailer? Thanks Terry

I can sympathize with the urge to make do with what you have and upgrade it for heavier use, but it's kind of similar to trying to make a 1/2 ton pickup into a 3/4 ton. I like the idea of selling the trailer and finding a 10,000# one (much less work involved). If you could get a 20' bed you'd gain a lot of flexability in getting the weight distributed, too. We have a 20 footer, and depending on the attachment on the tractor things sometimes end up hanging over the rear end. Good luck with whichever choice you make.

 

[Sackett2]

I was looking for a trailer back in the late 90's, and in ND, the prices were high then; about 2000. for a 16' tandem. I found Terry's trailers TerrysTrailers
The trailer started in the 700$ range, add about 100 for the brakes per axle, another 90. for the pipe top (over angle iron) and 75.(?) for the ramps. My total bill was 1080. It had used tires and the deck was pine with no gaps for water to seep out. I hadn't checked yet with this new knowledge, but i think it is a 5" c frame.
We've redecked it and added a toolbox and lots of scratches; but it has been a great trailer, never let me down. When I had the Montana on it with the FEL and Hog (rear blade aslo on the trailer) the total weight was 6700 lbs.

I do wonder what the prices of his trailers are now....