Dump Trailer

[sandman2234]

Iplayfarmer,
I think I know what they look like, but just in case I am wrong, can you post a picture of then side of the wheels on the trailer, as to how they are held onto the axle. (bolt pattern, E-clip, etc)
David from jax

 

[Iplayfarmer]

Iplayfarmer,
I think I know what they look like, but just in case I am wrong, can you post a picture of then side of the wheels on the trailer, as to how they are held onto the axle. (bolt pattern, E-clip, etc)
David from jax

Sure. Why?

In the first picture if you squint you can see the flat top and bottom of the bolt as it comes through the matching hole in the wheel. This is how the axle turns the wheel (or in my case now how the wheel turns the axle).

The second picture shows how a single bolt holds the wheel to the axle.

I actually tried taking the wheels off before I switched axles and None of the six wheels I had to work with would even budge. They're on there pretty good.

 

[sandman2234]

I was hoping that your axles had bolt patterns, instead of the E-clips. I am going to be building a pair of axles for my buddies mini dump trailer, and thought I might build four instead of two. However, adding the costs of the hubs and rims and tires, plus freight, it gets kind of expensive to change out an set of axles that there is nothing wrong with. I was just thinking that I could make you a set that would last that would still match your existing rims. Thanks for taking the time and effort to satisfy my curiousity.
David from jax

 

[patrick_g]

David, I do check on eBay some for dump trailers but I have found none in my size/condition/price range that are within a days drive, roundtrip. Some of the eBay sellers have a thing on their listing that is supposed to get you a shipping quote but you have to have their zip and many don't include that info in their listing and are slow to respoond to email queries so having the shipping quote THING in their listing is a useless gesture. Some require you to pick up, no shipping.

I'll hang in there and hopefully find something before too long. I have seen some rated at about 6-7000 lbs for cheap but I want a gross trailer weight in the range of 10,000 to 14,000 lbs, I think. One of the speakers at the next cattleman's association monthly meeting is a highway patrol officer to explain the details of an increased diligence in enforcing some old laws re trailers, loading, etc. Could be a lot of cattle producers and horse fanciers will be looking for a higher class of lisc or will reduce loads on their trailers. The meeting is tonight so after the meeting I will know better the gross weight I will be interested in. I really don't plan on going on the highway all that much (mostly on my own place) but I want to be able to do so legally and within insurance coverage.

Related thing: The other day with my HD car hauler trailer just parked, the spare tire which is mounted horizontally on the tongue blew out. It didn't just go flat or develop a bubble on the side wall, this sucker blew up like it had a charge of C-4 in it. First time I had ever had that sort of an experience. It looked to be in good shape, plenty of tread, no sidewall cracks. aired properly, but it sure self destructed.

Pat

 

[sandman2234]

Well, if you buy something in this neck of the woods, and can hold off till I come to Daddy's, we might be able to save you some of the freight problems, and move them to gas help problems. I like being able to subsidize my trips out there with machinery and such, so keep that in mind. Since I am currently unemployed, it would make sense for me to go see Daddy, but not spending the money also comes into play.
Daddy lives in SW Arkansas, by the way. I am not going to mention where I live...
David from jax

 

[patrick_g]

David, I will keep that in mind. Many of the trailers I saw were in the north east but I'll keep your idea in mind. I suppose anything along the route from Florida to SW Arkansas would make sense. I can get a trailer delivered from Texas for $1.50 a mile but Texas is WAY CLOSER than Florida.

You can PM me with an estimate of $/mile while towing and if you ant to deliver to me or I have to go to SW Arkansas to get it.

Thanks for the offer.

Pat

 

[sandman2234]

I have been known to go to Atlanta to pick up Oygen/Acet bottles that needed to be in Vicksburg, and hauled Duragraders from Mississippi to halfway to Savannah. I don't get rich doing it, just make it to where the trip doesn't cost me as much money compared to what it would take you to move it with a commercial carrier. If they will move it for less, use them, if I can save you some money and defray some of my gas costs, feel free to contact me. If I can go see Daddy and help someone else out doing it, I can see it as a win win situation. Last trip I wondered across the north end of Arkansas(Harrison) to pick up a Roll In Journeyman 20" bandsaw, plus a couple other goodies. On that trip I hauled some lightweight stuff back on a trailer to SW Florida from near Hugo, Ok and that paid for the whole trip as far as gas was concerned.
I just thought it might help to know you have other options when looking at trailers in the SE. Besides, I still have to figure out a way to deliver a rootbeer float to you...
David from jax

 

[patrick_g]

David, I appreciate your offer. I think I understand and if it seems we can help each other I would certainly get hold of you. I have no deadline for getting my hands on a dump trailer except my own impatience and frankly if it would help you without unduly delaying or costing me, I'd rather help you out than pay some big nameless entity. Ideally I can find a trailer close enough for me to pick up in a day but second choice (now) will be to find the right trailer at a decent price somewhere between you and I.

Thanks again for offereing me a plan B, an insurance policy.

Next topic:

So I go to the Cattleman's meeting last night to hear the main speaker (Oklahoma Highway Patrol) who is to talk on the tightened enforcement of regulations (enacted in late 70's) which have gone pretty much ignored by a large segment of the states ag industry AND law enforcement. Now lots of folks are worried that if they hitch their HD 1 ton pickup to a large trailer they are illegal, even with no load because they are capable of a combined gross weight in excess of 26,500 (if I recall correctly.) Others say they will avoid a truck capable of greater than 10,001 pounds gross.

A state senator and a representative were there but The Highway Patrol should be cited for failure to appear. Now they have me concerned about buying too capable of a trailer and getting into some kind of a regulatory snafu. I don't want to have to have a logbook or other hassle.

Shucks, in Oklahoma a private trailer "NOT FOR HIRE" doesn't even have to have tags and registration, just a bill of sale. Every so often when out of state some unknowledgeable cop will stop you for not having a license plate, you explain the situation, he radios in to find out, then to save face he tries to find an excuse to write you up.

Some of us, ESPECIALLY ME, don't know what the rules are. My excuse is, "rules, what rules, we don't need no stinkin' rules." So I will start a new thread to cover the topic and let you experienced smart guys give us dummies some guidance.

Pat

 

[jsborn]

Patrick_g

There are a couple of threads in the trailering section that have dealt with the regulations issues. You might find an answer there but be careful what you ask along this topic it is like the question of what type oil to use Everyone one here is an expert and they all have different opinions. Makes for good reading but still don't know what to believe. ( no offence to anyones opinion as (I have one or two of my own and I know mine are right )

 

[Iplayfarmer]

I made some more progress today. I've attached a few pictures of the decking I did today.

Pic 1 shows that the wood all started as a crate. (I'd posted this pic before, but it's relevant here again.)

Pics 2 through 4 show some different shots of the decking and the front.

I've got some more wood prepared to plane down and cut out for the sides and the back, but that will have to wait until next time.

I'm having a hard time deciding whether to paint the wood black to match the rest of the trailer or to leave it natural with some kind of varnish on it. Any input here would be welcome.