Heavy Trailer: how would you make a 10/14K dual purpose trailer?

[Shield Arc]

What do you end up gaining other than better weight distribution and turning radius?

They do turn nice and tight. Another big advantage is you can put so much weight on the rear axle of the tow vehicle.

 

[jenkinsph]

This one's @2640# for a 7T.

HSL16 - 7 Ton Capacity Equipment Trailer

I'll have to see what they're charging for that as it's very attractive.

Looks good but is built a little light for me. I would rather buy one that weighs closer to 4,000 lbs. in that length. The ramps look light enough to bend with a heavier tractor.

 

[ultrarunner]

This one's @2640# for a 7T.

HSL16 - 7 Ton Capacity Equipment Trailer

I'll have to see what they're charging for that as it's very attractive.

Find out anything price wise?

 

[Jim Timber]

No, I haven't found anyone claiming to be a dealer either. No listings on truck trader.

I'm not sure how I'll proceed. Need to do some digging on parts costs and materials and see where it comes out. Used stuff this size is rusty crap by the time they're sold and they still want what the steel costs for it.

 

[dstig1]

Have you looked at Felling? Local(-ish) and they seem really well built. Not terribly cheap though...

 

[Jim Timber]

Felling's the norm in rental fleets around here. By the time those trailers get sold, they're not cost effective to be fixed.

I had forgotten about United though. They've been pretty reasonable on used stuff and turn over equipment with more frequency. I should see what they've got available. I should also look at the Williston CL offerings now that the oil boom is imploding.

 

[Tractor Seabee]

Us armchair engineers tend to over build to be safe which raises the material cost. Trailer Manufacturers have engineered designed that minimize material cost and controlled manufacturing conditions minimize labor cost. If you honestly add up all your costs to make your own and compare with a factory built trailer that is certified you may well buy a new one.

You do not want to be in the positions of a home built trailer that has a structural failure resulting in a legal action. You are in a negative position with no back up from a manufacturer with deep pockets. it is the old cliche of "cover thy ### with paper (structural certification)".

Ron

 

[Jim Timber]

I'm not worried about failures, but then I also have appropriate insurance.

 

[Mysfyt]

Jim, I've built a couple of trailers using C8x11.5 for the side rails and 2x4x1/4 angles for the cross beams which supported the 2x10 treated lumber for the deck. They are tandem axle with springs and equalizers and it came down what the tires could handle as far as the load limit. The bed was about 16' long. I wish I could send you a picture but they are both out on 'loan' to a friend and my brother.

I'm positive this design would work for you just as good as it did for me. The axle spring perches would determine the width. Some food for thought.

 

[Jim Timber]

I think I'm going to end up buying the first one after all. I did some deeper digging and have some options in the area that look good.

Once I find out if I get my new truck next week, I'll get serious about the trailer.