Log hauler built from running gear

blupen · May 1, 2012

I like alot of the ideas here. I agree I will have problems without brakes and tongue weight. I am leaning towards finding a old camper and tearing it down, welding a set of side bolsters, a foot under the front with spike and using my quick tach for hook up.
In the perfect world I would build one like the picker in the you tube video

Groo · May 1, 2012

blupen said:
I like alot of the ideas here. I agree I will have problems without brakes and tongue weight. I am leaning towards finding a old camper and tearing it down, welding a set of side bolsters, a foot under the front with spike and using my quick tach for hook up.
In the perfect world I would build one like the picker in the you tube video

that sounds WAY to weak to work for long. It could probably only handle 1 decent sized log.

GrizzyDan · May 2, 2012

I'm going the same route for a stake side dump bed. I've turned to scrapping on the side and have 3 rv trailers coming, 2 tore apart already, one with 5" tall Ibeam that was only 1/8" thick.. definitely too weak but the axles are 3500 a piece. The other trailer has 1/4" channel that should work out nicely once braced for the lower half of the trailer. The dump deck will be 1/4" ibeam out of a mobile home. Just lookin for 2' sides, 1 4' ram with a 12v pump. Not looking to haul equipment or stack it sky high with logs, just 1-2 cords of firewood and the occasional log or 4.. the largest log my friend will mill weighs in at roughly 1k lbs, I just can't seem to get my hands on material of any decent thickness and refuse to buy retail. Cheaper to buy a professionally built trailer in the long run.

Best of luck.

blupen · May 3, 2012

Thanks GrizzyDan, this is a project I've been trying to get to fo a couple years and with the new road it pushes it to the top of the list.
As for building one like the video attachment I was referring to putting a picker on it, not necessarily a small setup like that one. My wife always says I overbuild and she and I are happy with that fact.
A guy I was working with a couple weeks ago told me about some ibeams in 10-20the feet sections a guy would sell me for scrap price but I haven't been able to find time to look him up. I am always suspect of "deals" guys tell you about but it sounds worth a 25minuteguy drive to look at them.
When I find what I think will work I'll post some pics and seek opinions on what I am doing wrong.:thumbsup:

jimmysisson · May 3, 2012

My solution to the braking problem is some "stakes" I carry to hold the tongue up when I'm loading logs. The stakes are 4x4 pressure treated pine with steel caps on the bottom (so they don't split, or wear too much). I can set how high they sit in the sleeves on the triangle.
I pull the trailer with a clevis hitch on the back of my winch. So, if the diesel won't hold the load back, I can lower the 3-point and let the stakes dig into the ground. My hills aren't too steep but are in a few places. That's the best thing about a diesel tractor in my opinion- hill braking.
I've never had to drop the tongue, and really aren't sure it would work, but assume it will help. I know the winch can ride up, but the trailer is loaded biased toward the front so the tongue is pretty heavy.
Jim

crazyal · May 4, 2012

Give a couple of mobile home dealers a call. You would be surprised what they have lots of extras of. Last time I checked around here they were getting $100 for an axle with springs and $25 for a tire/ wheel. I've also seen the tongues they use to tow them for sale.

hr3 · May 4, 2012

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4JwHQ0PbAU]PTO driven trailer Rimbo Sweden 2009 - YouTube[/ame]I'v seen on like this a long time ago.. With the trailer axels being driven the trailer axels help hold you back going down hill... Best with a gear drive probibly...

GrizzyDan · May 4, 2012

I think I'm in love.. I've always loved anything that resembles a unimog. I was wondering what I was going to do with the spare axle after bobbing my duece.. and now I know.. :thumbsup: