Need help identifying trailer make

[ETD66SS]

I bought a trailer, the previous owner had it registered as homemade, as the guy he bought it from did not have the registration info. I'd like to try to figure out who made the trailer, and what the specs are.

Here are some pics: Trailer - Imgur

The axles have stickers on them, they are 6000 lbs capacity each, 8 lug 16" load range E tires, they look original.

The deck is 84" wide between fenders, 12' long on the flat part, 3' beaver/dove tail.

Looks like it came with the pintle hitch.

I'd like to restore it next spring, but have no idea where to get parts.

I'm hoping someone can recognize the construction and lead me in the right direction.

 

[Xfaxman]

If the tires are original the date code would tell you about when the trailer was made.

The fenders look like what was used on Ditch Witch trailers from the 1970's

You could call and ask them who made their trailers. About Us | Ditch Witch

 

[bcp]

Trailers aren't like cars.

Axle parts from axle mfg. or trailer supply.

Steel parts form your local steel yard.

Wood parts from your local lumber yard

Electric parts from your local auto parts store.

Paint from your local paint store.

Tires from your local tire store.



Bruce

 

[Xfaxman]

I think it could be a Belshe Trailer.

They have always used that style fender.

Email them the pictures to find out. Belshe Trailers, Inc - Home

 

[Rocky Hoffler]

Check out textrail.com for parts:thumbsup:

 

[George2615]

Looks like one of our State DOT trailers that was bought at auction. You can probably get brakes from Etrailer once you know the size. The rest can be obtained locally as mentioned.

 

[Blaneypark]

Don't see anything on that trailer that can't be bought at a local auto store. Electric brakes right down to paint.

 

[ETD66SS]

I'm new to trailers, so guess I didn't know the only info I needed to get the correct, for example brake parts, was the drum size... I would have thought there would be many different manufacturers of the components, and they are not all interchangeable.

I still would like to figure out the manufacturer, so I can find a spec sheet for this trailer, the GVWR etc. Some of you guys gave me places to start, so I'll start digging

Would everyone agree this is quite an old trailer then? I assumed from the early 1990's, but it seems like some of you are thinking it's older. The ramps with the wood on them seem to be a giveaway in terms of its age. I'll check the date code on the tires, but ofc I can not be 100% sure they are original.

One thing I noticed is both axles have a bow to them, they bow upwards in the middle, is this common?

 

[s219]

Pretty sure most trailer axles are pre-bowed that way.

 

[George2615]

The axle bow is normal. Check the Etrailer site once you get a wheel and drum off to compare the brakes shoe size, diameter and width, number of holes in backing plates etc. They can help you identify what you need.

 

[ETD66SS]

Ok, I finally was able to determine that my trailer is an Eager Beaver AP10L.

 

[Xfaxman]

Good. :thumbsup: How did you track it down?

 

[ETD66SS]

Good. How did you track it down?

I contacted Belshe trailers (Belshe Trailers, Inc - Home), showed them the pictures. They said it was not one of theirs, but it looked like an Interstate trailer (Interstate Trailers). So I contacted Interstate Trailers, they told me it was not one of theirs, but it looked like an Eager Beaver trailer. Eager beaver trailers and Interstate trailers were once the same company, but slpit in 1982. I was finally able to contact Eager Beaver, and they sent me the specifications for my trailer. Whew!

 

[vince2]

I think your trailer is just like mine and is a eagerbeaver ap10. Not sure why it would be an ap10L. Are your wheels the house trailer type (8x14.5) where the rim is held to the central hub with 5 bolts?

 

[ETD66SS]

I think your trailer is just like mine and is a eagerbeaver ap10. Not sure why it would be an ap10L. Are your wheels the house trailer type (8x14.5) where the rim is held to the central hub with 5 bolts?

No, that's the conundrum. I have 8-lug 16" wheels load range E tires on leaf springs, not torflex suspension. Here is an excerpt from an email from EagerBeaver:

AP10Ls made in the early 90’s through about 2005. Traditional AP10s had leaf spring suspensions and spoke wheels (14.5 tires). We did make some transition period AP10s (leaf spring suspension) with 865 hubs (8 bolt on 6.5” dia center). They were still sold as Model as AP10 and the GVWR and GAWR did not change.

The AP10Ls all had 865 hubs and Torflex Suspension. It is still only rated at 12,800 GVWR, just like an AP10. The big difference with the AP10L is the GAWR. AP10L had about a 400 Lb per axle higher GAWR. This means you can put more weight on the tires & distribute less to the tow vehicle the hitch and still achieve the 12,800 GVWR.

So it appears I do have an AP10, but it seems to be one of these "transition" trailers that combines the "865" hubs with leaf spring suspension.

Another excerpt from EagerBeaver:

In order to get you a s/n, it should be shown on the title, Bill of Sale or old registration. Failing any of these not being available, it is possible that there is a hidden number stamped on the underside of the trailer. These numbers normally are on the curb side and stamped in the bottom of the main beam or one of the cross members. If you can find this number, we can possibly trace it back through our records and provide you with a s/n and other pertinent information.

I was unable to find any number stamped on the bottom of my trailer

vince2, is your VIN tag held on with rivets or self taping screws? On my trailer I see holes for a VIN tag, but said holes have no remnants of self tapping threads in them. And, do you have any numbers stamped on the bottom of your trailer? If so, where exactly?

 

[vince2]

My vin tag is held on with rivets but most info is illegible. I have been painting my trailer and did not see any indications of any numbers stamped underneath, but I didn't know to look for it either. Will look for it next time. I think it is a great trailer with a big margin for abuse.

 

[vince2]

I looked this weekend and other then rust nothing that could resemble a serial number. Not knowing where to look exactly didn't help either.