Planning tandam dump trailer build.

[jeff77indy]

I am in the planning stages of building a tandam axle dump trailer.
I have the dump hoist off a one ton truck to use and plan on using tractor hydaulics for power.
This will never be used on the road only around the farm to haul fire wood, dirt and rock.
I would like to incorporate a walking beam axle setup using heavy wall 2"x4" rectangular tubing and stub axles.
Anyone on here done this?
What size tire/wheel combo would be recomended? What should the spacing be on the wheels on the walking beam?
I have the rect. tubing and most other materials other than the stub axles and hubs.

Thanks
Jeff

 

[rdbrumfield]

walking beams are nice, but you need to incorporate a way for the axle to be able to rotate on the beam. If they are welded solid to it when a tire goes in a hole it torques the axle itself.
Personally, I would use springs as they flex and it isn't as rocky as one pivot point. If you dump the trailer and anything hangs up the weight will transferr to the back wanting to lift on the tongue. If on a hill, this can cause quite a ride downhill as your braking wheels will be very light or lifted off the ground. Also, the pivot point of the trailer has to be well back as you don't want the tail end of the bed on the ground when it is in full up position.

I might have missed the point of the way you are doing the stub axles. If they are connected directly to the I beam, might be a lot to ask of a 2x4 size tube. The other thing is that where you drop the frame to the pivot will create a lot of side leverage when loaded.
as far as tire spacing, find what you like and leave a few inches between the tires. hope this helps you some.

 

[bugar477]

One of the best trailers I have ever seen was built with walking beams. Instead of tubing use heavy flat bar. 3/4 X 6 would be good with a stationary plate (same size)to it's inside with a bushing in the center with a 2 inch hole. The same on the other side. Thru these bushings put a shaft long enough for the plate with spindles on it with a bushing in it's center to pivot on. The retainer on each side to hold it together would be acomplished in several ways. I would drill and tap the shaft in the end or thread the shaft and use a lock nut. Travel stops could be put on if fenders are used. A lot depends on the loads you plan to haul. I have been self employed as a heavy mechanic on trucks and tractors with the last 25 years in fabrication and machine shop work. Forty five years total.I have had experience with this kind of a trailer. Look at a truck with walking beam suspension. Instead of a axle housing the spindles will be mounted to the outer platean the outer plate will rub against the stationary plate

Mike Burts

 

[jeff77indy]

One of the best trailers I have ever seen was built with walking beams. Instead of tubing use heavy flat bar. 3/4 X 6 would be good with a stationary plate (same size)to it's inside with a bushing in the center with a 2 inch hole. The same on the other side. Thru these bushings put a shaft long enough for the plate with spindles on it with a bushing in it's center to pivot on. The retainer on each side to hold it together would be acomplished in several ways. I would drill and tap the shaft in the end or thread the shaft and use a lock nut. Travel stops could be put on if fenders are used. A lot depends on the loads you plan to haul. I have been self employed as a heavy mechanic on trucks and tractors with the last 25 years in fabrication and machine shop work. Forty five years total.I have had experience with this kind of a trailer. Look at a truck with walking beam suspension. Instead of a axle housing the spindles will be mounted to the outer platean the outer plate will rub against the stationary plate

Mike Burts

Mike;

That's about the way I was figuring on the build. I'll use the 3/4" plate for the beam and save the tubing for the frame.

I'm planning on building it 6ft x 8ft overall deminsions not including the tongue. That way the width will be the same as my 4110. With the bed being narrower to set between the wheels.

Thanks.
Jeff