Trailer finished - back to the honeydo list

[zmansmac]

After a year and a half of scrounging and buying parts I started my trailer project about 3 weeks ago and just finished it. In fact, I had my local sheriff come out and inspect it this morning so I can get it registered. I borrowed a friend's trailer a couple of times in the past, but it's 7 1/2 by 16 foot size was overkill for my little B7500. So I planned the bed to be 6 by 12 feet. Got a good price on a couple of drop axles which along with 14 inch tires gives me the low center of gravity and low ramp angle I was after. The trailer weighs 1300 pounds which gives me plenty of capacity for my tractor and loader. I know the rules, so here are a few pics to start.

 

[Johndeere3720]

Great job! :thumbsup:

 

[brokenknee]

After a year and a half of scrounging and buying parts I started my trailer project about 3 weeks ago and just finished it. In fact, I had my local sheriff come out and inspect it this morning so I can get it registered. I borrowed a friend's trailer a couple of times in the past, but it's 7 1/2 by 16 foot size was overkill for my little B7500. So I planned the bed to be 6 by 12 feet. Got a good price on a couple of drop axles which along with 14 inch tires gives me the low center of gravity and low ramp angle I was after. The trailer weighs 1300 pounds which gives me plenty of capacity for my tractor and loader. I know the rules, so here are a few pics to start.

He said it was OK without fenders?

Looks good.

 

[BayouMan]

I hope you plan on putting fenders on in the very near future. Otherwise, that is a great looking trailer. I can see why you wanted a low angle for loading your tractor with the mid mount mower.

Mike

 

[kebo]

Looks good! I would consider adding fenders even if they are not req'd by law. They keep the tires from throwing up rooster tails when pulling it in the rain, or kicking up small gravel which could crack someones windshield. Plus, I just think they give it a more finished appearance.

Will you ever be hauling the tractor with an implement attached, such as a bush hog?? If so, you will probably use up all 12ft of it and maybe more.

 

[zmansmac]

Thanks for the kudos. I am surprised that the local deputy that inspected the trailer did not say anything about not having fenders. He was mainly interested in lights, reflectors and illumination for the license plate. So I am checking with my local Secretary of State about the fender requirements and am waiting for a reply. I originally didn't plan on using this trailer that often and, of course, not in the rain. But we all know how Mr. Murphy works so I am seriously thinking about fenders, especially if they're required. The 12 foot length was planned so I could take the tractor with the loader and box blade. The drop axles worked better than expected with the bed surface being only 14 inches off the ground. Should make pushing or winching a broke tractor much easier if that ever happens. The 20 inch high sides provide a lot of extra strength for the bottom rails and I plan on figuring out an quick way to attach 4 foot high plywood sides when I need to haul leaves, brush, dirt, etc.

 

[mjncad]

Looks good. Like others have said, get some fenders on it.

 

[mwb]

Nice trailer; I need to build or buy one like that.:thumbsup:

Definitely need fenders; you won't be making any friends on the road if your tires are throwing stones at windshields

Another thing you might want to consider; add stands to the back/underside of your loading ramps close to the ramp hinge so the trailer does not stand on end when loading. People have been hurt when the trailer lifts the back of the tow vehicle off the ground and the whole outfit rolls away

 

[zmansmac]

Thanks guys. Some good reasons I hadn't considered so I am definitely going to put fenders on it before it goes on the road. I did get back back an answer from the Michigan SOS, but it was kind of wishy-washy. They ended up telling me that as long as it passed inspection I was good to go. I think they should have a check box on their inspection form to indicate that the tires are covered (some trailers have the tires underneath the bed, so no fenders). Friends here tell me that it would probably be up to the discretion of the officer if I got stopped. But I certainly don't want to be inconsiderate by taking a chance that a rock or other debris would get thrown at someone behind me.

Anyone know of a place that sells fenders for a reasonable price?

 

[Diamondpilot]

My local farm stores have fenders at cheap prices but I am not sure they will work out on your trailer because you have the wheels in what appears to be farther apart from each other than standard.

What I would do is have a couple custom ones bent up by the local fab shop. You could even get fancy and use aluminum diamond plate then just bolt them on.

Nice job by the way. May I ask your total cost to build?

One other thing I would add is a spare tire and mount. Keep a bottle jack and a 4 way lug the tool box along with your chains and straps. you know how Murphy works.

Chris