Trailer Ideas Needed

[Bob Rooks]

On some trailers you can just switch the spring perches from the bottom of the axle to the top of the axle and gain between 3 and 5" deck height. The axles, springs and attachment geometry have to be appropriate in order for this to be done safely, however. Best bet is to take it to a proper trailer/suspension shop and ask their advice. It isn't rocket science, but lives can be at stake and that's enough to dictate expert advice.
Rich

Sorry Rich, rotating the axles to put the spring deck on top changes the whole towing dynamics of the trailer (going from underslung to overslung), not to mention the Center of Gravity and GM. Plus it would be a PITA rewiring or replumbing the brakes. Not saying it couldn't be done tho...

 

[Rich Waugh]

I agree completely, Bob. That's why I said you could do it on some trailers and it ain't a good idea without professional guidance. Sure, I did it on my little weenie trailer for my 12' aluminum dingy I pull all of 2 miles to the dock with a live load of all of 275#. Would I do it on a real cargo trailer? No way.

Thanks for mentioning the actual pitfalls, since I 'm no trailer guru - I jus task the pros for advice.

Rich

 

[Bob Rooks]

I'm far from being a guru myself, but a lifetime full of studies and experiences have to account for something...:laughing:

 

[Boeing]

I keep learning from you guys...thanks. I know (because I replaced 2) that the tires are St 205/70/15's The rating was 1800# something...? After this picture was taken I bought a "dropped" tow hitch which lowered the front and raised the rear about 3". Again, I'll check when I get up there.and THANKS

 

[Rich Waugh]

That's just one of the reasons I pay close attention to what you say, Bob. :thumbsup:

Rich

 

[Bob Rooks]

I keep learning from you guys...thanks. I know (because I replaced 2) that the tires are St 205/70/15's The rating was 1800# something...? After this picture was taken I bought a "dropped" tow hitch which lowered the front and raised the rear about 3". Again, I'll check when I get up there.and THANKS

Very nice pic thumbsup, but it appears that your tractor may weigh more than 3,800 lbs.. Also, it looks like the axle centerlines are only slightly below the frame rails, suggesting the trailer has torsion block suspension, in which case it wouldn't be practical to do any trailer surgery to lift it. Sorry.

Judging from the light scantlings, that trailer is rated no more than 7,000 lbs.

 

[Bob Rooks]

That's just one of the reasons I pay close attention to what you say, Bob. :thumbsup:

Rich

WOW! Made my day. Thanks.:thumbsup: Now tell that to my boss :laughing:

 

[greg_g]

Judging from the light scantlings, that trailer is rated no more than 7,000 lbs.

Probably less. Here's my 16 footer, rated at 7500# gross. Note the larger tongue and frame members. Leaf springs are barely visible between the tires. On the Boeing trailer, I see a similar shadow between the tires, suggesting a leaf spring suspension as well

//greg//

 

[Rich Waugh]

I'll be delighted to tell your boss anything you want, Bob. Not at all sure it would be much of a recommendation, coming from me, but then he might not know that.:laughing:

"Bob is a really great guy, a veritable font of wisdom and he shares freely with all of us online, throughout his work day and often into the evening. I think it is terrific you give him all that free time so he can spend so much time on these tractor websites helping others who are so much less knowledgeable than he is, without having to cut into his precious time with is family and friends. The western US certainly does seem more enlightened than the rest!"

Something like that help you out, buddy? :drink:

Rich

 

[Bob Rooks]

I'll be delighted to tell your boss anything you want, Bob. Not at all sure it would be much of a recommendation, coming from me, but then he might not know that.:laughing:

"Bob is a really great guy, a veritable font of wisdom and he shares freely with all of us online, throughout his work day and often into the evening. I think it is terrific you give him all that free time so he can spend so much time on these tractor websites helping others who are so much less knowledgeable than he is, without having to cut into his precious time with is family and friends. The western US certainly does seem more enlightened than the rest!"

Something like that help you out, buddy? :drink:

Rich

:laughing::laughing::laughing: Nice, but that won't work because he knows fifty times what I do, just ask him. He already has answers for questions not thought of... don't know how he does it... you know the type...:confused2: