Utility Trailer Gets a New Purpose

[weldingisfun]

The only bad rust was on the right side near the rear. It appears that water would collect there. No structural damage just some pitting.

Some work with a wire brush and angle grinder then treatment with some Skyco OSPHO and it is ready to go.

Off with the fenders side rails. The fenders will be cleaned up,repaired and reused. Some of that angle will see new use later on.

 

[weldingisfun]

Before turning the frame I added deflectors on each side to help avoid the inevitable broken taillights when backing the trailer around buildings, trees and gateposts. The deflectors are made from the angle steel salvaged from the side rails removed earlier.

Now for the tractor. :thumbsup: The Mahindra is used to turn the frame upside down for work on the underside.

Once the frame is turned, all surface rust and dirt is removed and the metal is treated with the Skyco OSPHO.

Using more of the side rail angle a spare tire mount base is welded on.

 

[weldingisfun]

The frame is cleaned up and have welded on eyes to run the wiring through for the lights. Three grounding bolts are welded to the frame. One on the tongue and two at the rear one on each side.

Safety chain hangers, eyes to run the wiring through to the conduit. Goats love to chew on wire.

A good heavy coat of red oxide primer.

Finished off with some gloss black Rustoleum paint. Ready to turn back to right side upside.

 

[weldingisfun]

Time to start the build. I used square tubing 14 ga, 1" x 2", 1" x 1" and 16 gauge cold rolled steel sheet. LukesScreenName, the cost for the steel was right at $525.

With some help from the Mahindra :thumbsup: tractor, the frame is flipped back over again. The welding on the top of the rear deflector guards and the spare tire mount was completed and the frame of the enclosure started.

 

[two_bit_score]

Nice job!

 

[weldingisfun]

Once the enclosure frame was finished and all of the vertical supports were welded on, it was time for the bows to support the canvas top.

The enclosure area is now ready for the horizontal bars.

The large openings will be covered with sheet metal. The widely spaced horizontal bars to provide weld points on the sheet metal to prevent it from vibrating and added strength so the goats don't bend it out.

All of the horizontal bars are in place and finish welded.

 

[weldingisfun]

Does it have a middle gate you can close to keep the animals from all shifting to the back of the trailer?

Here you are, Pappy The answer to your question is, Yes. This is how it was done.

It opens and secures to the right side allowing for full use of the 5' X 10' interior space.

The open and closed latches are built so that only one square lock pin is needed. The pin is secured to the gate with a chain. Closed position, Open position

To prevent damage to the three heavy duty, Stanley weld-on gate hinges caused by goats standing on the gate, a rest was installed to bear the weight of the gate and goat.

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

Very, very cool. Great job. That middle gate is essential, and that one looks perfect.

When I was a teenager, we loaded up a load of cattle in our bumper pull cattle trailer. They were being cantankerous and we couldn't get them separated enough to close the middle gate. It was late and rather than unload all of them and start over, I said "screw it" and shut the rear gate and took off.

About 20 miles later, I went down a steep hill and all the cattle shifted to the back of the trailer, which made the rear end of the truck light. You can guess what happened - uncontrollable side-to-side swaying. And, of course, there were steep bar ditches on both sides of the road. I thought for sure I was dead. Somehow, I believe through the grace of God, I was able to get it back under control and finish my trip to the other pasture.

But that taught be a very valuable lesson about loading a cattle trailer.

 

[two_bit_score]

Good lesson to remember! ^^^^^

:thumbsup:

 

[Green Power]

Very nice trailer!