Welding axle tubes???

[kenmac]

Alittle late on this suggestion. The trailer is used on the ROAD which falls under the DOT. If you weld the axle perfectly and another curb jumps up and bits your axle ever again and the law just happenes to be present, you might have some explaining to do. You could be completely in the right as somebody T Bones you then the insurance looks underneath and asks for the welding cert on the job.
Use the axle off road, no rules no claims.

Craig Clayton

Guess I'm in big trouble then. I built both of my trailers. 1 20' duel axle & 1 14 ' axle. I sent off to the state for a home made built trailer title so I could get tags. They didn't inspect the trailers. They just sent me 2 titles in the mail

 

[Craig Clayton]

I am the bad boy here because I expressed concern as I read the orginal post about a bent axle in 2 axis directions. I also have built 5 single axle trailers the largest a 6000 LBS axle 8'6'' wide. I also have widened a axle and I know how hard it is to make sure it is parallel.
So back to the orginal post I would still suggest that the orginal bent axle be unbolted and a new factory straight axle be bolted in its place. No one was hurt in the axle bending and there was no property damage. Count yourself lucky .
And by the way the longest trailer that I made a suggestion on when it was being drawn up was to haul double electric street cars. I suggested to weld the length of the main beams vs bolting. A nod was given and the hired welders starting pushing large 7018 rods. I rod the truck that pulled that trailer and I am still here to type this.

Craig Clayton

 

[QRTRHRS]

I was at a big truck salvage yard one day while a guy was rebuilding a drive axle tube on a Mack. He was working for this company that specialized in axle repairs. He said that on a drive axle like that, the welder must be certified.

He also said that it was not legal to weld on the tapered end like the axle was that he was repairing. Pretty interesting to watch him work and talk with him.

 

[David Devuono]

Well, it will be hard to tell if the tires are wearing more. The way they scuff when you turn or back up sharp. They were pretty bad before the " mishap". The electric brakes are a high maintenance item. I try to keep them all adjusted.
My real complaint is the spring bushings. I have replaced them 3 times now. I only use this trailer for short local hauls, maybe three time a month. I have put two sets of the nylon and one set of the greasable bronze. The bronze ones are just over a year old and they are getting pretty sloppy. If you guys haven't checked yours, you will be surprised when you do.

Thats why I put 15 inch rims on my trailers. No shortage of tires from my other vehicles ready to go on the trailer. Really nice to be able to change and balance your own tires. I never really detected any wear on my trailer tires. More looking for sidewall cracks. Sounds like you haul some heavy loads?

 

[Shield Arc]

I think we all know, only ones who win in a law suit is the lawyers! I've been involved in a couple law suits over the years, (nothing related to a trailer or broken welds). First thing the judge asks is how many years you have in the trade. 20-years seems to be the magic number for the judicial system, then they consider you an expert.
I've built a couple of these, converts a flatbed trailer into a gooseneck. Honestly I have no concerns loading 5 to 6-tons on this trailer, and going down the highway at 60 + MPH.

 

[mojoinco]

If I had bushings (or other seemingly long life parts) wear that fast I would look at some alternatives. Most pick ups (and cars) have rubber bushings with metal inserts. For the labor efforts it might make sense to replace them with springs that have rubber bushings.

There are bushings and bolts designed to be greased, but you have to remember to do it. I just replaced the hangers (and other moving parts) on a mid 60's built 2 axle trailer. Many of the bolts were worn over 1/3 through, and the hangers had slots for bolt holes. Probably hadn't been greased in 20 or 40 years.

Other designs only use bushings on one end and have a slipper on the other (only 1/2 as many to replace).

 

[Kays Supply]

The greasable bushings are what I put on the last time. I grease it so much I can't work on it with out getting it all over me. I even jack it off the ground to grease it so as to get the grease all the way around the pins. The last time I had one that wasn't taking grease I cut a groove around the pin from the grease hole so it wouldn't get clogged with bushing metal. It is a good thing I enjoy mechanical things or I would go nuts trying to keep up. I do haul around 9500# on it most of the time.

 

[J_J]

If I remember right, some of the old timers used a torch to heat up parts of the axle to bring the caster and camber in line. It does seem logical as the heat makes the metal expand, and by expanding, it will bend in a certain direction.

 

[rjmack]

If I remember right, some of the old timers used a torch to heat up parts of the axle to bring the caster and camber in line. It does seem logical as the heat makes the metal expand, and by expanding, it will bend in a certain direction.

true, but when it cools, it will shrink smaller than it was before it was heated.

so, when using heat you actually work on the side you want to shrink... unless you are using a big hammer and heating all the way around the pipe.

going the other way, particularly with flat plate, to stretch it just hit it with a hammer. metal plates are often used in conjunction with flooring or serving flooring functions. an edge will get caught and peeled up... the natural response is to try to hammer it back down... but that will just stretch the metal and make the hump worse.

btw, i have noticed some of the stuff you have built in other threads... very nice:thumbsup:

also, that goosneck shieldarc built looks pretty heavy duty too.

 

[Shield Arc]

I think that adapter weighs right at a 1,000 pounds. Those are 12" x 15 pound beams.

It is amazing what can be done with a ball peen hammer. Other than all the little dents, a ball peen hammer can move material pretty fast. Take a piece of C-channel and beat on the flanges and it will bend.