Xtending a trailer

bendrewjr · Nov 23, 2009

Hi Again; I don't post much. Only when I need your in put . Always reading on TBN. Any and all response appreciated. I currently have a 14' 7000# car trailer. I need a longer one. Not wanting to pay buku. for a new one. Hence my idea, add length to my existing trailer ,( 4-6 ' stationary in front, deck over w/ tilt.) Using a 7" channel for main frame ( to clear wheels) totaling up to 13'. Using original A frame, main deck and suspension . Total finish trailer will be approx.18'-20'. 4'-6' stationary 14' tilt. Adding about 1' on either side of original deck to cover wheels ( approx 8' 0). Yes I can weld some what, but have professionals to help me in that dept. I am also aware of a whole lot of slitter wheels or arch gauging will be going on, I'm used to this w/ my projects. I work 2 wks. off 1wk., I have time. That's my story. Give me the pro/cons criticism ect.. This is a great forum, I have learned a lot . Andrew

Diamondpilot · Nov 23, 2009

Weight. That is your biggest problem. A 7K rig you will be looking at 3K in empty weight leaving 4K for payload, not much. I would really look at selling your current trailer and getting another. I know where there is a 20' PJ that is a 2001 model that can be had for $1,500 just down the road. You will have $1000 in modifying the one you have.

Also adding to a trailer is a good way to make it pull bad. I have seen a lot of boat trailers add to and they pull like crap. You need to keep the axle ration 60% forward from the tandems and 40% rearward.

Chris

BruceWard · Nov 23, 2009

You would need to move the axles back to balance the load.

JasG · Nov 24, 2009

Diamondpilot said:
Weight. That is your biggest problem. A 7K rig you will be looking at 3K in empty weight leaving 4K for payload, not much. I would really look at selling your current trailer and getting another. I know where there is a 20' PJ that is a 2001 model that can be had for $1,500 just down the road. You will have $1000 in modifying the one you have.

Also adding to a trailer is a good way to make it pull bad. I have seen a lot of boat trailers add to and they pull like crap. You need to keep the axle ration 60% forward from the tandems and 40% rearward.

Chris

I would agree with this, or build a tralier from the ground up. You really need heavier axles and possibly other parts to gain in your project.

kenmac · Nov 24, 2009

If you watch your weight/add larger axles,etc,. you should be able to do it.. I'm in the process of adding 3' to the front of my trailer for a total of 20'

Inkomodius · Nov 25, 2009

Honestly, the difference on what you would pay for a new trailer minus your trade in would most likely be less the what it would cost to modify. Also there are a lot of nickle and dime costs you dont figure into, like extending the wire harness, and once you make one aspect of the trailer heavier duty, then youll have to compensate else where to also reinforce it. I used to build trailers, so I do speak from experiance as far as customers comming in to modify compared to how many left with a new one. Then remeber if you weld it, and it fails thats 100% liability on you. Even if its not your weld that fails, you are modifying an engineered product, thus making you the new engineer making sure all existing structure can take said modification.

Im not knocking you in any way Im just giving you my experiance and advice.

Good luck!

bendrewjr · Nov 29, 2009

OK, Im back. Its hard to get a connection for comp on a tug boat, that does not aggervate me ( to slow ,I like comcast ). Maybe I did not put enough of info in original post.I do have a set of dexter axles, Not sure of weight 5200-7000# . I will use them for the weight difference. Also will be building a new complete main frame . And move the axles to end of the new main frame ( approx 66/33 ratio). I only will be using the original deck. I'm building a new trailer. As for the welds holding I am confident in my welders.They are certified out the kazoo.They weld bridges ,nuclear reactors (x ray inspected)Things our lifes depend on. I know the frame has to be squared and wheels align to it.Also have considered the little add- ons $$$. I have though this out, I have a lot of idle time @ work. A new trailer will cost me 5-6000.00 +. I cant see paying that much for one that I only use 4-6 X a yr. If I could find one for $1500.00 I would buy it . I have been looking. found one for $4000.00 a bit far ,but still considering it. Again thanks for the input, just more to think about I will keep you posted weather I build or buy .

Diamondpilot · Nov 29, 2009

Well with this new info and qualified guys its doable. I still would consider just selling the one you have and building one from scratch. The money you get from the sale will finance the project. Kind of like doing construction. Quicker and cheaper to build a new kitchen than it is revamping one.

Chris

schmism · Dec 2, 2009

sell existing trailer for 1500

buy new trailer for 2000

500 out of pocket or less than it would cost to try to hack together your own "fix"

George2615 · Dec 2, 2009

schmism said:
sell existing trailer for 1500

buy new trailer for 2000

500 out of pocket or less than it would cost to try to hack together your own "fix"

A lot of us do not live in states where you can buy new trailers for $2000. That would hardly buy a good used one here. I looked for a year and a half for a used trailer before buying my current tilt bed. New trailers sell high and used (and abused) trailers sell for 1500-2k in the Northeast. I know what Andrew is going through trying to save money by making do or modifying what he has.