Trailer Tips and Tricks

[fhhhstix]

This thread is for posting pics of trailers and what you used to build it. Questions are encouraged.



Here are some pics of my home made trailer parts.

Quad axle lowboy frame and suspension

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss185/brokenb4/Areomax%20tri%20axle%20and%20quad%20axle%20lowboy/100_0275.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss185/brokenb4/Areomax%20tri%20axle%20and%20quad%20axle%20lowboy/100_0276.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss185/brokenb4/Areomax%20tri%20axle%20and%20quad%20axle%20lowboy/100_0278.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss185/brokenb4/Areomax%20tri%20axle%20and%20quad%20axle%20lowboy/100_0272.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss185/brokenb4/Areomax%20tri%20axle%20and%20quad%20axle%20lowboy/100_0280.jpg

Pup dump trailer

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss185/brokenb4/Cab%20over%20dump/IM000714.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss185/brokenb4/Cab%20over%20dump/IM000717.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss185/brokenb4/Cab%20over%20dump/IM000716.jpg

Two box trailers turned into single axle pups.

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss185/brokenb4/Single%20axle%20Knight/IM000371.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss185/brokenb4/Single%20axle%20Knight/IM000373.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss185/brokenb4/Single%20axle%20Knight/IM000375.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss185/brokenb4/Single%20axle%20Knight/IM000385.jpg

[fhhhstix]

Flat bed converted to a dump trailer.

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss185/brokenb4/globe/102_1311.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss185/brokenb4/Mack%20and%20dump%20trailer/IM000452.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss185/brokenb4/Mack%20and%20dump%20trailer/IM000449.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss185/brokenb4/Mack%20and%20dump%20trailer/IM000448.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss185/brokenb4/Mack%20and%20dump%20trailer/IM000454.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss185/brokenb4/globe/Trucks004.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss185/brokenb4/Mack%20and%20dump%20trailer/IM000964.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss185/brokenb4/Mack%20and%20dump%20trailer/IM000965.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss185/brokenb4/Mack%20and%20dump%20trailer/IM000967.jpg

Travis

[fhhhstix]

Here is a pic of it hooked to my tri drive Areomax and this trailer gets a new home next Sat. Doug (firefighter30) bought it. I sold it to get some money to start a new one.


http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss185/brokenb4/Areomax%20tri%20axle%20and%20quad%20axle%20lowboy/Trucks006.jpg

Thanks
Travis

[Izzy]

Heres a few pics of trailers

modified flatbed now Drop deck - another fella had posted this kind of build previously - lower bed is a full flatbed - the upper is just longer than the jack legs.

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii94/Isleifr/Drop%20Deck/IMG_0070.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii94/Isleifr/Drop%20Deck/IMG_0067.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii94/Isleifr/Drop%20Deck/IMG_0071.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii94/Isleifr/Drop%20Deck/IMG_0064.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii94/Isleifr/Drop%20Deck/IMG_0066.jpg

My Dump - on a Box trailer frame (rails flanged outward for space) - the upper is all styrene and it has a 2 part extending thread drive - Double Tamiya suspension, on sub frame

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii94/Isleifr/dump%20trailer/IMG_0054.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii94/Isleifr/dump%20trailer/IMG_0078.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii94/Isleifr/dump%20trailer/IMG_0011.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii94/Isleifr/dump%20trailer/IMG_0017.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii94/Isleifr/dump%20trailer/IMG_0076.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii94/Isleifr/dump%20trailer/IMG_0046.jpg

LowBoy - aluminum frame with double steel arch stiffeners and steel front neck - aluminum is from Lowes - 2 sizes - neck uses Tamiya 5th wheel plate for quick attach

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii94/Isleifr/trailer/100-0013_IMG.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii94/Isleifr/trailer/100-0006_IMG.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii94/Isleifr/trailer/134-3414_img.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii94/Isleifr/trailer/133-3362_img.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii94/Isleifr/trailer/133-3383_img.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii94/Isleifr/trailer/133-3387_img.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii94/Isleifr/trailer/134-3425_img.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii94/Isleifr/trailer/100-0051_IMG.jpg

Modular Home Frame - All steel with custom length Wedico Axels

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii94/Isleifr/Toter/IMG_0230.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii94/Isleifr/Toter/IMG_0234.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii94/Isleifr/Toter/IMG_0235.jpg

[ihbuilder]

here's some pics of my low-boy now if you don't have access to a mill to make the I beam frame you can always weld it ,braze or solder what ever you have available . Just takes some patience :D
http://i830.photobucket.com/albums/zz230/ihbuilder/cr55frame2.jpg
http://i830.photobucket.com/albums/zz230/ihbuilder/PIC_0176.jpg

I'll try to get more up in my build tread
http://173.201.47.108/showthread.php?t=51

IHSteve

[Izzy]

Mike - thanks for the compliments ......
The dump was made using CA glue. Since then I have discussed it with Travis - should have used styrene weld - I believe the joints would be much better. There are weak joints but none have popped. It has only seen the crushed rubber. I believe it to have enough power for dirt though. If you are familur with the Sand MAster units - it takes three whole hoopers to fill it.

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii94/Isleifr/dump%20trailer/P1164630.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii94/Isleifr/dump%20trailer/P1164627.jpg

On the low boy - I copied the pictures of a trail king into a cad program then drew over top - so the lines are there's - the details are a bit different though. Here area few more pics of the workings of the neck..... I'll look for a video of it in action - several people have taken vids over hte past two years - many don't share though....wonder why???
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii94/Isleifr/trailer/134-3417_img.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii94/Isleifr/trailer/134-3428_IMG.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii94/Isleifr/trailer/134-3431_IMG.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii94/Isleifr/trailer/134-3416_img.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii94/Isleifr/trailer/133-3390_img.jpg

[Diesel Demond]

i have a flat bed trailer costume built by freddy and i am looking on how to secure 1/16th scale john deer tractors to the trailer with the stock flat bed chains. i have 3 tractors to hold tight to the trailer any help would be great. now the trailer has 5 loops on the side of it allready to pull chain through it but i cant figure out how to pull them tight and keep them tight . also i am 2 loops short so i need to think of another way to tighten them down. any help would be great thanx cory!

[fhhhstix]

Cory how about something like this.

http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=DUB300

Travis

[Dreamweaver]

Oh I see Izzy, you used a fifth wheel on the bottom of the neck... That works for sure.

The real things have a surprisingly easy attachment method.

The trailer really looks good. Congrats..:)

-Mike

[Izzy]

Mike - check out IhBuilders home built - he is working on a really scale attachment method - very realistic..... Also if you had a chance to get a unit out of PMD - they are very realistic as well - especially if you spend the extra bucks for the hydraulic unit.

Tanker Yanker - I would strongly suggest the turn buckle concept - nice and secure - the over center binders from PMD work but are very delicate - but are fabulous for detail.

[firefighter-1177]

how did you make the axels for low boy travis? They look like a great affordable option.
All the trailers look great guys, very inspiring I wish I had more time to build.

[fhhhstix]

how did you make the axels for low boy travis? They look like a great affordable option.
All the trailers look great guys, very inspiring I wish I had more time to build.

They are delrin tube with a thin brass tube inside and an aluminum axle shaft for the bearings in the wheels to run on. For the rims I driled out some plastic hex hubs and inserted a flanged bearing and drilled out the out side rim to hold another flanged bearing so each set of rims has two bearings an outer and inner. I then threaded the aluminum axle for 3 mm screws to hod the wheels on. I will post some pics in a minuite.

[fhhhstix]

Here are some pics.

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss185/brokenb4/Areomax%20tri%20axle%20and%20quad%20axle%20lowboy/100_0373.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss185/brokenb4/Areomax%20tri%20axle%20and%20quad%20axle%20lowboy/100_0378.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss185/brokenb4/Areomax%20tri%20axle%20and%20quad%20axle%20lowboy/100_0380.jpg

Travis

[firefighter-1177]

Sweet. Thanks Travis, I might have to borrow that idea if ya don't mind.

[fhhhstix]

No problem and good luck with your build.:cool:

Travis

[steamer]

Travis This question is directed your way. First thanks for starting this thread ,as there's going to be lots of question coming your way. First one is, You seen to have used lots of different all thread sizes, does that depend on the load weight or the length of stroke for the slider. What rpm gear drive and torque power seems best. Whats the best lift action, to push from the front to the back, or back to front. That's it for now. Thanks

[fhhhstix]

I use 10/32 in all of my builds but the dump trailer and it is 3/8 fine thread. The dump trailer was my first screw drive and I did not think about the fact that the sliding block would carry the load and the all thread just had to move it. All of my screw drives push from back to front. For gear reduction my traler is 32:1 with a 65 turn 540 lathe motor the two dump trucks are 50:1 carson gearmotors and the dump pup trailer is a black & decker $10 screw driver from Wall-Mart.:cool:

Travis


Travis This question is directed your way. First thanks for starting this thread ,as there's going to be lots of question coming your way. First one is, You seen to have used lots of different all thread sizes, does that depend on the load weight or the length of stroke for the slider. What rpm gear drive and torque power seems best. Whats the best lift action, to push from the front to the back, or back to front. That's it for now. Thanks

[ihbuilder]

I use 10/32 in all of my builds but the dump trailer and it is 3/8 fine thread. The dump trailer was my first screw drive and I did not think about the fact that the sliding block would carry the load and the all thread just had to move it. All of my screw drives push from back to front. For gear reduction my traler is 32:1 with a 65 turn 540 lathe motor the two dump trucks are 50:1 carson gearmotors and the dump pup trailer is a black & decker $10 screw driver from Wall-Mart.:cool:

Travis

travis , I have to correct you on 1 small thing . the thread does carry the load and the greatest of the load in the down position . your force is transfered from the motor through the thread to the carrier to the push rod to the box . now for our purpose a 10/32 treaded rod is plenty but you start increasing power and weight your gona brake something . most likely the thin threaded rod could start to bend or the body will push out at the rear hinge or in the front where your rod is connected . now like I said for what we do all the screw drive I've seen are sufficient , even over kill

IHSteve

[fhhhstix]

travis , I have to correct you on 1 small thing . the thread does carry the load and the greatest of the load in the down position . your force is transfered from the motor through the thread to the carrier to the push rod to the box . now for our purpose a 10/32 treaded rod is plenty but you start increasing power and weight your gona brake something . most likely the thin threaded rod could start to bend or the body will push out at the rear hinge or in the front where your rod is connected . now like I said for what we do all the screw drive I've seen are sufficient , even over kill

IHSteve

Exactly Steve the block holds the weight and the rod provides the push.

[steamer]

Thanks guys, that helps a lot. I have a large sheet of paper in front of me right now and trying to put this down on paper. I've got the Rod thrust bearing and a piece of nylon for the slider and I'm just figuring out the length of the push rod. Looks like it's about 8". What's the normal tip angle for the box to empty, I've used 45 and hope that's high enough. I think now that I should have waited before I ordered the gear motor. I only ordered a 34 rpm and it's going to be way too slow. Look like it would be better in the 150 rpm range. Anyhow, thanks again for the help as I'm getting more on track.:D
Rob

[rappy]

any chance of a close picture of the Pup dump trailer axle setup

[Diesel Demond]

thanx im gonna buy the turn buckles. how would you suggest i connect the chain to the turn buckle by screw and nut!!

[fhhhstix]

any chance of a close picture of the Pup dump trailer axle setup

Here is one and I will see if I can get some others this weekend.

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss185/brokenb4/Cab%20over%20dump/IM000802.jpg

Travis

[Izzy]

to attach the turnbuckle - go buy some link chain - check out the jewelery stores and the craft stores for some "chain" - use a larger link to attach a hook to each end - as well as each end of your chain.
Also - PMD and others have aluminum hooks that are casted .... They work nicely

[fhhhstix]

thanx im gonna buy the turn buckles. how would you suggest i connect the chain to the turn buckle by screw and nut!!

You could make some hooks out of piano wire or bolt them to the chain whatever your comfortable with.:cool:

Travis

[steamer]

Have you guys got any tips for gate locks on dump boxes. Finished up the the screw drive and dump box, just trying to figure out how to lock the gate.
Thanks Rob

[ihbuilder]

rob , here's what I did

http://i830.photobucket.com/albums/zz230/ihbuilder/gatelatch.jpg

this is the lever that closes the latch when the bed comes down to rest on the frame . It takes some tweaking till you get it right , but it works like a charm :)

http://i830.photobucket.com/albums/zz230/ihbuilder/bellcrank.jpg

lets see if the vid works ( i can't remember what the squeaking is :o)

http://i830.photobucket.com/albums/zz230/ihbuilder/th_gatelatchinop.jpg (http://s830.photobucket.com/albums/zz230/ihbuilder/?action=view&current=gatelatchinop.mp4)

IHSteve

[steamer]

IHsteve. Thanks for that. Here I am thinking about servos and screw drive latches and sometimes a person works himself into a corner. That catch, you built is great and if you don't mind I'll change it a little bit and try to make one like it. The way it opens when the box lifts is what I'm looking for. :D
Rob

[ihbuilder]

no Problem Rob , I tend to get a little suffisticated myself :o . I to was going to use servos but as always for me , I improvised now I have an extra channel for something else :D glad I could help

IHSteve

[Lil Giants]

One version of a tailgate lock I've done.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v150/protrker/IMG_0639.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v150/protrker/IMG_0640.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v150/protrker/IMG_0647.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v150/protrker/IMG_0648.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v150/protrker/IMG_0649.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v150/protrker/IMG_0650.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v150/protrker/IMG_0651.jpg

lift the box this much for the pegs to retract to release the gate door

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v150/protrker/IMG_0652.jpg

Simpler idea yet for tandem trk.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v150/protrker/Dec%2021%202009/IMG_2418.jpg

[steamer]

Lil Giants. Sure was asleep on that one. Thanks for putting up pictures of your method of locking the gate. I built the lock arms and and then when working on the rest of the linkage remembered that I had a crashed Helli with some very small servos. I pulled one out and it fit right between the box rails, no problem. Needless to say that's how it ended up, servo operated. But thanks guys for posting your ideas.;)
Rob

[Lil Giants]

The auto-mechanical way works pretty good, but sometimes the lock sticks with too much weight against the tailgate... usually when it's out of my reach, like dumping outside with me in the basement.

The servo lock is quick, clean and works every time. ;)

[BRICKNICK]

i have a flat bed trailer costume built by freddy and i am looking on how to secure 1/16th scale john deer tractors to the trailer with the stock flat bed chains. i have 3 tractors to hold tight to the trailer any help would be great. now the trailer has 5 loops on the side of it allready to pull chain through it but i cant figure out how to pull them tight and keep them tight . also i am 2 loops short so i need to think of another way to tighten them down. any help would be great thanx cory!

Some members with lowboys on this site and another one I'm on had mini chain binders, they look exactly /ukr the real ones. Maybe some one here who is a little more familiar with this hobby can inform you who makes them and where to get them.

[fhhhstix]

Some members with lowboys on this site and another one I'm on had mini chain binders, they look exactly /ukr the real ones. Maybe some one here who is a little more familiar with this hobby can inform you who makes them and where to get them.

Please go back through the thread and read we all ready answered his question in post #8, 22, and 24.:rolleyes:

Travis

[540-MAN]

The below photo's is what i have done. I have used a flat bed trailer and turned it into a lead trailer and it was my first attemped on doing it. It's was cut with and hacksaw and grinder it's still not finished needs alittle more work to be done and even thinking of changing it into a curtain sider pan trailer to match the back trailer.

http://img651.imageshack.us/img651/9629/pict0065rb.jpg (http://img651.imageshack.us/i/pict0065rb.jpg/)

http://img715.imageshack.us/img715/3458/pict0066mf.jpg (http://img715.imageshack.us/i/pict0066mf.jpg/)

http://img638.imageshack.us/img638/2812/pict0067a.jpg (http://img638.imageshack.us/i/pict0067a.jpg/)

http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/852/pict0068k.jpg (http://img402.imageshack.us/i/pict0068k.jpg/)

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/8557/pict0069g.jpg (http://img145.imageshack.us/i/pict0069g.jpg/)

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/5170/pict0061z.jpg (http://img20.imageshack.us/i/pict0061z.jpg/)

[Zimms Customs]

Not bad at all for a hacksaw. Good work!

[540-MAN]

Thanks mate. Yeah it was the only thing that i had on hand at the time.

[roadranger]

Here's how I built my tandem axle converter dolly;
8.5 inch frame rails
2 chassis crossmembers
tandem suspension
2 axles
5th wheel
mudflap mounts
PMD tongue hitch
PMD pintle hook (on trailer)

http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/1141/dscn0005v.jpg (http://img339.imageshack.us/i/dscn0005v.jpg/)

frame rail tapered at rear;
http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/2929/dscn0002d.jpg (http://img339.imageshack.us/i/dscn0002d.jpg/)

front plate;
http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/3020/dscn0004u.jpg (http://img339.imageshack.us/i/dscn0004u.jpg/)

rear plate with tail light cutouts;
http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/240/dscn0003h.jpg (http://img339.imageshack.us/i/dscn0003h.jpg/)

finished dolly;
http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/2973/side1d.jpg (http://img69.imageshack.us/i/side1d.jpg/)

http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/7445/sidecq.jpg (http://img69.imageshack.us/i/sidecq.jpg/)

under a trailer;
http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/8555/wtrailer.jpg (http://img69.imageshack.us/i/wtrailer.jpg/)

single and tandem axle dollies;
note 5th wheel kingpin placement of each
http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/5191/tandemsingle.jpg (http://img135.imageshack.us/i/tandemsingle.jpg/)

[RcConstruction]

Hey travis this question is for you. I was wondering what type of springs those are that you used on the your trailer
Zakery

[Azorean]

Hey there, can someone please tell me what the measure off that? (the red line on the picture)

Thanks a lot, im trying to start my first trailer build eheheh

Azorean

[Izzy]

2-27/64 is the closest fractional value I work with

frame channel to frame channel on the Tamiya product

[Smokin Joe]

i have a flat bed trailer costume built by freddy and i am looking on how to secure 1/16th scale john deer tractors to the trailer with the stock flat bed chains. i have 3 tractors to hold tight to the trailer any help would be great. now the trailer has 5 loops on the side of it allready to pull chain through it but i cant figure out how to pull them tight and keep them tight . also i am 2 loops short so i need to think of another way to tighten them down. any help would be great thanx cory!

Garden Trucking has chain tensioners and straps w/ratcheting tensioners.

Joe

[Azorean]

hey guys, i have a question, what springs you guys use to make a simulated air suspension for a dump trailer?

Thanks, Jose

[dabears]

How do you guys make your axles? I've seen a few different ones but not having a drill press (yet) what do you use to make them? Material and tools?

[chikn truckn thumper]

were do u guy buy ur trailer axles been lookn all over internet cant find them for trailer. can find them all day for tractor

[Goodwin3224]

Oh wow this actually helps a ton. Thank you guys for solving a lot of questions that were bouncing around in my head

[Jamithan04]

Your quad axel low boy is awesome. Can I ask what springs you used for your simulated air ride?

[KWAddict]

Izzy, I love that lowboy. I was trying to think of a way to make it couple/uncouple from the bottom of the actual neck to make it as realistic as possible and you've got it. Great looking design!

[Nikaem]

I see that you all are really good at this trailer thing so try some of these you can buy them but I like to build my own
http://www.scale4x4rc.org/forums/showthread.php?t=20474

[sassgrunt]

I have wanted to build a lowboy for awhile, but kept being put off by how to create the "angle" of the frame at the rear, (that the suspension attaches to). I don't have the facilities to mill out an angled frame, and have been looking for some type of suitable angled bracket I can use, (I didn't want to use 90 degree corner brackets). I recently found these 135 degree aluminum brackets that are used for robotics builds, and think they might be just the ticket. Height of the straight part is 1" and thickness is 0.080". When you "invert" two against each other to form a zig-zag angle, you can change the top-to-bottom height from 3" to just about 4-1/2" by changing which holes in the two plates line up with each other. (Sorry, I do not know how to do photos, so I hope I'm not just confusing people). Cost is two brackets for $3.99, and I ordered four sets in case I have to double them up for strength. Their website with a photo is here: https://www.competitionrobotparts.com/shop/brackets/1in-wide-135-degree-plate-bracket-2-pack/
I hope that these will allow me (and others) to build a trailer that they weren't able to before. -Mike