lowboy repair

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can someone send me a link or post info on trailer frame repair. my boss and i are having disagreements on the process to repair the lifting blocks on the gooseneck part of the trailer. the front of the trailer has some teardrop shaped tabs that turn down. on the rear of the gooseneck there are tabs turned up and these 2 come together and form sorta of a ying/yang symbol. well, one of our tabs broke off and we are replacing all 4 piece. i believe for a frame repair there is a DOT regulation and process involved. and i also believe there is DOT certs required for this kind of repair. i weld dump bodies all day. but never attempted this kind of repair. any help is greatly appreciated."Retreat hell, were just fighting in the other direction"Miller Trailblazer 302, Extreme 12 VS, Dimension 400, Spectrum 375, HF 251D-1, Milermatic 251 w/ spoolgun  Hypertherm 1000Lincoln sp 1702000 F-450 to haul it
Reply:Calling Lorenzo...Calling Doctor Lorenzo.......zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:i was too ZAP, but he is resting i believe. hopefully he will wake up to take a leak and check the boards."Retreat hell, were just fighting in the other direction"Miller Trailblazer 302, Extreme 12 VS, Dimension 400, Spectrum 375, HF 251D-1, Milermatic 251 w/ spoolgun  Hypertherm 1000Lincoln sp 1702000 F-450 to haul it
Reply:I sent him a P/M..He will be around...Check in the A.M....zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:I do a fair amount of trailer repairs, but a pic would be worth a thousand words.  I would have to see where and how it broke before I would feel comfortable commenting.  What is your boss suggesting as a repair?      I will say that here in Georgia I have never known there to be a DOT cert for repairs on trailers.  I do alot of trailer repair for the logging industry around here.  From time to time DOT shows up at the mill and will inspect trailers in the line at random and if they see a crack or broken section they red flag it and it has to be repaired before it is moved.  I have been called and went out to do the repair while the DOT officer watched.  He only looked at it after the repair and cleared it.  I have never been asked for a certification or had them specify how I perform the repair.  However that is something that can vary from state to state.I'm a Lover, Fighter, Wild horse Rider, and a pretty good welding man......
Reply:I do a bit of truck and trailer repairs as well. No certs required at all here. May be an issue in the Peoples Republik of Kalifornia or maybe Hillopotamus land (NY ). We just weld them up and send them on their way. I even sub from a truck repair shop....nothing ever said there either.
Reply:hey backup........ I'm  not aware of a cert that is directly related to trailer frame repairs but there again I could very well be wrong. The thing you need to realize is that a lot of times, especially with low beds, the steel they use is not typically A36. They tend to use a lot of 50,000 psi tensile strength materials. Because I don't know everything I have often found myself calling trailer manufacturers and discussing a repair with the engineering dept., especially if the break is something that I feel should have never broke in the first place. I know...... a lot of people will probably think it is not nessecary to do this and maybe it's not but I never minded taking this step. I do this a few reasons..... 1. This may be a problem the mfg'r is aware of and has since changed or modified the design of the trailer to reduce or eliminate this problem. If they are not aware of this as a problem they may suggest a way to beef up your repair.2. I always ask for the type of material they use in the area that needs attention.3. I ask for their welding proceedure......ie, wire class, pre heats and post heats as well as joint prep for that joint originally..... and whatever else I can think of.4. Engineering WANTS to know and apprecieates feedback on the performance of their trailers and they are usually very helpful.Like I said I have NO PROBLEM calling them and asking questions. If you do call tell them you are involved in a repair on one of their trailers and you are looking for some information to make the most effective repair possible and you want to bring this failure to their attention. Hope this helps.Low beds take a huge amount of stress, more than the average trailer so I feel it is important to be as well informed as you can be when approaching repairs on these trailers........_________________Chris
Reply:a pic would help My line of work is heavy transport repairs anything from 1 ton to 100+tons don't know about over there but here we don't need a DOT cert to do this work .We do need to have a bodybuilders ticket for insurance when I say we I mean the guys at my work and companys in our line of work transport smash repairs as the company I work for  Works under the  Motor Traders' Association guide lines so if fix and your not happy the MTA can fry our azz the main thing with a repair like that is making sure its right and your happy to trust your life to the repair if in doubt ring the company that made the trailer and ask them what they think is the best way to fix it Creative metal Creative metal Facebook
Reply:I'm a PennDOT certified inspector for any vehicle with more than 2 wheels...that is, I don't do motorcycles, but everything else.  Don't laugh, but here is the quote directly from the vehicle inspection regulations which apply to trailers registered in Pennsy:175.130 subsection C2  "Inspect the vehicle frame and REJECT if one or more of the following apply:(i)  The vehicle frame is not in solid condition.   (ii)  A repair is made with tape, tar paper or cloth or is made in any other temporary manner.   (iii)  The frame components are missing, cracked, rotted, or broken or in deteriorated or dangerous condition.   The regs do not address weld repairs or who can do them.  Years ago there was a stipulation forbidding weld repairs on exhaust systems.  But is was ammended when manufacturers started welding instead of clamping exhaust pipes to mufflers.WeldingWeb forum--now more sophomoric banter than anything else!
Reply:Originally Posted by lorenzohey backup........ I'm  not aware of a cert that is directly related to trailer frame repairs but there again I could very well be wrong. The thing you need to realize is that a lot of times, especially with low beds, the steel they use is not typically A36. They tend to use a lot of 50,000 psi tensile strength materials. Because I don't know everything I have often found myself calling trailer manufacturers and discussing a repair with the engineering dept., especially if the break is something that I feel should have never broke in the first place. I know...... a lot of people will probably think it is not nessecary to do this and maybe it's not but I never minded taking this step. I do this a few reasons..... 1. This may be a problem the mfg'r is aware of and has since changed or modified the design of the trailer to reduce or eliminate this problem. If they are not aware of this as a problem they may suggest a way to beef up your repair.2. I always ask for the type of material they use in the area that needs attention.3. I ask for their welding proceedure......ie, wire class, pre heats and post heats as well as joint prep for that joint originally..... and whatever else I can think of.4. Engineering WANTS to know and apprecieates feedback on the performance of their trailers and they are usually very helpful.Like I said I have NO PROBLEM calling them and asking questions. If you do call tell them you are involved in a repair on one of their trailers and you are looking for some information to make the most effective repair possible and you want to bring this failure to their attention. Hope this helps.Low beds take a huge amount of stress, more than the average trailer so I feel it is important to be as well informed as you can be when approaching repairs on these trailers........
Reply:Originally Posted by backuproller ...my boss and i are having disagreements on the process to repair the lifting blocks on the gooseneck part of the trailer...
Reply:i will get some pics on monday. yes denrep they are the 5 in thick ones. we are replacing all 4. looking at the blocks on their now, it looks like they were migged with a 1/16. Lorenzo, i am trying to get in touch with the trailer manufacturer, but i keep ending up on hold. the sales dept was more than happy to sell me the blocks. 10 days lead time. but when asking for tech dept or engineering i get soft elevator music. but i will post the pics tommorow night.the DOT weld test is $300, this include a vert up, overhead and T-joint overhead. they have the test available at school, but not sure if i need to take it. since no one has piped up on certs i will just take it for granted that i am qualified. this all started when someone says to me that if a trailer is involved in an accident and DOT see's anything other than a factory weld then red flags will go up. just trying to CYA on this and the company."Retreat hell, were just fighting in the other direction"Miller Trailblazer 302, Extreme 12 VS, Dimension 400, Spectrum 375, HF 251D-1, Milermatic 251 w/ spoolgun  Hypertherm 1000Lincoln sp 1702000 F-450 to haul it
Reply:Originally Posted by backuprollerthis all started when someone says to me that if a trailer is involved in an accident and DOT see's anything other than a factory weld then red flags will go up. just trying to CYA on this and the company.
Reply:I'm with David.  Alot of the trailer manufacturers around here use minimum wage trigger pullers when they are building, not weldors.  DOT around here sees welds on trailers all the time that aren't factory and nothing is ever said as long as the repair is considered safe.  I will say this, anytime you weld on something of this nature you are taking a risk.  If a weld fails, and causes an accident then who ever did the repair is held liable.  Certs or no certs.  That's what liability insurance is for.  I will admit that there have been jobs I turned down because I did not feel comfortable with the situation or how they wanted me to repair it.  I just didn't want the liability on me even though I do have insurance.    I will say that since you are employed by a business the grunt would not fall on you rather the business who you work for if for some reason something did happen on down the road.   However, if you don't feel comfortable repairing it as they want you to then don't do it.  After all you are the weldor, and know what you feel is safe or not.....I'm a Lover, Fighter, Wild horse Rider, and a pretty good welding man......
Reply:I agree. Many trailers and trucks even have non factory welds on them. Otherwise, these places that custom build trucks would have a rough go of it. Safe repairs are legal, no matter what anyone, including the DOT says. If there is an issue, just go to court on it and produce a welding engineer. There will be absolutely nothing they can say. Matter of fact, a certified weldor can have more say than a DOT inspector can in court. The weldor HAS paperwork stating they passed tests to prove knowledge in the specific area. The cop will not have this in most cases. The law will then be on the side of the "expert", not the cop. I have won a few arguements with the DOT like that. Unless the cop is a CWI or equiv, then legally, he has no leg to stand on since they have zero proof of expertise.Actually, the operator can be held liable in accidents and disasters. Since the MGM Grand hotel fire, that has been a precedent. My name is on file on several public projects due to sensitive work that was done. Any accidents or deaths that can be directly related to my work, I can be held liable as well as my company. That was an eye opener. While going after a welder working on a trailer for his employer doesn't happen often or at all, the precedents are out there that could allow it to happen. Doesn't mean it will ever be done, though.
Reply:i have been on site several times doing DOT mandatted welding repair & the only thing they ever asked me was to pull over to the scale when I was done so they could explain why the plates on the welding truck were the wrong ones. I did. They werent.
Reply:ok heres the picsBy slim75, shot with G'z One Type-V at 2007-07-25this is the culprit, well half of itBy slim75, shot with G'z One Type-V at 2007-07-25Last edited by backuproller; 07-25-2007 at 09:51 PM."Retreat hell, were just fighting in the other direction"Miller Trailblazer 302, Extreme 12 VS, Dimension 400, Spectrum 375, HF 251D-1, Milermatic 251 w/ spoolgun  Hypertherm 1000Lincoln sp 1702000 F-450 to haul it
Reply:By slim75, shot with G'z One Type-V at 2007-07-25most of the joints on the trailer look like thisBy slim75, shot with G'z One Type-V at 2007-07-25this is the root of all my pain, well the driver alsoBy slim75, shot with G'z One Type-V at 2007-07-25Last edited by backuproller; 07-25-2007 at 09:52 PM."Retreat hell, were just fighting in the other direction"Miller Trailblazer 302, Extreme 12 VS, Dimension 400, Spectrum 375, HF 251D-1, Milermatic 251 w/ spoolgun  Hypertherm 1000Lincoln sp 1702000 F-450 to haul it
Reply:Looks expensive......zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:Originally Posted by backuprollermost of the joints on the trailer look like thisBy slim75, shot with G'z One Type-V at 2007-07-25this is the root of all my pain, well the driver alsoBy slim75, shot with G'z One Type-V at 2007-07-25
Reply:By slim75, shot with G'z One Type-V at 2007-07-25this the opposite side, all 4 from both the gooseneck and the trailer are coming off and new one going on.By slim75, shot with G'z One Type-V at 2007-07-25most of this will have to be wacked out to get to the backside of the welds on the 5" blocks."Retreat hell, were just fighting in the other direction"Miller Trailblazer 302, Extreme 12 VS, Dimension 400, Spectrum 375, HF 251D-1, Milermatic 251 w/ spoolgun  Hypertherm 1000Lincoln sp 1702000 F-450 to haul it
Reply:Good call to replace all the blocks....  I personally would run a 7018 on it, but I am much more of a stick welder than a mig.  Just curious but what was the disagreement you stated you and your boss were having on the repair?  Process, or the way in which to perform the repair?I'm a Lover, Fighter, Wild horse Rider, and a pretty good welding man......
Reply:on both the process and wether DOT had any specific way they wanted trailers welded. post/pre heat, 6010 root 7018 cover pass, peen passes etc. these blocks hold the weight of the load and i am just trying to CYA if this thing flips a 35 ton trackhoe off on the highway. i am confident my welds will hold, but i never thought the 5" blocks would snap off either. these trailers get abused daily. when they bog down, they side unload the tractor on them and use it to pull themselves out. the trailers are clearly marked, "DO NOT SIDE LOAD". this has led to the cross members having a slight bow downwards. i am constantly welding the cross members, but they only support the load every 20" or so. still waiting on the manufacturer to send me the welds specs. Lorenzo says to follow these and this will suffice for covering my hairy butt."Retreat hell, were just fighting in the other direction"Miller Trailblazer 302, Extreme 12 VS, Dimension 400, Spectrum 375, HF 251D-1, Milermatic 251 w/ spoolgun  Hypertherm 1000Lincoln sp 1702000 F-450 to haul it
Reply:That is something.  DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:I agree, go by what they recommend.  I will say ANYTIME a piece of equipment is used in a way that it was not intended especially if it is marked in such a way then I don;t see how anyone can be held liable for a failure.  i see this quite a bit.  People abuse this stuff then want us to be responsible when something goes wrong.I'm a Lover, Fighter, Wild horse Rider, and a pretty good welding man......Hope fully this will help it pretty much supports lorenzo's post. Also check with the manufacturer fo availability of new weldment, We have done it for our tow/hauler it is pulled by a 185 ton cat haul truck.http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regul...ction_toc=1933Last edited by Dipper Welder64; 07-26-2007 at 06:19 PM.
Reply:Here  is a picture of the hauler! Attached Images
Reply:jesus dipper, i've seen it all now. that looks more like a nuke sub transporter."Retreat hell, were just fighting in the other direction"Miller Trailblazer 302, Extreme 12 VS, Dimension 400, Spectrum 375, HF 251D-1, Milermatic 251 w/ spoolgun  Hypertherm 1000Lincoln sp 1702000 F-450 to haul it
Reply:Looks like a great project!You´ll need about 45 kgs of wiree...or a effin bunch of stick rods!My Babies: HF Drill pressHF Pipe Bender3   4.5" Black and Decker angle grindersLincoln Electric PROMIG 175that´s it!