Metal to heavy for trailer?

admin

Hello, I'm building a welding trailer that is out of a old service body truck. It's and 11 ft long 7 ft wide service body that I'm making into a gooseneck trailer. I cut out the wheel wells and added another box in there and so I just have to weld up a frame for the whole service bed to sit on top of now. I have some 3in×6 in  quarter inch thick tubing that I can use but I feel like that may be over kill or even 2 heavy. What is a good thickness for trailer building. Any pictures of other welding trailers would be nice as well
Reply:This is the service body I'm using Attached Images
Reply:It will be strong but not too heavy imo. 2X4, or 2X6 1/4 wall is more fitting but if what you have is already on hand or free, I'd use it.SlobPurveyor of intimate unparalleled knowledge of nothing about everything.Oh yeah, also an unabashed internet "Troll" too.....
Reply:Id say it all depends on how you set the trailer up, what axles your using and what you plan to do with it. Some might say the 3x6 tube might be overkill but if you look at a 1 ton truck frame it's about the same size! I would think it's about the right size for the neck portion of he trailer.  If it's what you have, I'd use it no doubt.. But you will probably want to use a set of sturdy axles, then you won't worry about over loading it at any point.Real welders know how to penetrate!(Equipment)Whatever can be used to beat my opponent into submission!
Reply:Sounds just right, I would say use it.I used 1/4 inch 4x4 for my trailer, but not the entire length, just didn't need it. Its nice to have the spring mounts sitting on 1/4 inch thick steel.old Miller spectrum 625 Lincoln SP-135 T, CO2+0.025 wireMiller model 250 and WP-18V torchCraftsman 100amp AC/DC and WP-17V torchCentury 115-004 HF arc stabilizerHome made 4 transformer spot welderHome made alternator welder
Reply:Probably plan on putting a dual wheel axle under it to carry the load, once all the tool boxes are filled and a welding machine added, along with whatever material you want to load on top of the rack that's on it. Hope your planning on using at least a 120V MIG to build this with.Last edited by Bistineau; 09-30-2014 at 03:34 PM.
Reply:If you are going to use a 120v mig at least preheat with a propane torch first.old Miller spectrum 625 Lincoln SP-135 T, CO2+0.025 wireMiller model 250 and WP-18V torchCraftsman 100amp AC/DC and WP-17V torchCentury 115-004 HF arc stabilizerHome made 4 transformer spot welderHome made alternator welder
Reply:Dammit. Don't give him all the answers. It is the journey, not the destination.Weld like a "WELDOR", not a wel-"DERR" MillerDynasty700DX,Dynasty350DX4ea,Dynasty200DX,Li  ncolnSW200-2ea.,MillerMatic350P,MillerMatic200w/spoolgun,MKCobraMig260,Lincoln SP-170T,PlasmaCam/Hypertherm1250,HFProTig2ea,MigMax1ea.
Reply:Thanks for the input guys, I think what I'm going to do is build the whole outside out of the metal I have. Then maybe for the cross braces use something else. I have  a nice heavy set of dual axels I plan on putting under it. Thanks guys. Any other tips or tricks or pics I'm all ears and eyes
Reply:I might catch grief for it but The best tip I can give you is be careful!, not only building and designing the trailer but also what you post about it, not saying you won't do a nice job or that it won't do what you need it to, but that most of the trailer threads are ridiculed without restraint by some. Not trying to sway you either way just informing you before hand! Good luck with the build, it should make a nice welding trailer!Real welders know how to penetrate!(Equipment)Whatever can be used to beat my opponent into submission!
Reply:Originally Posted by Dantheharleyman99I might catch grief for it but The best tip I can give you is be careful!, not only building and designing the trailer but also what you post about it, not saying you won't do a nice job or that it won't do what you need it to, but that most of the trailer threads are ridiculed without restraint by some. Not trying to sway you either way just informing you before hand! Good luck with the build, it should make a nice welding trailer!
Reply:Thank you, like I said I know what I'm doing but it is nice to hear what other people have to say. I do not plan on cutting any corners with this trailer what so ever. Because I would hate to have something that I proudly put my name on break or something go wrong while I'm towing it down the road danger ing myself and others. Thanks again
Reply:My question is have you though what all this will weigh when you are done? Gooseneck/ 5th wheel is great, but when you top 10K on that trailer ( and you will with tools in those boxes..) You'll need a class A CDL same as if you are driving a tractor trailer complete with medical card and all the rest. In most states when the trailer tops 10K, even if you are under 26,000 combined, you need a CDL. The idea you don't need a CDL until you top 26K is outdated in most states.They aren't going to just look the other way on this like they might if it's a travel trailer. Being this is definitely used for business, they'll hammer you on citations. "Odd" trailers scream "pull me over and check me".  By the time some of these guys get done, you could have bought a brand new trailer and scrapped it and still saved money..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan