To build or not to build, that is the question.

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So, here is the issue.I have a chance to but a 1993 Kit Mfg 29 foot long 5th wheel RV frame.  The top was removed by high winds, so the owner is looking to dispose of the frame.  After some research, I found out that the trailer weighed right at 13k lbs when it was built and has twin I beams for the central frame assy (the steel is rusted but measures out at 3/8" thick after rust removal).  The owner is willing to trade it to me for some repair work to some of his plowing equipment.  All told it will take me about 3 hours to do the welding, so my cost to acquire said trailer will be about $200.What I am wondering is this.  With the knowledge that the intended use of this would be to haul LESS than 6000 pounds at any one time, small farm equipment, small tractors (JD 2240 size), hay, or bulky plastic water tanks.  Would this be a viable flat bed trailer type project?  To be honest, I have almost convinced myself that it can be done, but it never hurts to get a few more opinions.The frame is 18" from the ground, so a ramp system would need to be fabricated for the back end if I decided to do it.  There is a lot of residual plumbing and wiring to remove to get down to the frame itself, but that SHOULD be relatively easy.  After that I think it will be a case of stripping it down to the center I-beams and attaching new structure to support the outside edges, adding wood decking, and rewiring all of the lights and the brakes.  Anyone out there think this is a bad idea?  Why?Last edited by rwmccormack; 03-22-2013 at 10:57 AM.Reason: spelling errors
Reply:Most Rv's and campers rely on the walls for a lot of the structural support. This means the frames can be lighter weight since the internals will add a lot of weight to the finished product. True flatbeds are always heavier framed. Without picts and measurements there's no real way to tell.My guess is the "frame" on what you have is probably light gauge bent sheet, not true channel. Wiegth carrying capacity will be a real crap shoot unless you know someone who is an engineer and can crunch the numbers for you. I'd look at a factory built 6-7K flat bed and compare the size of the members to what you are looking to buy. I'm betting you'll find the true flat bed is heavier. Don't look at non flatbeds as they use the side rails as a truss, similar to how the Camper uses it's walls to add stiffness to the "frame". Without them, they have almost no strength..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
Reply:Good points.  I'll pop over later to take some measurements and, if I have enough light, some pics of the frame.  If it is crap, the project ends now.As I have read on this forum MANY, MANY times.  I will not even do this project if it has even the slight chance of becoming a hazard to anyone else.  I enjoy a challenge, but if it is not safe for others "I ain't doin it".Last edited by rwmccormack; 03-22-2013 at 12:09 PM.
Reply:Personally I would take it just because it has axles that can be used for other trailers if not this one and lots of useable metal for projects.
Reply:Originally Posted by VPTPersonally I would take it just because it has axles that can be used for other trailers if not this one and lots of useable metal for projects.
Reply:Had some time yesterday after I finished the welding job to take a look at the trailer frame.  It is 3/8 I-Beam...sort of.  Turns out it is 3 pieces of sheet steel welded together to form an I-Beam like structure and it is twisted on the back end.  On the plus side, the axles are straight and according to the data plate on them they are rated for 7000 pounds each.  Wheels, tires, brakes and shocks are new (less than a year old) and the springs look to be in good shape, all things considered.   I picked it up for parts (primarily the axle assemblies).  In the forward storage bins, which didn't get ripped off, I found the ac/dc converter assy, battery charge system, brake controller, fwd jacking gear (electric AND manual) and two large propane tanks with gauges.  Ran a few tests on the brake controller, ac/dc converter, and battery charge system, surprisingly everything is still be functional.  The two marine grade, deep cycle batteries were dead, we'll see if they will hold a charge, if not nothing lost on the deal.  I got the everything done before it rained and was back home to an "admonishing glare" from my wife.  Oh well, I guess you can't win all of the time. Thanks for the warnings and information that everyone posted or PM'd me, as I said earlier if it ain't safe for others, I ain't doin it.
Reply:Kit has been around for a long time and manage to turn out a mediocre to fair product in spite of themselves. My oldest brother worked at a Kit place up in Idaho many years ago and couldn't get out of there quick enough. I know this other guy that claims to be a member of the immediate family that has worked there off and on for over twenty years. Worked there more than not. Every time he gets fired somewhere else he ends up back at Kit. If you knew him you'd scratch Kit off your list of 'to buy from' places.  I suppose the things they outsource are probably as good as any tho. I towed one their 35 foot rv's around the western area for about eight years. Never had any troubles with the running gear"The things that will destroy America are prosperity at any price, peace at any price, safety first instead of duty first, the love of soft living and the get rich quick theory of life." -Theodore Roosevelt
Reply:Yeah unfortunately most campers are like that in that they depend on the whole assembly for "strength". Most of them sacrifice durability/true strength in favor of light weight too.Now I do have one camper converted into.a flatbed trailer. Its a different case than the norm because the trailer itself is truly built as a strong frame- fully boxed actual channel beams (best term I guess) as the frame. Its a relic from the '60s and the frame is HEAVY. If you can find that type of camper trailer it makes a viable project for transformation. I use mine as a simple junk/utility trailer.Hobart Stickmate LX235AC/160DCRanger 305GVictor 315 O/A rigHope to acquire in the next couple of years: Hypertherm PM45 and Dynasty 200DX
Reply:The axles alone are worth the $200. plus the extra gear that you got with it you're definitely in the black on this one. like it's been stated, the frame may not be strong enough for the intended project, but it's usable metal that can be used for other projects or as trade for the metal you need for this project or even as trade for a fully fuctioning trailer, then you've got the extra axles and the other parts to playwith/sell off for mods to the other trailer.There are no problems. There are only solutions. It's your duty to determine the right one.Hobart Handler 210Airco 225 Amp MSM Stinger
Reply:Final update on this one.....Stripped everything off the frame, kept what was usable and scrapped everything else.  I was able to trade the Jacking gear, fresh, black and greay water tanks, and the ac/dc converter for a brand New OXY/ACETYLENE torch kit with Tanks and a cart.  Since I had no need for those parts, I think it was a fair trade.Traded the steel faming from the trailer to a buddy of mine for some 3/4 and 1 inch round bar stock, 2 inch angle, and 2 inch square tube (stuff I use on a lot of repairs).  I made out like a bandit on that one.Wheels, axles, brakes, and propane tanks are sitting in the shop.  Propane tanks to be filled and used on my BBQ Grill this summer.  The axle assemblies for a flatbed trailer project I am planning.Final Tally (based on cost of what I got this weekend)Outgoing$287 of welding and laborIncomingabout $700 (tools and materials I no longer need to buy)After all of the "Horse trading" this weekend, the wife is no longer giving me "the look".
Reply:After coming out smelling like a rose, she oughta be giving you a different kind of look.
Reply:Nice score! I would have been all over that trailer as well!