The problem with beginners putting things on the road.

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I really don't like bashing anybody in any way but another post on here has pushed me to post some pics and info that I'd decided not to before. I live in the middle of nowhere more or less. It's 60-90 miles to nearest large town. Plus I live in I-40 with all the cross the country traffic that brings. Thus I get to see a lot messes off the highway. I can't remember the number of trailer tongues I've had to put back together. I always try to be safe about it and brace them up so that they won't break again. Some are just beyond saving. This first round of pics is about the worst that I've seen.  Now this trailer came from Arizona. It had just been custom built by a "welder" for the company that was using it. It had passed Arizona state inspection and had a VIN number stuck on the tongue. What you don't see in the pictures is the full story. Now imagine this frame with a 30' dry box bolted on the top sitting on standard camping trailer axles (it's fairly obvious that this frame came from a old camping trailer). Now imagine this being pulled by a truck with another 30' dry box. When I say dry box I mean the same kind that's on the largest moving vans out there. Oh yeah I forgot to mention that the trailer and truck where both empty. They where supposed to pick up a load and bring it back (shudder). In the trip from Arizona to here the tongue was welded back 3 times. Yes folks that's 3 different people had welded the tongue back onto this wreck waiting to happen. You can see some of the wonderful welds they did on the first three pics.   BTW sorry about the mess but after the fire we didn't have time to be neat about stacking metal while getting it out of the way. I've really got to reorganize this mess.  In the forth pic there's a overall shot to give you a idea of the frame. The last pic on this set is of the junior I beam the builder of this trailer put in. Notice the good welds all the way around the beam. Oh sorry those come later.  More pics coming in a few minutes Attached ImagesMillermatic 252XMT 304'sDynasty 280DXHypertherm PowerMax 1250Miller Trailblazer 302 EFIOptima PulserXR feeder and XR Edge gun and more athttp://members.dslextreme.com/users/waynecook/index.htm
Reply:Ok now we can see the welds. Notice that he only welded the top where he could get to (if you want to call it welding). Also notice in the second pic where he had another series of short junior I beams welded down the length of the trailer. Well I say welded I think the side that I'm showing I just hit with a hammer to knock it off. This last set of beams where what was used to U-bolt the dry box to the trailer frame.   Now I'm a fairly easy going guy and I'm willing to do most things that a customer asks. However when this came in I flat out refused to put the tongue back on there. No way in the world would that of been safe even if I did manage to fix the tongue where it would stay the rest of the trailer was a safety hazard. What I did was make a nice new frame out of channel iron including a tongue made from two pieces of channel welded together making a box. The tongue went back in one piece to the frame well back from the front allowing for plenty of strength.  Coming in a few minutes is another story. Attached ImagesMillermatic 252XMT 304'sDynasty 280DXHypertherm PowerMax 1250Miller Trailblazer 302 EFIOptima PulserXR feeder and XR Edge gun and more athttp://members.dslextreme.com/users/waynecook/index.htm
Reply:Scary, isn't it. I can't count the number of people I've met in my life who say "Oh, you're a welder! I used to be a welder, too!"  Yeah, right....
Reply:Ok now on to story number two. This happened just recently. Had the local wrecker service call again and ask if I wanted to repair the hitch on the back of a camper. I said I'd look at it.   Here's what they brought me. Sorry I don't have more pics but I was in a big hurry trying to get this done so I could get on to my scheduled job so I didn't have time for pics before and during the process. I just snapped a few after we where done with my phone.  Anyway this is a brand spanking new camping trailer. The couple had just bought it and had the trailer place fix them up with a hitch so they could haul one of there electric scooters on it. The first pic shows the hitch that they put on it. I scraped the paint off the label so I could read it. I never did make out a weight limit but I did see the mention of it being for putting a bicycle rack on.   In the next pics you see what I did. I can't say that I'm 100% happy with it but it's not going to fall off. The original carrier frame had fold up arms to allow it to be folded up out of the way. But this added about 14" between the hitch and the carrier that I removed in a attempt to removed in a attempt to decrease the leverage of the whole thing. I also added a piece of 1/4" x 4" across the bottom of the original bumper welding it to the frame on each end to help support the receiver. The 3" channel in the back to support the back of the receiver is all I could fit in there and I couldn't get any closer to the plastic with risking melting it.  If I'd had it in stock I would of replaced the whole bumper with a heavy wall 4" tube and started from there. But what I put in doesn't flex much even with my heavy helper on the end of the carrier. In fact nearly all the flex is in the frame of the camper itself which is where I'm not happy with but couldn't do anything about.   These are just a couple of the horror stories I've seen from off the road. There are many more. Attached ImagesLast edited by irish fixit; 06-05-2011 at 12:58 PM.Millermatic 252XMT 304'sDynasty 280DXHypertherm PowerMax 1250Miller Trailblazer 302 EFIOptima PulserXR feeder and XR Edge gun and more athttp://members.dslextreme.com/users/waynecook/index.htm
Reply:For me being a beginer and as some of you new hack I learn a lot from you guys. I had posted a some pics of a buddy of mine that snaped the tongue off his trailer and I got stadic over it, but only some read into the key words in the post, I know my limit, and all I was there was cause my welder is portable. Yes its true Im working on rebuilding my new to me trailer to put on the road. Im doing it with help from a friend of mine that is a welder.  Ive also posted pics here wih hope to gane more info, fresh eyes, what ever you want to call it  I know the guy that built the trailer that Irish posted said they were a welder too. lot to be said about sticking 2 pieces of steel togeather to hold a something on lawn art, than 70 mph down the road. My back ground has been in heavy equipment and truck driving, for just over 30 yrs, and Ive ben around a few welders, and Ive been amoung some that can fab and weld, they are the ones I tend to try and learn from. I too am up and down I 40, I 85, I 95 and I 20 for work. It truly scares me to think of just the big trucks that are patched togeather let alone the small utility trailers. Whos family is riding next to you, or your work?
Reply:Originally Posted by welds4dScary, isn't it. I can't count the number of people I've met in my life who say "Oh, you're a welder! I used to be a welder, too!"  Yeah, right....
Reply:Irish you are so right about limits.  I too have exceeded my limits as a younger guy, but foolish has given way to caution and carefull consideration of what I or others stand to lose if I make a mistake.  Dont do as much off the wall stuff, but thats better for me anyway.BobI'm spending my Kids inheritance, I dont like him that much anyway!!!!!!Enuff tools to do the job, enough sense to use em.Anybody got a spare set of kidneys?  Trade?
Reply:Thanks for posting these. I think it's important that people see just how bad some of these jobs actually are that are on the road. I wish more would post these up regularly. It helps reinforce the importance of learning to do it right before tackling a project like these that could potentially kill someone. I hope more will post up these sorts of issues when they get them as well.Seems like new guys want to do these sorts of projects so they run out and buy the cheapest machine they can find and jump right in and start hot glueing metal together. I stopped looking at a couple of the 4x4 sites because it seems welds and projects like this sort of thing  is standard there. If you point out the flaws you get jumped on because "I did this and it's held just fine... " "The welds are ugly but they'll hold.." etc.Many here get called "brutal" because they are a bit blunt and call them like they see them on projects posted here like this by new guys. The point is they realise how dangerous these projects can be and usually you need to be blunt to get the point across to many of these newer welders. In the end it's not about bashing, it's about safety..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:My father used to describe some things as being "Tin Wonders"; I guess that would apply to these trailers.I offer three choices: Good, Fast, & Cheap. You may pick two.Hobart AC/DC StikMate LXHarbor Freight AD HoodHarbor Freight Industrial Chop SawDeVilbis 20 Gallon, 5 HP Compressor
Reply:Since we are on the subject of fixing trailers that were poorly designed & hacked together or grossly overloaded here is a recent repair job  I did. I was called out to the location where the trailer was doing a job and I was asked if I could fix it there. The trailer was coated in oil, it was filthy, I told them they would have to take it and have it pressure washed first because as it is striking an arc on it would turn the trailer into a big raging inferno. The best part is the Mexican at the gas station next door was trying to convince them he could weld it up no problem cheap. This is what needed welded up.I told them there was no way in hell welding their frame back together was going to solve the problem, that not even plating it would fix the issue because it would just break ahead of the plate, that the only solution was going to be to weld out the crack, then laminate another piece of material to the frame down the entire length. Their big boss agreed that they wanted to fix it right, and they got it washed and limped it to my shop.I pulled the fender and got the side of the trailer cleaned up and welded.Then I laminated a piece of 1/4x4" flat down the side. I even put in some really healthy plug welds on either side of the crack repair, and as I was welding out the reinforcements I put my welds next to the welds on the frame so everything doubled up making it less likely anything would pull apart. Before long I had the fender beat back into shape and welded back on.Then it was time to start on the other side:As you can see it had a really serious bow in it Finally I got it finished up and painted out.I also built them a step:72 Chevy Cummins Project94 3500HD Welding Rig build Sold NOV 2011
Reply:With the job complete I had one happy customer. The best part is that I turned it around over a weekend they lost 1 day of work because of it.72 Chevy Cummins Project94 3500HD Welding Rig build Sold NOV 2011
Reply:That's a good repair. It's also a interesting trailer. I see the liquid ring vacuum pump and what looks to be a burner/heater. Also a hydraulic/oil pump. My first guess is that it's used to burn the gas out of ground water at the old gas station sites. But I've never seen one set up just like that. The guys who do that here have a much larger setup that takes either two trailers or one large gooseneck.  At first glance I thought it was just a portable vacuum pump like is used around here to pull natural gas from the wells. But I couldn't figure out the large separators. Then I got to seeing the other stuff.Millermatic 252XMT 304'sDynasty 280DXHypertherm PowerMax 1250Miller Trailblazer 302 EFIOptima PulserXR feeder and XR Edge gun and more athttp://members.dslextreme.com/users/waynecook/index.htm
Reply:Originally Posted by irish fixitThat's a good repair. It's also a interesting trailer. I see the liquid ring vacuum pump and what looks to be a burner/heater. Also a hydraulic/oil pump. My first guess is that it's used to burn the gas out of ground water at the old gas station sites. But I've never seen one set up just like that. The guys who do that here have a much larger setup that takes either two trailers or one large gooseneck.  At first glance I thought it was just a portable vacuum pump like is used around here to pull natural gas from the wells. But I couldn't figure out the large separators. Then I got to seeing the other stuff.
Reply:I'll probably sound like an a$$ for asking these questions, but hey I'm here to learn right? On the above trailer, why was the laminate strap not continued all the way to the tongue? Why was it stopped after the jacks, and right where the two top plates are coming together?  Lastly why was the laminate welded at 90 degrees to the frame?  To me it should have gone all the way, and not ended right where the plates join on top. I would only assume that there is a cross brace right behind where you finished your laminate, creating a bunch of new stress risers?(is that the proper term?) Again, go easy if I'm wrong, just want to know how far to take the safety thing.
Reply:Originally Posted by homegrownrmkI'll probably sound like an a$$ for asking these questions, but hey I'm here to learn right? On the above trailer, why was the laminate strap not continued all the way to the tongue? Why was it stopped after the jacks, and right where the two top plates are coming together?  Lastly why was the laminate welded at 90 degrees to the frame?  To me it should have gone all the way, and not ended right where the plates join on top. I would only assume that there is a cross brace right behind where you finished your laminate, creating a bunch of new stress risers?(is that the proper term?) Again, go easy if I'm wrong, just want to know how far to take the safety thing.
Reply:The general public really needs to be aware of things like this, and maybe their needs to be an endorsement for pulling trailers. Haveing just the 26,001 lb threshhold for a cdl obviosly is not enough. If this were a cartoon it would have donkeys building crap hauled by ***'s overloading the crap. Unfortunately this is the reality of the situation and many innocent victims never see it coming nor do they have the chance to get out of the way. God help the *** or the donkey who cause the death or disfigurement of someone dear to me. I pray this never happens to any of mine or any of yours. Safety should always be number one priority cause life does not need to be any shorter or more filled with grief than it is. Maybe we should write congressmen or whomever, suggesting a trailer pulling license endorsement. Just mytwo cents worth.MLM
Reply:The starred out word was assez as in jackazzez.MLM
Reply:I usually envy the laws that allow you guys to build stuff on your own and use it / tow it / drive it in public roads there in the US... but those very same rules that allow you to do that, also allow some people to put together dangerous crap like the ones shown by Iris Fixit.Here in Spain there is no way you can put together a trailer and use it. At least without an engineers proyect, lots of inspection and such. The trailers shown in the picture would never pass inspection here. Hell, you even need to pass inspection again with a lot of paperwork to install taller springs or even a raised air intake on your vehicle!Mikel
Reply:Originally Posted by MrBeastYou are correct, it is for burning off the remnants from old leaky tanks.
Reply:Originally Posted by irish fixitI thought so. Definitely over loaded.  Not to be critical but rather to help educate the beginners out there. I think that while the ends of your strap are far enough forward and back that the stress isn't that high I think I would of angled the ends anyway.
Reply:This is a good thread. That trailer reminds me of the problems with the first WWII Liberty ships that had developed cracks in the upper hull due to stress.  The fix was similar to what you did. They basically welded a "hat" band around the entire circumference of the hull.  It worked.
Reply:I didn't get any pics, as the guy was standing right there, but one of my neighbors brought over a large camper to me a couple of weeks ago (the kind as big as my house).  He tried expanding is battery box so that it held 4 batteries, instead of two.  He tried welding it on with a 220v HF unit.  He didn't feel very good about the job he did (thank goodness), and bolted a strap to the frame and the expanded battery box (bb) holder to help hold it up. He told me he was driving "very carefully" so as to not hit bumps, etc.  Good thing he did based on what I saw.I took a look at the bb holder and didn't like what I saw.  After unbolting the strap that was holding it to the older bb holder (new bb holder was resting on top of the old one), I took a hammer and gave it a small tap or two and it was out.I took the bb box to my table and took a chipping hammer to the welds.  All but one came off with a few taps (scary).  I then ground down some of the welds and rewelded it (the bb box).  I then put it back in the camper, after grinding off the paint that he tried to weld through before, and secured it.My neighbor was ecstatic, and couldn't thank me enough.  He decided at that point that he can't weld, and I am glad he brought it by.  He took it camping the next day and hit a lot of "washboards" on the way.  He didn't worry about it at all after I had a chance to get a hold of it to fix it.I wish I would have got some pics, but oh well.  Glad I had a chance to fix it for him before someone got hurt.The Lord has declared, "This is my work and my glory--to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man"  Moses 1:39Link: My name is John, and I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.-- ColdCreekWorks.com --
Reply:If we don't "self police" our own industry, at least to some degree, the the government will step in and find a way to make all our lives more difficult.Probably not "more safe" just more difficult.Syncro 250 DX Dynasty 200 DXMM 251 w/30A SG XMT 304 w/714 Feeder & Optima PulserHH187Dialarc 250 AC/DCHypertherm PM 1250Smith, Harris, Victor O/ASmith and Thermco Gas MixersAccess to a full fab shop with CNC Plasma, Water Jet, etc.
Reply:Originally Posted by MrBeastOh definitely, I could have done a lot more on this repair, but that being said the guy was standing there waiting for the paint to dry when it was done if you know what I mean. They were in a heck of a hurry to get it out the door, and I can understand why, I know that machine gets billed out for more than 100 bucks an hour. Thus the plan of the day was do the best job I can in the time I had, and yes, they paid me a healthy sum for getting it done too. Speaking of this I need to shoot these guys an email, see if I can talk them into letting me build their next trailer for them.
Reply:Originally Posted by Mikel_24I usually envy the laws that allow you guys to build stuff on your own and use it / tow it / drive it in public roads there in the US... but those very same rules that allow you to do that, also allow some people to put together dangerous crap like the ones shown by Iris Fixit.Here in Spain there is no way you can put together a trailer and use it. At least without an engineers proyect, lots of inspection and such. The trailers shown in the picture would never pass inspection here. Hell, you even need to pass inspection again with a lot of paperwork to install taller springs or even a raised air intake on your vehicle!MikelOriginally Posted by nadogailWe have, in my opinion, enough laws already.  Faulty trailers are the responsibility of the builder and the driver/loader.
Reply:You dont event need to be at 26,001 to be cdl inspected. If it is being used for commerce it qualifies. Just like professional cattle haulers and the like. Too many just slip through. I was dot'd with a semi along an interstate and while he was checking me over and under and trough a pick up hauling a skidsteer went buy no chains holding it down no lights cause his cord was dragging and a 1/2 ton pickup with its a22 dragging but he made sure I was good.Millermatic 252millermatic 175miller 300 Thunderboltlincoln ranger 250smith torcheslots of bfh'sIf it dont fit get a bigger hammer
Reply:There are DOT regulations that cover all classes of vehicles, it is over 26,000 lbs that a log book and CDL is required. Marker lamps, tail lights, reflectors, and so on are all required by DOT regs. This is why dually pickups all have cab marker lights and lights on the dually fenders.72 Chevy Cummins Project94 3500HD Welding Rig build Sold NOV 2011
Reply:Well I can say that they now are cracking down on the trucks over 10,000 lbs. On the local talk show here a lady called in mad as hell cause 2 of her landscape trailers and drivers got sited. 1 for not having the load tied down. THAT REALLY TICKS ME OFF, lights not hooked up, and no health card. I mean everyone always says "well you can see the lights on the truck". And I say if your in an MG you can see the lights on my tractor too! and if your special, Ill show you the landing gear too!She was complaining that she was just a small outfit and it wasnt fair. What I think is not fair is all the years the dot has been busting my chops and Id watch the comercial landscapers and such just pass on by with all sorts of things wrong. Now they are even going after the weekend drag car guys, horse lovers, tractor pullers, ect. I agree there needs to be more awarness out there, but just ask the dot guy for the rule book, bet you he cant produe one, too many laws. Its getting worse now cause ever branch of the gov is broke. I guess the Gov is squezing us turnips, and we bleed. Its just common sence if you ask me.
Reply:I think the gov should crack down on people who dont run mudflaps, dont run trailer lights, dont run safety chains, who screw off all the things they are suposed to do. There is no excuse to ever lose a part of your load, there is no excuse not to have working lights on your trailer.72 Chevy Cummins Project94 3500HD Welding Rig build Sold NOV 2011
Reply:Originally Posted by MrBeastI think the gov should crack down on people who dont run mudflaps, dont run trailer lights, dont run safety chains, who screw off all the things they are suposed to do. There is no excuse to ever lose a part of your load, there is no excuse not to have working lights on your trailer.
Reply:Oh oh:
Reply:Originally Posted by denrepOh oh:
Reply:some caulk and spray paint and your good 350P 30A spool gun cut master 51  syncro 250 other stuff " take a dog off the street and make him prosper and he will not bite you sad the same cannot be said for man" i didnt use punctuation just to piss you off
Reply:all kidding aside im in az on the border and you should see some of the things ive seen on the road i remember working on a small boat   trailer and trying to make that sucker bomb proof before taking it to the dmv only to get there and find they measure it and check for lights and that's it 350P 30A spool gun cut master 51  syncro 250 other stuff " take a dog off the street and make him prosper and he will not bite you sad the same cannot be said for man" i didnt use punctuation just to piss you off
Reply:Alfred said it's too close to election time to worry about it, may as well hold off and wait to get a bumper sticker.Last edited by denrep; 06-07-2011 at 07:43 PM.
Reply:Originally Posted by denrepOh oh:
Reply:I live out in the country and haul a skid steer around quite a bit.  Every time my buddies see me chaining it down they laugh and tell me its not going anywhere.  THey even poke fun because I use electric brakes.What really chafes my hind quarters is that these folks don't realize that they are putting other people's lives at risk by not taking their loads seriously.If a load like a skid steer came loose it would be devastating to anything it fell on (my 773 weighs better than 3 tons with the tracks and foam tires).Hobart LX235Victor 250 Oxy-Acetylene Rig (welding and cutting)Bobcat 773F-350, 1999, 4x4, 16' 10K# trailerOutdoor Wood Burner - 10 cords/year
Reply:Originally Posted by umahuntersome caulk and spray paint and your good
Reply:Originally Posted by gwileyI live out in the country and haul a skid steer around quite a bit.  Every time my buddies see me chaining it down they laugh and tell me its not going anywhere.  THey even poke fun because I use electric brakes.What really chafes my hind quarters is that these folks don't realize that they are putting other people's lives at risk by not taking their loads seriously.If a load like a skid steer came loose it would be devastating to anything it fell on (my 773 weighs better than 3 tons with the tracks and foam tires).
Reply:Originally Posted by Vince_oWell I can say that they now are cracking down on the trucks over 10,000 lbs. On the local talk show here a lady called in mad as hell cause 2 of her landscape trailers and drivers got sited. 1 for not having the load tied down. THAT REALLY TICKS ME OFF, lights not hooked up, and no health card. I mean everyone always says "well you can see the lights on the truck". And I say if your in an MG you can see the lights on my tractor too! and if your special, Ill show you the landing gear too!She was complaining that she was just a small outfit and it wasnt fair. What I think is not fair is all the years the dot has been busting my chops and Id watch the comercial landscapers and such just pass on by with all sorts of things wrong. Now they are even going after the weekend drag car guys, horse lovers, tractor pullers, ect. I agree there needs to be more awarness out there, but just ask the dot guy for the rule book, bet you he cant produe one, too many laws. Its getting worse now cause ever branch of the gov is broke. I guess the Gov is squezing us turnips, and we bleed. Its just common sence if you ask me.
Reply:The DOT figured out that all the Gooseneck horse trailers are over 10K GVW and have been on a terror writing people up left and right for no CDL.    im saying they get their money on 99% of the fines.in case anyone has figured it out the DOT has never been about safety.   its about the $$$$Vantage 500's LN-25's, VI-400's, cobramatics, Miller migs, synch 350 LX, Powcon inverters, XMT's, 250 Ton Acurrpress 12' brake, 1/4" 10' Atlantic shear,Koikie plasma table W/ esab plasmas. marvel & hyd-mech saws, pirrana & metal muncher punches.
Reply:Originally Posted by DSWAbout 5 years ago many of the local municipalities discovered they could make a fortune with DOT "truck" checks. I know the township a friend works for bought a fully equiped DOT inspection van and hired 2 full time DOT certified cops for a year with the fines they made in the 1st 3 months. It has zero to do with safety, and everything to do with generating income. I have a friend who's brand new Kenworth racked up $8K worth of fines 3 days off the show room floor. There's now way his steering had "too much play" and his breaks were " worn out", but in court you have to proove YOU were right, not the cop regardless if you are supposed to be "presumed" incent.
Reply:I have to take the physical and donate blood and urine for my CDL ticket. And I don't exceed the 26,001. I am in the 10,000Lb and over group. I just have to carry the medical card. The only thing I tow is a reel trailer that hold about a mile of fiber optic cable. All that and one guy was driving down I-10, only to see the reel pass him on the freeway! The trailer was professionally built, but the spool safety failed. That is a big spool and it could have killed a few people. Luckily, it rolled off into the desert. So, it's not always the welding that is faulty on trailers! It can TOTALLY be the designer/engineer!!Lincoln Power Mig 210MP MIGLincoln Power Mig 350MP - MIG and Push-PullLincoln TIG 300-300Lincoln Hobby-Weld 110v  Thanks JLAMESCK TIG TORCH, gas diffuser, pyrex cupThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 101My brain
Reply:Originally Posted by BoostinjdmI get the same treatment from farmers.  I just tell them that if I'm involved at all, it's getting chained down.  If I load it, unload it, use my trailer, use my truck, or even ride bitch in their vehicle, it's getting chained down.  They can do whatever they want when I'm not around.
Reply:Originally Posted by bratkid63I'm all about "securing the load"!
Reply:Looks like our southern borderMillermatic 252millermatic 175miller 300 Thunderboltlincoln ranger 250smith torcheslots of bfh'sIf it dont fit get a bigger hammer
Reply:A friend of mine sent me this pic today while driving by this in Oklahoma. This is some real INJUNunity. Attached Images
Reply:Originally Posted by irish fixitI really don't like bashing anybody in any way but another post on here has pushed me to post some pics and info that I'd decided not to before. I live in the middle of nowhere more or less. It's 60-90 miles to nearest large town. Plus I live in I-40 with all the cross the country traffic that brings. Thus I get to see a lot messes off the highway. I can't remember the number of trailer tongues I've had to put back together. I always try to be safe about it and brace them up so that they won't break again. Some are just beyond saving. This first round of pics is about the worst that I've seen.  Now this trailer came from Arizona. It had just been custom built by a "welder" for the company that was using it. It had passed Arizona state inspection and had a VIN number stuck on the tongue. What you don't see in the pictures is the full story. Now imagine this frame with a 30' dry box bolted on the top sitting on standard camping trailer axles (it's fairly obvious that this frame came from a old camping trailer). Now imagine this being pulled by a truck with another 30' dry box. When I say dry box I mean the same kind that's on the largest moving vans out there. Oh yeah I forgot to mention that the trailer and truck where both empty. They where supposed to pick up a load and bring it back (shudder). In the trip from Arizona to here the tongue was welded back 3 times. Yes folks that's 3 different people had welded the tongue back onto this wreck waiting to happen. You can see some of the wonderful welds they did on the first three pics.   BTW sorry about the mess but after the fire we didn't have time to be neat about stacking metal while getting it out of the way. I've really got to reorganize this mess.  In the forth pic there's a overall shot to give you a idea of the frame. The last pic on this set is of the junior I beam the builder of this trailer put in. Notice the good welds all the way around the beam. Oh sorry those come later.  More pics coming in a few minutes
Reply:Because a pro wouldnt let a dog shil on his work like that he would go slow and weld it till it was right.Millermatic 252millermatic 175miller 300 Thunderboltlincoln ranger 250smith torcheslots of bfh'sIf it dont fit get a bigger hammer