Repairing a Car Trailer.

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I got one heck of a deal on a car trailer in the land of the snow and salt.I want to get it back to between 6500-7000 GVWR.The original frame consisted of 2x3 - 3/16 rectangular tube steel frame and tongue with 1x3  -3/16  cross supports and 2x2 - 3/16 rails that are 1 ft above the frame with up rights every 18" on each of the sides and front.I am wondering what would be the best way to repair the frame over the axles on drivers side has delaminated on the sides and the front corners of the frame has holes. The worst of the rust damage is on the drivers side but i do plan on doing both sides.The frame is still straight, it still tracks nicely behind the truck and is light to pull and that's why I am considering a couple different options:Sleeving it with 3 - 1/4" flat bar stock with stitches every 6", 1 ft ahead and behind on each side.Partial sleeving it with 1/4" angle iron on the exterior and bottom of the existing frame beams the complete length of the frame on each side and the tongue. If I go this route what size should i use? 3x3, 4x4, 3x2, 3x4, 4x3, 5x3? I have noticed many different types of construction researching car trailers in past few days and I can't come to a decision to which size to use.I am guessing the size of the axles are either 3500 or 4000lbs each as the tags are gone, the axle tube is 2.5" and the bolt pattern on the rims is a large ford(5x5.5") patternLast edited by McGovernWelder; 01-10-2011 at 07:27 PM.
Reply:More pics of the actual damage will get you far better answers..Kinda hard to tell by the word or that one pic.....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:More picts coming.
Reply:Driver's side front corner
Reply:Drivers side around axles:
Reply:Drivers Side rear corner
Reply:That's the worst of it.No flexing or breaks yet.
Reply:dude, that thing is scrap metal at best.... no wonder it's so light & easy to tow  ... it's beyond repair I'd say...miller 330a bp TIGmiller dynasty 200DX TIGmillermatic 185 MIGthermal dynamics cutmaster 101 plasma cuttersnap-on YA5550 plasma cutterhypertherm powermax 30 plasma cutterbaileigh CS225 cold sawetc....
Reply:turbo is right, scrap it. From the looks of it, its too far gone to safely repair it.
Reply:I would have to agree as well. A lot of the other steel appears to be find but whats lying underneath could tell a whole different story. I have seen guys sandblast, sand, and wire wheel to find nothing but holes. Safety would also be a big concern as pointed out. Im sure its not what you want to hear after purchasing the trailer. I wouldn't want to either, but truth be told, its pretty far gone. Sorry dude.On a good side, you might be able to save parts off it, like the suspension but its hard to say. I did the same thing, bought a trailer that was rusted out but I have had plans from the beginning to tear it apart. The axle and suspension is the only thing that has survived.
Reply:Originally Posted by turbocad6dude, that thing is scrap metal at best.... no wonder it's so light & easy to tow  ... it's beyond repair I'd say...
Reply:I am pretty sure that I am going to use some of it but you guys are right.I'm thinking I might use the frame as a jig to weld up the new one.I am in the market for some 3x5 angle and 5" channel.
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Reply:You have a good start on a trailer anyways, axles, hangers, springs, coupler, wheels and tires. Other then that, I agree you have a heck of a good trailer pattern.
Reply:Remember that tube frames can hold water in them rusting from the inside out. By the time you see the rust coming through the deterioration on the inside is much much worse then you see on the outside.That trailer is not safe to be on the road.Using it for a jig to weld a new one is a good idea.KenLast edited by KGIOR; 01-10-2011 at 11:41 PM.
Reply:Double postLast edited by KGIOR; 01-10-2011 at 11:44 PM.
Reply:Double postLast edited by KGIOR; 01-10-2011 at 11:44 PM.
Reply:Looks good from far.... ..minus the brown stuff
Reply:did a resonance test on most of the trailer frame.Tested 90% in most areas other then the holes.I have a bunch of 3" channel, 3x1/4" angle and 3x1/4" flat stock on hand. I still want to do 1/4" angle from the tongue back and then strengthen the current tongue with 3" channel on the inside. A ton of Gussets and fish plates for now until i can spend the dough on the 5x3 and 5" channel to get to 8K lb rating.Last edited by McGovernWelder; 01-12-2011 at 09:04 PM.