Welding Carry on trailer

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I have a carry on utility trailer, weight limit around 1,700 lbs. It has a single tongue (rather than an A frame type). I'd like to stiffen it up a little by running 2 pieces of angle iron from the tongue to the trailer (making a A shape), but I read that if you weld on the single tongue you can weaken it, possibly causing it to break under stress...I may be taking it on a long drive (24 hours +/- over a few days) and will be hauling my motorcycle (800 lbs or so). My question is will it really weaken the tongue to weld 2 supports on it?Thanks!!!
Reply:Why mess with it if it works as is. But to answer your question, it depends on where you are welding. Stress risers can weaken the structure.Weld like a "WELDOR", not a wel-"DERR"

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Reply:Please post a photo of the tongue and trailer so we see what taking about Dave

Originally Posted by Mike21117

I have a carry on utility trailer, weight limit around 1,700 lbs. It has a single tongue (rather than an A frame type). I'd like to stiffen it up a little by running 2 pieces of angle iron from the tongue to the trailer (making a A shape), but I read that if you weld on the single tongue you can weaken it, possibly causing it to break under stress...I may be taking it on a long drive (24 hours +/- over a few days) and will be hauling my motorcycle (800 lbs or so). My question is will it really weaken the tongue to weld 2 supports on it?Thanks!!!
Reply:b12345Last edited by Mike21117; 10 Hours Ago at 05:24 PM.
Reply:sorry Dave---can't get a pic to show up....here's a link though- thankshttps://www.lowes.com/pd/Carry-On-Tr...p-Gate/3005264
Reply:I suspect you only got part of the story... Like what and where you are you welding will affect strength.  A spare tire, a jack,  tool box, even a new hitch.... Not sure more support would weaken it if you are well advised.  Why do you think you need more support? Those little trailers are bouncey bouncey always.
Reply:I just looked at the trailer in your link. Providing your trailer hasn't been damaged or otherwise compromised  I would just strap down your 800 pound bike and go. JMO of course.  Others may want to make life complicated for you. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk:
Reply:If it has a builders plate somewhere on it, specifying the weight limit, just run it if you're within boundaries.  If it fails, the problem falls on the manufacturer, not you.  Modify it, and you're liable if it fails.As far back as the axle sits, I'm thinking the tongue is capable of supporting close to half the advertised payload.  It isn't the traditional 60/40 split,, with the axle that far back.Split the load between axle, and tongue...........you're only looking at 400# supported by the tongue.  That's about 1 1/2 crazed cheeeeeeez heads at a Packers game

Last edited by farmersammm; 9 Hours Ago at 06:40 PM.Reason: added "close to half"
Reply:Some paperwork, or the plate on the trailer, should tell ya the tongue weight.  Stay within that range, and you're golden.  If the bike weighs 800, just figure half of it might sit on the tongue.
Reply:

Originally Posted by farmersammm

If it has a builders plate somewhere on it, specifying the weight limit, just run it if you're within boundaries.  If it fails, the problem falls on the manufacturer, not you.  Modify it, and you're liable if it fails.As far back as the axle sits, I'm thinking the tongue is capable of supporting close to half the advertised payload.  It isn't the traditional 60/40 split,, with the axle that far back.Split the load between axle, and tongue...........you're only looking at 400# supported by the tongue.  That's about 1 1/2 crazed cheeeeeeez heads at a Packers game


Reply:Specs say 1625lbs payload. Does that exclude the tlr weight of 375lbs? If not that still leaves 1550 lbs of load. Load up the bike and go, just keep the rear of the bike against the ramp to keep more weight over the 2000lb axle. Little single axle like that make sure the bike is strapped down good 'cause that tlr will bounce plenty. Might be good to put a sheet of 5/8" or 3/4" plywood down so if the tires wind up between cross members they could bend the expanded metal deck down.Ol' Stonebreaker  "Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes"Hobart G-213 portableMiller 175 migMiller thunderbolt ac/dc stick Victor O/A setupMakita chop saw
Reply:If its newer and not broke why look for more work.  You are using it at 1/2 load. even 60% which is a huge factor instead of trying to wring its guts out.  Other biggest factor is speed.  Small tires and wheels last a long time, they need to keep eye on it if you gonna drive 85.  Tire air pressure is critical.www.urkafarms.com
Reply:If you do decide to weld on it, make sure you only do horizontal welds. No vertical welds. The vertical welds are what cause stress points.ChrisAuction Addict
Reply:

Originally Posted by farmersammm

If it has a builders plate somewhere on it, specifying the weight limit, just run it if you're within boundaries.  If it fails, the problem falls on the manufacturer, not you.  Modify it, and you're liable if it fails.
Reply:It is a light weight trailer Typically they have plywood deck I would use 3/4" plywood it will hold to capacity of trailer. Dave FYI any tall or top heavy tie top so can not till over. Any thing with Springs strap can come lose too so tighten down straps.

Originally Posted by Mike21117

sorry Dave---can't get a pic to show up....here's a link though- thankshttps://www.lowes.com/pd/Carry-On-Tr...p-Gate/3005264
Reply:I picked up a used trailer (cheap) just like that one.I heap it over with firewood behind the 4 wheeler - the hitch is strong enough for your motorcycle.As others noted, a piece of plywood is good on those floors - very thin mesh.Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.