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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jul 2013
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    nsw
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    256

    Default a trailer build ( user friendly)

    gonna build a deckover trailer 1.8 tonne gross and aiming at 1 tonne payload depending how overbuilt the thing gets hahah.

    using steel I have on hand coupled with Dexter axles with one braked electrically.

    deck over design

    here's the progress to date-

    sorry if the photos are upside down but the iPad and metalwork forum photo add don't seem to get along.

    the first try at starting a thread meant I had used large files taken from screen shots on the iPad which seemed to load the right way up but were huge teehee

    ill try again.

    cheers

    meadow
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  2. #2
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    Jul 2013
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    nsw
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    Default

    Sorry about pic orientations ( gremlin )

    The pics appear correct when uploaded, the change themselves around upon saving draft.

    anyhow -

    Setting up for welding crossmembers to the bottom chassis beam-

    always a good idea to take some practice on similar material to avoid disappointment.



    Tack top and bottom and run vert up ( showing fluxcore slag) and galvo flair.




    Played around with drawbar angles as well, jand came up with a 1500 mm tongue with a nice angle- the tongue will be continuous with the bottom member of the built up chassis beams.



    Considering the tongue to chassis weld now, with some more practice.

    The join will be strengthened with fishplate on side(s) and some under reinforcement.


    Aiming for full penetration of the 4mm rhs 75x75 ------ looking achievable.


    Raining now.

    Whilst setting up the axles on the chassis beam, I notice I have a toe in on the front axle wheels. is this necessarily a problem?

    i haven't really looked at trailer alignment theory yet.

    anyhow. that's the latest.

    meadow
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  3. #3
    Join Date
    May 2011
    Location
    Murray Bridge S Aust.
    Age
    71
    Posts
    5,942

    Default

    Hi, nice going so far. Is the axle with the brakes fitted, to the front or rear of the trailer. Also in the pics third one down it looks as if the axles are bent, is this an optical illusion?? Because if it is bent, there could be your toe in problem!!!! Are the axles new or S/H as in one of the earlier pics (six down in original post), it appears to have a bracket welded on for brakes, or was this a stub axle welded onto some pipe?? If it is a stub welded on there, it could be the problem also!
    Kryn
    To grow old is mandatory, growing up is optional.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jul 2013
    Location
    nsw
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    Default

    G'day Kryn,

    new axles and they are factory cambered.

    I have the braked axle on the front, but if that's a "no no" then it can be changed reluctantly : )

    i guess I'll see how it tracks and the tyre wear pattern once on the road.

    i guess bending the axle into alignment is a possibility to gain best alignment?

    apparently toe in is better than toe out : )

    the little bracket on the brake hub you mention Kryn is the handbrake lever.

    cheers

  5. #5
    Join Date
    May 2011
    Location
    Murray Bridge S Aust.
    Age
    71
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    5,942

    Default

    Hi Chris, never heard of axles being ready cambered, unless it's something new!!
    Braking on the front axle is the correct way to go.
    I was referring to the axle, not yet fitted with brakes?
    Kryn
    To grow old is mandatory, growing up is optional.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jul 2013
    Location
    nsw
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    Default

    ahh I see, yes that is the brake flange if I ever wanted to add brakes to back axle.

    as for cambered axle, it's an American thing more than here, but I could be wrong?

    from dexter axle.com

    AXLES - Why are some axles bent in the middle?

    The upward bend in the axle is called "camber". Camber is the angular relationship of the wheel to the road surface in the vertical plane. Axles are typically built with a pre-determined bend in the tube that compensates for the expected deflection under load.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    May 2011
    Location
    Murray Bridge S Aust.
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    Default

    Well there you go, you learn something new every day. Thanks for that.
    I see it as if the axles bend like that under normal use, they're too light.
    What size square is the axle, and what type of bearings used?? If they're an oddity, might pay to have a set handy,
    Justin Case
    On a 40mm axle Holden bearings would normally be used, and on 50mm axles, Ford bearings used,
    as they have a better carrying capacity. Had one here for a bit of work, that had Ford Zephyr stubs and hubs, $260 for 2 sets of bearings, replaced with a new axle, hubs and rims for $150.00
    Kryn
    To grow old is mandatory, growing up is optional.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jul 2013
    Location
    nsw
    Posts
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    Default

    Bearings are either ford slimline or parallel, shall check up on that as we get closer to launch.

    Speaking of launch, I may be just about to learn a very hard lesson on ball coupler height?

    Today I welded on the drawbar mounting plate only to find out I may have to crank the drawbar down 85mm to comply with 420mm maximum mid ball height.

    this is measured "laden" - what would this be defined as?

    i say maybe because upside down with no weight on the trailer frame, I am 85mm too tall at the ball.

    So much for my one piece drawbar design and the most beautiful hitch mounting plate welds I laid today !

    Here is the drawbar/ chassis connection I worked on today as well.


    Attachment 364217
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  9. #9
    Join Date
    May 2011
    Location
    Murray Bridge S Aust.
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    71
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    Default

    Nice welds.
    Your link Attachment 364217 comes up as: Invalid Attachment specified. If you followed a valid link, please notify the administrator
    Kryn
    To grow old is mandatory, growing up is optional.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jul 2013
    Location
    nsw
    Posts
    256

    Default

    just a very quick update-

    trailer is coming along well.

    im up to fitting a rolling platform under the deck, which will roll out on tracks ( on bearings) to provide a rear work platform whilst stationary.

    havent got top deck " joists " on yet but very close to it.

    got wheels etc on

    been very wet here, and like being in the trenches at times, although nowhere as gruesome I imagine " lest we forget"

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