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  1. #1
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    Default F250 ute-tub trailer build

    Guys I've got an F250 ute well-body that I'm gathering bit to manufacture a chassis for it to turn it into a great trailer.

    Basically my question is in relation to how far inboard from the inside edge of the tyre/rim I should position the leaf spring. I believe this is called the "offset", and I understand the closer to the rim the better for load bearing....but is there an approved method. I've read maybe 35-50mm.

    I'm using HQ holden disc brake hubs and bearings in conjunction with 45mm square 71" axle and 6 leaf springs.

    Any advice would be greatly appreciated

    Thanks
    Daniel

  2. #2
    Yonnee's Avatar
    Yonnee is offline Trailer Bloke & Mild Mannered Moderator
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    Hey Dan, welcome aboard.

    What you're refering to is commonly called "clearance". 'Offset', when talking about leaf springs is the position of the centre bolt in relation to each end. 'Offset' when talking about wheel rims is the position of the face of the rim (where it bolts to the hub/drum/rotor) in relation to the inner and outer edges of the rim. A change in rim offset will also effect 'clearance'.

    Genarally 40-50mm clearance from inside of tyre to spring/chassis is about ideal. Any less and you run the risk of the tyre scraping. Too much more and you start dramatically increasing the bending forces on your axle, and therefore loaded camber.


    Be careful of your carrying capacity with your axle too. The bearing journal sizes for the HQ bearings are only good for 1000kg, even though a 45mm axle will take more. If you haven't got the axle yet, then look at getting Falcon bearing journals machined onto the axle (known as "Slimline"). This will rate the axle at around 1450kg. The Falcon bearing cups will go into the HQ Rotor, but you may have to source a seal to fit the back of the Rotor that matches the Slimline seal journal.
    Too many projects, so little time, even less money!
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  3. #3
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    Thanks for the info Yonnee.

    I swapped my 40mm square axle over for a 45mm square to suit the Ford slimline bearings. The hubs and rims have been fitted. The F250 Ute bed is upsidedown on the block next door so I did a trial fit with the axle and rims springs etc to double check my dimensions. I've whipped up an auto cad drawing and am open for comments.

    Basically my intention is to use 100x50x3 rhs for the drawbar, which will be 1700mm long, I can't connect the drawbar to the from spring hangers as I'd prefer the wider angle on the drawbar.

    Because I can only buy the duragal in 8m lenghts and I need two pieces of 2400mm for the drawbar, I've decided to incorporate some more 100x50 to form the cross rails for the leaf spring pickup. Basically to economically use one 8m lenght. I understand this might be 'overkill' but I can't see the point buying 8m and only use 4800mm.

    I have to use 75x50 on the flat down in the original line of the Ford F250 chassis to pick up the original locating bolts. So I have decided to use a 50x50 to connect into the side of the 75x50.

    I'm about to order my framing materials so any feedback would be appreciated.
    Cheers
    Daniel

  4. #4
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    I've managed to fnish all my welding, and fabrication. I've basically a rolling chassis, and was able to tow it home the 2minute drive from the workshop. Last night I had 6 mates help me to turn the wellbody over....and it fits like a glove, being a draftsman has some benefits.

    Basically I have to now bolt the tray down to the chassis, hook up the lights and install the chrome bumper, and buggerize around with rims and tyres.

    I'll post some pictures up when I'm done.

  5. #5
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  12. #12
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    I've posted up some photos, but waiting for moderators approval.

  13. #13
    Yonnee's Avatar
    Yonnee is offline Trailer Bloke & Mild Mannered Moderator
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    Nice work Dan.

    Now, to just replace the Pathfinder with a matching F250 tow vehicle...
    Too many projects, so little time, even less money!
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  14. #14
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    looks great thanks for the progress pics also cheers Bob

  15. #15
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    Ok...I've just got my temporary permit to shift it to take it down for licenceing. I thought I'd write down a couple of things that I've learned along the way, in regards to getting it registered in WA.

    Firstly the lighting requirements. Basically I have had to reinstate the number plate lights in the bumper. I cannot say I've ever noticed a trailer with number plate illumination, but apparently you need it. I thought that the F250 number plate bumper mounted globe holders where a specific item, priced them from the ford dealership...$75 each thankyou very much ...and I'd need two....no bloody way! I thought, stuff it I'll go down to the auto parts store, get a couple of globe holders and silicone them on. cost me $7. They were a Hella item. Anyway to my great surprise, and one happy dance later they fitted right in, exactly with a twist....couldn't be happier.

    I've had to also fit some white forwards facing clearance lights, as the trailer width is 2m wide...luckily it's not over 2.1m as that would envoke another slew of lighting requirements....so two white reflectors and two white globes forwards facing.

    The F250 has already two orange reflectors fitted at the rear. I've had to fit two on the drawbar, and I'm hoping I don't have to fit any more on the bodywork, but I'm thinking the "middle third" rule might come into play in the inspection, so I'll have two in my pocket, just in case.

    I've had to apply for a VIN number. I need to go to the weighbridge and get a slip. From there it's straight to the inspection place....if all goes well, $50 bucks later and I'll have the paperwork that I need to take to the licenecing center (department of planning and infrastructure)...note sure about the rego "disc" as all the car rego's have moved over to a stickerless system, not sure about trailers.

    One thing to note, that surprised me a lot, for anyone contemplating building a trailer out of a ute body, (in WA) the guy at the inspection place told me to make sure that the well-body had the axle group behind the center line of the body. That is to say that the rear 'overhang' is less that the front overhang...OF THE WELL-BODY ITSELF...NOT INCLUDING THE DRAWBAR. Now most if not all the well body's I've seen converted into trailers have had axle group forward of the centerline. The inspector said not to even bother bringing it in for inspection if it was like that. Lucky for me the entire reason for using the F250 body as a trailer is it's huge, and fortunately the rear overhang is indeed smaller than the front of the 8 foot box I have. The smaller 6 foot version would almost be square...so be careful.

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