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Thread: Flat deck trailer refurb
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25th Feb 2021, 06:36 PM #1Most Valued Member
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Flat deck trailer refurb
As mentioned previously, I've been donated this trailer by a friend who is downsizing and can't take it with him.
3600x2100 deck, tandem axle with cable operated disc brakes on the front axle.
I thought it was just just going to need the brakes and lights sorted out and a new deck, but closer inspection found a few other issues.
Its a strange construction - almost looks like the suspension subframe has been salvaged from a different trailer
But its only got a handful of these "welds" down the inside of each deck rail that sits on top of it. No welds on the outside of the rail
The drawbar has been lengthened by cutting it off and moving it forward
And attached to the fron deck crossmember with a RHS “spacer”
No major drama but the springs aren't all happy:
One pack missing a leaf and slipped a bit, and another has the top leaf bent and the next leaf down has slipped.
Only 5 leaves here (others all have 6)
More to come....
Steve
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25th Feb 2021, 08:20 PM #2Most Valued Member
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That weld is going to give me nightmares. Still... the trailer is in one piece.
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25th Feb 2021, 08:59 PM #3Most Valued Member
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25th Feb 2021, 11:13 PM #4Most Valued Member
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25th Feb 2021, 11:15 PM #5Most Valued Member
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Been thinking about a plan of attack tonight.
First up is to sort the structural stuff out.
The steel is all pretty reasonable. Apart from the outer rails which are a bit lighter - all the other sections are 3mm thick and can't see any sign of structural rust.
Needs a few welds ground off and re-welded, and a few more added to join the deck to the suspension subframe properly, but other than that just a general tidy up and paint.
I'm not comfortable with the drawbar though. Probably the best thing is just to cut it off completely and replace with longer material that ties it in with the subframe. That will also sort out all the welds that run side-side across the top of it, and tie the whole frame together better.
The existing material is 75x50x3 RHS. Wondering if I should use slightly larger/heavier - either 100x50x3 or 75x50x4.
Any thoughts from the brains trust?
Obviously at least 2 of the springs need replacing
I tossed up whether to just replace the brakes with electric since I already have a brake controller for the caravan, but decided just to fix and run the mechanical discs that are on it. Should be just a new cable and adjustment etc but if it turns out to be anything more I'll have to re-assess.
One wheel is missing the bearing cap and has about 30mm of play at the top of the tyre. Hopefully just a new cap and set of bearings and not a flogged axle.
Will clean and inspect the other bearings and replace if required, and check the age of the tyres while I've got the wheels off.
After that its just sort out the lights and a new deck and it should be good to go!!
If there's anything else you spot that I've overlooked please sing out
Steve
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26th Feb 2021, 08:41 AM #6Novice
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Sounds like a good plan Steve. For the drawbar on a trailer that size I'd be going with 100x50x3.
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27th Feb 2021, 08:11 PM #7Most Valued Member
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Hi Steve, when you replace the drawbar, bring it all the way to the front spring hanger and plate between the gap, have had a few trailers in recently where the main chassis has flexed and broken between the drawbar end and spring hanger.
Check that hangers aren't flogged out, ie. bolt holes elongated, worn out where the springs rub, as they are slipper springs.
While you have the springs out, remove the centre bolts, power wire brush them and re-assemble them with a touch of graphite grease between them.
The trailer looks as if it was a boat trailer at one stage, so there would be rust between the spring leaves, if its too badly rusted, I'd replace them and the "U" bolts. Last thing you need is to be stranded on the side of the road with a broken spring, "U" bolts or Spring Centre bolt
If the front axle is flogged out, now would be the time to replace it with an electric brake unit.
HTH
KrynTo grow old is mandatory, growing up is optional.
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27th Feb 2021, 08:58 PM #8Most Valued Member
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Thanks Kryn.
Yes, will definitely check out all the spring and axle related stuff before I do too much else. Cheap and easy to sort out at home when it’s empty - not so easy on the side of the road when it’s dark, hosing down and fully loaded.
Will look at how best to tie the drawbar into the rest of the chassis when the time comes. The subframe makes it a bit more complex than just welding to the front hanger.
I also suspected about it was probably a boat trailer in a previous life. The subframe is galvanized, along with the wheels and one axle.
Makes me think the other (rear non braked one) has probably been replaced at some point.
Thanks for the guidance - much appreciated.
Steve
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