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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Nov 2017
    Location
    Geelong, Australia
    Age
    57
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    2,651

    Default 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

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Location
    Melbourne
    Posts
    9,088

    Default

    That weld is going to give me nightmares. Still... the trailer is in one piece.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Nov 2017
    Location
    Geelong, Australia
    Age
    57
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    2,651

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Stustoys View Post
    That weld is going to give me nightmares. Still... the trailer is in one piece.
    They're not ALL quite that bad...

    Steve

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Location
    Melbourne
    Posts
    9,088

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by OxxAndBert View Post
    They're not ALL quite that bad
    Oh so its a tack weld. I can sleep now

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Nov 2017
    Location
    Geelong, Australia
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    57
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    Default

    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

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Sep 2014
    Location
    SA
    Posts
    11

    Default

    Sounds like a good plan Steve. For the drawbar on a trailer that size I'd be going with 100x50x3.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    May 2011
    Location
    Murray Bridge S Aust.
    Age
    71
    Posts
    5,942

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by OxxAndBert View Post
    and tie the whole frame together better.
    Obviously at least 2 of the springs need replacing
    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. Steve
    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
    Kryn
    To grow old is mandatory, growing up is optional.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Nov 2017
    Location
    Geelong, Australia
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    57
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    2,651

    Default

    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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