Heymow - Lawnmower Racing Forum

Mower Building / Setup Help => Project Builds => Other Interesting Builds => Topic started by: gtpuller on June 12, 2011, 08:49:35 pm

Title: building a hauler.
Post by: gtpuller on June 12, 2011, 08:49:35 pm
I've been working on a hauler started out as a 4x8 open trailer improving my welding skills as I go along. Unfortunately my other project on here is on the back burner. Anyway I need somewhere to store my tractor when it is finished.

(http://i426.photobucket.com/albums/pp348/bjchap/tractor%20puller/th_DSCF0512.jpg) (http://s426.photobucket.com/albums/pp348/bjchap/tractor%20puller/?action=view&current=DSCF0512.jpg)

(http://i426.photobucket.com/albums/pp348/bjchap/tractor%20puller/th_DSCF0489.jpg) (http://s426.photobucket.com/albums/pp348/bjchap/tractor%20puller/?action=view&current=DSCF0489.jpg)

(http://i426.photobucket.com/albums/pp348/bjchap/tractor%20puller/th_DSCF0563.jpg) (http://s426.photobucket.com/albums/pp348/bjchap/tractor%20puller/?action=view&current=DSCF0563.jpg)

(http://i426.photobucket.com/albums/pp348/bjchap/tractor%20puller/th_DSCF0564.jpg) (http://s426.photobucket.com/albums/pp348/bjchap/tractor%20puller/?action=view&current=DSCF0564.jpg)

(http://i426.photobucket.com/albums/pp348/bjchap/tractor%20puller/th_DSCF0562.jpg) (http://s426.photobucket.com/albums/pp348/bjchap/tractor%20puller/?action=view&current=DSCF0562.jpg)

(http://i426.photobucket.com/albums/pp348/bjchap/tractor%20puller/th_DSCF0561-1.jpg) (http://s426.photobucket.com/albums/pp348/bjchap/tractor%20puller/?action=view&current=DSCF0561-1.jpg)

Title: Re: building a hauler.
Post by: Wheelhorseracer on June 12, 2011, 08:57:14 pm
Are you gonna just paint it? When I made my enclosed and made the roof with a small arch so that water doesn't sit.. just a small one..

Then I painted the roof with asphalt sealer used on driveways.. never had a leak.

Title: Re: building a hauler.
Post by: gtpuller on June 12, 2011, 09:35:46 pm
I'm gonna cover it with .024 aluminum skin and am gonna add an arch to the roof. It just made more sense to me to add that to the roof framework rather than build it in. BTW I think that I have a source for the skin but anyone know any good deals on it.

(http://i426.photobucket.com/albums/pp348/bjchap/tractor%20puller/th_DSCF0532.jpg) (http://s426.photobucket.com/albums/pp348/bjchap/tractor%20puller/?action=view&current=DSCF0532.jpg)

ASCS sprint cars last night at Lonestar speedway, Kilgore Texas Good Times!
Title: Re: building a hauler.
Post by: Rooster on June 13, 2011, 12:17:07 pm
I would really suggest a "V" nose or even one of those trailer bubble's on the front. We have been pulling a small flat front trailer and it will kill your fuel mileage!
Especially with that long tongue you have there you are really sticking that thing out in the wind!
Title: Re: building a hauler.
Post by: gtpuller on June 13, 2011, 08:33:28 pm
I would really suggest a "V" nose or even one of those trailer bubble's on the front. We have been pulling a small flat front trailer and it will kill your fuel mileage!
Especially with that long tongue you have there you are really sticking that thing out in the wind!

Good idea I will check into a bubble or fab something up out of sheet aluminum to add a bit of aerodynamics.
Title: Re: building a hauler.
Post by: gtpuller on June 15, 2011, 12:12:22 am
So i'm gonna make the back door of the trailer a ramp. I'ts basically 4x6 using 3/4 pressure treated plywood. Is 1 1/4 x 1 1/4 x 1/4 steel angle heavy enough for the basic framework. I have never noticed how these doors are constructed so I have nothing to base my design on. Anybody have a trailer with a back door ramp? If so could you post a pic?

Thanks
Title: Re: building a hauler.
Post by: wulfy01 on June 15, 2011, 07:14:02 am
That should be heavy enough.  Just make sure you space them 12 to 16 inches apart or so to support the weight.  I assume that the plywood is on the interior? Put one leg of the angle flat on the plywood in my opinion.
Title: Re: building a hauler.
Post by: Wheelhorseracer on June 15, 2011, 08:34:40 am
I have been thinking of making a new hauler too.. I've been looking at the teardrop design that many rigs use in the UK and Europe. It is suppose to improve air mileage dramatically.

(http://www.donbur.co.uk/gb/images/tdr_over/PC230086.jpg)
Title: Re: building a hauler.
Post by: BIG AL 202 on June 15, 2011, 12:48:05 pm
That hauler should hold all you will ever need!   :twothumbsup:
Title: Re: building a hauler.
Post by: 2budzracing on June 15, 2011, 01:34:18 pm
I just picked up a 25' travel trailer 2 axle.Gonna gut it, re- skin the inside put a drop down gate on it and lights all over.It has a roof top a/c unit and good windows, thinking about makeing it into a double deck inside that will double as bunks.mount the generator where the prop tanks where and done......stole it for $60 four tires and the tags are new....
Title: Re: building a hauler.
Post by: BIG AL 202 on June 15, 2011, 04:37:45 pm
NOW THATS A GREAT IDEA! Good thinking,and what a way to recycle a used up camper. Most of the time nobody wants them and are hard to get rid of.
Title: Re: building a hauler.
Post by: 2budzracing on June 15, 2011, 08:58:31 pm
then you can register it as an rv too...I think once it is gutted it wont weigh much because real thin walls and all aluminum.gonna make the same gate out af angle and plywood old bed frames work perfect the are light and super strong.makeing mine with top and sides doubled so it creates a 't' piece that will serve as the door seal 3 runners in the middle.gonna do the same to an old minne winne I got and make it into the "mowtow home".
Title: Re: building a hauler.
Post by: BIG AL 202 on June 15, 2011, 09:07:17 pm
Sounds like a plan! You know- there's probably alot of thinking going on now. lol
Title: Re: building a hauler.
Post by: Wheelhorseracer on June 15, 2011, 09:25:39 pm
My frame came from an old pop up that we used in the mid 1970's... gutted it and it's gets you most of the stuff you need to start a build. I made a new axle with Chrysler mini-van ends welded onto a tube for the axle. The Camper axle couldn't hold up the weight.
Title: Re: building a hauler.
Post by: 2budzracing on June 15, 2011, 10:01:07 pm
hence the beauty of the trailer axles ,I should be able to get 6 on each level with room for toolboxes etc.Plus it has brakes !
Title: Re: building a hauler.
Post by: wulfy01 on June 16, 2011, 07:57:14 am
My brother-in-law gave me a 20 ft trailer house frame in exchange for me rebuilding the slop gate in his manure spreader.  I have been debating on how to build it.  My first thought was to just sheet the deck and add lights.  Then I got to thinking that it would be nice to have it enclosed but I have a welding shop and it is kinda a pain to load steel into enclosed trailers.  So now I am thinking of either an awesome snowmobile trailer style flatbed and ad cabinets and an aluminum skirt, or should I figure out some type of soft sided enclosed where the sides will slide.   Which of these would you all find more useful and versatile?
Title: Re: building a hauler.
Post by: Wheelhorseracer on June 16, 2011, 08:01:45 am
COOL!!
Title: Re: building a hauler.
Post by: gtpuller on June 20, 2011, 11:27:32 pm
Ready to weld up back ramp/door

(http://i426.photobucket.com/albums/pp348/bjchap/tractor%20puller/th_DSCF0566.jpg) (http://s426.photobucket.com/albums/pp348/bjchap/tractor%20puller/?action=view&current=DSCF0566.jpg)
Title: Re: building a hauler.
Post by: gtpuller on June 26, 2011, 10:10:43 pm
Back door welded up and bolted together ready to mount have to figure out how to hinge it

(http://i426.photobucket.com/albums/pp348/bjchap/tractor%20puller/th_DSCF0570.jpg) (http://s426.photobucket.com/albums/pp348/bjchap/tractor%20puller/?action=view&current=DSCF0570.jpg)
Title: Re: building a hauler.
Post by: Squidd on June 27, 2011, 09:09:54 am
Pipe and pin...
Title: Re: building a hauler.
Post by: birdman_express on June 27, 2011, 09:10:25 am
Pipe and pin...

I will see if I can get you a pic of mine.
Title: Re: building a hauler.
Post by: Wheelhorseracer on June 27, 2011, 09:35:35 am
I was gonna say the same thing.. most big dollar haulers use this simple method..

Door Hinge Pins (http://www.etrailer.com/Enclosed-Trailer-Parts/Redline/HP12412G.html)

Check out the site.. it has tons of other great parts for the trailer..

Title: Re: building a hauler.
Post by: gtpuller on June 27, 2011, 10:11:05 am
I was gonna say the same thing.. most big dollar haulers use this simple method..

Door Hinge Pins (http://www.etrailer.com/Enclosed-Trailer-Parts/Redline/HP12412G.html)

Check out the site.. it has tons of other great parts for the trailer..


great site thanks
Title: Re: building a hauler.
Post by: gtpuller on August 23, 2011, 09:17:58 pm
progress finally


(http://i426.photobucket.com/albums/pp348/bjchap/tractor%20puller/th_DSCF0595.jpg) (http://s426.photobucket.com/albums/pp348/bjchap/tractor%20puller/?action=view&current=DSCF0595.jpg)


(http://i426.photobucket.com/albums/pp348/bjchap/tractor%20puller/th_DSCF0600.jpg) (http://s426.photobucket.com/albums/pp348/bjchap/tractor%20puller/?action=view&current=DSCF0600.jpg)
Title: Re: building a hauler.
Post by: Wheelhorseracer on August 23, 2011, 10:06:15 pm
I like that you put the extra hing in the middle.. I didn't do that when I build my first on and had to weld in a brace to keep it from bending...

Great job so far..
Title: Re: building a hauler.
Post by: gtpuller on August 23, 2011, 10:09:34 pm
I like that you put the extra hing in the middle.. I didn't do that when I build my first on and had to weld in a brace to keep it from bending...

Great job so far..

thanks. I bought the door latch hardware from the trailer place that you recommended, gonna mount it tomorrow.
Title: Re: building a hauler.
Post by: gtpuller on August 25, 2011, 09:30:37 pm
mounted door latch hardware today

(http://i426.photobucket.com/albums/pp348/bjchap/tractor%20puller/th_DSCF0602.jpg) (http://s426.photobucket.com/albums/pp348/bjchap/tractor%20puller/?action=view&current=DSCF0602.jpg)
Title: Re: building a hauler.
Post by: Squidd on August 25, 2011, 09:40:47 pm
You know we could put this in the "Other Builds" section if you don't mind...?
Title: Re: building a hauler.
Post by: gtpuller on August 25, 2011, 09:45:26 pm
please do randy
Title: Re: building a hauler.
Post by: gtpuller on August 31, 2011, 10:02:01 pm
installed the side door today. i have to weld the door latch together tomorrow using black pipe and galvanized pieces how much of the galvanization should i grind off? What would you use? Mig or arc welder and a fan blowin the zinc oxide away. I really dont want to get sick! I have never welded galvanized parts.

Thanks
Title: Re: building a hauler.
Post by: BIG AL 202 on August 31, 2011, 10:32:03 pm
Smells great doesn't it!
Title: Re: building a hauler.
Post by: DanW on September 01, 2011, 08:28:59 am
A big fan is a must even with thorough cleaning.
Title: Re: building a hauler.
Post by: Rooster on September 01, 2011, 10:36:27 am
Drink Milk!
Title: Re: building a hauler.
Post by: BIG AL 202 on September 01, 2011, 11:00:02 am
 :hijacked: :werd:
Title: Re: building a hauler.
Post by: gtpuller on September 01, 2011, 11:26:06 am
Drink Milk!
yeah I read that last night found an article on the net about that. Interesting read.
Title: Re: building a hauler.
Post by: Rooster on September 01, 2011, 11:28:57 am
:hijacked: :werd:
Lol, wasn't hijacking nothing, welders drink milk when they weld galvanized to keep from getting sick.
Title: Re: building a hauler.
Post by: BIG AL 202 on September 01, 2011, 01:09:12 pm
REALLY?   didn't know that, thats a new one on me.  As far as highjacking, just being a smarty alec. It did seem strange to say that.  Now reading this all I can say is oop's. good to know.
Title: Re: building a hauler.
Post by: gtpuller on September 02, 2011, 09:25:42 pm
Finished welding up the side door latch and mounted the side door. No problems welding the galvanized i was making a big deal out of nothing. Better safe than sorry i guess. I thing this door was almost more work than the back door was.


(http://i426.photobucket.com/albums/pp348/bjchap/tractor%20puller/th_DSCF0621.jpg) (http://s426.photobucket.com/albums/pp348/bjchap/tractor%20puller/?action=view&current=DSCF0621.jpg)
Title: Re: building a hauler.
Post by: rceagle1a on September 03, 2011, 09:42:02 am
I would really suggest a "V" nose or even one of those trailer bubble's on the front. We have been pulling a small flat front trailer and it will kill your fuel mileage!
Especially with that long tongue you have there you are really sticking that thing out in the wind!
Actually, Jon I think it is the hotdogs and donut's weighing down your trailer that is killing your mileage,lol. Just had to razz Rooster and Larry guys, not hijacking the thread. Trailer build looks really good!
Title: Re: building a hauler.
Post by: Rooster on September 06, 2011, 11:15:14 am
Actually, Jon I think it is the hotdogs and donut's weighing down your trailer that is killing your mileage,lol. Just had to razz Rooster and Larry guys, not hijacking the thread. Trailer build looks really good!
hot dogs are aero dynamic! And the donuts have a hole in them, they roll nicely!
Title: Re: building a hauler.
Post by: BIG AL 202 on September 08, 2011, 10:01:13 am
The holes make them weigh less, better gas milage. lol
Title: Re: building a hauler.
Post by: gtpuller on September 09, 2011, 10:54:51 pm

I finished up the door for the air compressor box on the front of the trailer today. I'm gonna mount it tomorrow.
I ordered fenders and a set of hinges on Wednesday and received them today. Everything that I have ordered from the link listed below has been delivered promptly and the quality of everything has been satisfactory I highly recommend this company.
http://www.etrailer.com/ (http://www.etrailer.com/)

I'm getting close to needing the skin to cover the plywood. I want to use .024 aluminum sheets. Does anyone have any recommendations as to a good place to source these materials? CHEAP?
Title: Re: building a hauler.
Post by: gtpuller on September 11, 2011, 08:43:53 pm
Mounted front door today. Gonna mount the fenders next couple of days.

(http://i426.photobucket.com/albums/pp348/bjchap/tractor%20puller/th_DSCF0626.jpg) (http://s426.photobucket.com/albums/pp348/bjchap/tractor%20puller/?action=view&current=DSCF0626.jpg)
Title: Re: building a hauler.
Post by: gtpuller on September 14, 2011, 06:18:14 pm
Primered and mounted the fenders today as well as made the brackets for the lights.


(http://i426.photobucket.com/albums/pp348/bjchap/tractor%20puller/th_DSCF0629.jpg) (http://s426.photobucket.com/albums/pp348/bjchap/tractor%20puller/?action=view&current=DSCF0629.jpg)
Title: Re: building a hauler.
Post by: gtpuller on September 21, 2011, 09:30:54 pm
I basically finished the roof today it is very strong. I can get up on it and walk around no problem.

(http://i426.photobucket.com/albums/pp348/bjchap/tractor%20puller/th_DSCF0632.jpg) (http://s426.photobucket.com/albums/pp348/bjchap/tractor%20puller/?action=view&current=DSCF0632.jpg)

(http://i426.photobucket.com/albums/pp348/bjchap/tractor%20puller/th_DSCF0634.jpg) (http://s426.photobucket.com/albums/pp348/bjchap/tractor%20puller/?action=view&current=DSCF0634.jpg)
Title: Re: building a hauler.
Post by: gtpuller on September 24, 2011, 10:26:32 pm
The last couple of days I treated all of the raw wood with Thompsons water seal, and painted the trailer frame. I'm going to run the wiring for the lights tomorrow. I hope to have the floor in by mid week next week. Then do the electrical wiring.



(http://i426.photobucket.com/albums/pp348/bjchap/tractor%20puller/th_DSCF0636.jpg) (http://s426.photobucket.com/albums/pp348/bjchap/tractor%20puller/?action=view&current=DSCF0636.jpg)
Title: Re: building a hauler.
Post by: gtpuller on September 27, 2011, 07:05:21 pm
I basically finished the trailer wiring today

(http://i426.photobucket.com/albums/pp348/bjchap/tractor%20puller/th_DSCF0638.jpg) (http://s426.photobucket.com/albums/pp348/bjchap/tractor%20puller/?action=view&current=DSCF0638.jpg)

(http://i426.photobucket.com/albums/pp348/bjchap/tractor%20puller/th_DSCF0640.jpg) (http://s426.photobucket.com/albums/pp348/bjchap/tractor%20puller/?action=view&current=DSCF0640.jpg)

Title: Re: building a hauler.
Post by: gtpuller on September 28, 2011, 09:31:26 pm
installed the floor today

(http://i426.photobucket.com/albums/pp348/bjchap/tractor%20puller/th_DSCF0642.jpg) (http://s426.photobucket.com/albums/pp348/bjchap/tractor%20puller/?action=view&current=DSCF0642.jpg)
Title: Re: building a hauler.
Post by: Wheelhorseracer on September 28, 2011, 09:34:56 pm
Nice job... did you tongue and groove it or are they just side by side?
Title: Re: building a hauler.
Post by: gtpuller on September 28, 2011, 09:56:57 pm
Just side by side but i am going to add a sheet of 1/2" treated plywood on top of them to seal up the seams.
Title: Re: building a hauler.
Post by: Wheelhorseracer on September 28, 2011, 10:17:41 pm
You could roll on roofing tar to the underside to protect the wood from underneath too
Title: Re: building a hauler.
Post by: cycloneracer on September 28, 2011, 11:33:57 pm
Use duplicolor roll on bed liner. On the floor. Works great and is easy to clean. Says it won't work on wood but it does. Scuff it up with a DA sander and 80 grit. It will fill the cracks as long as they aren't huge.

Do it in a WELL ventilated area. I used the texture rollers used to make wall paint have texture. It chews them up so you will need a couple. Just dump some on floor and start rolling......slowly or it flings everywhere.

Be sure to shake it up real well.

Makes a nice hard floor.  I spilled oil/gas and other stuff on it and it didn't mess it up. Sweeps up real nice when dirty too!

Paul
Title: Re: building a hauler.
Post by: Rooster on September 29, 2011, 10:06:17 am
Just side by side but i am going to add a sheet of 1/2" treated plywood on top of them to seal up the seams.
I don't think you want to do that. tried that once, it traps moisture between the floorboards and plywood and rots a floor out quick!
Title: Re: building a hauler.
Post by: LC on September 29, 2011, 03:41:22 pm
Agreed, ever tear down an old wooden fence or deck? The only rotten spots are where the boards were nailed or screwed together.
Title: Re: building a hauler.
Post by: gtpuller on September 29, 2011, 07:52:17 pm
I had to disconnect my trailer wiring from the tongue today. I was sitting around last night and had a revelation I didn't put safety chains on the tongue so I did that today    :bash:

(http://i426.photobucket.com/albums/pp348/bjchap/tractor%20puller/th_DSCF0644.jpg) (http://s426.photobucket.com/albums/pp348/bjchap/tractor%20puller/?action=view&current=DSCF0644.jpg)

(http://i426.photobucket.com/albums/pp348/bjchap/tractor%20puller/th_DSCF0645.jpg) (http://s426.photobucket.com/albums/pp348/bjchap/tractor%20puller/?action=view&current=DSCF0645.jpg)

Thank you every one for your comments on how to finish the floor all valid arguments and good ideas. I am using pressure treated lumber and the floor that i took out of the trailer was treated as well. It was a good 10 years old and was weathered but rot free. My experience with treated lumber has been good so I am going to stick with the way that I have the floor and before I lay the plywood I am going to add heavy tar paper between the layers and use pressure treated plywood.
Title: Re: building a hauler.
Post by: gtpuller on October 01, 2011, 10:07:06 pm
For the most part i finished up the electrical wiring for the trailer. I'm waiting on the connector that i am using to interface the generator to the trailer wiring. Hope to finish that up on Tuesday.

(http://i426.photobucket.com/albums/pp348/bjchap/tractor%20puller/th_DSCF0646.jpg) (http://s426.photobucket.com/albums/pp348/bjchap/tractor%20puller/?action=view&current=DSCF0646.jpg)


(http://i426.photobucket.com/albums/pp348/bjchap/tractor%20puller/th_DSCF0647.jpg) (http://s426.photobucket.com/albums/pp348/bjchap/tractor%20puller/?action=view&current=DSCF0647.jpg)
Title: Re: building a hauler.
Post by: philr85 on October 01, 2011, 10:54:24 pm
man thats a sweet trailer your building!
Title: Re: building a hauler.
Post by: gtpuller on October 08, 2011, 12:36:30 pm
The trailer is basically finished with the exception of the skin and misc. paint. I put a quick coat of polyeurethane on the shelves and finished up the electrical wiring the other day. I also covered the roof with tar paper. Now I just have to figure out how to get the dough to pay for it.

(http://i426.photobucket.com/albums/pp348/bjchap/tractor%20puller/th_DSCF0649.jpg) (http://s426.photobucket.com/albums/pp348/bjchap/tractor%20puller/?action=view&current=DSCF0649.jpg)
Title: Re: building a hauler.
Post by: gtpuller on April 15, 2012, 02:10:43 pm
6 months later!!!!!!!

(http://i426.photobucket.com/albums/pp348/bjchap/tractor%20puller/th_DSCF0783.jpg) (http://s426.photobucket.com/albums/pp348/bjchap/tractor%20puller/?action=view&current=DSCF0783.jpg)

(http://i426.photobucket.com/albums/pp348/bjchap/tractor%20puller/th_DSCF0784.jpg) (http://s426.photobucket.com/albums/pp348/bjchap/tractor%20puller/?action=view&current=DSCF0784.jpg)

(http://i426.photobucket.com/albums/pp348/bjchap/tractor%20puller/th_DSCF0785.jpg) (http://s426.photobucket.com/albums/pp348/bjchap/tractor%20puller/?action=view&current=DSCF0785.jpg)

I think by the end of next week it will be finished!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: building a hauler.
Post by: rceagle1a on April 15, 2012, 08:16:31 pm
I just got a good deal on a fixer upper 6x12 trailer with a side door. It has a 5/8ply floor. I'd like to lay another 1/4 inch of hardwoood ply underlayment over the existing ply. I plan to seal the joints in the origonal floor before putting down the underlayment. I should be fine to do that right? I also plan to reline the trailer with the underlayment as it is better than the junk in there now and I'll use the plastic.paneling joiner tracks at the joints. The 5/8 ply floor is just too flexy for my taste. Also what would you use for floor covering?
Title: Re: building a hauler.
Post by: gtpuller on April 15, 2012, 09:37:25 pm
I'm just makin this up as i go along no experience really but I have fixed imperfections in floors before covering them with durhams rock hard if you do that not sure you would need the underlayment. As far as floor covering someone suggested earlier in this thread that they have used pickup bed liner seems like that would pretty durable i have also seen epoxy type coverings too that may work could always go with the stick down tile.
 black and white checkerboard.
Title: Re: building a hauler.
Post by: gtpuller on April 30, 2012, 11:08:01 pm
Installed stainless steel latches in the door for the air compressor box

Disclaimer! The metal looks wrinkled in the photo. It isn't perfect but the photo makes it look way worse than it is!

everything that I ordered from etrailer.com  (http://etrailer.com) was of great quality and I would highly recommend them.

(http://i426.photobucket.com/albums/pp348/bjchap/tractor%20puller/th_DSCF0805.jpg) (http://s426.photobucket.com/albums/pp348/bjchap/tractor%20puller/?action=view&current=DSCF0805.jpg)

Installed the power connector for the generator to power the trailer

(http://i426.photobucket.com/albums/pp348/bjchap/tractor%20puller/th_DSCF0806.jpg) (http://s426.photobucket.com/albums/pp348/bjchap/tractor%20puller/?action=view&current=DSCF0806.jpg)