I've not had much time on it recently. Plan to this afternoon however, the welding is complete on the axles and a-frame and 90% on the tub. Picked up the Buffalo Board yesterday so I can dry fit that and make the tailgates and side extensions.
Before all that though I've got to clean the house from top to bottom and walk the dogs!!
not much moving on it at the moment. Waiting for a few bits of steel to be delivered in. We have all the component parts etc just no metal to get started! However it is due to be delivered on monday so hopefully it will be all welded up and off to the galvanisers by the end of the week.
Also waiting on an ATV general purpose stock trailer with removable mesh sides and headboard to come back from the galvanisers so we can get it fitted out and delivered to the farmer - who incidently is one of the directors of the Royal Highland Show! Will get some pics of it up once its back!
Final spec remained with the tandem walking beam axles mate! managed to trim the measurements of the trailer down so the load bed is just bigger than the Argocat dimensions. Going with mesh side panels to save weight. Still confident of getting it around the 200Kg mark, but time will tell! I will be making it so it can be converted to standard suspension units should it require it later on down the line. i carried out a fair few miles of road testing with our timber trailer fitted with walking beam axles to see how it handled and I am happy with the results.
All the welding is complete on the tub and chassis, and the Buffalo Board has been fitted as per the photos. Lower tail gate in and working as planned. Box ends have been capped and drain holes made for the hot dip galvanising.
Got the kids next door to come and assemble everything this morning so I could take it out for road and field trials.
Yet to add are a few tie down cleats, the removeable extension sides and upper tail gate. These will be 20x20x2 SHS skinned with pre-galvanised sheet or alluminium.
There wasn't much came to light during the field testing. At the minute it doesnt have bump stops for the beams, the tyre simply hits the underside of the deck. I'll probably fit stops before it's finished.
I'm going to weld collars around the ends of the axle tube where the stub slides in. I can see the hole becoming elongated with constant abuse and then the beams will be canted, the tyres leaning in and it will look old and tired.
I've got two spring bolts to hold the tub shut but these will be mounted on rivnuts which will go in after galvanising. (holes drilled previously)
The bare edges of the phenolic ply will be coated with resin before the final fit to keep the moisture out. These boards are pretty amazing, I have another trailer that often sits full of water and the ply board in the bottom is still as good as new.
Pics 1-3 , the kids getting stuck in and pretty pleased with themselves at the end. Ewan said there was no way his 125 Grizzly would fit on it .
Fairly pleased with it, lots of things I'd do differently if I was doing it again but that's learning for you.
It doesn't look in proportion, or the wheels are too small. And it's heavier than I'd hoped. I'll put it over a weighbridge when I get a chance and tell all.
looking ace Feen!!! did you go with Scottish Galvanizers in the end? That trailer will handle some abuse out in the woods! Have you left enough room to upgrade to 22-11-8 tyres if needed?
First thing on the list is 22 inch tyres. I'll get new beams knocked up ready for my next trip to the galvanisers. The current beams articulate beyond 45 degrees so there is plenty room.
It went to Newcastle, at the time it was easier and quicker. I'd like to try Glasgow the next time so I have a comparison.
awesome job on the trailer... gave me some ideas for mine now... i love the walking axles.. if you dont mind id like to build the same ones you built...
I notice you're on the scottish borders, theres a few local companies that do powdercoating that you could try if you wanting to get a price range for parts.
With these two:
Ewart Engineering,
Powdercoat Carlisle
If you mention Total Engineering Developments recommended you they'd maybe be a bit cheaper!