Trailer Re-Working - 03-19-2008

The trailer that I can tow behind my ATV needed some work to make it useful for hauling rocks/gravel as well as for hauling camping gear. We replaced the axle and suspension, and built a new bed for it.
  • This is what the trailer looked like when I started (well, it had a bit of wear on it that you don't see here).
  • This is what the trailer looks like now.
  • We started by chopping the ends of the axle off. The axle was bent in several different directions from being overloaded and abused.
  • Here is one end of the axle and the wheel/tire.
  • Brand new leaf spring and hanger set.
  • Test fit of the leaf springs.
  • Rebuilt axle assembled and ready to be welded.
  • Test fit with rebuilt axle and tongue.
  • Getting ready to weld.
  • Here's Eugene, working his magic.
  • Everything is welded up and painted with a fresh coat of Rustoleum Performance Enamel (otherwise known as Concentrated Evil).
  • Here's a good view of the shiny new axle, leaf springs, and shock absorbers.
  • Upgraded to a lynchpin with a nice big handle to pull on. This will be helpful when the trailer is fully loaded and there is a lot of pressure on the pin.
  • The box is rigidly bolted all of the way through with nylon-insert locknuts and Simpson Strong-Ties (used in house construction). Most of the upright 2x4s are also bolted through, although this picture does not show it well. I didn't have enough bolts on hand to put them all of the way through the front two uprights, but they are attached with very large wood screws from the inside.
  • The pivot point for the tailgate is a 2x4 held in with three very large wood screws per side. The hinges are made for gates much larger than the 12" x 33" plywood they are holding.
  • A heavy duty spring clip on a chain, bolted all of the way through the 2" frame, holds the tailgate closed via a U-bolt. The wood will tear apart before this comes loose.
  • There is also a lighter chain which holds the tailgate partially open if desired.
  • Here is the trailer in dumping position.
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