Before I get into this, yes I know trailers are shipped out from their manufacturer and are already certified for a certain payload. I am not sure if I can get it recertified locally. if not my province has a "u-built" trailer route I can go. Basically pay an inspection fee and get it inspected and then they assign a VIN. I assume they look at structure, axle size, brakes, etc and then assign what it is rated for, but I still have to do some more research/calling around. The goal here is something that will be safe for me to tow and not endangering others on the road. Unfortunately a custom built trailer is not in my budget.
I am not going to get into my profession here, but I need to move 3000-5000 pounds of test weights. These are in the form of 500 pound "test weight" carts. I need to use the trailer probably about once a month. Drop weights off and then come back and pick them up. Most drives are locally, but we have jobs a few hours away. 5000lbs+ trailer is probably pushing the limits of the work van I currently have, so I understand if it is unrealistic and it may be better just to do 2 trips. I have talked to my employer about getting a 3/4 ton van when mine is ready for replacement.
I am limited on space and don't want a big trailer (harder to maneuver at jobs, find parking, storing, etc). I also would like to store all the test weights in the trailer when not being used. Hence, a cargo trailer. I was torn between 8x5 and 6x10. Ended up getting a 8x5 as it was newer (2020), had increased head space/rear door so I don't have to duck when pushing carts in and out and had a rear ramp door vs barn door. It checked all the boxes but was more than I wanted to spend, but that just seems to be the norm now.
The trailer is currently rated for 1874 lbs payload and has a GAWR of 2990 lbs. It has a 3" tube chassis, crossmembers are same material but there are 2 intermediate ones that are angle iron. 3/4" plywood floor. 2 1/8" coupler.
Let's start with tires and axle. It looks like either a 6000 or 7000lbs axle would be required. From what I've seen standard available trailer tires it looks like I would need to step up to a 235/80R16 regardless of what capacity axle I go with? The other option is to add dual 3500# axles, but not sure how this would work on such a small trailer. The axle size is not standard, so I will have to get make to order (67.5" wide, 4" drop). I will also get electric trailer brakes and higher capacity leaf springs.
Now as for the chassis. I am thinking replacing the angle iron cross members with tubing is probably where to start. Also, I think going to a 2 5/16" coupler would be a good upgrade. I stopped at a local trailer/spring shop and the owner said aside from adding a few more crossmembers, it might be a good idea to upgrade the rails on the "Vee" portion that go the coupler with some heavier C- channel...
I am not going to get into my profession here, but I need to move 3000-5000 pounds of test weights. These are in the form of 500 pound "test weight" carts. I need to use the trailer probably about once a month. Drop weights off and then come back and pick them up. Most drives are locally, but we have jobs a few hours away. 5000lbs+ trailer is probably pushing the limits of the work van I currently have, so I understand if it is unrealistic and it may be better just to do 2 trips. I have talked to my employer about getting a 3/4 ton van when mine is ready for replacement.
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I am limited on space and don't want a big trailer (harder to maneuver at jobs, find parking, storing, etc). I also would like to store all the test weights in the trailer when not being used. Hence, a cargo trailer. I was torn between 8x5 and 6x10. Ended up getting a 8x5 as it was newer (2020), had increased head space/rear door so I don't have to duck when pushing carts in and out and had a rear ramp door vs barn door. It checked all the boxes but was more than I wanted to spend, but that just seems to be the norm now.
The trailer is currently rated for 1874 lbs payload and has a GAWR of 2990 lbs. It has a 3" tube chassis, crossmembers are same material but there are 2 intermediate ones that are angle iron. 3/4" plywood floor. 2 1/8" coupler.
Let's start with tires and axle. It looks like either a 6000 or 7000lbs axle would be required. From what I've seen standard available trailer tires it looks like I would need to step up to a 235/80R16 regardless of what capacity axle I go with? The other option is to add dual 3500# axles, but not sure how this would work on such a small trailer. The axle size is not standard, so I will have to get make to order (67.5" wide, 4" drop). I will also get electric trailer brakes and higher capacity leaf springs.
Now as for the chassis. I am thinking replacing the angle iron cross members with tubing is probably where to start. Also, I think going to a 2 5/16" coupler would be a good upgrade. I stopped at a local trailer/spring shop and the owner said aside from adding a few more crossmembers, it might be a good idea to upgrade the rails on the "Vee" portion that go the coupler with some heavier C- channel...
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