Trailer rebuild V3 - my ever suffering beast of burden

[h0ughy (David)]

well the old trailer was in need of new lights,( the old ones failed nearly a millennia ago), it was running on a LED panel for 9 years which failed last month. the layers of paint I have added over the past 20 years was in dire need of sanding off (HP water blaster and a sanding disk). My kids didn't know its original colour was a light blue.

So with masters closing down sale I went in search of metal rust paint which i got at 50% off for 5l - the last tin. Its a new green . I had to flip the trailer to paint the base which i have never done.

I bought an idiots trailer wiring kit - so i am hoping that i can fit the new lights and be operational very soon and should see another Queensland astrofest!!

[xelasnave]

Great work but the wheels go on the bottom.
Its a credit to you to get so many years out of a trailer. May your effort be rewarded with an uneventful and productive trip.
Alex

[glend (Glen)]

Looks very nice. I must do something similiar to mine, the old bulbs only work when they are wet. . Don't forget to check the wheel bearings.

[h0ughy (David)]

Originally Posted by glend

................. . Don't forget to check the wheel bearings.

good point

[h0ughy (David)]

Originally Posted by xelasnave

Great work but the wheels go on the bottom.
Its a credit to you to get so many years out of a trailer. May your effort be rewarded with an uneventful and productive trip.
Alex

i thought it would save on tyre wear

[h0ughy (David)]

and for those that know me - cable management may be an issue

[RB (Andrew)]

Originally Posted by h0ughy

and for those that know me - cable management may be an issue

hmmm, needless to say, you had an honourable mention in "The Medusa Files".

[h0ughy (David)]

well here is the final result - the lights worked first go no fiddling and i worked out how to have the number plate illuminated. lots of cable ties

[h0ughy (David)]

Ok so how do i fix this to the trailer?doesn't quite fit but its close

[glend (Glen)]

A welder or fabricator could make up four corner brackets/adaptors that slide down into the corner posts of the trailer and could be through bolted or welded in place on the trailer. Don't forget that the cage will add weight to your unbraked trailer, thus potentially reducing load capacity. The unbraked trailer capscity is limited to 750kg and that includes the weight of the trailer. Also those thin slipper springs will struggle with much weight. You can buy stronger slipper springs from Supercheap or a trailer parts outlet, and they usually fit the more modern slipper spring channels on box trailers. I replaced both springs on my unbraked box trailer and it made it more load carrying capable without adding more than a kilo or two to the weight - the replacement springs are rated to 900kg (as a pair). If your getting a welder in to make an adaptor for the cage i'd be getting him to put on some new slipper spring box section to give you a stronger rear slide section.

[h0ughy (David)]

ok went it alone and bolted one side then frankenstiened the other

its pretty secure