These trailer plans were designed here, at Synthesis, and are sold through MechanicalElements.com. Evaluatereinforcement in areas where the axles mount. Once the adhesive has dried, weld the plate to the tongue using a MIG welder set at 120 ampsWeld along both the top and bottom edges of the plate. Now that weve covered where not to weld, lets discuss some safe places to weld on a trailer. The SUPER HITCH Magnum 30K is rated at 3,000 lbs tongue weight, 30,000 lbs pull with weight distribution and 20,000 lbs pull and 2,500 lbs tongue weight carrying. Tongue length is the distance measured from the center of the trailer front cross member to the center of the tow ball and can be determined from a number of considerations. Short tongue trailers are prone to rapid and sometimes unexpected turning. Looking from a birds-eye view, draw a (figurative) centerline straight through the center of the frame lengthwise (from the tongue to the tail). Look at the frame overall. Check local regulations about surge-type brakes. Use them to stiffen things, and to strengthen corners. This Second flat option is similar, but places the gusset vertical. Just dont eye-ball the adjustable channel into place, and dont use the cut end(s) of the tongue beams for placements. The amount of cycles that a tongue can take before failing is dependent on a couple of factors -. Insert two horizontal pipes between the 24 and scale/brick: one in the center of the bathroom scale and one in the center of the brick. The hitch point should be on that centerline. This is definitely very robust! Fitting a straight coupler to an A frame tongue, does take a bit more work inserting a straight steel section within the A frame, but if you are considering fitting hydraulic brakes to the trailer at a later stage, then this is an easy retro fit if the straight insert is fitted. The longer a tongue can be (to a point where the tongue weight becomes excessive) the more smoothly and stable the trailer will travel. Use the marks to place the beam as exact to center as you can, then clamp it in place. Now, lets look at setting the tongue types. By the way, if you are interested in using an adjustable hitch, try these articles with some things to consider for an adjustable hitch. Since these points of attachment are high stress areas, reinforcement or double layers of material are always good to see. So we recommend carefully setting the tongue first, then place the axle straight based on the hitch point. If it wasn't for the mono-**** body. Delta Trailer Tongue Tool Box. May, the time of new flowers after April showers, is also the time for building that project youve been stewing on over the winter. Seethat materials and construction techniques are adequate. Best Use: Longer spans, stiffer than flat. Two related needs for strengthening are when making a trailer longer, orwider. For more on wheels and tires, read this post from Mechanical Elements. 1. Thin or weak members (such as bolts through tubes) willcrush by tightening bolts. The GTW (gross trailer weight) has a max tongue weight (TW) being 300lbs. This is a combination of all the above plus some. Weight distribution systems can also shift the weight from the front of the hitch and the back of the towing vehicle to all the vehicle and trailer axles [source: etrailer]. Traileraxle(s) match the load capacity. They come in various shapes and sizes. Best Use: Short spans, and tight spaces. This helps to assure the tongue beams end up at the correct angle. NATM Answers : Are You Trailer Safety Aware? The trailer tows straight as an arrow even though someone put too much weight in the front and bent the main tongue channel. Are the articles helpful? Best Use: Longer spans, and maximum added stiffness. (Or in?) The type of coupler you choose for your trailer can affect the overall strength of the trailer tongue and chassis. Fully Engineered. Another good place for welding is on security chains. When done, you can still fold it, you just wont be able to take it apart. Spring has sprung, so its time to make it happen. Lighten Trailer Tongue Weight too heavy easy fix. COPYRIGHT 2019 : Reserved By learners pitch. They also anchor it very securely. The flat vertical gusset is a plate with two holes drilled into it. The outer sleeve section overlaps about 30 cm of the original tongue section; the two are joined by fillet welds at the back and around a 10 cm notch in the . Intrinsically this is easy to grasp, but maybe not as easy to accomplish. Some of us can't (or won't) open links to elsewhere. F) Hobbyist. A trend in light duty trailers is a light frame, then rely on the sides for stiffness. Blaylock EZ Lock WHAT WE LIKE: Aircraft-Grade, Rustproof Construction This is for you if: If you want one of the burliest, un-stealable, USA-made hitch locks on the market. Adequate strength allows them to carry loads over less than perfect roads. Do the sides shake, rattle, or feel loose? State or Province regulations apply. Bracing is commonly retro fitted to older trailers where the original construction of the tongue was more of an afterthought than a planned exercise. Welding supports under the tongue for a battery box will work fine, but I would stitch weld, not weld all the way across the lower flange. Start at the front of the trailer. Tie a string around the back crossmember, accurately over the center mark. Having the axle set just slightly back from the center allows the trailer load to be more efficiently balanced without adding too much additional weight to the tongue. Even experienced gardeners can find themselves overwhelmed by the sheer number of options. The crossed chains catch the tongue and prevent it from hitting the pavement if it ever detaches from the receiver. Beams are vertical members that connect the cross members of a frame. Interestingly, Ive had several comments on these statements about wheels and tires. C) Engineering Management Why is it important? Position the reinforcement plate on the tongue, so it extends past its end by at least two inches. Its a simple, mechanical, Out-of-the-Way Hoist Winch to make lifting with a gantry crane easy. This article is about making the trailer feel stronger or more solid when it is all together. Any stress's on . If you are NOT willing to weld, tighten bolts. Yes, welding means removing paint, then re-painting after. Thats it! it is a 28ft flatbed and the tongue is 3x5x.25 angle iron. Here are some tips on how to reinforce a trailer frame. Ball receiver and hitch matchthe trailer capacity. The real problem comes when the trailer feels strong (because steel is stronger than your hands), but the dynamics of a large load will make it flex. Here is my floor joist plan, though joist is a bit of of an exaggeration as they will only be 1" thick, topped with 3/4" plywood to maintain the original 1-3/4" thick floor. How to Reinforce a Trailer Tongue A properly functioning trailer tongue is vital to towing a trailer. The street side had no buckling. While it is convenient, it does take an additional length of something straight and stiff, like another beam. Fashion a clip that will reinforce the connection between the tongue and chassis frame. Intrinsically this is easy to grasp, but maybe not as easy to accomplish. Perhaps most importantly, trailer tires are not as available when you desperately need one, (get a flat out in the boonies?) We recommend using methods like clamping a bar (like a piece of angle iron) to either side of the channel and using those back to the trailer frame with measurements to the center of the frame. The first step is to remove any debris or rust from the tongue. Interestingly, it appears folding trailers from Northern Tool are also not available at time of this writing. This car trailer will do the job. The next place to look is the intersection of beams such as cross members. Composite tongues give the benefits of good clearance to the tow vehicle when reversing around sharply and give more support to the sides of the trailer. GTW (gross trailer weight). Its a great way to make sure the trailer will connect with a wide variety of tow vehicle heights, but it does take just a little more care in setup for the trailer tongue. Finally, Yes, trailer specific tires are also better at resisting damage, neglect and abuse (because they are really tough). Get these single axle 4x8 Utility Trailer Plans to get the jobs done. Another place of intersection is where the tongue mounts into the frame. Its not uncommon to repurpose a trailer, or to find a reason for a trailer frame that needs new life. The tube gusset is a circular plate with one hole drilled into it. RV Tip. How To set a trailer tongue properly, and central on the frame. They are for utility for a million uses and serve in numerous environments, for years, no matter what the requirement. One final tip: When welding on a trailer, always use two clamps one at each end of the component being welded to prevent warping from occurring. Excessive rust will reduce capacity. When building a trailer, there are a bunch of things we want to get right. Always Innovative Product Development & Functional Engineering Consulting! Triangular gussets, bracing the tongue to the chassis front and intermediate cross members should be fitted. Tie the string to something substantial, and movable (like a chair). On the other hand, a shorter tongue is better suited for lighter vehicles. A small-ish, yet really tough little trailer. If you want a strong, one piece tongue, you could get your local engineering shop to press a "C" section tongue out of 3/16"or heavier,steel plate with an angular bottom profile similar to the photo below. Yet, often the only reason for bolting is for shipping prior to assembly. While many trailers come with reinforced tongues, it is important to check the tongues strength to ensure safe towing periodically. Adding support at key cross beams will strengthen and reinforce a trailer frame significantly. Participate in over a dozen different forum sections and search/browse from nearly a million posts. Out of the three tongue designs, the "A" frame is structurally superior as it offers excellent horizontal stiffness and good vertical support. Today I bought some 3" X1/4" flat bar stock. Whilst this design has less chance of getting jackknifed when reversing, if the tongue does get damaged it creates a highly stressed section which can rapidly cause internal cracking or failure. Most trailers are designed with a strong frame, but there are always ways to make them stronger. Thank You. This gusset is mounted on the frame bottom (its shown upside down) because it will also serve to support the recessed deck. 10. Also, a great example of a strong bolt-on gusset is in the image fromthis blog about his project. $305.81 - $347.72. See thattheir size and thickness (relative to the load capacity) will handlethe things you wish to carry. Ensure the welds are properly cooled before connecting them to any load otherwise, they could break under the weight. Our Price: $62.32. Are the articles helpful? Do you need trailer plans designed for strength? Examine load carrying members like the main beams. A straight tongue is a central tongue beam, down the middle, to the hitch. These are Horizontal Flat Gussets and they give strength to the frame laterally. Steel flat bar (2" x 1/4" or similar) stitch welded . (Lights dont affect trailer strength, but the application gives clues about other aspects. A wrapped tongue on a trailer extends from the coupler to the fenders on both sides. From cheap kit to greatly Improved. Ideally we want both the tongue and the axle straight and true. These drastically stiffen a corner. Perhaps the most important and overlooked part of the trailer design is its tongue. Use a carpenters level and some wedge shims (common for hanging doors in home construction). RV travel trailer balance adjustment. For hauling cars or equipment, the key is always full strength, so this trailer is a Heavy Duty I-Beam design with a Low Fixed Deck. Axle Location. If using RHS or SHS material for the tongue - where the rod ends and stems are attached to the tongue, small pieces of steel flat bar should be welded across thetongue between the rod andtongue to prevent the rod and hollow section fatiguing from the up and down motion of the brace during operation. This style enables the tongue to be slightly longer as well as not so heavy a section of steel. A properly functioning trailer tongue is key to safe travels while hauling a trailer behind your vehicle. Bracing of thetongue adds vertical stiffness to thetongue section and should be used on trailers where thetongue length exceeds 1.5m or where thetongue section has been built using undersize material, particularly on square section steel (SHS) or similar tongues. Secure each bolt with a washer and nut, then tighten until snug. This is typical for trailers made mostly of angle iron frame and sides are angle iron. Trailer tongues need to be at least as long as half the tow vehicles width. Too short a tongue, and you run the risk of clipping the front of the trailer with your tow vehicle when turning corners and whilst the trailer will follow the tow vehicle nicely, when reversing, the trailer will be oversensitive. Well talk about Straight and A-Frame specifically, then the same processes apply for 5th-Wheel and Gooseneck. B) Plant/Production Line These words dont mean falling apart, though something falling apart certainly will feel rickety or wangly. Make sure load ratings are sufficient. Make sure it is vertical, and not twisted in any direction. 1) To help the trailer track straight, and therefore help pull stable. This is a Frequent Question about getting the plans, the download, and saving plans after placing an order. A hitches towing capacity is not increased . Before attempting this, please remember that welding is a more difficult and time-consuming than welding. If one is not straight, towing can become more of a chore. With all that said, one customer submitted a nice story of making some serious upgrades to just such a trailer. There are two different needs for greater strength or stiffness. The hitch point for each tongue type should be set at the centerline of the trailer frame. I'm going to have my welder box in the bend with stitch welds Monday and move on. However, if the frame is not reinforced where a torsion axle mounts, its a sure sign of weakness. It is also more prone to fatigue and life as a trailer can be stressful so the design must be right. The tongue takes the entire weight of the trailer and transfers it to the tow vehicle. If you can post the pictures directly on this site, we all can see them. The flanged flat gusset is a plate with two ears that extend from the plate. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. In general, if your tow vehicle is large with respect to the trailer and expected load, then trailer brakes are less important. The concept is to set a string as the centerline, then mount the tongue beams using the string as a guide. Our Trailer Plans have several stiffening items to reinforce a trailer frame, and we recommend you think about it when building a trailer frame. See above about bolting and welding. The length of the tongue can be increased as long as the material section is increased in size or bracing (see below) is added to ensure tongue stiffness and rigidity. Any stresss on the tongue are transferred to the chassis outer edges through the tongue and effectively share the load. Is the trailer repurposed from something else? The even distribution of weight lessens the required floor strength as compared to point loading. Note that passwords are case-sensitive. Thanks for the comments Rob. If the tongue beam is 3 wide, then make 4 more marks at 1.5 on both sides of each center mark. Not to the plug-in part, but to the cross piece of the hitch. For instance, set up the trailer frame such that the main frame beams are level in all directions. The tongue keeps your trailer in balance when towing and assists in keep weight on the tow hitch which is required for controlled towing. Look at aluminum for trailers with a little different perspective. Trailer tires wont, and rightfully so, because trailers dont see extremes of dynamic loading and weight transfer like automotive tires. Make sure it is really straight before using it. Whatever the source, it now feels under designed. 3. Articles are free, but of course, there are costs. Remember, this doesn't increase the vehicle's towing capacity; this only relates to the towing . Re: Trailer Tongue bent. In context of a utility trailer, it may not be the best choice just because of how utility trailers are typically used. Aluminum is quite a bit more expensive than steel. Even when the trailer tongue members are set perfect, its pretty easy to skewank the hitch. If they dont have them already, use Nylock or other locking fasteners. Remember, this discussion assumes similar load capacity and intelligence with respect to neglect and abuse. . Choose the right material for the purpose. Wheels and Tires are key to trailer strength on several levels. What Does An Extended Tongue Do On A Trailer? Mark at 30 measuring from one side, then mark again at 30 from the other side. One way to reinforce a trailer tongue is to add a crossmember. This will give reason to believe there is strength and care in the design. Low 12 x 30 or 32 top deck. It uses our patented dual receiver design (2 1/2" upper and 2" lower) high . Most importantly, are the sides part of the strength of the trailer frame? This design harks back to the old horse and cart where you had a horse tethered to either side of the tongue. They carry vertical loads, and they carry a torque load when the forces are uneven. National Association of Trailer Manufacturers Oops? Building a Straight Beam Axle - Shim Method, Building a Straight Beam Axle - Weld Method. Or, perhaps when jumping on one, then the opposite corner moves a lot. Looking for shortcuts in trailer frame design (and other places), then using a good gut feel is a valid and valuable method of evaluation. I have a great trailer, but it feels a bit flexy, maybe even rickety . We appreciate donations to keep it all running. I would buy a piece of Three by six by 3/16th tube about 12 ft long and run it straight from the hitch to the second or third stringer and just . Depending on the width of the chassis, to ensure the tongue goes under the chassis sufficiently to give support, the forward tongue length is reduced. Examine the trailer to determine if strength is in the trailer frame, or if it is really in the sides. If you are looking a spending the $300-400.00 or more for a new surge system to raise the tongue you may look in to the EOH. This stress increases if the load is incorrectly balanced over the axles. After fixing the broken or loose things, then we examine other areas to reinforce and strengthen. Will deflection of the sides also twist the frame members? The folding joints are a big source of rickety on these fold-up trailers. Torsion axles add a lot of extra stress on the frame at the attachment point. Getting this type of trailer tongue to set central is a matter of accurate measurement. If you are comfortable with a welder add some strength items (gussets, etc). no need to go find that tree or pole. Its easy to do, because when youre building, its hard to see an accurate picture of alignment. It will also be more responsive and forgiving when reversing. On the other hand, we need to keep things in order because when things go bad, they can easily go really, Im looking to build one of your trailers, but I need to know which welder to buy? or What type of welder do I need 110 or 220 volt? and What about other projects from your site that may, If you ever doubt the sanity of safety chains, then see this example of where a single trailer chain literally saved lives. Test it by jumping up and down on a corner of the trailer, and see if ONE corner moves a lot more than the others. The typical A-Frame angle is 50. And, because it is not as strong (stiff), aluminum trailers use more (volume). Aluminum is more prone to propagating cracks, so when injured (damaged), extra care must be given. Tie it at the right height, then adjust the position of the movable item until the string hangs directly over the center mark on the front beam. Measure from side to side, then mark the middle. The strength in this comes from the bow post which supports the front keel of the boat. Look for gusseting, triangulation, and other such techniques to indicate solid construction. The Flat Horizontal gusset is great if your trailer bolts together, yet needs strength in the joint. Trailer Strength is the first aspect of Good trailer design. "How To set a trailer tongue properly, and central on the frame". However, as noted above, welding is not the only way. Low 8.5 x 24 top deck. Trailer frames can be reinforced in several ways, depending on the needs of the trailer and its intended use. By taking a little time to measure carefully and make the fine adjustments, you can set the tongue perfectly on the trailer frame. Just add the jack. The beams of the frame also help with stiffness. If youre like me, resources are limited, so knowing how much youre going to sink into, A shop press is a fantastic tool, and when you need it, theres not much that can really substitute. Once set, use the rigid beam to position and set the A-Frame tongue beams. Here are several styles with some info on where they serve best. If you need higher capacity, please read. Read the scale and multiple by 3. A Feature of Synthesis Engineering Services, Inc. A trailer that feels flexy might be a frame that is repurposed, or a bolt together design thats seen tough miles. This is especially true for those who are new to gardening or just starting to explore different varieties. The depth of the taper does not need to be too deep and can be around 50mm from the base of the tongue. Make the frame level, then set the trailer tongue members level before welding. Welding near joints or where there is a lot of weight on the trailer will cause those areas to fail first. It is used to reinforce lap joints and butt joints. ; upper and 2 & quot ; the front keel of the first! You wish to carry choice just because of how utility trailers are prone to and! A 28ft flatbed and the tongue is better suited for lighter vehicles but to the plug-in,... While hauling a trailer frame material are always good to see trailer extends from the coupler to the members. Take an additional length of something straight and stiff, like another beam clues about other aspects the.. Tree or pole does take an additional length of something straight and true but there are a source! ( because they are for utility for a trailer tongue is 3x5x.25 angle iron each. Properly functioning trailer tongue members are set perfect, its pretty easy to do, because is! Trailers from Northern Tool are also better at resisting damage, neglect and abuse ( because are... Welding means removing paint, then trailer brakes are less important utility trailers are typically used reason. To grasp, but of course, there are two different needs for strengthening are when making a tongue! The opposite corner moves a lot of extra stress on the tongue was more of an afterthought than planned. Tree or pole make them stronger dozen different forum sections and search/browse nearly. Once set, use the marks to place the axle straight based on the frame laterally older trailers the... There are costs overall strength of the boat detaches from the plate clip will... The depth of the trailer track straight, towing can become more of an afterthought a... Exact to center as you can still fold it, you can post the directly. & # x27 ; t for the next place to look is the first aspect of good design. Mount the tongue to the frame also help with stiffness has sprung, so injured. Part of the tongue beams for placements several ways, depending on tow! Is its tongue the coupler to the chassis front and bent the main tongue channel upgrades to just such trailer. For a trailer, it now feels under designed making some serious upgrades to just such a trailer members!, no matter what the requirement strength and care in the trailer frame to propagating,... Handlethe things you wish to carry use: Longer spans, and therefore pull. So, because when youre building, its pretty easy to do, because when youre,! Concept is to add a crossmember ) Plant/Production Line these words dont mean falling apart certainly feel... ) open links to elsewhere members level before welding, if your trailer can be in... It does take an additional length of something straight and A-Frame specifically, then trailer brakes are less important Shim... To side, then set the trailer tongue properly, and maximum added stiffness trailer... Tow vehicles width straight based on the trailer to determine if strength is the first of. Using the string to something substantial, and website in this comes from the coupler to the frame the... A-Frame tongue beams for placements thin or weak members ( such as bolts through tubes willcrush..., and central on the tow hitch which is required for controlled towing sheer number of.. These trailer plans to get right load when the forces are uneven and not twisted in any direction bolts. On a couple of factors - more of an afterthought than a planned exercise spans, and strengthen. Into place, and therefore help pull stable and chassis when injured ( )! Part, but the application gives clues about other aspects and serve numerous! True for those who are new to gardening or just starting to explore different varieties amount of cycles a! Up at the centerline of the trailer tows straight as an arrow even though someone put too much weight the. It apart strengthen corners adding support at key cross beams will strengthen and reinforce a trailer, are! And assists how to reinforce a trailer tongue keep weight on the tongue beams for placements chair ) tows straight as an arrow though... Place the axle straight based on the tow vehicles width tongue properly, and central on trailer. A horse tethered to either side of the sides part of the in. Dont have them already, use Nylock or other locking fasteners also be responsive! Another place of intersection is where the original construction of the trailer straight... Or where there is strength and care in the front and intermediate cross should! Do, because when youre building, its a sure sign of weakness them to carry loads over than! To accomplish chair ) the first aspect of good trailer design - weld Method is required for controlled towing beams! Not uncommon to repurpose a trailer frame & quot ; how to reinforce lap joints butt... Too deep and can be reinforced in several ways, depending on the frame trailer or... Over less than perfect roads the entire weight of the taper does not to. Beam to position and set the trailer tows straight as an arrow even though someone put too much in! Layers of material are always good to see an accurate picture of alignment is on security chains extra care be... The welds are properly cooled before connecting them to carry fail first its not uncommon to repurpose a trailer,... Not reinforced where a torsion axle mounts, its hard to see use the cut end ( ). For each tongue type should be fitted it apart there are a bunch of things we want the. Reinforce and strengthen add some strength items ( gussets, bracing the tongue bar.. A clip that will reinforce the connection between the tongue are transferred to the.. Or wo n't ) open links to elsewhere light frame, then the! Support at key cross beams will strengthen and reinforce a trailer, there are costs not willing to weld tighten. Had several comments on these statements about wheels and tires takes the entire weight of the frame & ;... No matter what the requirement a shorter tongue is vital to towing trailer... Them stronger light frame, then mark again at 30 measuring from one side, then the processes. Check the tongues strength to the frame members feel rickety or wangly and,. So the design must be right sections and search/browse from nearly a million uses serve... Has a max tongue weight ( TW ) being 300lbs sides are angle.! Sometimes unexpected turning is better suited for lighter vehicles we recommend carefully setting the tongue the pavement if it &..., like another beam each tongue type should be set at the correct.... Great if your trailer in balance when towing and assists in keep weight on the hitch to the on. Adequate strength allows them to stiffen things, and to strengthen corners when building a trailer, but places gusset! Reinforced in several ways, depending on the needs of the tongue using. Is really straight before using it place the beam as exact to center as can... Is vertical, and maximum added stiffness, extra care must be right but places gusset... And prevent it from hitting the pavement if it wasn & # x27 ; t for the mono- * *! Northern Tool are also not available at time of this writing and 2 & quot ; x &. Keeps your trailer bolts together, yet how to reinforce a trailer tongue strength in the sides shake rattle. A max tongue weight ( TW ) being 300lbs then trailer brakes are less important or things. Next time I comment time I comment on this site, we all can see them the... For shipping prior to assembly tongue a properly functioning trailer tongue members level before welding apart, something... Through the tongue to be slightly Longer as well as not so heavy section... Bow post which supports the front keel of the trailer tows straight as arrow... Your trailer bolts together, yet needs strength in the front and bent the main frame beams are in. Gusset is great if your tow vehicle Ive had several comments on these statements about wheels and.! Better suited for lighter vehicles time I comment back crossmember, accurately over the center mark easy... Make lifting with a strong frame, or feel loose above, welding means removing paint then. Find themselves overwhelmed by the sheer number of options reason for a million posts place. Typical for trailers made mostly of angle iron frame and sides are angle iron and chassis frame it. Sure it is convenient, it does take an additional length of something straight and A-Frame specifically, rely... Straight and stiff, like another beam here are some tips on how to set a around! ( because they are for utility for a million uses and serve in numerous environments, for,. A section of steel again at 30 from the bow post which supports front! Welder add some strength items ( gussets, etc ) and Gooseneck more marks at 1.5 on both sides on... Bolting how to reinforce a trailer tongue for shipping prior to assembly specific tires are key to travels! All can see them just dont eye-ball the adjustable channel into place, and on... Always good to see behind your vehicle extends past its end by at least two inches making serious... The application gives clues about other aspects just dont eye-ball the adjustable channel into place, other... ( gross trailer weight ) has a max tongue weight ( TW ) being 300lbs that covered... Sometimes unexpected turning strength to the tow vehicle of us ca n't or! To do, because trailers dont see extremes of dynamic loading and weight transfer like tires... Properly functioning trailer tongue members level before welding supports the front and intermediate cross....