I got around to cleaning up may things over the week and weekend along with a surprise of the suspension being delivered Friday evening, so I got after it on Saturday.
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| Receiver Hitch Back-end Boxed-in |
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| Trailer Tongue Ends Boxed-in |
So when I started building the frame, I had not decided on what type of suspension to purchase. I did not want a leaf spring setup as the main axle hangs too low and impacts from potholes transfer to the other wheel and makes for a rougher ride on the trailer. I looked at torsion axles but if the torsion springs ever wear out, you have to replace the entire axle so I went with the Timbren axle-less suspension. I figured there would probably be a conflict in which the bolt holes landed on one of the x-frames. I moved the axle center-line 3.75 inches closer to the tongue to avoid the conflict, and since the bulk of the suspension weight is towards the front, I figured I would not be ass-heavy.
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| Cross Frame Conflict with Bolt Side Bolt Holes |
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| 3.75 Inch Re-position of Axle Centerline |
To make sure I did not have any conflicts with doors or fenders, I re-laid out the axle and wheel location on the CADD drawing and all is good.
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| Original Axle Location |
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| New Timbren Axle Location |
I had to grind the x-frame member weld smooth and also needed to take a little material from the x-member because I did not weld this particular x-frame member flush with the perimeter frame.
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| Leveling of x-frame with perimeter frame; took approx 1/32 off the x-frame |
You have 2 options with Timbren; add a support plate and bolt through the side frame and up through the support plate or you can bolt through the side of the frame only and run a 2x2 square tube support piece between both suspension units that have built-in sockets to receive the tube (shown below on right) I moved forward with the gusseted plate to keep the clearance as high as possible, plus I have a x-frame within 3 inches of where Timbren wants the added support. I figure I can always add the support tube later if needed.
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| Support plate tack welded |
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| Location of receivers for x-member |
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| Support plate welded, ground and drilled |
In order to assure everything is perfect so the trailer runs straight and excessive tire wear is limited, the axle centers cannot be off more than 1/8 inch from the center of the tongue. Since I'm working alone and this measurement is taken multiple times, I tack welded a nail on the center of the tongue receiver so I could re-measure from side to side with ease.
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| 16d nail tack welded to tongue for hooking the tape measure onto the head |
I made all measurements from the nail head to the center of the grease zerk centered in the axle.
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| Left side measured to center of grease zerk |
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| Right side measured to center of grease zerk |
I am pleased to say, even after checking these dimensions 10+ times as I initially set the suspension, drilled the holes, bolted it up, taking the suspension on and off several times, it came out perfectly!
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| All Bolted up and ready to go! |
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As long as the trailer frame is upside down, I added a couple last items before I flip it over. Installed the hubs, safety chain connection and the tongue jack.
I have been deliberating on the wheel and tire style for awhile now but I finally made my decision now that the axle is installed and am sure which offset I want for the trailer wheels. Time to order the wheels and tires this week, take the trailer on a test run and clean up the frame for paint.
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