As a simplistic introduction to beam loading, this article discusses the complications in calculating stresses and deflection. While it’s pretty easy to calculate beam loading for simple theoretical cases, very few beams are actually simple. A trailer frame, for instance,
Force
Low Profile Trailer Suspension
Every once in a while something unique catches my eye. This time it’s a low profile trailer suspension that does much the same as torsion axles — but in a way to allow tandem axle load sharing. As I’ve looked at it more, there are some really interesting advantages
Engineering: Welding Trailer Spring Brackets
There is some disagreement in trailer building about how to weld-on trailer spring brackets (also known as spring hangers). Some of you have sent questions about which techniques are best, especially
Tricks To Weigh Heavy Things
Do you need to weigh something really heavy but don’t have access to an industrial scale? How can I weigh heavy things — like my trailer frame — without a specialty scale? When we look at “Where Does The Axle Go” and other build objectives, often it is not convenient to haul things down to … Read more
Calculating Axle Position
There’s always more to it. Our previous post titled “Where Does The Axle Go?” has spawned a lot of great questions. Here is one in particular asking some very relevant info about calculating axle position.
How To Make A Trailer Longer
Sometimes I wish my trailer was longer. Is there an easy way to make a trailer longer? Is that even possible? And, what are the limits
What Is The Right Trailer Tongue Length?
How long should a trailer tongue be? Is there a standard or is it totally arbitrary? Let’s get some answers on this fun trailer tongue length topic.
Practical Safety With A Crane
Nothing ruins a pleasant day quite like a goose egg on your head, or a throbbing finger pinch. Avoiding those things (and, of course, the much more disastrous potential events) is
Tips To Strengthen A Trailer Frame
I have a great trailer, but it feels a bit flexy, maybe even rickety . . . How can I strengthen a trailer frame? How can I stiffen it?
Trailer Build: Where Does The Axle Go?
Trailer axle position? This is a good question. Unfortunately, there is some popular, but misleading information around.
The Low-Down On Twisting Safety Chains
Should you twist trailer safety chains to make them shorter? Certainly twisting them reduces the length so they don’t drag the ground. That part is good. However, there are big issues with twisting safety chains?
Trailer Safety Chains?
Do they accomplish the intended purpose? Or are trailer safety chains just a legal pain in the rear?
Comparison: Steel vs Aluminum – Part 2
In the debate about Steel vs Aluminum in beams like trailer frames and gantry cranes, there is one big piece of the equation you don’t often hear so much about.
Force, Displacement & Bloody Knuckles
Is there anything more annoying (painful and frustrating) than busting a knuckle when working on things in the shop? To many of us, blood sacrifices are just part of getting a project done, but