Another Trailer thread
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FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Nov 2010
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From: N. IL
Another Trailer thread
This one is potentially for the Cubs. They need some sort of covered trailer and this one is available for cheap.
I'm not sure what type of braking system this is; air over hydraulic?
Some sheet metal damage, crow bar on the door? A/C? Room for lots of pipes. A real axle, no pumpkin.
Some pics:
I'm not sure what type of braking system this is; air over hydraulic?
Some sheet metal damage, crow bar on the door? A/C? Room for lots of pipes. A real axle, no pumpkin.
Some pics:
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3,472
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From: Southern Cal
I see those are surge brakes. Many boat trailers used those before discs. When you slow the drive vehicle down, the ball pressure initiates pressure on the hydraulic system to activate the brakes, usually drums.
You can see what brake fluid does to paint!
Looks like it needs a brake overhaul as any trailer in CA with a gross weight of 1,500 lbs or more, requiring brakes.
I'm not sure of the original mfg but a very common set up and parts easily available. Fulton maybe? I know Trailerite uses these same parts.
Also, it might be a 2 5/16" ball, not 2" so be careful before hauling.
I'd say, just change the paint from school bus orange to Boy Scout brown and you'll be good to go.
You can see what brake fluid does to paint!
Looks like it needs a brake overhaul as any trailer in CA with a gross weight of 1,500 lbs or more, requiring brakes.
I'm not sure of the original mfg but a very common set up and parts easily available. Fulton maybe? I know Trailerite uses these same parts.
Also, it might be a 2 5/16" ball, not 2" so be careful before hauling.
I'd say, just change the paint from school bus orange to Boy Scout brown and you'll be good to go.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,489
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From: Severance, CO
yeah that's a surge brake system.... it may be money and time (mostly time) ahead to swap that hitch out for a fresh one...
coat of paint would do wonders, and goes without saying some good tires! inspect the wireing and get the brakes up to snuff.... from the pictures looks simple enough.
coat of paint would do wonders, and goes without saying some good tires! inspect the wireing and get the brakes up to snuff.... from the pictures looks simple enough.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,489
Likes: 50
From: Severance, CO
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Hotshot
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From: Whittier, CA
Gotta be worth $200, but the labor that could be put into it could be limitless, depending on how good it needs to look.
I think I would inspect it to see if it is going to be weatherproof as is. If not, too much work is needed to fix leaks. If it is, replace that A/C unit with some kind of improvised sky light. Then at least it will be secure storage for their gear. Forget straightening the sheet metal. Too much labor involved.
It is going to need all new wiring and lamp fixtures. And you already know about the need for new brakes. Tires probably. If it has valid registration, that's a big plus. You won't need an inspection.
We had a big issue with storage. No one wanted the thing sitting on their property. Even the church that sponsored the troop was not happy about it sitting on their lot (waffled back and forth on it, once we already had it). Someone donated that enclosed trailer, so zero cost to the troop, and it was till a problem thing at times. Storage, who owns it, maintenance, who is safe to tow it, etc. It was a decent looking enclosed trailer too, but sitting around it still got filthy, cobwebs, leaves, even graffiti. Just some downsides to think about. It sure was nice to hitch up and go. Cut hours off the time involved in an outing.
I think I would inspect it to see if it is going to be weatherproof as is. If not, too much work is needed to fix leaks. If it is, replace that A/C unit with some kind of improvised sky light. Then at least it will be secure storage for their gear. Forget straightening the sheet metal. Too much labor involved.
It is going to need all new wiring and lamp fixtures. And you already know about the need for new brakes. Tires probably. If it has valid registration, that's a big plus. You won't need an inspection.
We had a big issue with storage. No one wanted the thing sitting on their property. Even the church that sponsored the troop was not happy about it sitting on their lot (waffled back and forth on it, once we already had it). Someone donated that enclosed trailer, so zero cost to the troop, and it was till a problem thing at times. Storage, who owns it, maintenance, who is safe to tow it, etc. It was a decent looking enclosed trailer too, but sitting around it still got filthy, cobwebs, leaves, even graffiti. Just some downsides to think about. It sure was nice to hitch up and go. Cut hours off the time involved in an outing.
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 17,400
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From: Whittier, CA
Another thought on brakes - surge brakes suck hard!
Look into replacing them with standard electric brakes. You can buy complete hub assemblies with brakes already assembled, to fit just about any trailer spindle out there. I would research that before investing anything in repairing surge brakes. You're going to be rewiring the whole thing anyway, so not an issue to include brake wiring.
Look into replacing them with standard electric brakes. You can buy complete hub assemblies with brakes already assembled, to fit just about any trailer spindle out there. I would research that before investing anything in repairing surge brakes. You're going to be rewiring the whole thing anyway, so not an issue to include brake wiring.
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2010
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From: Southern Cal
Pops and me reviewing this morning. One question we brought up was how many other dads will be pulling? If others, each will need a vehicle brake controller vs just the surge requiring the correct ball. It will have a safety brake away switch if someone looses the trailer.
Food for thought.
Food for thought.
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FTE Chapter Leader
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From: N. IL
Thanks for all the inputs; all valid points on lots of body ^electrical work, storage, ability to pull with questionable vehicles down the road, and revolving door on owners. Next year I'm out and the next generation of dad's may not want the yellow elephant.
Meantime i'm working down south this week.
Meantime i'm working down south this week.
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