Had my new 19' flatbed trailer out today to pickup 4500 lb of 6" I beam 24' long that I got from a plant closure for 12 cents a pound. I'm going to use them to build a small overhead crane for my shop.

I was really glad to have the removable fenders to load the beams from the center of the trailer without tearing them up with the fork truck we used. This was a good investment in my trailer. I also plan on upgrading to an aluminum fender that has tread plate over heavy aluminum angle. These will also be removable and heavy enough to allow me to walk on them when needed.

The extra 2 feet of tongue I added helps as well. This allowed some of the beams to hang over the front of the bed with out any problems.

The aluminum multi-purpose carryall I have sits on the tongue and hooks to the front of the bed by a receiver under the front rail. I removed it and put it inside the truck bed when I realized that I needed the space. The carryall holds a big aluminum tool box that I use to put my Warn 6K winch, straps, chains and boomers in. The Warn also hooks into the front of the bed with a receiver tube. I guess all of the forethought I put into the trailer design is paying off in ease of use.

I had a few minutes to kill this morning before I picked up the beams. I stopped at Tractor Supply Co. (TSC) a farm store we have in the area. There I looked at Bulldog trailer jacks. Two of them are only $65 and another $8 for two extra couplings to weld to the trailer frame. I plan on placing a coupling in front and to the rear of each fender mount. This will allow me to use the tongue jack to lift the front and then pin on a jack at each rear corner behind the fenders, with them I can raise the trailer up off of the wheels when not in use. I will also be so thankful if I ever have a flat on the road to have a pair of jacks that fit one in front and one to the rear of the axle that will lift that side to change a flat. I like the idea of having two couplings on the same side to lift that side off of the ground to change a flat tire, especially with the possibility of a double blowout. I also mounted a pair of spares, one on each side of the tool box to the tongue.

Sorry to ramble, but I really like my new trailer and it makes hauling so much easier and less stressful. I look back at all of the miles I ran pulling old cars and equipment and how lucky I was not getting seriously hurt or stranded any more than I was. Yeah, this one cost more money and I can afford better now, and it I really is worth it though.

I have to do a lighting upgrade next. I plan on changing to LED tail lights and an extra clearence light in front of each fender to help night visability of this black trailer. I also plan on a pair of backup and loading lights for it. This has been a project, but well worth the money spent on it.

Oh yeah the CTD is much better than anything I ever owned for a tow vehicle too! jim

 

Well, lets see some pics of this trailer. It sounds like you had some fairly neat ideas, I'd like to see them.

 

And of the "small" over head crane for the shop when it's done, too.

 

Sorry for no pic's the digital camera bit the dust

I found this site on E-bay to buy LED lights at a reasonable price. If anyone has a better place please let me know. I checked locally at the parts store and you don't want to know what they asked me for these.

I will be ordering four AMBER marker lights and two RED. One amber for the front side corner, and one for the front of the fender mount each side. One red for each rear side corner. Then the I think I will take steel flat stock and make a u-shaped protective shroud to weld over the top of them.

My trailer came without the over 84" three light bar across the rear. I can't understand how they can manufacture a new trailer without one and meet DOT requirements. This trailer is 84" between the fenders.

Then a pair of replacement Oval Brake/Tail LEDS to finish it off in the marker light part. Next is the Back-up lights and mounts along with a set of front loading lights and mounts. jim

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=38655

 

Yeah, those features sound good, and similar to things I have been thinking about, like the winch thing. I'd like to see pics of what you have done. I hope you replace your digital camera soon!

Thanks,
Chris