Trailer build Ep8_extra frame bracing

Added increased strength to the trailers frame and drawbar in the form of extra bracing.

The ideas i used came from trailer sauce website (draw bar design) and the investigator 563 forum.

Used 12mm solid rod bracing ("ladder style") on top of the main frame. The uprights were 75mm (3") long.

The idea is to prevent any chance of  frame failure when loading or offloading the boat. The vertical height of frame and brace is now 6" (150mm) so should be at least twice as strong to bending force as the original 3" RHS design (but extra weight is minimal).

Ladder style bracing 

The drawbars 25x6mm flat bar brace was offset to one side. It was intermittently welded (1" welds) on alternate sides at 6" spacings. The flat bar was grinded and zinc primed where it contacts the RHS before attachment so no rust can develop in the join crevice.

The 1" brace (and not a rod ladder) was used to maintain the lowest possible profile and have some strength if the lengthy draw-bar ever grounds out (eg if going over a sharp crest , like where a boat ramp joins the tarmac roadway)

Drawbar pivot end for tilt trailer, holes are for hot dip galvanizing process. Flat bar Bracing extends full length of draw bar.

Back to the main frame - Welding the rod bracing was aided by tipping the frame over on either side and also upside down, so downhand welding could be done. Although i began by using an overhead chainblock, soon realized i could do some free weightlifting training too and lift the frame sideways by and just prop it up with a timber.

frame upside down for downhand welding of the underside.

Close up of ladder frame welding

Side propped for more down hand welding