In my search for a lowboy I came across this odd trailer that is virtually new and really cheap, $12k that may be able to convert to a lowboy?
The reason I like it is because it's super short, I don't want a 48' or 53' or a tri-axle it's just too long. Trying to find a 42' is not easy and even shorter would be nice.
My thoughts were have to put new crossmembers pretty much entire way, probably 13 of them, and add about a 4' beavertail and ramps at the rear, deck it, and add a few more marker lights. Fair amount of work for sure, but if I end up with virtually a new lowboy for like $16k-17k that would be really great. $2000 would buy 13 crossmembers and the outside rail, would think $1000 would do beavertail and ramps, few bucks for lights and wire, maybe $1000 for decking?
My concerns are, is the narrow frame width and axle width going to be an issue widening deck to 9" or even 9'6"? Or would it sway worse? It's spring suspension.
I priced out 6" channel for crossmembers and 8" channel for outside rail, which is the size of material on my 25 ton tag that I haul my hoe on now so it's definitely heavy enough. I do notice virtually any beavertail on heavy trailers is continuous from the frame, so that would be an issue, but i'd imagine with good welds welding I-beam ends together would be fine? I would have the ramps touching the ground in order to reduce strain on the beavertail.
Time is not an issue going to have plenty of it this winter and wouldn't be in a rush, and I have a great welder with not much going on that would be happy to help.
Is it doable or is there something i'm missing in how this trailer was made compared to a lowboy that makes it a bad idea?
The reason I like it is because it's super short, I don't want a 48' or 53' or a tri-axle it's just too long. Trying to find a 42' is not easy and even shorter would be nice.
My thoughts were have to put new crossmembers pretty much entire way, probably 13 of them, and add about a 4' beavertail and ramps at the rear, deck it, and add a few more marker lights. Fair amount of work for sure, but if I end up with virtually a new lowboy for like $16k-17k that would be really great. $2000 would buy 13 crossmembers and the outside rail, would think $1000 would do beavertail and ramps, few bucks for lights and wire, maybe $1000 for decking?
My concerns are, is the narrow frame width and axle width going to be an issue widening deck to 9" or even 9'6"? Or would it sway worse? It's spring suspension.
I priced out 6" channel for crossmembers and 8" channel for outside rail, which is the size of material on my 25 ton tag that I haul my hoe on now so it's definitely heavy enough. I do notice virtually any beavertail on heavy trailers is continuous from the frame, so that would be an issue, but i'd imagine with good welds welding I-beam ends together would be fine? I would have the ramps touching the ground in order to reduce strain on the beavertail.
Time is not an issue going to have plenty of it this winter and wouldn't be in a rush, and I have a great welder with not much going on that would be happy to help.
Is it doable or is there something i'm missing in how this trailer was made compared to a lowboy that makes it a bad idea?
