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Post by seanrua on May 9, 2014 16:02:02 GMT
Is this possible, practical, and legal?
I plan to build a trailer on a pad behind a large fence. The fence can be taken down and rebuilt with a lot of work, but I'd rather assemble the chassis from portable parts than can be manhandled into position without moving the fence.
Most chassis (s)?) I see are essentially welded one piece units. I'm wondering about building one up " in situ".
Anybody know any unsurmountable negatives re this plan?
Are bolted jobs legal?
sean rua.
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Post by seanrua on May 9, 2014 16:03:45 GMT
ps
Proposed length is 16 to 20 ft.
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Post by n brown on May 9, 2014 16:10:53 GMT
common sense tells me that if it's safe to bolt on wheels and other things,and bolt on towbars that pull massive trailers then i'm sure your trailer would be fine
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Post by Firefox on May 9, 2014 16:49:05 GMT
Chassis used to be bolted together.
So long as the connections can take the loads I don't see why not.
Main thing you have to consider is the joints not coming loose due to vibrations on the road - sufficient torque and/or lock nuts should be employed.
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Post by edina on May 9, 2014 17:05:01 GMT
A mate of mine built a boat trailer for a 20ft twin keeler. Because the boat was in the water all summer he made the trailer so he could break it down into sections for storing in his garden. He used new nyloks each time he re-assembled it but used the same bolts every year.
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Post by seanrua on May 9, 2014 19:39:44 GMT
Thank you all so much for the excellent responses!
I shall research locking nuts and other things now.
The fence in question - which I built myself- is extremely high and basically supported by scaffold tubes and clips. Some have said that this is illegal as " it could come loose". If each fitting was tack-welded, then, apparently, it would be acceptable ( but much more hassle to take down when I'm ready to drive out).
Sounds like bllx to me, especially, as there are countless nuts and bolts on motors ( inc the wheels) and no bgggr suggests these should all be welded.
Thanks again!
sean rua.
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Post by rod on May 9, 2014 20:23:15 GMT
Shouldnt be a problem.I would gusset the corners for strength.
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Post by Etienne Le Croq on May 9, 2014 20:34:30 GMT
Should be fine chap, my Landrover is just bolted together like a large meccano kit!
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Post by Firefox on May 10, 2014 0:24:47 GMT
Thank you all so much for the excellent responses! I shall research locking nuts and other things now. The fence in question - which I built myself- is extremely high and basically supported by scaffold tubes and clips. Some have said that this is illegal as " it could come loose". If each fitting was tack-welded, then, apparently, it would be acceptable ( but much more hassle to take down when I'm ready to drive out). Sounds like bllx to me, especially, as there are countless nuts and bolts on motors ( inc the wheels) and no bgggr suggests these should all be welded. Thanks again! sean rua. All the critical nuts on modern vehicles like suspension mounting nuts etc have high specified torque settings, making the thread friction so high they should be immune to vibration. Scaffold clips are OK for a permanent structure as some are up long term. They just need to be inspected at intervals and any clips tightened if needed. I design scaffolds sometimes - just done one in the Deutsche Bank 4th floor internal atrium near Liverpool street. It was Octagonal and 19m high - quite a big one.
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Post by seanrua on May 10, 2014 8:25:51 GMT
Thanks again, everybody!
That's all very re-assuring. I don't really care whether things are "legal" or not, but I never want to kill or maim any innocent misfortunates.
The scaffold fence is interesting as it is clad with metal sheeting. Wind-load was my biggest fear. Luckily, it has been fairly breezy and the thing hasn't wavered. It is jammed between an rsj, used as a post, and a brickwall. The brickwall is the weaklink; I pulled over its mate, when trying to remove ivy!
It looks like the chassis and subsequent build will be a cakewalk in comparison! Thanks again, all!
sean rua.
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