A-Frame or Straight.

[John MIG]

Hi All

CAD models of my most recent trailer showing straight and A-frame toe bar.
I can't decide which is the best so I decided to throw it out there among the forum experts.
A-Frame is probably srtonger but straight TB is so much easier to fabricate. A-Frame I use 60x40x4 & 60x60x4 for the straight version.
Any opinions.
Thanks in advance.

 

[rtbcomp]

In the straight one you've already got a small A frame so why not just extend it like the 2nd pic? I reckon there would be less work to do and a stronger job.

 

[KTMMICK]

In the straight one you've already got a small A frame so why not just extend it like the 2nd pic? I reckon there would be less work to do and a stronger job.

As said here why not just make the A frame pieces just a little longer, if you are making to use yourself why not just go that little bit further. Tyres in picture look like lawn mower ones lol

 

[John MIG]

Thanks for the suggestions - I can certainly make the A in the straight version a little longer.
The wheels are ATV wheels.

 

[white van man 2]

another vote for the halfway between the 2 option

 

[peterd51]

Hi,

I'm just finishing off a new trailer, pictures and project report to follow soon, and I used the staright bar with a couple of slightly longer 'A' pieces in. This was mainly to strengthen the front end of the bed as it's a 'flat' with no walls.

Regards
Peter

 

[the snooper]

Hi All

CAD models of my most recent trailer showing straight and A-frame toe bar.

is this the toe bar you mentioed

 

[white van man 2]

ba dum, tshhhh!

 

[Justme]

Foir road use I would use the A frame but for off road the pole.
Reason?

The pole will give you a much tighter turning circle that will match up with tractors & quads & mowers better. Also as the pole is stronger catching it wont damage it in the same was as the lighter sectioned A frame will be.

 

[scarecrow]

structurally either one shouldn't make a difference as boat should be made strong enough to pull the trailer as justme said eather one will have its advantages the main advantage of the poll type is when reversing but will be inclined to have a weak spot at the top of A. shouldn't be a problem with a trailer that size

excellent drawing by the way I also need to make one for my quad I was thinking of using lawnmower wheels which I might be able to get cheap enough from a guy who fixes them just wondering how many leaves are in your springs

 

[zzr1200]

Personally I always use the A frame design.

Your tube with mini A frame could suffer from HAZ problems.

 

[John MIG]

structurally either one shouldn't make a difference as boat should be made strong enough to pull the trailer as justme said eather one will have its advantages the main advantage of the poll type is when reversing but will be inclined to have a weak spot at the top of A. shouldn't be a problem with a trailer that size

excellent drawing by the way I also need to make one for my quad I was thinking of using lawnmower wheels which I might be able to get cheap enough from a guy who fixes them just wondering how many leaves are in your springs

Thank you very much.
I use '3 leaf' springs. Get them at €12 each from my local supplier.
My opinion is the A-frame is stronger and that the weakest pont in the straight version where the A is. Its just easier to fab the straight one but will prob go with the A-version.
Should be mainly used for road use, the one in the pic above is for someone else, for off-road & quad use so the straight version will be more ideal to assist turning.
Thanks for all the opinions.
Rgds

 

[oz.]

When i first looked at the CAD images i immediately thought the A frame would be the easier of the two and after some thinking it has stuck with me.

You show it as two pieces of box section coming together. getting the angle right would be quite easy really, lay it out on the floor and scribe around. Then put a gusset plate over the top to bolt the doodah to that.

 

[John MIG]

Hi All

I just ordered a set of these, think they should do the job.
Getting them shipped across the pond, very reasonably.
Hopefully I'll get the sides and front folded next weekend.

 

[John MIG]

Hello All
Its taken a while but I finally got there

 

[Shox Dr]

Very nice job. What was the total cost and weight.

 

[Robotstar5]

Nice job hope you're not going to use it and get it dirty

Weight will be interesting to see how much of the 750Kg unbraked limit is left for loading.

 

[John MIG]

Very nice job. What was the total cost and weight.

Thank you. Total weight at galvanising (minus axle & wheels) was 200kg even. Axle & wheels are approx 50kg so I can transport a load of 500kg.
It cost approx €850 including galvanising to make (excluding my time)
I also have a small tail gate (not shown in photos).
I think I made a reasonable cost saving in comparison to buying a finished trailer - not worth the effort tho

 

[John MIG]

Nice job hope you're not going to use it and get it dirty
QUOTE]

Thats the problem - I don't want to use it, its so new and clean at the mo

 

[W4yne]

Rule of Thumb?

I thought for a moment that it was the rule of thumb

is this the toe bar you mentioed