Suggestions for removable trailer corner posts

[CompoSimmonite]

I want to make my little Erde 102 trailer so the sides are removable and it can then be a "flatbed". I've looked at dropside / truck corner posts and sockets but they are way OTT.
At the same time I want the sockets to be capable of being used for levelling props.
Presently all I can think of is jockey wheel type clamps -

That would cope with the props and for side corners (not at same time ) a peg could be attached to the upright that located in a hole at back of clamp.
The ideal solution would be some sort of square socket to take the upright and prop stands but can't think of anything suitable. Now worth the effort of fabricating from scratch so before I progress with the above type clamps for my idea has anyone suggestions for a square alternative ?

Paul H

 

[Wendelspanswick]

I am guessing that the Erde trailer uses the sides for rigidity, by removing the sides you could be reducing its structural integrity.

 

[CompoSimmonite]

I am guessing that the Erde trailer uses the sides for rigidity, by removing the sides you could be reducing its structural integrity.

The sides aren't structural. They are little more than thin folded galv sheet that is held onto the chassis with 2 bolts per side !

Paul h

 

[s410man]

Piece of box with a nut welded on thar tightens onto another piece of box thats dlid inside

 

[rtcosic]

I want to make my little Erde 102 trailer so the sides are removable and it can then be a "flatbed".

May I ask why? Or more particularly why the detachable corner posts/support legs?

I have the larger Erde 142 and all the side panels unbolt easily- less than a dozen bolts in all. We have removed the panels to use it as a flat bed several times. Heaviest item on it has been a motorcycle. Had to knock up a temporary ramp that latched onto the pins for the tailgate to get it on. Also made a temporary wooden gubbins for the front wheel to sit in. Rather obviously trailer was hitched to the car during loading and unloading! Can't find the photo at the moment.

 

[outofthefire]

The dropsiders we build either have the premade corner posts and sockets you've seen or we use box to build the socket and the posts and weld angle to the sides for the antiluces.

 

[CompoSimmonite]

uquote="rtcosic, post: 528972, member: 6095"]May I ask why? Or more particularly why the detachable corner posts/support legs?

I have the larger Erde 142 and all the side panels unbolt easily- less than a dozen bolts in all. We have removed the panels to use it as a flat bed several times. Heaviest item on it has been a motorcycle. Had to knock up a temporary ramp that latched onto the pins for the tailgate to get it on. Also made a temporary wooden gubbins for the front wheel to sit in. Rather obviously trailer was hitched to the car during loading and unloading! Can't find the photo at the moment.[/quote]


The trailer I have is too short to carry my mobility scooter. However it's size is ideal to tow behind my Smart Fortwo as both the car and trailer together will easily fit in a standard parking spot. I have channel section runners that bolt to the flatbed but whilst that is OK for local journeys longer distances, especially in bad weather require cover for the scooter. Normal loose covers just bellow up and are a PIA to stop blowing away so I decided I wanted a micro "tow-a-van" box that could quickly be loaded onto the trailer. That idea developed into making the box into a day room (I get very tired and weary) so I'd have somewhere to sit and rest when out and about (obviously with scooter outside ) Nothing fancy - just a L4'6" x W3'6" x H4' box with folding fishing chair (they are lower than camping items). Things got carried away with the mental exercise so if I had a slide out section on the front that went over the drawbar then I could get enough length to have an airbed on the floor and be able to camp out at shows.
I'm now at the stage where I really like the challenge of building the smallest size possible camper that will fit on the Erde 102 chassis platform and be capable of carrying my mobility scooter (plus be used as it's garage other times) and yet be possible to use it for overnight camping. The trailer will still be needed for a rubbish, DIY materials etc hauler hence option of quick detachable sides rather than current bolt on preferable. I'd tried climbing into the trailer when empty and just balanced on jockey wheel but it's more than a bit "wobbly" so corner steadies needed and making corner pillar sockets with would also double as corner prop sockets saves on duplicating fittings.

Paul H

 

[Justme]

I'm guessing that your car is a post 2008 Mk8 (451 not 450) as before that they are not allowed to tow anything.

Even after that you are limited to 450kg.

http://www.smart-tow.com/towbar.htm

 

[outofthefire]

If you use box sockets and uprights just use a narrower section of box that will drop through to the ground for your stabilizers. Drill a 10mm hole through the socket and upright and weld a couple of 10mm nuts over the holes. You can then lock everything off with a couple of m10 bolts.

 

[CompoSimmonite]

I'm guessing that your car is a post 2008 Mk8 (451 not 450) as before that they are not allowed to tow anything.

Even after that you are limited to 450kg.

http://www.smart-tow.com/towbar.htm

It's a 05 / 450 with a 100% legal towbar ! They weren't homologated for towing in the UK however Mercedes did get them passed in Germany for towing 450kg.
Legal towbars are available but horrendous price - £450. You have to use an item that is German TUV approved. Anything that is passed in one EU country is automatically approved for other member countries. My insurer is happy as long as a proper approved item and no problem with MOT's. The link above is to a UK manufacturer who obviously haven't paid to get their product TUV passed in Germany and therefore can't sell their products as legal in any EU country. Same would apply to a German company who didn't have TUV test.
It's a "loophole" but a legal one !


Paul H

 

[steviec_lj]

So, in essence your towbar is illegal, although any run of the mill Plod wouldn't bat an eye at it. However, have an incident and your insurance won't pay out, as you've already said its the earlier 450, that legally can't tow anything.

 

[CompoSimmonite]

So, in essence your towbar is illegal, although any run of the mill Plod wouldn't bat an eye at it. However, have an incident and your insurance won't pay out, as you've already said its the earlier 450, that legally can't tow anything.

I've just wrote a big reply but then deleted.

My original thread was about removable corner posts for a trailer and not about the tow vehicle. If it makes you happy then I'll tow with either my Skoda Fabia, Mahindra MM540 or Marlin Roadster.

Paul h

 

[Robotstar5]

I've got an Erde 121 trailer, so slightly larger than yours?, turning something that size into a camper sounds intriguing, hope you succeed and post some pics.

 

[CompoSimmonite]

I've got an Erde 121 trailer, so slightly larger than yours?, turning something that size into a camper sounds intriguing, hope you succeed and post some pics.

I did consider buying a new, bigger, Erde trailer but the prices seem to have risen quite a bit in recent years and I can't justify the expense as I've also got a 8'x4' flat bed trailer.

Paul H

 

[bloke]

Hi, have you looked at the Duuo. trailer. The box section lights off and flat bed underneath.

Have a look on youtube