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Old 12-22-2010, 06:42 AM
Nate Nate is offline
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Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Eau Claire WI
Posts: 968
Adding welds to a prefab trailer?

Hey, I bought a 1070lb capacity 3.5'x4' utility trailer today for hauling around the lawnmower, snow removal equipment, engines, and other tools/parts/equipment. I bought it from harbor freight. For the $140 I paid due to shipping damage, sale price, and 20 off coupon, I can justify it.
The paint is horrible, and I'm going to respray it when I finish assembling it. Other then that, it looks like it will do the job decently. It will get a decent amount of use, hauling usually 400lbs or less. Wont EVER get near the 1070lb

It is all bolt together, and the nyloc nuts seem a bit weak. Most need to be turned 3/4 of an inch before they tighten anything, appearing to weaken the nylon.

I was wondering if anyone sees any reason NOT to go ahead and wire brush it back, and weld the support bars to each other, and the tongue... I would feel better about it, for one, but I also am considering that MAYBE some flex is engineered into the bolt together design? Doubt it...
I would be welding it using a gas-less MIG, rated for 1/4. The walls appear to be 3/16" or so, so it will handle it without a problem. No zinc or galvanized coating on anything, so, no worries about those fumes...

Any thoughts on my plan?

Thanks!
~Nate
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