Aluminum Trailer Project

**JJW** · 08-23-2009, 12:27 PM

In 1992 I needed a new snowmobile trailer because my steel trailer was 4 years old and quite rusty.

I sold the rusty trailer and bought a bunch of aluminum.

Using just a few tools: SnapOn mig welder with a spoolgun, Hand Hacksaw, Hand Files, Stainless Steel Brush, Electric Drill & a few misc other tools.
Straight Argon for shielding gas
4043 aluminum MIG wire

Regards,
John

**JJW** · 08-23-2009, 12:35 PM

I found a way to add attachments.

Dual purpose Trailer Ramp/Salt Shield

I wanted a Salt shield that would keep the Slush and road salt off the sleds. We were traveling on the NY State Thruway and they salt that like CRAZY.
The ramp would be switchable, at the back to drive on, at each side of the front to drive off.

Pictures: 1, 2, & 3

**JJW** · 08-23-2009, 12:39 PM

Fabricating the leaf spring mounts etc...
Last picture on the right my frame is sitting on my father-inlaws John Deere Snowmobile Trailer.

Pictures: 4, 5 & 6

**KHK** · 08-23-2009, 01:25 PM

Looks good. I missed the last picture

**HerbD** · 08-23-2009, 01:52 PM

Hi JJW,

Two quick questions:

What type of aluminum did you use for the trailer?

Is the design similar to the steel trailer it is replacing and how much weight do you figure you saved?

Thanks,

HerbD

**JJW** · 08-23-2009, 02:07 PM

---------- Post added at 04:07 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:00 PM ----------

herbD asked: What type of aluminum did you use for the trailer?
Is the design similar to the steel trailer it is replacing and how much weight do you figure you saved?

Reply:
1. I bought 6000 series aluminum

2. Totally different design

3. No weight savings over the steel trailers I've had. I was way consevative on strength so there is a lot of 1/4" aluminum on it. Originaly it had 3/4" plywood too.

Regards,
John

**Gadget** · 08-23-2009, 07:57 PM

Looks like it is well designed. Nice work.

Dan

**bigtirekaw** · 08-23-2009, 08:51 PM

John, looks good. How do you like your Snap-on Mig? Is it a Muscle Machine MIG with TIG and Spool gun attachment? They work nice. Show us your progress as you go.

I lived in K.C. most of my life and I sure don't miss living up north for two reasons. 1) Don't like the cold unless I visit it under my terms. My feet stay cold for days.

2) I work on cars for a living I dislike working on rusty cars. Hence Salted streets. Cars tend to stay pretty clean in TX.

Steve

**JJW** · 08-24-2009, 03:18 AM

bigtirekaw ask: How do you like your Snap-on Mig? Is it a Muscle Machine MIG with TIG and Spool gun attachment?

Reply: This was a SnapOn model before it was called Muscle Machine MIG, about the same though with MIG, TIG & SpoolGun.
The SnapOn unit was not mine. It was at a shop that did heavy agriculture and tractor trailer repairs. It was a very nice machine. I repaired a lot of mower decks and small steel repairs with it. The spoolgun was perfect for fabricating the trailer.
Regards,
John