Trailer Building/Modification Question

StickPigBBQ

I am looking for an old welding trailer to turn into a small bbq rig to take to competitions with me. I have found some that need minor repairs and the search continues. Now for the questions.

1. What criteria would you use to qualify a weld as being acceptable for trailer building and/or modifying? I have done the cut and bend test on my MIG welds before and have had them all (recently anyways) pass the backyard test but I am still a bit apprehensive about if they are strong enough for a trailer. Cause if I dont get it right, I am sure I will find out when the trailer is falling behind me in my rearview mirror Shocked

2. I plan on using a Lincoln Power MIG 140 to do the additions and modifications to the trailer, (on the top deck not the frame or structure of the trailer in this instance). Am I ok with flux core? Or should I use gas? I have both, just not sure if one is better for more critical welds than the other, I have heard both sides from others and am not real sure which way to go with it.

3. Assuming that its a welding trailer or boat style trailer that I get, what thickness of plate should I use for the decking on top that everything will sit on? The offset I am building is small and will weigh only about 400-450lbs when finished. Estimated total weight of equipment on the trailer will be approx 800-900lbs. My first thought was 3/16" plate, but if I can get away with 1/8" I may go that route mainly to save on weight.

Thanks and as usual, any other comments, tips or tricks you got let me know!

Josh

P.S. to caveat, I am not going to try and build this trailer but I do want to build one in the future so thats why I included "building" in it.
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k.a.m. · Posted: Wed Oct 26 11 12:01 am Post subject:

Josh,
1. What criteria would you use to qualify a weld as being acceptable for trailer building and/or modifying? I have done the cut and bend test on my MIG welds before and have had them all (recently anyways) pass the backyard test but I am still a bit apprehensive about if they are strong enough for a trailer. Cause if I dont get it right, I am sure I will find out when the trailer is falling behind me in my rearview mirror
In this case there is no criteria that someone can tell you unless you bring your coupon to a test area for their bend test. You either know your welds will hold or you do not. When making structural welds training will dictate when to run certain passes or procedures this will separate the knowing confident welder and the welder that has doubts. Personally I would not build a trailer for the road with a 140 machine you will have to bevel each weld and make multiple passes for certain penetration.

2. I plan on using a Lincoln Power MIG 140 to do the additions and modifications to the trailer, (on the top deck not the frame or structure of the trailer in this instance). Am I ok with flux core? Or should I use gas? I have both, just not sure if one is better for more critical welds than the other, I have heard both sides from others and am not real sure which way to go with it.
In my opinion the additions if they are not structural can be done with any mix you desire, cookers do not really have critical areas for welds so if you want to use a gas mix or flux core I am sure you will be fine.

3. Assuming that its a welding trailer or boat style trailer that I get, what thickness of plate should I use for the decking on top that everything will sit on? The offset I am building is small and will weigh only about 400-450lbs when finished. Estimated total weight of equipment on the trailer will be approx 800-900lbs. My first thought was 3/16" plate, but if I can get away with 1/8" I may go that route mainly to save on weight.
If your not walking on the trailer and your cross members will hit the key components for support then I would use 1/8" decking.
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Charro · Posted: Sat Nov 12 11 1:15 pm Post subject:

I'm with K.A.M. on his responses. All I would add is the self shielding flux core will give you a bit more penetration, so you'll get a little extra bump out of that 140 - lots of clean up afterwards though. And yeah, don't rely on the deck to support your cooker, it will flex and crack.

cupped wings · Newbie Joined: 14 Aug 2011 Posts: 30

Spot on KAM

TheNorwegian · Joined: 04 Apr 2012 Posts: 18 Location: Western Washington

I know i'm diggin up old news here. But there are a couple things I want to add.

One thing that many people don't take into account when welding with trailers. It's not like welding something that is going to sit on your deck and might get rolled, lifted, or moved every couple of months. Trailers experience vibration, bouncing, and flex. these all need to be taken into account when you start thinking about welding stuff onto a trailer. The rigidity of the frame, the size of the material, the weight of the load, the height of the load. Etc.

No matter what you build to place on, or attach to a trailer, it will experence these forces.

From your OP you should be able to do what you're asking with the machine you have. Just make sure that your welds are done properly. Welds typically don't just fail outright, The frailure is cause by vibration and flexing that happens over time. Make sure you're inspecting you welds regularly. Not just right before and right after the first trip.
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spectrascott · Joined: 27 Mar 2012 Posts: 9 Location: The Great Northwest

Once again a old thread but I do have to say that I would not use self shielding flux core wire on a trailer. I weld with both wire and stick and in all my years flux core wire is just to brittle when it is all said and done. Only wire that is flux core that I would trust is NR32 and if you have the welder to run it well you have all sorts of other options also.

iwboomer · Joined: 30 Mar 2012 Posts: 2

spectrascott · Joined: 27 Mar 2012 Posts: 9 Location: The Great Northwest

cupped wings · Newbie Joined: 14 Aug 2011 Posts: 30

NR211 .045 is a good all position self shielded wire, just remember 1 thing. With that paticular wire you are limited to a material thickness of 5/16". Wink

MikeBuiltWhat · Newbie Joined: 25 Nov 2011 Posts: 35

iwboomer you shouldnt have any problems with the NR211-MP 045 in that LN-25 I've been using it in my Suitcase 12RC. been welding 1/8 to 3/8 with no problems. on the light stuff is set it for 15.5 volts and 90ipm. tried the recomendation from Lincoln and it had to much voltage and wasnt leaving any flux behind. oh my power source is a Trailblazer 302 EFI.