Aluminum Trailer Welding

TARider

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 7, 2011
Location
Concord
My utility trailer has slide in racks for kayaks, but I want to simplify taking them on and off.
The way it is now, you slide the racks in, screw the bracket in the second pic back on and then close the latch/clasp (similar to the one in pic 3). It would be a lot simpler if the little bracket was permanently attached.
Here's where the questions begin:
- is it safe to assume based on the different types of metals it would be a bad idea to have someone weld these on?
- would the tension of clamps alone without screws introduce unwanted wobbling or would the clamping force probably hold it (the fit is quite good without a lot of slop)?
- ideas of something else to be welded there to close the clasp on?
- guessing folks with a welding business would find this job too small, anyone know a person near Concord who could do it?
479C0FB6-BA15-4B28-AB5B-666298D82F37.jpeg
F2D75BC9-E203-49A2-946F-5BB01331D56F.jpeg
65AD76C4-9017-4291-9019-64E226CD7047.jpeg
 
Can you drill out the threads and replace with a shouldered bolt and nut combo? Or machine screw and nut.
 
ManglerYJ said:
Can you drill out the threads and replace with a shouldered bolt and nut combo? Or machine screw and nut.
Click to expand...
I could, but am hoping to avoid using any bolts or screws and just rely on the clamps when inserting the racks.
The racks themselves slide in a good ways so think there should be plenty of stability with just clamps, and then would be a few second, no tool add or removal.
589FF8B0-3300-46DB-AA99-87426B557612.jpeg
 
What would be wrong with bolting the piece in pic 2 in with a nut on the back side and then leaving it?
Wouldn’t that accomplish same thing as welding?

Maybe I’m missing something
 
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Ron said:
What would be wrong with boring the piece in pic 2 in with a nut on the back side and then leaving it?
Wouldn’t that accomplish same thing as welding?

Maybe I’m missing something
Click to expand...
I only want to weld that little bracket piece on, not the rack. If the rack is permanently affixed you can't fold like the below. A bolt slows down the process of disassembly and requires tools.
96A53E22-681A-403C-BB81-6D12346EB81E.jpeg
 
This it?
www.brinkmanstrailers.com

Apogee Unique 4x8 Folding Aluminum Utility Trailer! | Brinkman's Trailers in Minneapolis MN | Trailer Dealer | Utility Enclosed Trailers in Minneapolis and Flatbed Equipment Trailers

<p>Apogee Unique Folding Aluminum Trailers are the ultimate space-saver!</p><br /><p>Apogee Unique 4x8 Folding Aluminum Utility Trailer!</p><br /><p>Stock # 200244</p><br /><p>Features:</p><br /><ul><li>4' Bi-Fold rear ramp with 2000# capability!</li><li>Trailer completely folds up to 3' depth for e
www.brinkmanstrailers.com www.brinkmanstrailers.com
 
orange150 said:
This it?
www.brinkmanstrailers.com

Apogee Unique 4x8 Folding Aluminum Utility Trailer! | Brinkman's Trailers in Minneapolis MN | Trailer Dealer | Utility Enclosed Trailers in Minneapolis and Flatbed Equipment Trailers

<p>Apogee Unique Folding Aluminum Trailers are the ultimate space-saver!</p><br /><p>Apogee Unique 4x8 Folding Aluminum Utility Trailer!</p><br /><p>Stock # 200244</p><br /><p>Features:</p><br /><ul><li>4' Bi-Fold rear ramp with 2000# capability!</li><li>Trailer completely folds up to 3' depth for e
www.brinkmanstrailers.com www.brinkmanstrailers.com
Click to expand...
Yes, different size but same manufacturer.
 
TARider said:
That would have made it too easy 😢
I'm almost thinking something would have to be fabbed that acts as the catch.
Click to expand...
I'd say Richard could make something for you. The bracket doesn't look very complicated.
 
TARider said:
I only want to weld that little bracket piece on, not the rack. If the rack is permanently affixed you can't fold like the below. A bolt slows down the process of disassembly and requires tools.
Click to expand...

I get that .
I’m saying the little bracket screws into the rack, right?
Why not just bolt the little bracket to the rack.

I just just be missing rhe visualization
 
The tab is not aluminum for a reason. It isn't so it could just be mass produced or removed and replaced....easy but good reasons.

The main reason is aluminum is malleable. It has good strength to shear forces and tensile in the right alloys and configuration. But even these fall prey to work hardening from repeated stress. The result is either a slow degradation of surface and physical shape.....getting all buggered. But the real deal is it work hardens in uncontrolled grain boundaries.The alloy then just ruptures along the stress risers created.......






simple terms: under repeated loads and stress the shit cracks.
 
WARRIORWELDING said:
The tab is not aluminum for a reason. It isn't so it could just be mass produced or removed and replaced....easy but good reasons.

The main reason is aluminum is malleable. It has good strength to shear forces and tensile in the right alloys and configuration. But even these fall prey to work hardening from repeated stress. The result is either a slow degradation of surface and physical shape.....getting all buggered. But the real deal is it work hardens in uncontrolled grain boundaries.The alloy then just ruptures along the stress risers created.......






simple terms: under repeated loads and stress the shit cracks.
Click to expand...


Reply to self......yes but why is the frame aluminum and you see large trailers out of it?

Engineered loads and design. Look at those trailers. The good ones are twice as thick as the steel counter parts. Also most all important load members such as tongues, axles components, and major gussetted load points are laminated with steel plates and through bolts to spread the forces..............

Just like the bent tab putting the load into shear on to little bolts. Pull down on the thread as opposed to pulling them out like a nail.
 
Ron said:
I get that .
I’m saying the little bracket screws into the rack, right?
Why not just bolt the little bracket to the rack.

I just just be missing rhe visualization
Click to expand...
The little bracket bolts on the the body of the trailer (one at each corner, that's what the first pic does a poor job of portraying). The screws then go through the bracket, the body of the trailer and the rack post. The latching mechanism is on the rack, and grabs that little bracket on the body to hold them together.
 
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