Tools for straightening trailer frame

[Geo-TH,In]

I don't think it's generally out of square now. Diagonals are off due to damage at the front left corner. See post #29 for my best guess.

Sorry if I missed something, The new Forum is a little confusing who posted what and when!!

 

[john in la]

What it sounds like from your post 29 is the axles are square to the trailer but the A frame is twisted to the side of the bent back front corner making the ball hitch off center.
If you can live with the bow down the side of the trailer it seems the easiest option would be to work on the A frame to get the ball back in the center of the trailer.

 

[timsch]

What it sounds like from your post 29 is the axles are square to the trailer but the A frame is twisted to the side of the bent back front corner making the ball hitch off center.
If you can live with the bow down the side of the trailer it seems the easiest option would be to work on the A frame to get the ball back in the center of the trailer.

Scott in post #23 pointed out how robust the A-frame section is. Looking at it, it is the strongest part of the trailer, and i see no signs of damage to it. The damage is to the left of the A-frame at the corner. I'm pretty sure it was jacknifed, pushing in the corner and bowing out the sides.

 

[timsch]

Here's my plan. Chains are in blue, forces applied are in red. Dashed blue lines are an option of how to hook the chains, but not my 1st option since I think it'd put too much force pulling front and back together. PP is the portapower, and CRW is the ratcheting chain binder. I'd like the CRW to pull for straight forward, but think as I drew it might work pretty well.

 

[Janicholson]

Give it a whirl. No real suggestions other than removing the decking to allow better access. Jim

 

[john in la]

Scott in post #23 pointed out how robust the A-frame section is. Looking at it, it is the strongest part of the trailer, and i see no signs of damage to it. The damage is to the left of the A-frame at the corner. I'm pretty sure it was jacknifed, pushing in the corner and bowing out the sides.

Yes the A frame is the most robust part of the trailer.
But moving the A frame to put the ball back in the proper place centered and square on the axles may be easier than twisting the trailer back to that just right spot.
That is if you can live with the twisted trailer.

 

[john in la]

Yes the A frame is the most robust part of the trailer.
But moving the A frame to put the ball back in the proper place centered and square on the axles may be easier than twisting the trailer back to that just right spot.
That is if you can live with the twisted trailer.

example

 

[timsch]

Dotted line option worked the best. It pulled the other side with it. Pushing as shown with the solid line just caused the angles running across to buckle, not really pushing the opposite side. pulling the front corner with the ratcheting chain binder didn't do much.

Overall, worked pretty good. Glad to have the porta-power tool now.

 

[BarnyardEngineering]

When you're done with that one maybe you can come up with a creative solution for mine. Bought an 8-1/2x18 enclosed trailer from a landscaping outfit that had been overloaded. She hangs a little low in the right front corner. Not so bad anymore since I replaced the bent axle but when you look at it underneath it's clearly bent.

If I had a giant 20' I-beam I'm sure I could push it back with jacks and chains, but the I-beam will cost more than I paid for the trailer.

 

[timsch]

When you're done with that one maybe you can come up with a creative solution for mine. Bought an 8-1/2x18 enclosed trailer from a landscaping outfit that had been overloaded. She hangs a little low in the right front corner. Not so bad anymore since I replaced the bent axle but when you look at it underneath it's clearly bent.

If I had a giant 20' I-beam I'm sure I could push it back with jacks and chains, but the I-beam will cost more than I paid for the trailer.

Being enclosed makes it much more difficult. Good luck.

 

[Hemmjo]

............... or just back into a tree with the left rear trailer corner. Opposite action from what caused the problem.

I hate the thought of abusing a tree like that!!!