amateur frame repair????

[J. Morgan]

If the rust isnt everywhere you can build around it so long as you have enough solid structure to weld to.

I am thinking that the crack is due to stress and fatigue, and that the rust has really attacked the open edge of the crack.

[J. Morgan]

A person COULD bolt metal in using a lot of 7/16" or 1/2" bolts but welding would be better over the long term and easier in the short term.

[Frank's Trailer Works]

Looking at the photo, I see very typical metal for that era.

[J. Morgan]

Note;;,;

The diameter bolts I am talking about above refers to shank diameter, not wrench size.

[perryg114]

Before you get too far into the repair have you inspected the rear end of the trailer to rule out rear end separation which is VERY common on this era trailer. If you don't have problems back there then you are in the minority. The frame is supported by the shell. If it is hanging free back there, then most likely any repair will end up with the same result. I think the damage is due to rust and overstress. Steel won't fatigue unless it is also overloaded. Simple vibration is not enough to cause this. Most likely, the damage was caused by dead axels and the rear end flopping around every time you hit a bump. Unbalanced running gear can be a contributing factor but I don't think it is the main cause.

Perry

[J. Morgan]

There is a lot of leverage in play over the axles, in my observation the frame is prone to bend around the axle at the notch for the axles, placing a lot of stress in the local area, and movement which induces fatigue.

I know for sure that when I pulled my trailer on worn out axles for 5,000 miles caused damage.

I am pleased at how much damage I was able to get out shell on.

I think the OP just wants to get out and camp this year. If this was my goal I would consider making a good frame repair and saving probable issues in the back for later repair.

[Jim in Pima]

SAVED! I hope. Tried all over to get a welder to come to the house as trailer was apart and blocked up. Finally put a ad on Craigslist. After a week got
1 call. Man has a side job doing welding, mostly trailers. Days he is a pipe welder for a large corp. He showed up, worked about 2 hours, welded a angle
piece across the top of the crack, then 1/4 plates about 8 inches long on either side. Took jacks out and it is holding, 1st trip will tell, got it all back together. Anyhow charged about $200 He said cause was frame rusted through at that point. He did burn one hole through the plywood floor, about quarter size

[J. Morgan]

Good deal!!

Happy camping !!!