Load Trail Gooseneck Dump Time.

[BSeyler]

Nick,
Just from looking at pictures, it looks like the vertical welds are downhill? Lack of penetration is my first instinct. Downhill is fine for some instances, but structural work should be uphill. Also, MIG welding presents some issues that differ from stick. MIG starts are notorious for being cold and it takes a bit to warm the join area. On structural work, you should always start “inboard” and weld in the direction of the other edge. Then, come back and grind a portion out to give you a solid place to begin and complete the weld in the other direction. Also, MIG will deliver a weld that is pleasing to the eye but without penetration because people have a tendency to turn the machine down and they aren’t conscious of the leading edge of their puddle. I’ve done several repairs for neighbors who have broken equipment farming, due to inferior welding.
Bud

 

[NIsaacs]

The trailer dealer where I bought it said he will be glad to fix it, so that is my plan. It is kind of a long way to tow it but I would like him to see it. Lamar said they have never seen one crack there. I think with the hoist mounted in the center of the bed floor it is trying to "push" the floor up. The sides prevent this, but they in turn are prying on the front corners. I will be glad to retire it to a light duty truck/trucker

Plus, like others have said, it might just be a poor weld. It is 2 years old with 20k miles of hard use, I don't think it will survive another 2 years of me....

 

[Mark31]

Gee, Nick! I never thought of you as a professional anvil warper!

 

[NIsaacs]

Lamar said they have never seen one crack there. I think with the hoist mounted in the center of the bed floor it is trying to "push" the floor up. The sides prevent this, but they in turn are prying on the front corners.

So, inquiring minds want to know. To test my theory, I am going to load my Bobcat today (5 ton) and lift the bed. If the crack widens....I am almost certain, just adding the weight, it will not, nor does it stress the corners just driving down the road, loaded.

I will post the results with photos.

 

[NIsaacs]

Doesn't appear to be any difference to my blind eyes, maybe you guys can tell. First one is empty, second one is loaded and lifted. I think if I let it crack some more, it will show up better. It is still pretty strong yet, a lot of meat is still holding.

 

[BSeyler]

It would be nice to be able to do a cut and etch to see the weld nugget. With the crack running along the base metal, it’s highly suspicious.

 

[NIsaacs]

It would be nice to be able to do a cut and etch to see the weld nugget. With the crack running along the base metal, it’s highly suspicious.

I agree. I just got an e-mail from the dealer saying the State cut their hours, to be sure and call in advance to set up the repair.

 

[BSeyler]

I wonder if they’d reimburse you for doing the repair yourself.

 

[NIsaacs]

I wonder if they’d reimburse you for doing the repair yourself.

I am sure they would, there is one more year on the structure warrantee. I may end up having it fixed here if they get their hours cut. I wanted them to see it more than anything. The main guy is pretty sharp, his dad is Kaufman Trailers. I don't care for them they are mostly economy built.

They currently sell 4 brands of dumps, Lamar, Diamond C, X-on and their house brand, High Desert, a rebadged Kaufman.

 

[NIsaacs]

Hauled a load of Class 6 AB for a contractor today. He has an account at the big plant so I picked up there for the first time. They have a cool system. He weighed me in empty (14,380) then had me just pull up and wait. He took the loader and grabbed a bucket then dumped in a jag. Then had me pull back on the scale (23,800) and dumped in some more. He almost had it perfect then a bunch fell out, it was wet and sticky. Ended up with 7.06 ton 28,500. Easy close haul.

I guess the LED was flickering, picture didn't turn out.

 

[NIsaacs]

One of my loads was loaded both ways, two were loaded one way, total of 283 miles and 23.8 gal fuel, comes out to 11.89....not selling my '01

Fuel mileage dropped a little, still not selling my '01 tho

Started hauling out of Sun Valley again Sunday, same haul that I have been on for 4 years now. On a three load check, same station same pump, 286 miles, 25.2 gallons for a 11.34 mpg. A bigger trailer and some wind.

Followed this guy yesterday from Holbrook to Snowflake, we were running the speed limit, 65 mph. I did gain on him on every hard pull, I would guess we were close in weight. Nice shinny late model GM w/big RV.

 

[NIsaacs]

This driver really gained a lot, he just "had" to pass me as we were leaving town, I was running 2 mph over. Then less than a mile, as we passed the 65 mph sign and were getting up to speed, he turns off...shut me down to 38 mph. I think he just wanted to show me that he had a dump trailer too...

 

[JR]

Did you give him the one finger salute?

 

[NIsaacs]

Did you give him the one finger salute?

No, I am a verbal kind of guy, the video reminded me of that fact, so I didn't upload it

 

[jhenderson]

I talk to the other drivers so much even the dog gives me a funny look.

 

[TFucili]

Causing me to "lose my drive", especially on a grade, is a cardinal sin, punishable by untold volumes of profanity.

 

[Dan_69GTX]

My son always reminds me of how much I yell at other drivers. It is cheaper than ramming into them...

 

[NIsaacs]

I wonder if they’d reimburse you for doing the repair yourself.

My son went ahead and rewelded the trailer. I won't send them a bill. My light duty driver can now tow this light duty trailer, she wont break it

My new one should be here mid week.

 

[BSeyler]

Keeping your driver happy has to be at the top of your list! She could make things rough!

 

[NIsaacs]

My new trailer showed up last night, I am already irritated at PJ and I haven't even looked at it yet The jacks (pro series, not bulldog) sound like a pig eating marbles and you can barely crank the handle. You can't tell me someone at the plant didn't feel/hear them. I hope it is just lacking grease because they are welded on. Anyone recognize the tow truck/driver