The length of your fold down ramps will greatly affect how the equipment loads. Longer ramps give you a smoother load / unload...and are easier and quicker to to build or modify. Lengthen the ramps on your modified trailer for a much smother load/unload. Use blocks under your ramp as a gauge to determine how much longer to modify your existing ramps. You can also put short blocks under your unmodified ramps for a smoother load/unload with no modifications. Blue Sky's.
I first started watching you because of your drainage work and those are still my most favorite but in close second place are these type videos where you build or modify something. As some one with no mechanical abilities/talents myself I love watching those that do. 😉
The Explanation, Attention to details & self cameraman all with 'limited time is what makes this channel, every video is well done & was had me hooked. Editing is always top notch
Lost - thank you! I still like the drainage videos the best too, but I like these. They are much more difficult to make, since they usually span much more than a day, and I'm working and fiddling with the camera alone.
Stratos - thank you! I have come a long way since my first few videos and I have had a lot of help from commenters like you. I figured if people are actually watching my stuff, then I need to step up the effort in making cool videos.
Not sure if this helps put things into perspective for the channel's creator or not buy I am only 10 minutes into this video and I probably would have only found out about this channel because I'm mechanically inclined and into modifying and building useful things and this video caught my interest! I will now be checking out the other videos and seeing what it's all about. I like what I see so far!
@@dm-zx7xb Welcome to it, as a viewer its great content, He has several including the Full build on the previous yellow one, upgrades on others and other vehicle repairs/upgrades as well. i'm a former mechanic myself
Your a pretty good small project guy but I would recommend a little heavier weld on the spring hangers and for sure on the hitch. Burn the weld hotter and wire feed up better penetration and maybe even a few more passes to beef it up.
@@GCFD I really hope you followed up with fully welding in those hangers.... If this was just a car trailer for highway use,those tack welds would be fine,but considering the heavy weight you're hauling and taking the trailer over rough terrain, it's just a disaster waiting to happen!😒 Otherwise, excellent choice putting in the upgraded safety switch and heavy duty coupler!!!!💯👍
I try Sean. I think the base of that is I'm not afraid to fail at things. So I sometimes dive into things and have to dig myself back out, learning all the way.
Absolutly love the long detailed videos Shawn, beensubbed for a while and your camera work has greatly improved along with the fact that your quaility of work truly stands out among other pros. Both on site and on personal projects. I can tell youd rather do it right the first time rather then nickle and dime a custom by having to come back repeatedly. love the work, channel, and community you have built on your platform. And i hope all who reads this finds your content as interesting as i have as well as sees just how hard working team you and your crew are! Much love from New Jersey!
Once again Shawn, you have gone above & beyond. Talk about informative and thorough, not to mention entertaining as heck. Thanks for this great content buddy. We appreciate ya!
Thank you too! You nailed my goals with my videos....I want them to be informative, tell a story, and be entertaining and watchable. I try to cut out all the extra fluff that brings nothing to the video.
This was an amazing vid, seeing the seasons change along with the trailer. And the set for monologue at the end was on point. Simple, clean, felt right. Bravo!
Thank you Paul! This was a difficult video to make but I think it came out well. I've watched it at least five times during the editing process and I still enjoy it.
Ken, my fault on that. I checked and yt said it was ready, and I previewed in a lower res. But then when I published it went away. I think I'm going to start waiting 3-4 days between uploading and publishing to make sure.
I'm building up to 100k. I made the decision to not ask for subs in every video because I focus so much on only including content in my videos. Make sure to tell your friends Cliff! lol
I just found your video by looking up ideas for a car hauler trailer and this is by far the best detailed video I have found. Thank you sir keep doing what you are doing 👍 👏 🙌
Great video Shawn...I do love your trailer series. Watched this one about 3x now. You taking the time to show why really puts them heads above. Keep up the great work.
Awesome job on the trailer. You are pretty good fabricator. I like orange on the fenders and hitch which it does make it look very unique. I have been following you for about 18 months now and I enjoy watching your videos. Cannot wait to see what is up next.
Nice video! Being a retired RV Mechanic I know how difficult changing out the axels can be. I've done a few in my career, I don't think you have too much in that trailer. Any tool that makes the work easier and safer is well worth the expense. Thumbs up!
As soon as you started to paint the fenders orange I thought that was a great deterrent for theft. I live in NC also and totally understand your reasoning. Most trailers are black and they are dime a dozen when it comes to theft. I like it!
I actually just bought my first trailer which is a 1998 Hudson 16’ equipment trailer. After watching your trailer videos and your trailer build, I feel confident enough to add a 4’ or 5’ dovetail, make longer ramps for a better load angle, put the 95” wide 4” drop axles on it, redo the fenders for the added width and also add the Hopkins or Bunker charging breakaway system. Instead of the expanded metal tool tray though, I’m going to fab a big toolbox like you’d see on a Diamond C. The DOT around here don’t like tools and equipment just being in a tray without being fastened down. I’m also going to redo all the lighting and change it to LED and fabricate a winch mount that will probably be covered by the toolbox. Once I do all that, weld on quite a few D rings and repaint/re-decal it, I think mine will be complete. I really wish Hudson would have flipped the channel around though like you did when you built your trailer. I’d love to build my own one day like you did! Love the trailer and Ford truck videos! Keep ‘em coming!
I think you should paint your next trailer neon pink. :) When welding though paint, you should probably wear a mask, or really whenever Mig / stick welding.
Hey buddy. I believe your mistaken about having to charge the battery that was in there. I have a number of trailers as well and if the trailer is wired correctly and getting power on the hot lead it charges the battery. But the batteries do go bad over time. Love the channel. Keep them coming
Real cool Sean. Orange is good because it's close to red which had the longest wavelength. Hence a red light. Better for safety going down the road 🛣️. And theft it is a deterrent.
Hi Shaun hope your well, you have made some great changes to the trailer, the colour looks good and the tow hitch is excellent, been a great video once again well done.
good job! the only thing I would suggest if the loading angle still bother you. air bags on the rear of the truck to lift the tongue of the trailer up and that lowers the back of the trailer or similar concept is to use a heavy-duty tongue jack to lift the tongue up for loading. one advantage of the tongue jack it acts as a brake. There's more than one way to skin a cat, LOL
Great point on the jack Vince. I usually apply the brakes with a piece of PVC pipe so all axles are holding. I take loading and unloading very seriously!
Wow what a great video, you are good at doing engineering work, it must save you loads of bucks, if you had to pay for someone to do this work for you. 👍👍👍
For sure! It's just very very time consuming. I sold the old fenders almost instantly for the same reason....the guy had the same trailer with no fenders and he could just weld them on and go. I got $200 for the two fenders.
Great video Shawn. I like the GCFD Orange! Your time is worth more than that! So money well spent in my book. Plus the cost of steel now days. You'd be over 6k in raw steel now. Take care and keep up the good work. -Ryan
Def when entering the trailer lower bucket to deck height and as you approach fenders lift n drop over. Lowering the bucket will def help stability while loading
Great job Shawn! The convenience of using that trailer and the piece of mind with employees hooking it up correctly will pay for itself tenfold. Color looks good, I was guessing that it was the new GCF color scheme or you were a Bengals fan. Because of the convenience and versatility of that trailer... It will probably be the first one to need tires.
I really liked watching your video. I have 2 things to say though. First thing is Just because you put higher capacity axles underneath that trailer does not mean you can carry more capacity. That trailer frame is designed and engineered to a certain capacity and they put axles under that that correlate to that capacity so even though you have heavier duty axles the frame is still rated for the other axles and on your registration and title the trailer is legally registered for a certain towing capacity. If a DOT officer wanted to check your weights and you were over what the license and registration of the trailer says you could be in big trouble. Second thing is make the ramps on your trailer longer they look like they're almost a foot shorter than the ones on your yellow trailer and that's probably what's contributing to your steep incline for driving things off and on the trailer.
Good points Nathan. I knew from experience that this trailer would be fine going from 12k to 14k lbs. We don't have trailer registered weights here, since the tow vehicle has to be rated for everything hauled and towed. The longer ramps are on my list of things to do. I think I would be better off building new ones instead of trying to add length, don't you think?
Outstanding Shawn. I know putting all the time in to editing this video had to be a large undertaking. I really enjoyed it. I will keep an eye out for you and the trailer. I like the unique colors. I did not catch you saying how it tracked when you pulled it. Let us know. I bought a local made trailer after having a Hudson for many years and I have been considering buying another. I need to upgrade on GVWR.
Thanks! The trailer pulls very well but I think those ultra-heavy duty tires make it feel heavier than it is. I plan to swap two of the tires onto my yellow trailer so I have 2 and 2 on each.
Hey Sean, with all the positive feedback on your trailer videos, you should open a tech school. I like the color. Next trailer you should go hilighter green.
Hey John! I just won a MMDI compact equipment trailer at an auction and will be picking that up soon. I've been looking for one for a long time, but they are so expensive.
@@GCFD that’s awesome. It’s a good feeling when you procure something you’ve been looking for. It’s almost time to get a paint spray hvlp to use instead of rattle cans. I’m excited to check out your new to you trailer.
You get lucky on the finds that is for sure... Still needs your Logo somewhere on it. Nice 1/2 dovetail joints (notches) , Orange is good & was going to say where is the Yellow Before you said orange, Wiring is +...Sure wish they had that back in the 70's & 80's when i had all my trailers, i would be concerned the straps would bounce out etc etc by not having a taller rail around the basket do you keep a bungee cord around most of it all, Those tires are nice should last longer than regular ones / 500 seems like a heck of a deal for that how is the interior...Glad the truck is working out since pulling a knuckle and a few headaches on it...
I can leave the straps on the deck and they never move so I was fine with the small rail around the front. The escape is awesome It's a very nice car. It needed plugs, coil packs, PCM.
Shawn, I would paint the fender underside black and put another piece of wire mess in the other hole and put a toolbox in it. if it was my trailer.. great job..
I do love your self-build videos Shawn, thank you for taking the time to film, edit and share! May I ask who the beautiful lady is? I’ve seen her in a couple of videos now and I am a curious being 🤭
I watched 1+ hrs or your whole video lmfao I love welding and I love hauling trailers. I pull daily my tilt car hauler. And now it need drive over femders so that my next step Thanks for the new ideas like the wire mesh and changing coupler style
I've been in a similar situation where things got just a little bit more expensive, but the results exceeded by expectations. Although on reflection you should have made the axels as close as possible to the table within reason to drop the height even more and those rear fold down ramps could have been extended out just a bit more, giving you a better loading angle.
Just an idea.. You could have added door hinges to parts of the trailer and a top mounted mesh basket above the bottom portion and have it act as a type of lift up drawer/door so you could put some tools or other flat objects on the basket and not worry about them flying off the trailer at some point. Not explained very well but i think you'll figure out what i mean.. On the other hand i guess that wouldnt work well if you put gas cans and the like there.. owell, was a decent idea at first lol
I love that idea and thought about doing it. Diamond C makes the lift up storage like you are talking about. www.diamondc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/GTF-car-hauler-trailer-lockable-v-tongue-storage-lid.jpg
Dang it! I checked yesterday and the lower res option was there, so I published. Checked after I saw your comment and it's gone. I don't know what to do with this issue and youtube. I guess I need to way a few days before publishing then wait more. I'm sorry elk
@@GCFD Good vid, seems like it's your hobby to keep you busy over winter :) Once you started replacing/upgrading you could not stop. Does it have those side position lights?
I know nothing about welding or engineering... is there a reason why the brackets for the axles weren't fully welded on the outside? Are those 2 small welds strong enough? Is it fully welded inside? Just wondering
It's fully welded on the front and back side of the brackets. I welded them back in place the same way the old ones were welded on. I keep an eye on things and everything has been great so far.
Too bad you couldn’t have gone to the Hudson trailer factory and convinced them to produce the Gate City Foundation Drainage edition trailer! PS - hope they are watching this video and taking notes!
Hey Shawn, everybody has those days. You can say that you don't have that many. Who ever built that Hot tub sure put to much money in it, thats to much concrete even for a swimming pool. Hey that lady is in need for some serious gutter work anyway. And like you said just chalk that one up to advertisement . Great Job!!!...
I have same trailer 16ft tri axle its factory the 80s i beam is great mine came with flat stock welded across the i beam every 2 feet for tie downs never had an issue
I’m pretty sure that hitch is designed to have a 1/2 grade 8 bolt in the top and bottom in addition to the welding which I think you should have made several passes on your welds, in my wrecker days I’ve gathered up more than one trailer because the hitch broke off. I’m kinda weird I guess but I have 4 trailers and I always paint the totally black so they can be touched up easily
nice job,love the orange bits,can be a health safty feture ,as on a rainy day on the high way ,your trailer stand out to other road users ,orange bits ,we do that here in the u.k ,we call them markers ,mark out side of a verhicle ,in bad weather,is nice to have a work shop and tools ,to keep your buisness going and adapt equipment to suit your needs ,is sad people steal stuff and move to other ereas ,for resale,you could stamp your zipcode into the chassis ,and tell the police ,if it went missing ,what we do here in england ,we call it our postcode ,and door number ,is used on lots stuff ,bikes,welders,can be stamped or uv pen ,on house hold items ,police got blue light and try to find post codes,return to owners ,also get a small tracker now too,fits inside a mountin bike or car,boat,and when gets stolen,you can activate it ,use its onboard battery ,then find it on your phone or police man ,have you ever tried stick welding ,rods,that is good for heavy steel jobs,nice penatration,bite,cheap too,box rods ,weld outside ,in the wind ,6013 for steel or 7018 for structeral ,low hydrogen rods,im more of a stick man ,learnt that first ,learn mig after ,to fix cars,well your doing a fine job ,seem happy ,being self employd ,keep up the good work,you are good at teaching stuff,explain things ,share your wisdom ,knowledge ,you motivate others to have a go,try ,very good indeed
ORANGE ……. I’m from a midwestern town that use to have a long time Allis- Chalmers manufacturing facility. The factory and Allis - Chalmers no longer exist. Many years ago the local high school dedicated its school colors to the A-C “Orange and Black” and still to this day the colors remain the same. I have always referred to your orange as Allis Chalmers orange. It certainly precedes the Kubota or U-Haul orange we see today. Some history for what it’s worth😊.
I get changing axles to get tire commonality; for travel trailers I want the same tires/wheels on the trailer as the tow vehicle. Shat happens. But longer ramps give more ground clearance and a lesser ramp angle. If you have something like a skidsteer with a heavy weight on the back reverse up steep ramps if you don't have a load on the other.
I am planning to make some longer ramps and paint them orange too! I like the drop axles in that they set your load's center of gravity lower too. Low is good
I can see you need your trailers a certain way . You building your own works better for you and your needs .For the type of work you do. You also save money in long run building your own trailers for your needs of your business.
I have definitely gone down the rabbit hole on trailer videos today
Haha Chris. I hope this video stacked up well against other trailer videos!
The length of your fold down ramps will greatly affect how the equipment loads. Longer ramps give you a smoother load / unload...and are easier and quicker to to build or modify. Lengthen the ramps on your modified trailer for a much smother load/unload. Use blocks under your ramp as a gauge to determine how much longer to modify your existing ramps. You can also put short blocks under your unmodified ramps for a smoother load/unload with no modifications. Blue Sky's.
I first started watching you because of your drainage work and those are still my most favorite but in close second place are these type videos where you build or modify something. As some one with no mechanical abilities/talents myself I love watching those that do. 😉
The Explanation, Attention to details & self cameraman all with 'limited time is what makes this channel, every video is well done & was had me hooked. Editing is always top notch
Lost - thank you! I still like the drainage videos the best too, but I like these. They are much more difficult to make, since they usually span much more than a day, and I'm working and fiddling with the camera alone.
Stratos - thank you! I have come a long way since my first few videos and I have had a lot of help from commenters like you. I figured if people are actually watching my stuff, then I need to step up the effort in making cool videos.
Not sure if this helps put things into perspective for the channel's creator or not buy I am only 10 minutes into this video and I probably would have only found out about this channel because I'm mechanically inclined and into modifying and building useful things and this video caught my interest! I will now be checking out the other videos and seeing what it's all about. I like what I see so far!
@@dm-zx7xb Welcome to it, as a viewer its great content, He has several including the Full build on the previous yellow one, upgrades on others and other vehicle repairs/upgrades as well. i'm a former mechanic myself
Your a pretty good small project guy but I would recommend a little heavier weld on the spring hangers and for sure on the hitch. Burn the weld hotter and wire feed up better penetration and maybe even a few more passes to beef it up.
Great advice!
@@GCFD
I really hope you followed up with fully welding in those hangers....
If this was just a car trailer for highway use,those tack welds would be fine,but considering the heavy weight you're hauling and taking the trailer over rough terrain, it's just a disaster waiting to happen!😒
Otherwise, excellent choice putting in the upgraded safety switch and heavy duty coupler!!!!💯👍
@@GCFD your reply to that comment won you a sub. You probably dont care but being a humble man able to take advice goes so far. Thats just awesome.
This man can do anything and everything he sets his mind to!
I try Sean. I think the base of that is I'm not afraid to fail at things. So I sometimes dive into things and have to dig myself back out, learning all the way.
You’ve done very well, better than few people who had degrees in engineering, designing and fabrication.
Hahah my degrees are in Biology!
@@GCFD wow amazing, now it’s clear to me how you gave the scientific names for the fish during diving journey, thanks and keep the good work.
Thank you!
Absolutly love the long detailed videos Shawn, beensubbed for a while and your camera work has greatly improved along with the fact that your quaility of work truly stands out among other pros. Both on site and on personal projects. I can tell youd rather do it right the first time rather then nickle and dime a custom by having to come back repeatedly.
love the work, channel, and community you have built on your platform. And i hope all who reads this finds your content as interesting as i have as well as sees just how hard working team you and your crew are! Much love from New Jersey!
Thank you Hurricane! I've been trying to improve things as this video stuff does not come naturally to me. I'm glad you're enjoying my stuff! - Shawn
Agreed. 👍
Wow your fans like the way you do business and.Your quality of work and personal.Proud fans club keep up the great work.
thank you cookies! I think this video turned out well and I'm glad people are enjoying it!
I really enjoyed watching this video. Seeing someone with the skillset to do this is pretty cool.
Thank you! Many of the skills I gained while doing the project! It was a good one.
Nice modifications Shawn, and the orange looks great with the black.
thank you Dylan! I like it too.
Orange has always been an underrated color. Love it!
Same!
Once again Shawn, you have gone above & beyond. Talk about informative and thorough, not to mention entertaining as heck. Thanks for this great content buddy. We appreciate ya!
Thank you too! You nailed my goals with my videos....I want them to be informative, tell a story, and be entertaining and watchable. I try to cut out all the extra fluff that brings nothing to the video.
@@GCFD Well it definately shows in your efforts Shawn.
what a fun video Sean. I don't know which is bigger, your brain or your heart. I like both of them. please keep it up.
Thank you Robert!
Color scheme is nis. Orange and black goes well together.
Nice work mate!
I like it too!
Great work on the Trailer, looks good Orange & Black 👍
Thank you Pete. I like the colors too. Next I need to add longer ramps and paint them orange too.
This was an amazing vid, seeing the seasons change along with the trailer. And the set for monologue at the end was on point. Simple, clean, felt right. Bravo!
Thank you Paul! This was a difficult video to make but I think it came out well. I've watched it at least five times during the editing process and I still enjoy it.
had vto wait till now get lower resolution enjoy ur films, worth the wait
Ken, my fault on that. I checked and yt said it was ready, and I previewed in a lower res. But then when I published it went away. I think I'm going to start waiting 3-4 days between uploading and publishing to make sure.
You know, I wouldn't have thought lowering the trailer a few inches would have made that much of a difference but geeze it made a huge difference.
I thought the same thing. I could probably get a little more out of longer ramps too!
Red white and blue would look fantastic
I agree Jerry! I'm ordering some Red White and Blue for my garage this week.
Dude, I am AMAZED at your skills! Well done! Great video!!!
Thank you!
Just noticed you are under 100k subs. Pretty shocked thought you were well passed, great entertainment. Thanks and more please
I'm building up to 100k. I made the decision to not ask for subs in every video because I focus so much on only including content in my videos. Make sure to tell your friends Cliff! lol
Great Video !!!! Good job on the trailer !!!! Look forward to seeing more videos . Thank you
Thank you Michael! More videos are in the works!
I just found your video by looking up ideas for a car hauler trailer and this is by far the best detailed video I have found. Thank you sir keep doing what you are doing 👍 👏 🙌
Thank you! I have a trailer build series that came out very well too.
Great video Shawn...I do love your trailer series. Watched this one about 3x now. You taking the time to show why really puts them heads above. Keep up the great work.
Awesome job on the trailer. You are pretty good fabricator. I like orange on the fenders and hitch which it does make it look very unique. I have been following you for about 18 months now and I enjoy watching your videos. Cannot wait to see what is up next.
Thank you Chris! I'm glad you're enjoying my stuff. Thanks for your support - Shawn
Awesome color, it's definitely unique and its very easily identified
thank you William! I like it too. Now I want to add longer ramps and paint them too.
Nice video! Being a retired RV Mechanic I know how difficult changing out the axels can be. I've done a few in my career, I don't think you have too much in that trailer. Any tool that makes the work easier and safer is well worth the expense. Thumbs up!
"Whatever is required is never unnecessary"
-Ambassador Sarek (Spock's father)
As soon as you started to paint the fenders orange I thought that was a great deterrent for theft. I live in NC also and totally understand your reasoning. Most trailers are black and they are dime a dozen when it comes to theft. I like it!
Thank you Tim! The orange is really growing on me and I like it.
I put new finders on my trailer and modified it new paint and painted the finders different colors!! good video God Bless!!
Found that relaxing ,your work is top notch .
Thank you Billy!
Awesome video. Can't wait for the next video in the equipment series.
Thank you John!
Great outcome, extra strong fenders with step side step up surface.
I actually just bought my first trailer which is a 1998 Hudson 16’ equipment trailer. After watching your trailer videos and your trailer build, I feel confident enough to add a 4’ or 5’ dovetail, make longer ramps for a better load angle, put the 95” wide 4” drop axles on it, redo the fenders for the added width and also add the Hopkins or Bunker charging breakaway system. Instead of the expanded metal tool tray though, I’m going to fab a big toolbox like you’d see on a Diamond C. The DOT around here don’t like tools and equipment just being in a tray without being fastened down. I’m also going to redo all the lighting and change it to LED and fabricate a winch mount that will probably be covered by the toolbox. Once I do all that, weld on quite a few D rings and repaint/re-decal it, I think mine will be complete. I really wish Hudson would have flipped the channel around though like you did when you built your trailer. I’d love to build my own one day like you did! Love the trailer and Ford truck videos! Keep ‘em coming!
You know what is funny us TH-camrs always seem to be a one man show, at least when it comes to builds. Funny how that works.
These kind of projects typically take a long time so maybe that's why?
Another great video Shaun
Thanks for sharing all your thought processes and neat solutions 👍
Thank you Stewart! Thanks for watching! Shawn
I think you should paint your next trailer neon pink. :)
When welding though paint, you should probably wear a mask, or really whenever Mig / stick welding.
I've never heard that. I've only heard when welding galvanized metal you absolutely need a respirator.
The orange fenders look great
Thank you Rav! I thought so too. They have grown on me
Incredible workmanship and almost entirely by yourself!
Excellent choice 14 ply tires!
I like the orange color choice gives the trailer distinction.
another good job . I really like your build videos along with your others .
Thank you Mark!
Hey buddy. I believe your mistaken about having to charge the battery that was in there. I have a number of trailers as well and if the trailer is wired correctly and getting power on the hot lead it charges the battery. But the batteries do go bad over time. Love the channel. Keep them coming
I thought so too Andy but there was only a positive and negative on that battery. Either way I feel a lot better with the upgraded battery box.
I like the orange. Easy to identify your trailer if it's ever stolen.
Thank you William! I was thinking the same thing.
Love the orange, great job on the customisations
Thank you! This trailer has been working very well!
NICE WORK DONE ON THE TRAILER
Thank you! I like it
Awesome work on the trailer!
Thank you Steve!
Real cool Sean. Orange is good because it's close to red which had the longest wavelength. Hence a red light. Better for safety going down the road 🛣️.
And theft it is a deterrent.
Yep! Plus it matches my old dump truck (uhaul orange), and my excavators.
@@GCFD love the U-Haul.
Hi Shaun hope your well, you have made some great changes to the trailer, the colour looks good and the tow hitch is excellent, been a great video once again well done.
Thank you Taylor! This video was especially difficult to make so I'm glad you enjoyed it! Shawn
@@GCFD sure did enjoy it thank you
Could you throw at least two(2) bolts through the tow hitch you welded on ?
Yes I certainly could do that. It shouldn't be needed though with all the welded surface.
Wow, great job sir, a very hard working trailer, needs some lipstick, are you adding clearance lights. What an ending. Stay Safe.
good job! the only thing I would suggest if the loading angle still bother you. air bags on the rear of the truck to lift the tongue of the trailer up and that lowers the back of the trailer or similar concept is to use a heavy-duty tongue jack to lift the tongue up for loading. one advantage of the tongue jack it acts as a brake. There's more than one way to skin a cat, LOL
Great point on the jack Vince. I usually apply the brakes with a piece of PVC pipe so all axles are holding. I take loading and unloading very seriously!
Multi-talented. Nice job.
thank you!
Good for you doing it your way to the specs you want for the reasons you want - professional I say. Enjoy these types of vids as well.
Thank you Jim! I think it came out awesome and I've been using it.
Wow what a great video, you are good at doing engineering work, it must save you loads of bucks, if you had to pay for someone to do this work for you. 👍👍👍
For sure! It's just very very time consuming. I sold the old fenders almost instantly for the same reason....the guy had the same trailer with no fenders and he could just weld them on and go. I got $200 for the two fenders.
Great video Shawn. I like the GCFD Orange!
Your time is worth more than that! So money well spent in my book. Plus the cost of steel now days. You'd be over 6k in raw steel now.
Take care and keep up the good work.
-Ryan
thank you Ryan! I did these upgrades over about 6 months so it's only when I stop and add up the cost than it seems like a lot.
I love the color. Really enjoyed the video
Thank you Aaron!
i bet you would be very good steel fabrication worker, for someone don't do steel fabrication every day for work you are pretty good at it just saying
Thank you David! I was seriously worried about these fenders but I really love how they turned out.
love how it turned out
Thank you Dylan! Same. It's been parked outside of my kitchen window since I finished this video and I keep looking at it like, yea, I like this one.
Def when entering the trailer lower bucket to deck height and as you approach fenders lift n drop over. Lowering the bucket will def help stability while loading
Great job Shawn! The convenience of using that trailer and the piece of mind with employees hooking it up correctly will pay for itself tenfold. Color looks good, I was guessing that it was the new GCF color scheme or you were a Bengals fan. Because of the convenience and versatility of that trailer... It will probably be the first one to need tires.
Haha thank you Ed! I have seen employess take a maul sledgehammer to a trailer coupler because it wasn't hooking up right. They broke the coupler.
That was a GOOD job, and a good video, thanks.
Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Shawn
Great job Shawn 👍
Thank you Martin!
Great mod,s to the trailer, the fender supports are much needed on most trailers, 6k is very cheap to end up with a nice trailer that works well.
It looks great. Nice work
Thank you YD!
I really liked watching your video. I have 2 things to say though. First thing is Just because you put higher capacity axles underneath that trailer does not mean you can carry more capacity. That trailer frame is designed and engineered to a certain capacity and they put axles under that that correlate to that capacity so even though you have heavier duty axles the frame is still rated for the other axles and on your registration and title the trailer is legally registered for a certain towing capacity. If a DOT officer wanted to check your weights and you were over what the license and registration of the trailer says you could be in big trouble. Second thing is make the ramps on your trailer longer they look like they're almost a foot shorter than the ones on your yellow trailer and that's probably what's contributing to your steep incline for driving things off and on the trailer.
Good points Nathan. I knew from experience that this trailer would be fine going from 12k to 14k lbs. We don't have trailer registered weights here, since the tow vehicle has to be rated for everything hauled and towed. The longer ramps are on my list of things to do. I think I would be better off building new ones instead of trying to add length, don't you think?
The VIN number that was assigned to that specific trailer correlates to a weight rating.
Outstanding Shawn. I know putting all the time in to editing this video had to be a large undertaking. I really enjoyed it. I will keep an eye out for you and the trailer. I like the unique colors. I did not catch you saying how it tracked when you pulled it. Let us know. I bought a local made trailer after having a Hudson for many years and I have been considering buying another. I need to upgrade on GVWR.
Thanks! The trailer pulls very well but I think those ultra-heavy duty tires make it feel heavier than it is. I plan to swap two of the tires onto my yellow trailer so I have 2 and 2 on each.
Great build, I would add another 1’ of length to each of the ramps.
I'm planning to do that. I think I need to build new ramps and I want to paint them orange too.
and those gussets on the mudguards just happen to make very convenient steps.
Yep! I feel the same way, Make them so they can be a step and actually support weight.
Hey Sean, with all the positive feedback on your trailer videos, you should open a tech school. I like the color. Next trailer you should go hilighter green.
Hey John! I just won a MMDI compact equipment trailer at an auction and will be picking that up soon. I've been looking for one for a long time, but they are so expensive.
@@GCFD that’s awesome. It’s a good feeling when you procure something you’ve been looking for. It’s almost time to get a paint spray hvlp to use instead of rattle cans. I’m excited to check out your new to you trailer.
Interesting, well shot and well edited video. I think you should've painted the trailer bright yellow with GCFD graphics.
I definitely thought about it. Maybe when I replace the deck boards and have it stripped down. But that's still a lot of work!
You get lucky on the finds that is for sure... Still needs your Logo somewhere on it. Nice 1/2 dovetail joints (notches) , Orange is good & was going to say where is the Yellow Before you said orange, Wiring is +...Sure wish they had that back in the 70's & 80's when i had all my trailers, i would be concerned the straps would bounce out etc etc by not having a taller rail around the basket do you keep a bungee cord around most of it all, Those tires are nice should last longer than regular ones / 500 seems like a heck of a deal for that how is the interior...Glad the truck is working out since pulling a knuckle and a few headaches on it...
I can leave the straps on the deck and they never move so I was fine with the small rail around the front. The escape is awesome It's a very nice car. It needed plugs, coil packs, PCM.
I'd love to see a video on how u got into welding and kinda teach us how to weld
Shawn, I would paint the fender underside black and put another piece of wire mess in the other hole and put a toolbox in it.
if it was my trailer.. great job..
If you made ramps a foot longer you’ll be in the sweet spot. Great job
You are a real life Iron Man
👍
I do love your self-build videos Shawn, thank you for taking the time to film, edit and share! May I ask who the beautiful lady is? I’ve seen her in a couple of videos now and I am a curious being 🤭
I watched 1+ hrs or your whole video lmfao I love welding and I love hauling trailers. I pull daily my tilt car hauler. And now it need drive over femders so that my next step
Thanks for the new ideas like the wire mesh and changing coupler style
I've been in a similar situation where things got just a little bit more expensive, but the results exceeded by expectations. Although on reflection you should have made the axels as close as possible to the table within reason to drop the height even more and those rear fold down ramps could have been extended out just a bit more, giving you a better loading angle.
great detail, very good job.
Nice! I would paint the ramps orange too.
I think I'm going to, but I think I want longer ramps! That's on my list of things to do yet
I have the same trailer a 94 model and still in good shape
Nice! I like Hudson bros.
Looking good love your videos You need to upgrade to a Takeuchi skid got a new tl 10 love it the Cadillac Of the skid steers
I've heard that Gene. I was looking for a TL 8 or TL10 when I found this mustang. It's supposed to be very very similar.
Must be nice being able to fix and modify your own stuff
For sure!
Just an idea.. You could have added door hinges to parts of the trailer and a top mounted mesh basket above the bottom portion and have it act as a type of lift up drawer/door so you could put some tools or other flat objects on the basket and not worry about them flying off the trailer at some point. Not explained very well but i think you'll figure out what i mean..
On the other hand i guess that wouldnt work well if you put gas cans and the like there.. owell, was a decent idea at first lol
I love that idea and thought about doing it. Diamond C makes the lift up storage like you are talking about. www.diamondc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/GTF-car-hauler-trailer-lockable-v-tongue-storage-lid.jpg
Just waiting for lower quality version to appear to enjoy this high quality video :) My computer just cannot handle the full res video
Dang it! I checked yesterday and the lower res option was there, so I published. Checked after I saw your comment and it's gone. I don't know what to do with this issue and youtube. I guess I need to way a few days before publishing then wait more. I'm sorry elk
@@GCFD Not a problem. It's like waiting for premiere of your video, which is usually at 3AM at my location ;) Haha, "elk", i like it :)
@@GCFD Good vid, seems like it's your hobby to keep you busy over winter :)
Once you started replacing/upgrading you could not stop. Does it have those side position lights?
It sounds like the exhaust back pressure sensor tube is plugged on your 6.0. Easy to clean out and will up your performance.
You think? I just replace them instead of cleaning. I'll check it out. sometimes the tube gets clogged too.
@@GCFD It is the tube that I was thinking of.
Great video Shawn. Have a great day.
I know nothing about welding or engineering... is there a reason why the brackets for the axles weren't fully welded on the outside? Are those 2 small welds strong enough? Is it fully welded inside? Just wondering
It's fully welded on the front and back side of the brackets. I welded them back in place the same way the old ones were welded on. I keep an eye on things and everything has been great so far.
Nice work. Many contractors back bobcat type loaders on to trailers, because of the rear mounted engine. Try it sometime.
Too bad you couldn’t have gone to the Hudson trailer factory and convinced them to produce the Gate City Foundation Drainage edition trailer!
PS - hope they are watching this video and taking notes!
Haha my yellow trailer would be the gate city edition. Everything about that yellow trailer just works.
Hey Shawn, everybody has those days. You can say that you don't have that many. Who ever built that Hot tub sure put to much money in it, thats to much concrete even for a swimming pool. Hey that lady is in need for some serious gutter work anyway. And like you said just chalk that one up to advertisement . Great Job!!!...
Great point Mowerman! That was a heck of an advertising day. lol
I have same trailer 16ft tri axle its factory the 80s i beam is great mine came with flat stock welded across the i beam every 2 feet for tie downs never had an issue
I’m pretty sure that hitch is designed to have a 1/2 grade 8 bolt in the top and bottom in addition to the welding which I think you should have made several passes on your welds, in my wrecker days I’ve gathered up more than one trailer because the hitch broke off. I’m kinda weird I guess but I have 4 trailers and I always paint the totally black so they can be touched up easily
I was thinking the same. I don't know if I'd trust those welds with all that weight.
Good job man. Now that I’m retired I really like to watch you work and always do the little extra ☮️
Thank you Dennis!
nice job,love the orange bits,can be a health safty feture ,as on a rainy day on the high way ,your trailer stand out to other road users ,orange bits ,we do that here in the u.k ,we call them markers ,mark out side of a verhicle ,in bad weather,is nice to have a work shop and tools ,to keep your buisness going and adapt equipment to suit your needs ,is sad people steal stuff and move to other ereas ,for resale,you could stamp your zipcode into the chassis ,and tell the police ,if it went missing ,what we do here in england ,we call it our postcode ,and door number ,is used on lots stuff ,bikes,welders,can be stamped or uv pen ,on house hold items ,police got blue light and try to find post codes,return to owners ,also get a small tracker now too,fits inside a mountin bike or car,boat,and when gets stolen,you can activate it ,use its onboard battery ,then find it on your phone or police man ,have you ever tried stick welding ,rods,that is good for heavy steel jobs,nice penatration,bite,cheap too,box rods ,weld outside ,in the wind ,6013 for steel or 7018 for structeral ,low hydrogen rods,im more of a stick man ,learnt that first ,learn mig after ,to fix cars,well your doing a fine job ,seem happy ,being self employd ,keep up the good work,you are good at teaching stuff,explain things ,share your wisdom ,knowledge ,you motivate others to have a go,try ,very good indeed
Hello from the Netherlands
nice trailer Shawn
thanks for the video .
Sincerely Hollandduck
Thank you hollandduck!
ORANGE ……. I’m from a midwestern town that use to have a long time Allis- Chalmers manufacturing facility. The factory and Allis - Chalmers no longer exist. Many years ago the local high school dedicated its school colors to the A-C “Orange and Black” and still to this day the colors remain the same. I have always referred to your orange as Allis Chalmers orange. It certainly precedes the Kubota or U-Haul orange we see today. Some history for what it’s worth😊.
You can't go wrong with AC orange or Oliver Green!
I get changing axles to get tire commonality; for travel trailers I want the same tires/wheels on the trailer as the tow vehicle. Shat happens. But longer ramps give more ground clearance and a lesser ramp angle.
If you have something like a skidsteer with a heavy weight on the back reverse up steep ramps if you don't have a load on the other.
I am planning to make some longer ramps and paint them orange too! I like the drop axles in that they set your load's center of gravity lower too. Low is good
@@GCFD
Low is good as long as it does not keep you from reaching your destination. With your purposes that doesn't seem to be a problem.
For sure! I stick to the pavement so no offroading for my trailers haha
I have always backed my skid steers on a trailer to keep from tipping backwards. and lot safer.
Orange is awesome.
Thank you Matthew!
Absolutely love your video . But You may should install the trailer lights
One nice thing about the tongue design on the car trailer is you can turn tighter without jackknifing (assuming a 4' tongue).
I can see you need your trailers a certain way . You building your own works better for you and your needs .For the type of work you do. You also save money in long run building your own trailers for your needs of your business.
Yes they work well for me.
I thought you chose orange for safety reasons. Would have been cool to have it blue, like your shirt!
Yes I like the orange for visibility and I think blue would have been a great choice too.