Modify trailer/coal bin

I have a 7 ton utility trailer I'm going to be making my trip to PA with. I need to modify the sides to get more volume. As I figure, I'll need 240 cubic feet to hold 6 tons so I need to make my sides 48" high. The sides right now are 23". Anyone have any ideas or suggestions?

Just my $.02 but I favor plywood for such jobs.It is strong,not too very expensive to buy,allows for minimum joints,comes in 4x8 sheets ,can be stored easily,no expensive tools required to work on it,and lends itself to reinforcement as required. Oh, I almost forgot when it has long served its purpose,it can be burned. Mike

This is what I'm working with.

I'm trying to figure out how to secure the seams and corners so nothing moves!

If you had stake pockets, that's the easiest way, but doesn't look like you do.

Get out the welder and add some upright supports, couple angle irons or some square tube.

I would take some 3/4" plywood and cut it to fit inside the box of the trailer. Then take some 4x4 posts and set them in each corner. Lag bolt the plywood to the 4x4's. Throw a couple ratchet straps over the top to keep it from bouncing out on the trip to the breaker. If you are worried about the corners busting at the seem, through a couple ratchet straps around the perimeter of the box.

If you plan on making this an annual event, I would add stake pockets and make some side boards that are easy to install/remove.

6 tons is nothing to sneeze at on a trailer like that...everything needs to be right. I assume you have checked the wheel bearings to make sure there is plenty of grease and the preload is set correctly? Tires in good shape?

Just went completely through the trailer. New brakes, drums bearings, tires. For the sake of legality, I'm going to put 5 tons in the trailer and one in the bed of my truck. When I get home I'm going to shovel the ton out of the bed into the trailer. I was also thinking of making 3 sides permanent and 1 side so I can drop as the coal gets used.

Have a good and safe trip for the coal. Just have a CB radio and keep it on listening for any PA DOT stops. Lately they have been pulling over any "combination" vehicles. P/U trucks with trailers included. Just a heads up.

plumber wrote:Just went completely through the trailer. New brakes, drums bearings, tires. For the sake of legality, I'm going to put 5 tons in the trailer and one in the bed of my truck. When I get home I'm going to shovel the ton out of the bed into the trailer. I was also thinking of making 3 sides permanent and 1 side so I can drop as the coal gets used.

Cut a valve or a doghouse in the bottom of the lower gate. Jack the tongue up as far as you can. Got a hill/grade close by? Once you rig you winter cover, you won't have to mess with it at all. With a valve you won't have to shovel for a while and with a doghouse, you won't have to reach so high. Removable valve in the lower gate an you can slide the shovel in quite far before you'd have to rake the coal forward. I did that for years with my first cart. Made it to early spring before I had to get inside and move it forward. That was with nut size, you're looking at rice(?).

rember there is a new state in pa on weights check post below

DOES PA has a new law about gross weight

the latest regulations by our wonderful state of P.A. that states no vehicle can leave a certified weighmasters scale with anything over the maximum gross weight of any vehicle,

RAYJAY wrote:rember there is a new state in pa on weights check post below

DOES PA has a new law about gross weight

the latest regulations by our wonderful state of P.A. that states no vehicle can leave a certified weighmasters scale with anything over the maximum gross weight of any vehicle,

Thanks for the info. That's why I'm putting a ton in the bed. 5 tons in the trailer puts me at 13,750 (14,000 gvw) and a ton in the bed puts my truck at 9800 (11,000 gvw) . My GCVR is 23,500.

Square tube size bigger then on trailer now, drill hole and bolt. Sides go with plywood. Remember to total the extra weight from making it bigger. I'm a ex truck driver and DOT can be a pain in the butt

don't forget every thing you have in the truck /trailer adds to the weight ( even that cup of coffee ), you will be running combined weight trailer/ truck with what your hauling