Trailer Modifications

[sledheadjoe]

Hi all,

I have an older Triton aluminum 10' enclosed trailer that I absolutely love... except for the steel arms that hold it open. This trailer was made before the days of the gas struts. Thus, my plan is to remove these folding arms that always get in the way and bang against the inside of the trailer when on the road and install some gas lift supports similar to what they sell today. I also want it to open a little higher than currently as I only have about 1" to spare on my wifes high windshild REV when loading.

I have done some fooling around with AutoCAD and come up with the geometry I think will work, but I was hoping someone with a newer 10' enclosed trailer can take some measurements for me to confirm:

1. strut length - closed (eye-to-eye)
2. strut length - open (eye-to-eye)
3. mounting point - trailer deck (distance from front)
4. mounting point - trailer top (distance from front)

Any help would be greatly appreciated! Oh, and I'm going to use 250lb struts, even though I think most trailers from the factory come with 220-230lb struts. If you can confirm the rating also, that would be great.

Thanks,
Joe

 

[sundown]

Trailer mod measurements

1= 16", 2= 28" 3= 57 1/2" center of cover pivot bolt to center of strut stud, 4= 38 3/4" center of cover pivot bolt to center of strut stud. My struts have been replaced because of loading mishaps. I believe they are 250#. I didn't think to get the part # from the strut while I was in there. I know I ordered the replacements from McMaster-Carr.
As long as we are on trailer issues, does anyone have strut size and mounting directions for the tilt on this trailer. Mine has a wishbone style hitch frame.

 

[sledheadjoe]

Thank You!

Thank you very much for taking these measurements for me sundown. This will help a bunch!

-Joe

 

[ezra]

I have a Triton 2005 12ft enclosed and it is no walk in the park to lift when more than a inch of snow on top I tore 1 handle off of it 2 yrs ago lifting.there has got to be a better way thinking of bigger struts

 

[Canoepaddler]

Soft bristle push broom.

 

[sledheadjoe]

ezra: Does your 12' have 250lb struts or are they smaller/larger? If so, do you have any issues keeping the lid up once open or does it sometimes slam closed on its own under the extra weight of the snow?

 

[sundown]

More then a couple inches of snow on the top is a problem with lifting. I carry a push broom in the back of the truck to clean it off. I've never had a problem with it not staying up.

 

[ezra]

it will always stay open don't know what struts are on it wont know until just before hay days when I go yank it out of storage. but if they have bigger struts I will be buying.still like it better than the flow that a bud and my cuz have that wont close when iced up.been on that trip at night more times than I care to remember with a screwdriver and a hammer. I always hall my own now