I've been seriously thinking about this for about 4 years, so I figure it's time to start making a shopping list.
First up, which type? Hydraulic or air bagged or some sort of manual winch/ratchet system.
Air has the following advantages:
- Off the shelf parts easily available
- Spring and lowering device are one unit
- Compressed air available for non-suspension things
The following list is what I (probably) still have available to me, and included so you know what not to suggest:
- MIG welder
- MIG wire
- Grinders
- Disks for grinders
- Good condition 6-stud steel wheels
- Maybe some axle parts?
- Plenty of wire
- Plenty of cable ties
- Braked trailer coupling 100-400nzd
- Box section steel for chassis - no idea?
- Other assorted steel for suspension - ditto.
- Alloy or steel tread-plate for deck - ditto.
- Fasteners if using alloy for deck - ditto.
- Bottle of argoshield or similar welding gas - not sure if buying. ~90nzd + ~20nzd/month rent on big one.
- Air compressor of some sort - could be anywhere from 20 to 500 nzd depending on patience and reliability etc.
- 4 air bags ~1000nzd total
- 4 shocks ~200 to 400nzd
- 4 commercial tyres 200 - 1000nzd
- Some sort of control mechanism - who knows?
- Air valving, independent pressure control and/or self leveling - no idea.
- Lights as required by relevant laws - no idea?
- Maybe more suitable wire + trailer plug(s)
- Removable skid plates, thin - cheap.
- Brake line material and fittings - no idea.
- Galvanising service - no idea.
- Jockey wheel at front (unless legally required?)
- Air tank - use the frame 17+ - 57+ litres depending upon construction
- Winch - trailer will sit so flat it'll be straight forward to roll into on flat ground. However, thinking more, ground isn't always flat... certainly not compulsory anyway. Good excuse to keep cars running ;-)
- Deck width 2000mm
- Deck length 4000-5000mm 5000 will hold a maximal b2000 ute without overhang, 4300 holds an FC RX7, 4000 holds most stuff with a bit of overhang, etc.
- Box height 50mm, and width 50, 75, 100, or 150mm
- Wall 3mm, enough? 4mm and 5mm also available, but much heavier. This is calculable if someone wants to help.
- Multiple tie ins to main two rails from front A section
- Tapered initial 500 - 1000mm down to 15 - 25mm thickness for built in ramp functionality. Dual rails in this thinner section
- Removable/installable sides, front, back
- Some sort of wheel locking/jamming mechanism, eg movable/lockable wedges
Comments welcome, will update this post from time to time.
Fred.