Modifying trailers

[Dave W]

Got asked a question today.
Man wants to extend drawbar on trailer to run under a wood chipper so can take both behind tractor. Drawbar would be extended by around 6ft.
This is extensive modification so all the information on the plate now means nothing.
Let's assume the work is all done competently.
How would you go about making it road legal again? Who would inspect it and supply a new rating plate etc

 

[Andrew]

Got asked a question today.
Man wants to extend drawbar on trailer to run under a wood chipper so can take both behind tractor. Drawbar would be extended by around 6ft.
This is extensive modification so all the information on the plate now means nothing.
Let's assume the work is all done competently.
How would you go about making it road legal again? Who would inspect it and supply a new rating plate etc

If it’s a HGV trailer it’s form VTG10 and go from there.

If its an ag trailer just get on and do it. You may need to add a few side marker lights, but no need to get it tested. Which information on the plate will be wrong?

 

[Kevtherev]

I know the very man to do that for you…

 

[Sharpy]

I did this years ago, the trailer was used for bulk fertiliser and had to be pulled by the spreading tractor. I used a bit of box section to sleeve over the trailer drawbar and put a large diameter pin through it through the original drawbar eye. Pull pin, slide sleeve off, trailer (Marshall qm11) back to normal.

 

[Munkul]

6ft extension?

What sort of nose weight is on it normally? If its a standard ag spec with a few tons on, you're gonna have a banana shaped drawbar in no time...

 

[ewald]

With wood chip there would be little weight to worry about

I would be surprised if anyone would want to plate a significant modification unless they did calculations - can see it getting expensive
I would make sure it was a tidy and strong job, matching paint to the original, and say nothing....

 

[mo!]

DRT did a custom trailer for a chipper north of here. Three point linkage on the back of the trailer, PTO shaft running through the chassis. It had a lot of weight on the front of the trailer to balance the monster chipper but it was a right outfit.

 

[Dave W]

Years ago it would have never been a consideration. JFDI.
But now it's a very different world. Not sure I'd openly put my name to a modification job if the worst ever happened

 

[Turnip]

Isn't it simpler to install a hitch on the woodchipper?

 

[Dave W]

Isn't it simpler to install a hitch on the woodchipper?

That would be asking for trouble imo

 

[bobk]

Barge pole fabrication .

 

[Turnip]

That would be asking for trouble imo

Can you add more info as to why you think this? Used to see trailers hitched to fert spreaders all the time. Don’t just weld a hitch to the back but give it some proper structural frame connected to the tractor 3pt. unless I’m missing something that should work.
Not meant to troll, genuinely want to know.

 

[Dave W]

Can you add more info as to why you think this? Used to see trailers hitched to fert spreaders all the time. Don’t just weld a hitch to the back but give it some proper structural frame connected to the tractor 3pt. unless I’m missing something that should work.
Not meant to troll, genuinely want to know.

Because a wood chipper was never designed to tow a trailer.
Towing a trailer obviously comes under haulage. They'd throw the book at you if there was ever an incident

 

[Mur Huwcun]

Because a wood chipper was never designed to tow a trailer.
Towing a trailer obviously comes under haulage. They'd throw the book at you if there was ever an incident

Plus the chipper is heavy enough on 3pt without having the drawbar weight of a trailer aswell plus it woukd be a pig of a thing to swing in and out if places as the pivot would be way behind you.

I’d think the best way around it would be to fabricate an extension piece that can bolt onto trailer rather than a cut and weld job to extend. What he really needs is a Fraser trailer with the removable drawbar and just get a longer box section!!!

 

[itsalwaysme]

Years ago it would have never been a consideration. JFDI.
But now it's a very different world. Not sure I'd openly put my name to a modification job if the worst ever happened

How big is the trailer ? could he buy a bigger/longer trailer and cut 6ft off the body, leaving drawbar/chassis untouched

 

[zero]

Weld a new, longer drawbar, full length under the existing drawbar out of slightly thicker walled box, with the towing eye welded on top. This would give extra clearance under chipper on uneven ground. Then paint it the same colour as the trailer to make the extension less obvious.

 

[Turnip]

Maybe use something like this instead?

i know this one is too light but the principle is the same for a larger more heavy duty one.

 

[milkloss]

Why not use one of those European box type trailers that have a dolly with no weight transfer. Could make the drawbar much lighter then.

 

[Nearly]

'It was like that when I bought it'

 

[Drillman]

Stick chipper on front links and blow it over the cab

I know I know my genius is frightening at times