Tools & Fabrication - Adding a 2' dove tail to my 16' trailer...

....and need to know how many inches it drops from level. I picked up the trailer for a song so I dont mind adding the things it needs. In floor tool box is next. If someone could put a quick tape measure on their trailer and post up what you find it would be a great help. Not sure where else to post this so I put it here. Thanks!

Mec

I had a dovetail trailer once. It dragged on everything and really wasn't that much help even with a lowered car. Then I purchased a T&E Stacker trailer without a dovetail. Man what a difference, just jack up the front and you have a straight shot on the trailer.
So what I'm getting at is, you might want to rethink the dovetail and do what you are doing in this post. Ask questions, call trailer manufactures and so on. I'm just giving you my .02¢ worth.

I've got an 18' dovetail, I could grab some measurements next week. I'm working away from home this week. The only time I drag is if I'm not paying attention to my turns in/out of lots.

-SS

can someone post pics please?

I found a few sources that puts the drop between 4 & 5 inches. I've pulled dovetailed trailers before with hardly any issues. Trying to keep it simple. I'll post up picks of what I'm doing. Its fun to chop, bang and weld!

Mec

Removed rear cap and prepped frame rails.

http://www.pix8.net/pro/pic/23026dwdgp/1141844.jpg
http://www.pix8.net/pro/pic/23026dwdgp/1141847.jpg
http://www.pix8.net/pro/pic/23026dwdgp/1141848.jpg

Needed 5 inch "C" channel but only had 7 inch. Took a little to take out 2 inches but I managed.

http://www.pix8.net/pro/pic/23026dwdgp/1141849.jpg

Set up the dove tail on a 5 inch drop.

http://www.pix8.net/pro/pic/23026dwdgp/1141850.jpg
http://www.pix8.net/pro/pic/23026dwdgp/1141851.jpg

Finished both frame rails and the supports.

http://www.pix8.net/pro/pic/23026dwdgp/1141854.jpg
http://www.pix8.net/pro/pic/23026dwdgp/1141853.jpg

Adding the lumber. Just needs paint!

http://www.pix8.net/pro/pic/23026dwdgp/1141855.jpg
http://www.pix8.net/pro/pic/23026dwdgp/1141857.jpg

nice:thumb:

Did you, or are you going to add a channel along the rear for ramps too?

-SS

If you mean the channel to hook the ramps onto, its there. The rear cap at the end of the dovetail is the same one that was originally on the rear of he trailer. I just reused it.

Mec

Right on, good looking work! One more thing, did you do it because the trailer was too tall loading? I just ask because I love my trailer but my low drag truck will drag the front ladder bar x-member/ ds loop on the top of the dovetail. I have to be real careful to jack the front up higher to avoid it. If I were to add a dovetail, I'd probably extend the length of the d/t to lessen the angle of the rise. Either way, I'm sure you enjoy your new dovetail car hauler, gl with it. Give us a shot of it finished overall when your done.

-SS