Thread: Beefing up the drawbar - this OK?

Originally Posted by Wombat2

I want to beef up the piddley 60x40 RHS draw bar on my 7x4 box trailer.
I haven't got the time, money or inclination at this stage to replace the whole bar so thinking of adding a web under. I know not to weld across top or bottom and it is OK to weld on the sides so would it be OK to weld two pieces of overlapping angle down the sides and weld some 12-14 mm solid round to the angle like this?

Hi Wombat 2, you have the right idea to put a web support underneath. Putting angle would be just adding extra weight.
The way that I would do it, is to weld 40X6 flat 100mm long pieces front and back and at 2 points along (these should be put where the flat bends up to meet the drawbar)., attatch these on the sides with short welds about 25mm long on each end of the flat, bend the 40X6 FMS flat to a rough shape (allow about 50mm), weld the flat to the plates underneath and force 2 (about 8mm longer than the space) pieces as the main support between the flats and the brace, welding them both sides .
Kryn

Perhaps have a look at some caravan drawbars, they use a similar principle to what u are proposing.

Thanks guys - Jatt that was a brain wave - after looking at photos of caravans some with the idea I was thinking of I spotted a van with angle welded under the draw bar - I'm thinking 40x40x3 running about 2/3 the length from the spring hanger foreward. Tack it with 25mm welds every 150mm along the edges of the RHS of the drawbar. Also add a gusset either side of the drawbar at the front of the tray.

The thing to be careful of is not making it too rigid. With weight in it, the drawbar needs to flex a little, otherwise it will snap.