Straightening a bent frame

[TBarCYa]

I know that it's possible to straighten a bent frame but can it be done safely?? Also, what is the best way to do it?? Heat it and straighten it or cut away the bent section and weld in new steel??<br /><br />Any help is apreciated.

 

[BoatBuoy]

Re: Straightening a bent frame

I'd probably take mine to a frame/alignment shop.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Straightening a bent frame

Depending on how much and where the frame is bent, it will likely remain a weak spot and should be reinforced by welding or bolting on a plate that spans the bend.

 

[TBarCYa]

Re: Straightening a bent frame

That's what I was figuring about it being a weak spot. I had planned to either heat and straighten it and weld a piece of 'C' channel over the spot to reinforce it or to cut the section out and weld in new steel plus add the reinforcement. <br /><br />I called a local body shop that does vehicle frame straightening, and they couldn't straighten the trailer frame or even suggest someone that might. Considering that the cost of the trailer is less than what the rollers alone would cost, I think I'm going to buy it and see what I can do with it.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Straightening a bent frame

Where is it damaged, and how badly?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Straightening a bent frame

Where is it damaged, and how badly? Is it bent inward (hit from the side) or vertically?. There are some tricks you can use to straighten it if the damage is not located in a critical area or too severe.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Straightening a bent frame

Man -- I have fat fingers today. Another double post.

 

[TBarCYa]

Re: Straightening a bent frame

It's bent in front of the front spring mount and it's bent as tho the trailer was overloaded so the rear bends towards the earth. I imagine that it's a critical area tho which is why I'm concerned about whether I can safely straighten it before I purchase it.

 

[craze1cars]

Re: Straightening a bent frame

Anything can be straightened and/or repaired with enough time and knowledge. Try a different auto body shop, I'm sure you'll find one hungry for some business who might want to take it on. But the cost of repairs may exceed what this trailer is worth.<br /><br />Most trailers are made out of either u-channel or rectangular mild steel, and in very standard dimensions that's easy to find...so I guess if it were me I'd just cut the damaged section out and weld a new section in before I paid someone to try to straighten it. Heating is a bad idea, it changes the molecular structure and will definitely create a weak spot. Not a big deal if it's well reinforced, though. I'd just butt weld (maybe stagger the joint) a new section in and maybe try to add a reinforcing sleeve at the weld...especially if it's just a u-channel you can hide any reinforcement inside the channel. Of course I own a MIG welder, so it'd be cheap and easy for me to do it for myself.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Straightening a bent frame

If its bent upward, someone apparently tried to winch the boat onto the trailer and the trailer was not in the water far enough. This puts tremendous stress on back of the trailer and since the front is tied to the tow vehicle, it bends upward in the middle. An upward bend is the most difficult to handle. If you can find a very sturdy beam that's just a few feet off the ground (like a loading platform or something similar), back the trailer under it, use a couple of sturdy jack stands supporting the trailer frame about two feet either side of the bend, and use a hydraulic jack between the frame and beam to jack the frame straight. You may need to put some blocking under the jack stands if you are working on the ground. You will be amazed at how easily that bend disappears. You can also rent a "Porta Power" at most rental agencies. This is a hydraulic ram with various attachments and is used in automobile repair work.

 

[TBarCYa]

Re: Straightening a bent frame

Craze, I too own a MIG so the welding part isn't an issue except that it's galvanized so I will need to grind off the galv before welding. I'm fairly certain that it's rectangular tubing and I'm sure I can pick it up at the local steel yard pretty cheap if I decide to cut and weld. I'm thinking of making a sleeve to go over the welded part as reinforcement. <br /><br />Upinsmoke, I like the idea of the hydraulic ram to try straightening it. I'll have to see where I can rent one because it would certainly make the job much easier. <br /><br />I'm also considering replacing the rails altogether. The steel shouldn't be too expensive and having a shop make two bends won't be too costly and when combined with the low cost of the trailer, I can probably come out of this with a decent trailer for less than what the axle would cost new. I'll have to see how straightening the current rails goes first tho.<br /><br />Thanks for all of the advice and information. I'm going to pick it up this week and hopefully have it ready to go in time to put the boat in the water next weekend.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Straightening a bent frame

As far as a professional shop straightening it, a semi truck repair shop would be a good place to check. Their frame machine will be longer/larger than one at an auto body shop.<br /><br />

Anything can be straightened and/or repaired with enough time and knowledge.

Great quote, and I agree 100%. Just one thing to add, though: You have to pay an expert if you can't do it yourself!

 

[kesso]

Re: Straightening a bent frame

The boat might be too heavy for the trailer. When the boat is removed from the trailer, does the trailer straighten up?

 

[Mark42]

Re: Straightening a bent frame

If it's a big brand name trailer a dealer can probably order a replacement frame rail. I didn't catch if the trailer is bolted together or welded. Lots of trailers are bolted now adays for ease of shipment and assembled by the dealer.