Fastening Gravity Box to Running Gear

newfarmer9 · Aug 31, 2011

Hey all,

Just wondering if anyone could tell me the correct way to fasten two timber beams to a running gear, and then a gravity box on top of the beams. Just bought this old wagon and currently the beams are fastened to the wagon at the back corners only, and then the wagon on top is fastened to the beams all the way around. The beams keep slipping and sliding together and apart at the front where they are not held, causing the fasteners between the beams and the box to break.

I'm thinking the beams should be fastened to the running gear at all four corners? And then the gravity box fastened to the beams along one side only, so the box can 'float'? Maybe hold the loose side in place with a length of chain or something?

Thanks for any help!

Janicholson · Aug 31, 2011

I would put a 2X6 spreader between the stringers to keep them spread (using joist hangers would keep it where it belongs). Then I would chain the center down with 4 inches of slack so the stringers are captured inside the uprights. Jim

onefarmer · Aug 31, 2011

The long beams are fastened to the box in several places and I fasten the beams to the running gear in the back leaving the front to float.

newfarmer9 · Aug 31, 2011

I realized looking at the wagon a second time and then comparing to my other wagon that some sort of 2X6 or welded stop to keep the beams from moving inward at the front should solve the problem, just as Jim described. Thanks for your help also onefarmer, I will leave the front two beams unfastened as they are now.

Janicholson · Aug 31, 2011

Leaving it loose is fine, it is not a motocross wagon. I just seem to like things a bit fastened down. Jim

paul · Aug 31, 2011

Certainly.

Don't do it the way you 1st describe, that would not go well.

--->Paul

Anonymous-0 · Aug 31, 2011

one chain on this farm ... commonsense dictates that a heavy loaded wagon will sooner or later be trailed across uneven terrean , if all 4 corners are fastened absolutely it will eventually destroy itself from the strain ..

JMS./MN · Aug 31, 2011

That wouldn"t last five minutes. Joist hangers? What, nailed in place? The runners need to be bolted to the box, and blocks, or bolts on one axle, installed to eliminate front to back movement on the running gear. Then bolt or chain the other axle on one corner. Three of four corners need chains or bolts.

Tramway Guy · Sep 1, 2011

Most gravity boxes I have seen do fine attached at all four
corners. Think about it --the reason yours keeps coming
loose is because the gear twists around while the box is rigid.
If you really want some flexibility, you can get a bolster kit.

newfarmer9 · Sep 1, 2011

I think it will work fine to just use a 2X6 as a spacer, the reason it was coming apart was because there was nothing to stop lateral movement at the front of each beam. If I put a spacer in it will eliminate the lateral movement but still allow the wagon to float.

Janicholson · Sep 1, 2011

The hangers should be bolted in place, both to the 2X6 and the stringers. The stringers should be screwed to the box using 3/16X2.5" Tap con (blue) Screws they do not rust, and provide solid holding power THe hanger is to provide lateral positioning for the strut that keeps the stringers apart. I find no reason to believe it is a week solution. Jim

Fastening Gravity Box to Running Gear

newfarmer9

Member

Janicholson

Well-known Member

onefarmer

Well-known Member

newfarmer9

Member

Janicholson

Well-known Member

paul

Well-known Member

Anonymous-0

Well-known Member

JMS./MN

Member

Tramway Guy

Well-known Member

newfarmer9

Member

Janicholson

Well-known Member

Similar threads