Thread: Nasty fall

Originally Posted by mrdux

I figured at my age and physical limitations, it was much cheaper to put a set of steps on my trailer tongue than it was to pay for a visit to Dr or ER. I built these myself out of 2 1/2" square tubing and scrap stuff I had around the shop. I'm no pro welder but I stuck it all together with my wire-feed till I got what I wanted then came back with my stick welder and made it rock solid. Probably got $50 in the whole deal. No telling how many folks I've seen take pics of my set-up at the ramp.

I also have a Drotto latch system for my boat but the low water makes it really hard to use on most local ramps so I took it off till summer pool.

Looks great Doug...I like the hand hold post also

Not much that can be used around here to build steps for my trailer without buying new material.
My son and I went to an auction in Byhalia saturday. We got there early to view the items and set a price we would pay for each. One item was a pallet of used 3"X12' channel iron. Not knowing the price of metal we set our price at $200, bought it for $40. I'll be looking at designs of steps to choose the one I want to build, most likely a 4 step model.

Sounds like a good buy. 3" might be a little over kill but for the price I would use it too. I have been know to way over design as well. I used to build and modify equipment on the farm and when I finished my dad would say" It will work if the tires will carry it." Show us a picture when you get it built.

I know what you mean. I love to fabricate things in my shop. I have 3 welders, torch,bandsaw, cold saw and several grinders and I love using them.

Guys..thread is drifting...

Originally Posted by "G"

Looks great Doug...I like the hand hold post also

Thanks G. That hand-hold post is why there is a spot of paint gone off my RipTide. Every now and then I come in a little hot onto the trailer.I would never consider using the steps without the hand-hold. I got the idea for them from Kenny R and the late Big Dude on the KY Forum.

My Dad was a scrap aluminum/copper/etc trader for years. He picked that piece of square aluminum tubing up somewhere. It had been bent and was of no use to the owner. Dad threw it off the truck into his shop years ago. When I was welding up the steps at his shop (where I keep my buzz-box), I saw it and threw it in my truck. When I checked it for possible use on the step project, I figured it being bent would make it unusable. Ends up it was the exact length I needed and the bend was absolutely perfect for the job. Saved me a bunch of trial-and-error. I never have luck like that.

Originally Posted by canebreaker

Not much that can be used around here to build steps for my trailer without buying new material.
My son and I went to an auction in Byhalia saturday. We got there early to view the items and set a price we would pay for each. One item was a pallet of used 3"X12' channel iron. Not knowing the price of metal we set our price at $200, bought it for $40. I'll be looking at designs of steps to choose the one I want to build, most likely a 4 step model.

I might have gotten away with 3 steps but that bottom step is a welcome relief to tried ol' knees, especially getting in the boat. I've seen some custom jobs that had the bottom step much too low for my liking and 3 step model that had the bottom step way too high.

Originally Posted by KnightShadow10

Guys..thread is drifting...

Don, how you feeling now, getting better?
We have drifted a bit, from buying ready made to building.