Hobbs Trailer

[DodgeNick]

Hi,
I have a 1944 5 ton Hobbs trailer which I am trying to find a little more information on. Does anyone know where I can get the measurements of the brackets which fit to the sides to form a "box" round the trailer bed?
I have a copy of the TM9-887 but it doesn't have any dimensions.
I've attached a couple of photos of the trailer which hopefully will come out!





Thanks in advance.
Nick

[Cat Man]

Hi Nick,

Man am I drooling over that trailer! I have never seen one like it. And I've traveled alot! In US Army trucker lingo, these are refered to as "S and P's" which is short slang for "Stake and Platform"

My copies of TM9-2800 vehicle calalogs don't show one like it? In the 1943 edition, a 3 1/2 Ton single axle semi trailer is shown - built by Hobbs and others. It shows the overall height ground to top of the stake sides as 89 inches. In the 1953 addition it shows the stake sides as 42 inch tall. In the 1943 edition it shows 8 stake pockets on the side the later manual shows 9.

Please tell us more. Is it a semi trailer with a dolly under the front? Or are the front wheels permenent? Also there is some type of linkage on the front. Is that a vertical pin to lock the front wheels from turning left or right? We have logging trailers here that do that so the drivers can back up the short trailer like a two wheel type. Much easier.

The stake sides I believe are a standard size for American flat bed trucks. Tell me the size of the pockets and the centerline dimensions and I'll check with some truck and trailer equipment contacts here. Brackets and hardware should not be hard to get.

You have a rare one. Very cool.

Cat Man

[Barry Churcher]

Hi Nick
I agree with Cat Man on what a neat trailer you have. I particularly watch for different trailers and I have never seen that one. More photos would be nice.
Cheers,
Barry

[DodgeNick]

Cat Man,

When I saw the trailer being advertised I knew it was rare and although I didn't have anything to tow it at the time I knew I eventually would so just had to have it.

The front wheels are on a turntable and you are correct in stating that the mechanism at the front is a locking pin. It make reversing it somewhat easier, however, I'll probably attach a pintle hook to the front bumper of the GMC to help manouver it in tight spots at shows. Below is a pic of the front.



I'll try to take some more photos this weekend and get some measurements, however, the trailer is sheeted up at the moment as she is temporarily being stored outside.

This one has eight stake side brackets and I can't remember its exact date of maufature but I'm sure its June 1944.

She is in pretty good shape. Just a couple of weekends work to tidy her up and re-do the electrics and she'll be up and running nicely. She was restored a while ago by a previous owner then left out in a field for about 5 years exposed to the elements of the english weather!

Anyhow, will keep you guys posted.
Cheers
Nick

[armydriver]

Wow, that is one great looking trailer. It is a real find, indeed.

[KEVINABR]

excellent trailer i saw one advertised some time ago (it may be the same one) but never had the money...
enjoy it ,it a great trailer

[abn CCKW]

A rare beauty just the way she is . I m sure its going to be a out standing unit when you get the stake sides built , Again its great even with out them . Are the brakes electic or pneumatic ? does anyone know what trucks would have pulled it ?

[KEVINABR]

Hi Nick do you still have your hobbs trailer ???? If so i have just purchased a stakeside trailer and upon looking at both seem to have the same brackets for timber sides ...
regards kevin