Vintage trailer design

[oldwoodsman]

while I was building my trailer for our Montana trip, I wondered about the angled side boards on the top and their purpose. During our trip I noticed that they deflected any mud that the fenders missed from the load. Anybody know what their real purpose was, or is this it? When I found pictures of old trailers, I noticed some of them didn't have fenders, but did have the angled side boards.

 

[newshirt]

Hauling a big pile of hay?

 

[Joe K]

Having thrown cordwood into a trailer regularly I can attest the value of angled side-boards.

I think in Cow Hampshire, fenders are required on trailers simply so they don't spray other vehicles.

Is there a "dress code" in Montana?

Joe K

 

[oldwoodsman]

Yup Bibs it is for us, none for the trailer!!!!!

 

[29ModelA]

Gives it a funnel top for loading?

 

[45GPW]

I think in Cow Hampshire, fenders are required on trailers simply so they don't spray other vehicles.

In some states, the fender requirement kicks in depending on the use of, or width of, the trailer; i.e., they may not be required on agricultural trailers or small utility trailers, but they are on other larger trailers. Same thing with mud flaps on trucks and trailers.

One reason for the angled and/or rolled top on the sides of trailers is to provide more rigidity to the side, especially if the top or side is used as a place to tie off a load.

 

[foxfire42]

The same concept used on the A pickup bed.