Trailer Unloaders

I'm not aware of the pickup unloaders you mention, and I'm not sure that I have an accurate understanding of just how your arrangement works, but it sounds like the start of a very good idea.

If you could send a sketch or photo, I think I might be able to suggest an improvement.

To do that, create a jpeg image of the photo or sketch. Save that image in a known place on your computer, then click on the Reply button in CR4. Once you are in the Reply edit window, Type part of your message, then click on the camera icon, then on the Browse button. Navigate to the location where you stored the jpeg, and select it.

Once it appears in the edit window, you can click on a corner and drag the corner to enlarge the image. Unfortunately, CR4 hasn't yet come up with a way to include high resolution images.

Harbor Freight sells an unloader for pickup trucks. Here's a video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cy3ZugqIAJE

Thanks! I did watch the video, but still am not totally clear on the exact method of function...

UJ. I see no reason why the winch couldn't be mounted directly on the end of your pipe, as long as the winch and pipe are mounted such that the pipe bearing acts to replace the second bearing of the winch drum. It would be pretty easy (with a lathe) to cut down the flange on one end of the winch drum. If you are lucky, (and depending on the size of the winch), you might be able fit the drum inside the pipe so a pin passing through holes in the pipe and drum would make the winch easily removable.

Hi uj - thanks for the post, which was very detailed and legible!

I think I have a pretty good picture of the idea of the setup. Having a picture or drawing would definitely help.

You said: I may be able to send pictures or a drawing with dimensions - if I can figure out how.

Both would be great. dkwarners post explains how to get those uploaded into a follow-up post. Looking forward to seeing them!

As usual, Solar Eagle has provided a pretty good likeness of my set up with a drum and winch on the left side a of a smaller trailer. Whoever did that made it a lot simpler than mine. I hadn't thought of setting the winch in that position - I think I will try to modify mine similarly.

What I find hard to believe is that the companies that make those for pickups haven't evolved to this set-up. Don't know how many people have unloaded gravel/sand/dirt etc. by hand but it is so much nicer to do it at the push of a button. And quicker.

And thanks to all especially SE. When do you go on Jeopardy?

We'd still like to see a photo or sketch/drawing of your setup!

Just to add more to the mix... The old pull-type manure spreaders had an open chain from front to back to pull the lateral bars (angle iron most likely) along the bed. The bars sometimes ran in a track to prevent lifting over the 'fertilizer'. Something similar to this without the drag bars and with the chains driving only the rear dump shaft may work. Might need a geared clutch to let you pull the cloth back to the front... I'm thinking too much now. What you have is working and a very easy design. Would moving the drive to the front even be worth the effort?

I see they still sell the spreaders and they are very pricey!

My favorite so far....⇓

Here's a winch powered unloader...