Student-built trailer heads for raffle

Delta/Greely residents may want to start saving their dollars. A new 16-by-8.4-foot tandem-axle steel trailer is taking shape at the Delta Career Advancement Center, and when students finish building it, one lucky ticket holder will take it home.

Students have been working on the trailer since last spring, putting classroom welding and small-engine skills to work on a project designed to produce a useful piece of equipment while providing hands-on training.

“We started this project in the spring semester and are planning to finish it by the end of October,” said welding instructor Gary Hall. “The trailer comes with a back ramp and a salt shield up front.”

The dual-axle trailer will feature 14-inch wheels and have a carrying capacity of approximately 3,000 pounds. Its deck will be constructed from ¾-inch marine plywood and finished with weather-resistant Spar varnish.

Two welding classes have been working steadily on the project, while Mike Adams’ small-engine repair class took the lead on the trailer’s wiring.

For Hall, the project is about more than simply putting metal together.

“Before the students even touch the trailer, we repeatedly go over the welds,” Hall explained. “They practice and practice with mock-ups. Once they move to the trailer, they must have high-quality, integrity welds. That is extremely important. No grinding!”

Hall said choosing steel for the trailer platform was intentional, not only because of its strength but also because it allows more students to participate in the project.

“This is steel welding,” he said. “Aluminum welding is the next-step welding, and not all students are yet proficient.”

The trailer is also providing students with an opportunity to put their math skills to practical use.

“It involves a lot of geometry, and you cannot afford to be off,” Hall said. “When you hold that tape measure, it must be right on. No deviation. Layout is very critical.”

The project began last spring with a group of students who have since graduated. The current crew includes approximately 12 student welders, seven of them girls, who are continuing the work toward completion.

Once finished, the trailer should be capable of hauling four snowmachines or four four-wheelers, or a side-by-side and a four-wheeler.

The finished trailer also represents a considerable value. Hall told students that a trailer of similar quality can sell for around $10,000 in Fairbanks, stating the importance for them to do high integrity work.

The trailer will eventually be raffled off to help support the students and their program. Tickets will cost $20 each, or six for $100.

The winner is expected to be announced just before spring break, giving the new owner the opportunity to put the trailer to work during the spring travel season.

“That way the winner will be free to use it for trips to the mountains or wherever during the spring weather,” Hall said.

Ticket purchase locations are expected to be announced later this month.

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