Log truck and trailer brakes

AA Ford Discussion Group relating to the repair and restoration of your AA Ford.
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wild4679
Posts: 80
Joined: July 8th, 2017, 7:14 am
Body Type: 82B
Model Year: 1931

Log truck and trailer brakes

Post by wild4679 »

I'm considering building a log truck, using a '31 AA cab/chassis/running gear. Before jumping off on this, I have some questions. What brake linkage system was used for semi-trailers in the 1930-31 era? And, what wheelbase should I use for the cab/chassis?
Bob C
Posts: 1442
Joined: April 24th, 2003, 11:50 am
Body Type: Mail truck, Stake tr
Model Year: 1931
Location: SO CAL

Re: Log truck and trailer brakes

Post by Bob C »

I think your best bet would be vacuum operated mechanical brakes.

Bob
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KimVanOrder
Posts: 753
Joined: August 11th, 2013, 4:25 pm
Body Type: 82-A Platform
Model Year: 1928
Location: Hamilton, Mich.

Re: Log truck and trailer brakes

Post by KimVanOrder »

I wonder if that company is still in business? May be fun to try order one!! Show them that sales sheet!! :lol:
KVO
Dec. '28 AA
Stakebed
Posts: 1223
Joined: June 14th, 2007, 7:29 pm
Body Type: Grainbox
Model Year: 1929
Location: Illinois

Re: Log truck and trailer brakes

Post by Stakebed »

Just a heads up - depending on your state antique or not you may need a CDL to drive it...
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Chris Haynes
Posts: 2203
Joined: September 7th, 2003, 5:18 pm
Body Type: 82A
Model Year: 1930
Location: Camarillo, CA

Re: Log truck and trailer brakes

Post by Chris Haynes »

double post
Last edited by Chris Haynes on August 1st, 2018, 11:34 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Chris Haynes
Posts: 2203
Joined: September 7th, 2003, 5:18 pm
Body Type: 82A
Model Year: 1930
Location: Camarillo, CA

Re: Log truck and trailer brakes

Post by Chris Haynes »

KimVanOrder wrote:
July 31st, 2018, 3:41 pm
I wonder if that company is still in business? May be fun to try order one!! Show them that sales sheet!! :lol:
Fruehauf went out of business in 1989. https://www.singingwheels.com/what-happ ... mpany.html
wild4679
Posts: 80
Joined: July 8th, 2017, 7:14 am
Body Type: 82B
Model Year: 1931

Re: Log truck and trailer brakes

Post by wild4679 »

Thanks for the advice, gentlemen. I'm assuming that in the era of the Model A's and mechanical brakes, semi trailers simply did not have brake axles. Is this a fair assumption?

Also, when choosing a chassis to build a log truck project (or any truck with a fifth wheel to pull a semi-trailer), would you choose a 131.5 inch wheelbase or a 157 inch?
bud valerius
Posts: 386
Joined: May 14th, 2004, 5:24 am
Model Year: 1930
Location: Manhattan , Kansas

Re: Log truck and trailer brakes

Post by bud valerius »

I have a vacuum operated brake system for mechanical brakes I might consider selling
Stakebed
Posts: 1223
Joined: June 14th, 2007, 7:29 pm
Body Type: Grainbox
Model Year: 1929
Location: Illinois

Re: Log truck and trailer brakes

Post by Stakebed »

wild4679 wrote:
July 31st, 2018, 10:21 pm
Thanks for the advice, gentlemen. I'm assuming that in the era of the Model A's and mechanical brakes, semi trailers simply did not have brake axles. Is this a fair assumption?

Also, when choosing a chassis to build a log truck project (or any truck with a fifth wheel to pull a semi-trailer), would you choose a 131.5 inch wheelbase or a 157 inch?
Do you plan to haul logs with it? if so longer the wheelbase the more stable it is under braking (wont jackknife as easily) but also increases turning radius and physical space it takes up. Most vintage pics ive seen of AA semis is the standard 131.

Also this site would be a great rescource for all that legality stuff and trailer brake questions id imagine as well

https://aths.org/
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