diy utility trailer?

[Piper]

Hi all

I've looked around a bit but haven't found anything on simple, diy custom fab'd utility trailers. I'm looking for something like a 5' x 8' single axle design with sides.. pretty typical stuff.

I've seen the ones available at all the usual places and don't want to pay the $1800 for something that I know is going to be flimsy and rust out in a few years. I'd rather spend the same $$ and fab it up myself.

Anyway I'm at the beginning of this so if this has been bashed around and I didn't find the link sorry. I'm thinking there's gotta be some good books on trailer design available. I know I've got a solid source for metal, components and welding so really I guess I'm looking for good plans.

Any ideas?

 

[Davo J]

Have a look around the site below. Grahame is our trailer expert and I am sure you will find similar builds.
http://www.woodworkforums.com/f184/

Dave

 

[PCO6]

That's very close to the size and amount of money I have into my home made trailer. I looked at "store bought" trailers and decided to make my own for the exact reasons you stated. I sketched it out on paper and made lots of revisions along the way. I got a deal on a new axle which was originally intended for a car trailer. The wheels are 14" and the tires are 205's. I didn't want to go with a smaller axle / wheels / tires which are typical on most utility trailers and I think it paid off. The trailer tows very smoothly and I've had it up to 135 km/hr fully loaded with no problems.

I bought a book on building utility trailers at Princess Auto. It had some good ideas but I had pretty much finished the job when I got it. One thing I would suggest is taking cell phone pictures of trailers you see during your travels. I took detail shots of tail gates, latch mounts, etc. and chose or modified designs that I saw.

Lastly, you will be SHOCKED at how easy it is to license a home made trailer in Ontario. When I was renewing my car license I simply asked what the process was. Ten minutes later I had plates for my trailer and I hadn't even finished building it yet! They asked NO questions about its design, safety features, weight capacity, etc. Their main concern was the colour so they could print it on the license.

Good luck. It will be a fun project.

 

[NUTTSGT]

My step-dad has a 5x10 utility trailer with 12" tall sides. I use it to get stone or sand instead of my open car trailer. His trailer has a rear ramp made from angle iron and expnaded metal. it can fold down inside of the trailer or pinned straight up. It's hinged and can be removed. In it's place a 2x12 can be slid in to make a solid back gate.

If I were to buy or build a small trailer, I'd want this feature.

 

[steel 35]

I have access to a lot of trailers so its easy to put it off but here is the hard part of what i want. I will get a picture of my favorite borrowed trailer.

 

[5lima30]

Check out some of the how-to welding books they usually have utility trailer projects. My old Haynes manual has one in it.

 

[Piper]

thanks everyone!

I continued my search and found off the miller welding site this link.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/category_trailers-trailer-parts+trailer-blueprints?

They have some great customer feedback so I've purchased the 6 x 10 utility trailer plans. I'm sure I'll have to adjust to suit my needs but this gives me a solid starting point. I also think/hope it'll help with licensing as PC06 said. This'll be my first project in my new garage so I'm pretty excited.

 

[steel 35]

That is really close to the trailer I didn't get a picture of yet, with removable sides front and rear; Good choice

 

[filtered]

I made mine out of an old pop up camper. I used the metal frame, axle, hubs, and wheels. Knocked everything else off, replaced the jack and lights, used some pressure treated decking for the deck. I bought some weld on pockets for 2x4s and made some sides from 2x4s and decking. Got some brackets for the corners to hold everything tight. I'm have about $400 into it. It's not a total DIY but it was cheap. $100 for the pop up, used the title from a trashed home built trailer I already had, and another $300 in parts and materials.

 

[ibedayank]

steel35
here ya go bud all the thinking is done for you

Trailer Blueprints — 12ft. x 6ft.4in. Hydraulic Dump Tandem Axle
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200333035_200333035

 

[lilredex]

I have some sketches of a dump trailer that is manually operated, which started life as a box dumping scrap from a one ton PU. The box is on wheels that ride inside a 3" channel and when pushed to the back, the front wheels lift up through a cutout in the top web and the box dumps. Everything is balanced so there is no big effort in making it go.

I was at a (Kijiji) seller's place looking at something else and saw it, kind of a unique design, he took the box and added wheels, to make a trailer. Never had my camera with me, so just made some sketches when I got home..........just in case I ever needed a trailer.

Can post it, if anyone is interested in that design.

 

[dittle fart around]

Got a little carried away. I started with an idea to make a trailer to tow behind my VW single cab. The frame is the same width as the truck and the wheels are at the same width also. Found some cheap bug fenders and went to town. My sister calls it a chariot my wife calls it in the way. I call it an unfinished project.
View media item 11569View media item 11568

 

[toymn6366]

Got a little carried away. I started with an idea to make a trailer to tow behind my VW single cab. The frame is the same width as the truck and the wheels are at the same width also. Found some cheap bug fenders and went to town. My sister calls it a chariot my wife calls it in the way. I call it an unfinished project.
View media item 11569View media item 11568

your wife is like mine always right if you wasn't so far away i would take that off your hands just to help you out

 

[trbomax]

I designed and built this one about 10 yrs ago. Other people liked it and I ended up buildin 6 more for them. 2 - 5000# axels,e-rated tires,5" channel main frame,4" channel box frame.The hydraulics will dead lift 10,000#. I also have a splitter on the hrdro to opperate a tounge jack. Box capacity is 3.3 yds when loaded to the bottom side board.I usually fill it with a "hump" when hauling stone or coal,this will put the gw right on 10,000. All the planking is fastened with ss 3/8 carrige bolts. The tailgate hinges from the top or bottom.

 

[trbomax]

I exceeded the upload limit on the last post. Here are the rest of the pics

 

[steel 35]

steel35
here ya go bud all the thinking is done for you

Trailer Blueprints — 12ft. x 6ft.4in. Hydraulic Dump Tandem Axle
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200333035_200333035

Well worth the change to be able to just knock it out; But I can aquire one any time like that as well, good thing is if it has somthing in it and I want to use it, its easy to unload on the spot
If they are single axle here you dont need plates, stickers! until you reach a certain weight I am sure I would never do that

 

[A29]

I looked into building a few small utility trailers as a side line. By the time I sourced out all the cheapest parts and materials I could make about 50 bucks compaired to all the trailer sales places within 10 miles of me. Lots of work for 50 bucks.

 

[PCO6]

I looked into building a few small utility trailers as a side line. By the time I sourced out all the cheapest parts and materials I could make about 50 bucks compaired to all the trailer sales places within 10 miles of me. Lots of work for 50 bucks.

You are right about that. In my case (post #3 above) and I think what the OP was driving at is that for similar money you can build a better trailer than what you can buy ... IF you throw in your own time. If I had paid someone to build mine the way I did it it would be about a $3,000 dollar trailer and I wouldn't have done it.

As for building a trailer and selling it, my biggest concern would be the liability. I'm a hobbiest and I'm not sure I would do it. It sounds like you might run a business so your situation could be quite different.

 

[trbomax]

The thing about diy vs a mfg unit is that you can make it exactly how you need it and not compromise its usefulness. The one I built above was built narrow and relitivly short since it was made specifically for backfilling my 350' of seawall I was building at the time. Sure a tri axle dump truck would have brought in more at a time,but would have had to drop it a spot,then I would have had to move it with the loader to the wall. This trailer would fit between buildings and put enough stone behind the wall for 8 -10 feet at a time

 

[hunter1151]

Not to mention the fact that you can build it incrimentally and not piss off the wife........quite as bad

 

[metal1313]

i have wanted to build a small dumb trailer for some time. i want a smaller one due to space, and that i simply wont need a huge one often at all. a 5x8 or slightly larger is all i want. add a single 5k axle and a ram and i;ll be happy

 

[steel 35]

Here is my favorite trailer as promised its just wide enough to see it while backing up, I can walk it with a load better then I can my dog's due to the wheel in the front, the sides front and rear remove if needed, dont care what it looks like, I sandblasted most of the big parts of my old ford on it, and its not mine! like grandkids take them back when your done.
And a few parts I have ratholed to build my own, wish the axle was a little wider dont think I could see it, thats a big reason for not jumping into it.

 

[ert01]

I have built a handful of trailers over the past few years. Ranging from tiny to huge and everything in between. I have found that you don't usually make money trying to sell them for profit but you can make a much better trailer then you can buy if you put your own time into it.

Here's my latest camping setup. Same width as my Jeep, same rims and tires even. Lockable storage in the bottom... tent on top. It's a little more then a standard utility trailer but my wife and I use it for camping often. It's nice to leave everything packed up so all I have to do is hook up and hit the trail.

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/49597-Albertan-Trailer?highlight=

Check out some ideas over at the Expedition Portal... not exactly utility trailers but there's a TON of good info on trailer design and suspension setups and stuff. A few of the designs could be simplified and made into nice utility trailers:

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/forums/42-Expedition-Trailers

 

[Dodgepu360]

here are some free plans for the basic utility trailer: http://www.championtrailers.com/UTILITY_TRAILER_KITS.HTM
there is a thread on pirate 4x4 in the tow rig section with lots custom touches for trailers: http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=826239

 

[vonhef]

I have built a handful of trailers over the past few years. Ranging from tiny to huge and everything in between. I have found that you don't usually make money trying to sell them for profit but you can make a much better trailer then you can buy if you put your own time into it.

Here's my latest camping setup. Same width as my Jeep, same rims and tires even. Lockable storage in the bottom... tent on top. It's a little more then a standard utility trailer but my wife and I use it for camping often. It's nice to leave everything packed up so all I have to do is hook up and hit the trail.

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/49597-Albertan-Trailer?highlight=

Check out some ideas over at the Expedition Portal... not exactly utility trailers but there's a TON of good info on trailer design and suspension setups and stuff. A few of the designs could be simplified and made into nice utility trailers:

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/forums/42-Expedition-Trailers

Very nice build!!! I will go to Arizona in October to pick up a Horizon from Adventure Trailers.

 

[ert01]

I would love a Horizon trailer but unfortunately I just don't have the income to justify one right now. My only A/T product is their max coupler and if their trailers are similarly designed then it'll be a killer trailer. I love my max coupler and I will use one on every trailer I build from now on.

 

[NASTYZEN]

Here's mine.
I got a little carried away.....
I put about $5500 into it and way to much time.I will never be able to sell it and make my money back......
But it is all metal and sturdier than anything on the market I plan to inclose it with canvas and removable hoops one day. A bit like those army trucks.

 

[iamironman]

I have access to a lot of trailers so its easy to put it off but here is the hard part of what i want. I will get a picture of my favorite borrowed trailer.

i have wanted to build a small dumb trailer for some time. i want a smaller one due to space, and that i simply wont need a huge one often at all. a 5x8 or slightly larger is all i want. add a single 5k axle and a ram and i;ll be happy

Here's a "little" ram I've got for sale for a "small" dump trailer.


I guess it all depends on your definition of small.

 

[steel 35]

Here's a "little" ram I've got for sale for a "small" dump trailer.


I guess it all depends on your definition of small.

That thing would take more viagera then my town has to fill it.

 

[vonhef]

I would love a Horizon trailer but unfortunately I just don't have the income to justify one right now. My only A/T product is their max coupler and if their trailers are similarly designed then it'll be a killer trailer. I love my max coupler and I will use one on every trailer I build from now on.

AT does have a great quality trailer... but it looks like you have built a fine one also!!!

 

[JimD1]

The capacity is a lot less than these examples but I am happy with my little Harbor Freight fold up utility trailer. I think it is limited to 1200 lbs. They have one rated at 1800 lbs if I remember right. Mine was under $300. Hard to beat the price. You just bolt it together and then get a sheet of plywood for the bottom of the bed. I added wooden rails about 1 foot tall that go on with clevis pins. It comes with the pockets. If you welded it, it would be stronger. It's quite a lot of parts and steel for the money. Comes with a title. My wheels are 12 inch. My most typical load for it is a couple hundred board feet of hardwood lumber (for furniture).

Jim

 

[RobSmith]

Got a little carried away. I started with an idea to make a trailer to tow behind my VW single cab. The frame is the same width as the truck and the wheels are at the same width also. Found some cheap bug fenders and went to town. My sister calls it a chariot my wife calls it in the way. I call it an unfinished project.
View media item 11569View media item 11568

The drawbar is way too short. It will want to jacknife every time you want to back it up.

 

[steel 35]

More then two beers

 

[steel 35]

steel35
here ya go bud all the thinking is done for you

Trailer Blueprints — 12ft. x 6ft.4in. Hydraulic Dump Tandem Axle
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200333035_200333035

Well these plans as I have seen now are for a (trailer as quoted after a call) when in hand there are no Hydraulic plans? schematics layouts or dimensions for the scissor, the hydraulic cylinder length is not given nor are the axle dimensions but the part numbers are listed and available for purchase I am on another low buck build just started and may take some time, yes scavenger hunt is a good way to put it kinda like a shopping list not intended for you yanker.......

 

[koditten]

Here is what I primarily build and sell. (lost track around 200). I will be starting another in the near future. Do you want me to start a pictorial on my builds? I'm starting to get pretty good with getting pics from the camera to the GJ.

KO

 

[steel 35]

Here is what I primarily build and sell. (lost track around 200). I will be starting another in the near future. Do you want me to start a pictorial on my builds? I'm starting to get pretty good with getting pics from the camera to the GJ.

KO

Don't know about the OP but I would like to see them your fenders look really nice. Here is what I did today and What is shown I have 0, zip, Nada, invested, but I need to get a few buddys over to help me flip it and now it is going to start costing me. Don't get it I bought the same Mig as ZT but my weld's don't look the same.

 

[koditten]

You welds look fine. Welding on used iron will always yield not so perfect looking welds.

As for the position of the axle, is there a reason that you have it all the way to the back of the frame? This will make the tongue very heavy. Any load you put on will be stressing the tongue. You want to have the axle carrying the the load,not the toungue and vehicle bumper.

The fenders are just stamped aluminum. The look nice and are fairly durable. And they are cheap too.

I went to these fenders a couple of years ago because fenders are the first thing to get damaged. I can change out a pair in 15 minutes if I have to.

Later

Kirk

 

[steel 35]

It does look funny for sure, I only tacked the pads and it is the main frame, with a dump Frame going above it that will extend further back hopefully it does balance accordingly the tongue weight is 200lbs when done; More then I will be lifting.

 

[koditten]

That makes sense. Now I see the route you are taking.

Kirk

 

[steel 35]

Well my simple 5' x 8' trailer just keep's me intertained its not that simple but I do have the sissor drawn up, cylinder and wireless control ordered. The budget went from 0 last weekend to 600+ with the upper bed frame steel and new tires added as well, it may be a while on the upper bed now