Any tips for building a utility trailer?

[243]

I would like to build my own utility trailer and found pretty decent plans on Champion Trailers website. I am leaning towards a 20' low-boy tow behind with slide in ramps. I am also considering the benefits of a gooseneck from a driveabilty perspective.



A 16' utility trailer can probably be purchased new for less than the cost of axles and materials but I believe I might save 25%-50% on a 20' GN.



The other factor is money, I don't have a large chunk of money to throw at a trailer but I can build it over time.



Any tips?

 

[y-knot]

Yes, go and buy one new. You can not build pne cheaper then you can buy it. The trailer builders get to big of a discount on there steel and supplies. Unless you just want a project. Also do you have the right equipment to build one? What type of certification do you hold as a welder?

 

[cjohnson1]

I have to concur with y-not on this. After many years of building my own trailers (6) I bought my last one. A 18 footer with rails, brakes, 3500 lb axles and 72 inches wide. It cost me $1300. 00.

The only trailer I ever built that costless than that was one I built for one of my racing buggies over an 8 year span out of scrap aluminum I got from work. It still cost $500. for torsion axles and surge brakes. A very cool looking trailer. But 8 years????

This 18 footer I bought was out of necessity. I dropped a valve in my wifes car in South Carolina and had to buy a trailer to get it home. I bought a Dodge TD pickup at the same time to pull it with. Two of the smartest purchases I've ever done. Paid cash for both. May never be in that financial situation again, but I don't regret it.

Save up your money over time and use that time to shop around. Then pay cash for it. That'll save you a bundle over interest charges. You can always make your own mods and ramps for your trailer, if you just have to build something. You can get a lot of bang for your buck with out all the sweat.



Then again, I did build my first few just for the experience. And that's just what they were. So, do what you want. Southwest Wheels has some good deals on trailer parts. Cheaper if you can get somebody with a tax ID to buy them for you.



C Johnson

 

[Prairie Dog]

I once got hold of a old boat trailer someone was throwing away and modified it into a flat bed. I gave it new bearings and it towed like new!

 

[y-knot]

I two have built several trailers, I enjoy working with metal and have a shop, but still it is cheaper to buy them then try and do it yourself. The big issue is the fact that trailer builders buy there axle's by the truck load, same with steel. The average guy would spend about three times what they would for the same proucts.

 

[243]

I like projects but a trailer certainly doesn't sound like a popular venture from those that have built them.



I do not have any welding certificates. Do trailers have to be assembled by certified welders to be registered?

 

[bighammer]

I guess another question is how often are you going to use it? Rental trailers are pretty darn cheap. No maintenance, storage, plates/registration or depreciation--Just the per day fee.

 

[y-knot]

Know they don't have to be welded by certified welders, but it is best to be very competent in that department. The big hassle is in getting the thing registered, you have to apply for a title, and they will want to know how you built it, what matterials were used, sometimes even wanting to see the matterial spec sheets. Anyway I have done this a few times, and although it's a pain, it can be done. As a manufacturer, they can issue there on serial numbers and titles, much easier. Also, when it comes to insurance, your carrier will want to know some specifics about the trailer and it's construction. If there is an accident, you will be held to a different standard, you were not only the user, you were the manufacturer, big difference in liability. In all it just isn't worth it.

 

[crabman]

Trailer Site

I see you live in Texas. Check this site: http://www.bigtextrailers.com/

I have been told that they make a very good product.