trailer building

[Bigthumper]

has any one ever built their own trailer and have any blueprints? i know there are tons out there to buy but i just need something to just get a idea of things. it would be for ATV's and such. . i have thought about buying a used utility and changing things to the way i would like but i like knowing that i built the hole thing. any help would be appreciated

 

[jelag]

I've built several custom trailers... but if you want one for an ATV go to Sams Club or Costco and buy one of thiers... ... You'll save yourself money..... The trailers are made off shore or with off shore parts... . You can't buy the parts and the steel to make a small trailer designed to carry under 1000 # for less than you can buy one for...

 

[surfbeetle]

I partially disagree with jelag. Yes it's true if you buy the steel and then complete components such as complete axles, you won't be able to beat the cost of some assembled trailers. If you fabricate everything, including items such as the axles, they are much cheaper than premade units and you save money. You have to really look around and decide if its worth the time and effort involved in making your own trailer that will be exactly what you want. Or would you be better off modifying an existing one to suite your needs, it may be less time and effort.



I was going to build a utility trailer. I took a ROP welding class at one of the local high schools so I could have access to the machine shop. After coming up with a basic design and cost, one of my buddies moved across country and couldn't take his utiltiy trailer with him so I bought it for a song. It's not exactly what I had in mind and it will take a slight bit of modification to make it work.

 

[cojhl2]

As a comparison, I needed a small trailer to pull behind the 4-wheeler for carrying irrigation stuff in the field. I have all the shop stuff with which to fab a trailer.



By the time I bought hubs, turned spindles, wheels, suspension, and steel it was going to cost more than the $139 I paid HF.



Now true this was for a very small trailer but I bet the same comparison can be made for a larger one.

 

[Bob4x4]

Bigthumper,if you want a custom design go for it! When my Kids were still at home and went to the desert a lot with the desert toys I built a monster toybox. Nothing like you could buy. It had tandem axles,8 rancho shocks and 35" tires. It was the perfect match for my truck with 40" tires and custom suspension. I could tow my toys where most trucks couldn't make it w/out a trailer :-laf



Bob

 

[jelag]

I should add that all trailers in WA need to be plated... . and to plate a trailer that is home built requires a state inspection from a certified inspection station for what used to be $75... don't have a clue what it is now... the last trailer I wanted I bought a used motorcycle trailer for 100 bucks... . it had a nice axle, springs, wheels tires etc and a Licence plate and title..... I changed it to haul my ATV... . another 200 bucks or so... in parts... but I already had a title so no need for the inspection... .



Hope this additional information helps... .



Jim

 

[Bob4x4]

In Cali last one I built got a very quick visual at dmv and required a statement of facts,receipts for parts purchase or how aquired and no additional fees above registration till over a weight limit,then wt fees apply.



Bob

 

[DSorrells]

In OK trailers do not have to be taged or have lights on them. It is not real smart to pull them with out lights, but you won't be pulled over during the day. The absolute cheapest place to get trailer parts in OKC is Commercial Trailers & parts. They are at western and reno and they only take cash or check. NO PLASTIC. They are wonderful people to deal with, very knowledgable and always have the parts on hand. As far as building trailers goes, if you count your time to be worth nothing and don't count consumables. ( welding rod, grinder disk, etc) Then you will do okay. These big trailer MFGrs don't make more than a couple hundred $ a trailer. If you have some other questions shoot me a PM.

 

[Okie-Go]

If I lived in Choctaw I would call Frank at Custom trailer sales in Midwest City, he is on ne 23rd street. Tell him Okie sent you. I promise he will beat any price on a trailer.