Where to buy steel for building a car trailer?

[CCiatteo]

This fall/winter I am going to build a a car hauler for taking my car to the track/autocross and am having trouble finding steel suppliers that deal in small quantities. Anyone have any leads to suppliers in the central NJ area +/-50miles or so? I don't have a definite list of materials yet as the project is still in its early stages, but I would like to price it all out to get an idea of the total cost involved before I start spending $$$.



Thanks

Chris

 

[HGreen]

Not to discourage you, but I went the same route as you and after pricing all the parts, steel, axles, springs, shackles, brakes, hubs, coupler, wiring, break-away battery, lights, and a bunch of other stuff, it was cheaper and quicker to just buy a ready made trailer. You will have to comprise a little, but resale will be better. Not sure what kind of car you are looking to haul around, I have mine for my Miata and tractor, got one that has a 10,400 capacity, 16 foot bed, twin 5200 axles with brakes on both axles, 2 foot beaver tail and pull out ramps, removal left fender (so you can open the door to get out) got it for $2300 off ebay. Got a heavy trailer so that I can haul a pickup if needed. Went to South Carolina to pick it up. Great trailer.

 

[jwgary]

McMaster-Carr is fairly good to deal with for small quantities.

 

[XtremeDiesel]

well in jersey the best place for steel is Fazios steel yard in south jersey. i get most of my stuff there and their prices are great.

 

[CCiatteo]

Not to discourage you, but I went the same route as you and after pricing all the parts, steel, axles, springs, shackles, brakes, hubs, coupler, wiring, break-away battery, lights, and a bunch of other stuff, it was cheaper and quicker to just buy a ready made trailer. You will have to comprise a little, but resale will be better. Not sure what kind of car you are looking to haul around, I have mine for my Miata and tractor, got one that has a 10,400 capacity, 16 foot bed, twin 5200 axles with brakes on both axles, 2 foot beaver tail and pull out ramps, removal left fender (so you can open the door to get out) got it for $2300 off ebay. Got a heavy trailer so that I can haul a pickup if needed. Went to South Carolina to pick it up. Great trailer.

You make a very good point, that's why I am doing my homework now..... I been looking and the trailer I want with the upgrades(5200lb axles, 4wheel brakes, winch mount, storage box, tire rack, LED lighting etc. etc. ) I'd like comes close to $4000 (locally) which is awfully close to an enclosed trailer, which I don't have a real need for. So I figure if I can build exactly what I want for around $2000+/- I'd be happy. The idea of traveling to South Carolina or Indiana is kinda sqashed by $5/gal fuel prices, at least for now. I just stumbled upon a deal for 8 (4x8) sheets of 1/8th thick steel diamond plate for $250 so that's a good starting point. What I don't use I'll sell.



Chris

 

[CCiatteo]

McMaster-Carr is fairly good to deal with for small quantities.

I forgot about them and they have a warehouse 10 minutes from me that I use for all kinds of good stuff..... thanks for the reminder.



Thanks

Chris

 

[CCiatteo]

well in jersey the best place for steel is Fazios steel yard in south jersey. i get most of my stuff there and their prices are great.

After I put together my material list, I'll check these guys out.....



Thanks