Bought a neat custom trailer

[Cubey]

Check out this awesome little trailer I bought for $500 yesterday. Admittedly, it needs some welding and maybe some tube steel added to made it a bit more sturdy and the rack is going to have to be redone or replaced with a motorcycle carrier. <br /><br />It has lockable hinged doors on both sides. The doors aren't very weatherproof (cheap foam weatherstripping) and so I will probably have to drill some water drain holes in case much water tries to get inside. But to keep things waterproofed inside will be easy enough... plastic totes!<br /><br />It has a particle board type divider inside that isn't set 50/50 so one side is larger than the other. but it can easily be removed by removing the screws/brackets holding it in.<br /><br />You'll notice a receiver tube inside the compartment the guy added somewhat poorly (which is why he didn't end up using it I think). It can be good to use but needs reinforcement under it with some a cross frame. I may use it for a bicycle carrier. <br /><br />It's only about 4.5ft wide (the box is 4ft wide) and 8ft long (front of the coupler to end of the trailer) so it's very light weight despite being steel (except the rack which is aluminum). I am not real fond of how low the brake lights are so I will probably add an LED brake/running light bar to the upper part of the trailer so it will be more visible.<br /><br />I may or may not remove the box on top. It actually would help show me where the trailer is behind the van so I may keep it. Also probably not very waterproof, plastic totes can again go inside for extra bedding or other very light things.<br /><br />

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[Vern M]

Remember those little tires (and likely their bearings) were not meant for highway speeds or long distance running!

 

[Cubey]

The tires are rated to something like 65MPH I think. I could easily change the axle though. The axle it has is questonable at best. A brand new one for 4x8 trailers is only $130 at Tractor supply:<br /><br />http://www.tractorsupply.com/carry-on-trailer-reg-idler-trailer-axle-for-4x8-trailer-0175407<br /><br />I can put 5 lug hubs on it and put bigger tires. Some 4.80-12 would help so long as they don't get in the way of the doors fully opening.I'd have to do some measuring.<br /><br />I had a trailer with those size tires that I had up to 70mph several times and they did ok. Might have to redo the bearings often but that's no big deal for me to do myself.<br /><br />I don't mind spending a little on it to get it sturdier and more road worthy since it's going to be so perfect for my needs. I know how I want the tongue redone/frame done up better. Anybody who can cut tube steel and do welding can do it in a matter of an hour or less.

 

[SoulRaven]

Yup I would go much more HD on the axle and suspension... I like the concept though, I am looking for a small military Jeep type trailer for more storage... It has to be military grade as I tend to take the path less traveled and more rough...

 

[SirJoey]

<br /><span style="font-family: 'comic sans ms', sans-serif;"><strong>That IS neat! </strong></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'comic sans ms', sans-serif;"><strong>Congrats on a kool score! <br /><br /></strong></span>

 

[sidat202]

If you can find a drop axle, you can flip it over to use bigger tire and still open the doors.

 

[Ricekila]

Neat <img src="/images/boards/smilies/thumb.gif" alt="" align="absMiddle" border="0" />

 

[Guest]

I like it...the idea of a utilities trailer is kind of intriguing. I have seen them set up with the guys batteries and solar panels, propane tank, etc....you will have fun with that...<br />Bri

 

[Seraphim]

That looks like fun. &nbsp;Shouldn't take much to improve the weatherstripping. Enjoy.&nbsp;

 

[Cubey]

The leaf springs are insanely long... 30 or so between the bolts! They look very much like these, it has a swoop on one end and a shackle on the other:<br /><br />http://www.etrailer.com/dept-pg-Trailer_Suspension-sf-Leaf_Springs-gw-30_Inch_Long.aspx<br /><br />But they only have 2 or 3 leafs each instead of 5 like those.<br /><br />Might have to get the axle moved forward some.. it's so far back on the trailer it's crazy.&nbsp; I think the trailer was shorter and they did a hack job on it making the tongue longer which puts the axle be in a weird place so far back on an 8ft trailer. A welding shop should be able to move the existing brackets and attach them where new leaf springs need to go. Tractor supply sells some in various lengths and capacities. <br /><br />I'm going to hold off on redoing the axle probably until I am very close to ready to hit the road or maybe even after I hit the road. It won't take a trailer shop but a few hours to change it out for a new one somewhere along the way if I find it's not any good. My main concern right now is how poorly done the tongue portion is done. It seems flimsy and unsafe.<br /><br /><br />..But I guess I don't really fully understand the problem with the wheels it has in terms of size. They are highway legal and rated 65mph (If you get good quality ones anyway. harbor freight ones say 55mph).<br /><br />What's so bad about the smaller tires? More heat on the tires and bearings due to faster spinning? As long as they are properly greased with good high temp grease, I'm not sure I see a problem bearing wise. They might wear out faster is all but they are super easy to change on these axles.