Build your own utility trailer?

[AstroVic]

Hey guys,

I've been wanting to get a utility trailer - approximately 6' x 12' or slightly smaller - but they're rather expensive to buy ($1,200 and up). A buddy of mine made his own trailer a while back and it really came out nice (and cost him less than $400 if I remember correctly).

Anyhow, while I was looking at these trailers at the local trailer supply place, I started thinking how simple they appear. Basically, they look like some metal cuts and welding, along with some wiring, an axle, tires, etc.

Does anyone have any ideas on where I could find some "build your own trailer" blueprints? I'm pretty sure I could build a decent one myself if I had a blueprint to follow.

Thanks in advance!

 

[drm7]

My uncle is a handy guy and built his own. He used (if I remember right) a rear axle from a Dodge minivan. These are rated for pretty good loads. He welded the tube steel himself and put in a wood floor. I don't know where he got the plans (if he used any). I have a 5x10 I bought and it is pretty well balanced so I would think there would be some measurement guidelines to follow for how far forward to build the bed and how long a tounge to build. I would think the wiring would be the easiest part. Around here there is a store called Northern Tool that carries just about all the parts you would need to build one from scratch.

 

[michaelc80]

You might also consider trying to find an old boat trailer. Most of the hardware is already there and you'll just need to build the body. I have one that I've converted into a flatbed trailer (with sides) that I can haul my John Deere on. It's about 8X4'3 and works great.

I also have a small enclosed utility trailer from Haulmark that I really like. You might be able to find used ones fairly cheap. Mine is a 6X4 and will hold a lot of computer gear when I use it to haul a new system to a customers site.

 

[The_Jeff]

harbor freight also has a cheesy trailer selection but they max out at 4x8.

My father-in-law allocated a surplus mobile home axle with wheels and springs, and built the rest himself.

 

[Amkeer]

You may be better off to buy a good used trailer rather than build it. There is quite a bit involved especially squareing up things. By the time you buy everything you need you will end up spending what it would cost you to buy one.

I think mine is 5x10 or 6x10 I forget. Its a heavy duty trailer with a very stout frame and brakes. It weighs about 1500 lbs. Lots of boxed support members. The floor is 3/4 inch pressure treated plywood. The sidewalls are 3/8. The most important thing is it doesn't leak except in one small area, down low that is easy for me to fix. I paid $1999.00 for it when the garbage trailers are selling for $2500 and up.


http://www.gladiatortrailers.com/

 

[Jim 5]

I'm pretty sure you can buy these plans online at www.princessauto.com