Overthinking again, 5 x 10 trailer.

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Well I've volunteered to build a trailer for the GFs dad. My original plan was to build it like the first utility trailer I built like 8 yrs ago for a co-worker from another era. I used 3" Channel and it worked great. I priced out the material for This new trailer and its pretty pricey stuff. Also I really don't think I need to build this thing military grade like the first one. He has all brand new stuff including a 3500# axle. I don't like the idea of using tubing, although its nice to work with, it rots from the inside out. I'm leaning towards angle iron, It will have a top rail tied in like a truss, so it shouldn't flex much. His old trailer wasn't built with too heavy of steel and the tongue was only held on with a couple of stitches. It didn't break apart after being rear ended by a guy in a big dodge talking on his cellphone but did bend it enough to write it off.Basically Im still going overkill 2x2x3/16 angle for the main frame and cross members, 1 1/2 X 3/16 angle for the uprights and top rail and tailgate/ ramp, 2x2x 3/16 for the tongue and diagonals. This will simplify my steel order for the main part of the build.Any input? Like I said, Im over thinking this, I know. I guess I spend too much time looking at big trailers these days.Nothing Ever Got Done By Quitting, Never Give Up.
Reply:C channel is always a good choice on the tongue and the main frame.Last edited by tanglediver; 04-11-2015 at 12:27 AM.City of L.A. Structural; Manual & Semi-Automatic;"Surely there is a mine for silver, and a place where gold is refined. Iron is taken from the earth, and copper is smelted from ore."Job 28:1,2Lincoln, Miller, Victor & ISV BibleDanny
Reply:You sure you have the skills and equipment necessary to complete this massive undertaking??  Jk.....Sounds like fun....Just a couple welders, big hammers, grinders, and torches.Work will free you.Men in dirty jeans built this country, while men in clean suits have destroyed it. Trump/Carson 2016-2024
Reply:I would use 2.5x3/16 - 3x1/4 for the frame perimeter and tongue. 2x3/16 or 2x1/4 for the cross members. With 12-16" tall sides acting as a truss it should be plenty stout. Not a trailer builder but have studied material sizes on them a lot.GravelThe difference between theory and practice is that in theory there is no difference.
Reply:I went to build a trailer for hauling my little tractor...same issue you are having.  I over thought / designed it...priced all the materials and figured out it was actually cheaper to buy one.Go online and check your plan with prices...also look at what the industry uses for material sizing to figure out if it is cheaper to buy.
Reply:Here are some specs on a Big Tex trailer very similar to what you are planning to build. Big TexI am a big fan of using at least 3" channel for the tongue like the 30SA shown at the bottom of the link. The 29SA has an angle tongue. A 20' stick should be enough to make it a wrap around also. I once built a light angle iron trailer for goose hunting. It was 2" angle frame. It hauled a four wheeler and then when you got to the field you unloaded the four wheeler and hooked the trailer to the four wheeler and the hunters and gear got on the trailer to ride out to the hunting spot. It worked great until one time 4 big guys sat too close to the front of the trailer and bent the tongue. Ever since then I always beef up the tongues.Last edited by Drilldo; 04-11-2015 at 02:19 PM.
Reply:I agree with Tarmstrong on maybe consider purchasing one too. There are many around where you can buy cheaper then building if a purchased one will fit your requirements.Will there be a issue with getting it registered and a plate if required ? Homemade ones can be a touchy situation in some areas.
Reply:I've built a good many 5x10's.  I use square/rectangular tubing.  Strong, light and haven't had any problems or comebacks. They are light but strong. I put a series of videos up on the basics of it on the Everlast youtube site.  Buy axles, fenders, hitch, safety chains and lights etc as direct as you can, maybe from a regional supplier of trailer manufacturers.  Maybe you can glean something from this that is helpful.Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:As long as you truss the sides, angle or channel is perfect, otherwise it will be like a wet noodle with flex.  I still haven't figured out if a certain amount of that flex is good, taking stress away from the welds.  I have always stuck to tube if building a total flat deck, but would switch to channel and angle if there was any side walls.  What do the rest of you guys think about a certain amount of flex being good compared to a ridged design?
Reply:I have built a bunch of small trailers out of 2"x2"x1/4" angle and have never had a problem. I still see them on the road from time to time. I would build the whole thing out of it.
Reply:2 x 3 x 3/16 angle for main frame with 2 x 2 x 1/8 angle for uprights and top rail and tailgate pocket. Single piece of 4 x 4 x 1/4 sq tube for tongue. Tilt bed 5 x 10. It's been dragged a hundred million miles over the past 20 years by everybody and their brother in law. 205/75/15 USA Trail bias ply tires. But you can buy them cheaper than you can build them.
Reply:You mentioned that tubing was bad because it rusts from inside out.  That is true only if you let moisture in.  Totally sealed and it will not rust.  Plenty of stories of people cutting into old aircraft frames and finding zero rust on inside even when outside looked like basket case.  However, square and rectangular tubing is very expensive when compared to the strength they give.  C- channel is better.I took a trailer designed for 3500 lbs axles using 2x2x3/16 as main rails (with a railing) and changed just the main rails to 3" channel - and narrowed it down to 5ft.  Probably could stick a 5000 lbs axle under it and call it good.Con Fuse!Miller Dynasty 350Millermatic 350P-Spoolmatic 30AMiller Multimatic 200Hypertherm PowerMax 1000G3Miller Maxstar 200DX
Reply:It's one of those things, gotta weigh the pros and cons. He already invested the money in the axle springs wheels lights etc. The idea is to build something better than you can buy. Here in bc you can build a trailer up to 1400 kgs without an inspection or vin number,  (like 3000lbs). You need proof of where you bought the axle and such major components. Im still thinking that because im building it better than can be bought I might reconsider the channel.Nothing Ever Got Done By Quitting, Never Give Up.
Reply:Several things going on in background here......You are the boyfriend, he is her dad...You are a welder that has built trailer before....He already has invested in running gear.SO...you are going to build his trailer....Done deal Perhaps now is best time to generate materials schedule and pricing, then sit down with him and discuss the total costs involved with building it using the possible different materials...where you advise him the pro's con's of each...That way HE decides what to use based on your info and his total cost....Make your problem his problem and also his responsibility, and come out of it looking like good BF to both after your labors.
Reply:Here is how I do that type trailer. They are lighter AND stronger than the angle type. You can use 12 ga for steel to keep it light. The go together really fast too, which is why I did it. For you the lanor savings won't be an issue, but if you want one strong enough that noone can destroy it here is your answer.1 5x10 sheet does the frame, cut it into 3-20" pieces, put a 3" bend on the bottom, a 1" down and 2" out bend on top. There is no way you could load that and bend the sides before you bend the axle. Also when you build it over size it by an inch, nothing worse than getting something 5 or 10' wedged in a trailer. If you add just a bit a 5x10 sheet lays in there without getting stuck, same with 10' lumber.JonLast edited by welderj; 04-12-2015 at 10:23 AM.Yeah, I know, but it'll be ok!Lincoln Square wave 255Miller Vintage mig30a spoolgunThermal Dynamics Pacmaster 100xl plasmaSmith mc torchEllis 1600 band saw
Reply:Welderj, that trailer is gorgesNothing Ever Got Done By Quitting, Never Give Up.
Reply:Originally Posted by Doug247Welderj, that trailer is gorges
Reply:Lmao, I thought that it I've been spelling that wrong! Wornout, I'm pretty much right where your advice told me to be. I've discussed the different materials with him before, and he hasn't gave me a budget yet. He says he has money but not how much. I am getting a deal on steel from through work once we get it figured out. I haven't had a chance to talk with him since I started this thread.Thanks everyone for the help and support so far.Nothing Ever Got Done By Quitting, Never Give Up.
Reply:Originally Posted by Doug247Lmao, I thought that it I've been spelling that wrong! Wornout, I'm pretty much right where your advice told me to be. I've discussed the different materials with him before, and he hasn't gave me a budget yet. He says he has money but not how much. I am getting a deal on steel from through work once we get it figured out. I haven't had a chance to talk with him since I started this thread.Thanks everyone for the help and support so far.
Reply:I say you show up with an old airstream, pick her up and test his resolve……..I'd shoot you, but that's just me!
Reply:Blackbart...that is laugh out loud funny...There is one question I would ask, if your serious about building this trailer.  That question is...what the hell is going on the trailer...If he says firewood...well ok then...but if he says his prized Harley...or worse yet...his wife's mom's prized antique heirloom furniture...you should seriously consider get someone to hit you, hard, in the face to have an "injury" that prevents you keeping your promise to build it.Good luck young man...may you live to become old...Last edited by Tarmstrong; 04-13-2015 at 11:34 PM.Reason: Spelling
Reply:Originally Posted by TarmstrongBlackbart...that is laugh out loud funny...There is one question I would ask, if your serious about building this trailer.  That question is...what the hell is going on the trailer...If he says firewood...well ok then...but if he says his prized Harley...or worse yet...his wife's mom's prized antique heirloom furniture...you should seriously consider get someone to hit you, hard, in the face to have an "injury" that prevents you keeping your promise to build it.Good luck young man...may you live to become old...
Reply:Thanks again everyone. I had a good laugh when I read this. I've been out of town the past 3 days driving nearly non stop so this is the first chance I had to look at my thread. Still haven't talked to him. I'll talk to him tomorrow night, what I am thinking is ill tell him I should build it out of the channel, its easy to work with, strong but most expensive. Ill build the rolling chassis before I order the rest of the materials in case things change. I plan to make the top out of lighter material and he can box it in. The frame will be rigid enough that the top frame doesn't need to act like a truss, just a box. Once its sheeted it will make it stronger anyway. Plus ive seen many with the wooden sides that fit into stake pockets, that seems to be fine.He will be using it to haul his quad, and Ill be using it to haul mine sometimes. Also yard waste and waste from his restoration business and hauling furniture to good will. His old trailer he made a tarp that he could roll over his waste and cover up what ever he was hauling, I'm going to make him something similar to the tarps on the chip trailers I repair at work. A special crank handle so it will be much faster and easier to cover a load.I should say I worked at a company that built highboys and logger b trains for my first welding job. fast forward ten years later, after many different jobs in the welding field I work for a company who maintains their own fleet of chip trailers, so I am familiar with Trailers and what it takes to keep the DOT happy.  If my trailer ends up being over weight and needs a vin number it will pass with flying colors.Welderj, I don't have a bender for the sides at work but I could always improvise by slitting the sheet and folding it over, then weld it back up. weld pipe or tubing on for the top lip of the box.The gfs dad, he trusts me, ive lived in his basement suit for 3.5- 4 years with his daughter already. I sure want to show him what I can do though. Ill keep you guys posted. bed time for now...Last edited by Doug247; 04-16-2015 at 01:56 AM.Nothing Ever Got Done By Quitting, Never Give Up.
Reply:Shucks, I figured you was a kid with stiff kickstand trying to move in on his daughter...sounds like you got him n her wrapped already. I approached it like you needed to ease up and slip it in a little at a time....sounds like you already balls deep.
Reply:Sounds like you have a good heavy duty design in mind. What do you have in mind for the floor?Yeah, I know, but it'll be ok!Lincoln Square wave 255Miller Vintage mig30a spoolgunThermal Dynamics Pacmaster 100xl plasmaSmith mc torchEllis 1600 band sawI've been married 35 years...and I noticed you didn't mention mom.  Check in with her...she is the one that can break your hitch pin..iffin' you get my drift.Consider putting stake side fittings on too...you can rig a roll up cover to fit into the front two...and have a pretty cool setup.If your going to haul things with wheels...get 4 of those D ring weld on set ups and put them near the floor on the front and rear sides...low like that holds em' nice and secure...more like a flat bed.Pictures when done...of your conquering smile, the girl...and dad.  Hopefully mom's smiling and not in the background with a shotgun...
Reply:Update: Got the materials to get me going on it, To be continued in the Projects section, (when I get started)Last edited by Doug247; 05-01-2015 at 11:37 PM.Reason: picNothing Ever Got Done By Quitting, Never Give Up.