Utility Trailer build advice requested

admin

I've decided that for a welding project I would like to build a Utility trailer over the winter. I've owned a store bought trailer before and looked at them again but find that they are underbuilt. The standard trailer seems to be in the 4ft by 6ft or 5ft by 8ft range and they have a rating around 2-3000lbs. My problem with this is that if you start filling up the trailer with dirt or gravel you run out of weight capacity prior to volume. Unfortunately alot of people don't see this thus the overloaded trailers going down the road. I've picked up an 5200lb capacity axle with electric brakes at a place called Cerka here in Toronto Canada. I've bought some of the other items there as well lights, fenders, jack and hitch. I plan on buying the metal and welding it up myself. My guess is that by the time I've finished the Trailer will cost twice what a store bought would be for the same dimensions but mine will carry the load. I plan on building mine in the 5ft by 7ft sizing. Now my question. I've looked at trailers searched both this forum and the Miller forum for articles on people building their trailers and how they sized the frame work. My plan is to use C3x5 Channel and run two down the sides with channel facing inside and then 5 pieces as cross braces at equal spacing. Theses cross braces will be notched so as to fit inside the channel. About 21inch between cross braces. I plan to double up the C channel where the springs attach. The draw bar will be two pieces of Channel welded into the hitch and then going back at a 50deg angle to match the hitch. The two draw bars will go below the trailer frame and be welded to the first and second cross brace and then meet up with the two outside channels just a few inches behind the second cross brace. From those more experienced than me and those who've built a few trailers over the years do you feel this C3x5 channel will be sufficient for the job. Attached is a basic view of the frame that I am talking about Attached ImagesLast edited by haroldmulder; 10-24-2010 at 05:48 PM.Harold MulderMiller 211 AutosetHTP 201 Invertig with water coolerHardinge Cataract Quick Change Lathe
Reply:Your material size needed will depend on how much weight you intend to load in it.  You left out that bit of information.  Compared to the size/rating of the axle you bought, C3 x 5 lbs/ft is pretty light for the trailer frame.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Originally Posted by haroldmulderI've decided that for a welding project I would like to build a Utility trailer over the winter.
Reply:I can build a trailer for half the price a new one costs. If you buy the components all separately you will end up paying way too much.Also, do make certain you are proficient with your skills before taking on this endeavor. When you look at a store bought trailer its easy to see that the welds are not very good but they also are bonded and insured for such things and even though those welds look terrible, they are most likely made by someone who has more experience than you have.Good luck.UA Local 598
Reply:Thanks for all the advice. Will take it into consideration an refine the plans.Harold MulderMiller 211 AutosetHTP 201 Invertig with water coolerHardinge Cataract Quick Change Lathe