The $$$ Logic in Building a Trailer

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You can't buy the steel, the axles, the wheels and tires, etc. separatly for the price you can buy a trailer already built. I've been putting off building a 16 footer for 20 years and back on my project list, practical cost wise or not.I have almost all the steel needed in my collection. I will either go wood floor of 1/8" diamond plate, haven't decided. Tandem axle, brakes on one. Will install pipe in one corner to accept my engine hoist boom.My REAL issue is the price for the axles. I have 3 very old mobile home axles but will need to be shortened, new tires, and just a lot of work. The price of shipping axles from an on line source doesn't seem practical either.So what's the skinny on getting 2 axles at a good price?
Reply:you will pay in the long run for mobilehome axles and springs.the parts are usually hard to get, or obsolete.  I get my axles fro Quality trailer in ca, but there might be something better on the east coast.  I will find out monday if they have an outlet near you.
Reply:Shipping from these guys ain't bad. I've ordered several axles from them.http://www.southwestwheel.com/store/...erpartcom.aspxMy name's not Jim....
Reply:Mobile home axle are not even legal to use are they?
Reply:There are the axles, then the hub/wheel combo and then the tires. And of course spring sets. It's possible then to have laws concerning any one or all of these on a state by state basis. I doubt there is one single blanket answer."The things that will destroy America are prosperity at any price, peace at any price, safety first instead of duty first, the love of soft living and the get rich quick theory of life." -Theodore Roosevelt
Reply:I don't think mobile home hubs, etc. are designed for long term, high speed use.  You might check some junk yards for a wrecked trailer.   I tore apart a horse trailer here, I kept one axle intact, the other one I cut up.
Reply:Originally Posted by polarred21You can't buy the steel, the axles, the wheels and tires, etc. separatly for the price you can buy a trailer already built. I've been putting off building a 16 footer for 20 years and back on my project list, practical cost wise or not.I have almost all the steel needed in my collection. I will either go wood floor of 1/8" diamond plate, haven't decided. Tandem axle, brakes on one. Will install pipe in one corner to accept my engine hoist boom.My REAL issue is the price for the axles. I have 3 very old mobile home axles but will need to be shortened, new tires, and just a lot of work. The price of shipping axles from an on line source doesn't seem practical either.So what's the skinny on getting 2 axles at a good price?
Reply:Looked here http://www.trailerpart.com/35ktraileraxle.htm  and I figure that the running gear would set you back around $725 before freight.  Then you got around maybe another $80 for the hitch, $25 for landing gear, maybe $50 for lighting.  So that brings us to around maybe $940 before freight.  It's adding up.Price of steel is high now, so I won't even go there.And you still have to come up with rims and tires, maybe another $600-800.I'd think the best thing is to check CL for used running gear.Trailer axles are a disaster waiting to happen, and in most states have become illegal for non-mobile home applications"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:I dont know if they are heavy enough for what you want but check out agrisupply in Garner NC. They have several trailer axles listed.
Reply:Originally Posted by cold1I dont know if they are heavy enough for what you want but check out agrisupply in Garner NC. They have several trailer axles listed.
Reply:I have enough steel to build a lanscaping trailer and was going build one to sell ealrier this year but when I priced out the parts there would have only been a couple hundred in profit, maybe, so I bailed on the project.
Reply:WeldingMachine, thanks for the link, those guys are only in Nashua and tax free. Looks like I found a new trailer parts supplier.Disclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."
Reply:It pays to build your own, if you need something special or heavier duty than the landscape grade. Or, like me, you get a tongue, axle & rims/tires, and fenders for free."Where's Stick man????????" - 7A749"SHHHHHH!! I sent him over to snag that MIC-4 while tbone wasn't looking!" - duaneb55"I have bought a few of Tbone's things unlike Stick-Man who helps himself" - TozziWelding"Stick-man"
Reply:Originally Posted by TozziWeldingWeldingMachine, thanks for the link, those guys are only in Nashua and tax free. Looks like I found a new trailer parts supplier.
Reply:I've always thought about using a couple old Dana 60 axles. Cut the differential out along with the axles and connect it with a heavy tube in the center. Then put a bung and plug in it so the bearings will be bathed in oil. Then you have standard size rims and tires that are full floating. That would make a pretty heavy duty axle that is pretty maintenance free since the bearings will be bathed in oil.
Reply:While I realize that you're in NC... AA Wheel out of KC sold me my 3500lb axle bare for only $79.95.... now the brakes and such all added up but the base axle was cheap.
Reply:Redneck-trailer.com usually has decent prices.  We use an account, so it is very well priced.Craig MontgomeryM&L Fabrication, LLChttps://www.facebook.com/pages/ML-Fa...8228829?ref=hl
Reply:I have built a small single axle trailer  with a 3500lb axle and 15" tires/wheels. I was just looking at fenders.  Does anyone have a preference with regards to round or square on a single axle trailer?  http://www.southwestwheel.com/store/...r-fenders.aspx   I see they offer fender backs for the round very cheap, but nothing for the square.  Hmmmm?
Reply:most states require trailers over 3000# gross to have brakes on all axles.
Reply:Originally Posted by polarred21So what's the skinny on getting 2 axles at a good price?
Reply:I'd rather just buy a ready made used  trailer off of CL, then just modify it (cut & paste, aka: weld) to suit your needs.  That's what I did with a utility trailer that I converted for my land toys (hunting quads and gear).  I didn't have to mess with purchasing separate running gear, axles and wheels. "Hey I didn't come to look and learn, I came to turn and burn.... If I can't light up, I'm gonna light out!"-JodyIdealarc 250 "Fatman"MM 252MM 211 "Little boy" Victor Torches
Reply:Mine was used off CL for $2700. 18' 5000# axles with brakes on both. No way you could build this for that money.
Reply:You can use  dodge caravan front axles too.Junk yards are full of CaravansThat axle is almost perfect for trailer retrofitsHey~!! It's a hobby. It's not supposed to make sense~!!
Reply:The main problem I have with using car axles for trailers is there rated weight capacity.  The caravan is probably better than a honda or something, just check it as well as the tire weight capacity.  Parts for car axles (bearings,seals ect) are more expensive than trailer parts (if you buy them from trailer supply houses)
Reply:THe money logic is, for the manufacturer, build more pay less. The more volume you're ordering the lower the per piece cost is. Thats why they can build for half the price of you building. and as it's been said already, you're better off modifying an existing trailer than building one yourself unless there is obsolutely no other trailer like the one you need. additional axles can be added to single axle trailers as long as the frame can support the combined load. tie down points can be added. ramps built, walls added, etc, etc etc. and if you're thrifty, and patient, you can get some good deals on CL. I got my 14' tandem axle for $750 on CL, I've put about $400 into it so, but when a new one of the same size would cost me $2400 I'm still ahead of the game and it fits my needs perfectly with the modifications I've done.There are no problems. There are only solutions. It's your duty to determine the right one.Hobart Handler 210Airco 225 Amp MSM StingerMine was used off CL for $2700. 18' 5000# axles with brakes on both. No way you could build this for that money. First off, that's used, not new.Yes as a matter of fact you could "build" that for $2700.00.Of course, that's not what I'd sell it for though.For a 6K axle I pay $304.00 (X2) for the axle, with brakes, EZ lube hubs & springs installed.15" Tires & wheels are  $92.96 each.Stock is around $1200.00Brake controller, coupler, jack, lights etc. are just about $300.Paint & wood for about $150.00It comes to $2629.84 actually.Buy American, or don't whine when you end up on the bread line.
Reply:All the negative vibes here make me wonder why we even bought a welder in the first place.  I am talking about hobbyist and part time weldors, not the guys who weld for a living.
Reply:Okay, you don't see these very often on CL and 30 miles away. Tell me what I'm looking at here if you can, need your opinion. http://raleigh.craigslist.org/for/3857303593.htmlStates spings are 72" apart and hubs are 87" apart, and a 3500 lb axle.There's no way this is a MH axle right? History he gave me was not the best I've heard....Thanks Attached Images
Reply:without specs there's really no way to tell for sure what the axle is. looks like a trailer axles without breaks.There are no problems. There are only solutions. It's your duty to determine the right one.Hobart Handler 210Airco 225 Amp MSM Stinger
Reply:Originally Posted by copeAll the negative vibes here make me wonder why we even bought a welder in the first place.  I am talking about hobbyist and part time weldors, not the guys who weld for a living.
Reply:Originally Posted by ThorsHammerNot sure what you're getting at with this.
Reply:Originally Posted by copeWe're all weldors, yet most are telling him to buy rather than build.  Sure, you might save a little on the cost, but you miss a great opportunity to use/improve your welding skills. Also, you will have a better product than many of the mass produced trailers.
Reply:Okay, you don't see these very often on CL and 30 miles away. Tell me what I'm looking at here if you can, need your opinion.http://raleigh.craigslist.org/for/3857303593.htmlStates spings are 72" apart and hubs are 87" apart, and a 3500 lb axle.There's no way this is a MH axle right? History he gave me was not the best I've heard....Thanks
Reply:For $173 plus shipping you can get that new with any bolt pattern and width you want.My name's not Jim....
Reply:Originally Posted by copeWe're all weldors, yet most are telling him to buy rather than build.  Sure, you might save a little on the cost, but you miss a great opportunity to use/improve your welding skills. Also, you will have a better product than many of the mass produced trailers.
Reply:I picked this axle up, got a little off the price and happy with it. Bolt pattern is 5 x 4.25. Am I limited to trailer wheels for this axle or are there some OEM wheels from a car or truck that will fit? Thanks
Reply:Okay, need another reference. Anyone familiar with this axle and what a would a 5 year old pair be worth?Thanks again  Attached Images
Reply:doesn't say the axle weight ratting... and if you get it you're changing hubs on one or the other axle. I'd vote for the five lug getting changed to 6. you'll have an easier time finding wheels.There are no problems. There are only solutions. It's your duty to determine the right one.Hobart Handler 210Airco 225 Amp MSM Stinger
Reply:The Lippert axles I posted above are on CL are off of a 5th wheel camper for $400. They stated that one came loose, tire went flat, etc., and the company sent them 2 new axles covered under warranty. Fishy sounding enough and would need a good look before purchase. Well guess what, Google Lippert axle and you come up with all kinds of problems just like this sellers:http://forums.crossroadsrv.com/forum...d-lippert-axlehttp://www.ripoffreport.com/r/Lipper...ot-hono-635330http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ing-15718.htmlThis is just as few....
Reply:I also took a road trip today and priced axles at Northern Tool and Agri-Supply. Agri-Supply has a very large selection most all stuff made in China. They do not offer assemblies, every part is purchased separate- axle, hubs, bearings, springs, u-bolts, etc. for the buyer to put together.Here is a comparison:Northern: 2 ea - 3500lb axle assembly w/o brakes 74" spring center complete before tax: $540.00Agri-Supply: 2ea - 3500lb axles with all parts separate w/brakes on one before tax $584.00Add another $500 for wheels and tires
Reply:Just my thoughts but buy the new ones.  I have seen too many people buy axles and whole trailers off CL that were bent.  Now that said, some axles have camber in them some don't and you probably know that but pointing it out just in case.  I bought my last set of Dexter torq flex or whatever you call them straight with no camber.  Tires set flatter if you are not loaded heavy and most of the time I am not loaded heavy.  Previous set that I had on another trailer had camber and were 15 years old when I sold that trailer and I can't say that the camber ever wore the tires uneven though.
Reply:To hell with it, I'm going to go ahead and build one. I have some new and some rusty old steel in the woods and I've already rounded up one 3500# axle for a 6 x14 single axle build. My son in law has one this size and pulls really well, I have taken measurements from this one for reference. Ordered about $200 of stuff from etrailer and started on it yesterday. 11 degrees outside this AM and need a trailer for general use. I am having to piece some scrap together as well as grind off a lot of rust, this will make fit up take twice as long but the steel was free. Attached Images
Reply:If the steel is good it will make a good trailer. Looks like you have a good start. Good luck
Reply:Good luck on trailer. I m not sure but I was told that trailers over a certain GVWR are required to have brakes. Someone on the forum may know.  Looks like you are On your way.  Another thought.  In Alabama you have to have a serial number on a homemade trailer and have it inspected to get a tag.  You may want to call your county officials to find out up front to determine what you may need.  It could save you from some surprise when you get ready for a tag. Thanks for your post
Reply:Originally Posted by ANVILI'd rather just buy a ready made used  trailer off of CL, then just modify it (cut & paste, aka: weld) to suit your needs.  That's what I did with a utility trailer that I converted for my land toys (hunting quads and gear).  I didn't have to mess with purchasing separate running gear, axles and wheels.
Reply:Originally Posted by BoostinjdmShipping from these guys ain't bad. I've ordered several axles from them.http://www.southwestwheel.com/store/...erpartcom.aspx
Reply:Couple of comments:Nothing illegal about MH axles.Issues are Axle spindles tend to be poorly machined causing the axles to eat bearings. Brake setups are functional but are not the best quality. Tires can not be run as they are stamped "Mobile Home Use Only" meaning they were never road taxed. Young Cops may not notice but older Wiser Cops may catch you on the tires!There are lots of older trailers out there have that style of Axles on them. My Tri-Axle has them with LowBoy grade of tires on it. I have personally seen at least 4 trailers with  the same style of rim/axle. My Dump trailer has cutdown MH axles on it. I have pulled that trailer quite a distance and am lucky that it has good bearing/spindle alignment. I did have to upgrade the brake components for reliability.One other thing that any good Cop will look for is Axle Tags!These are important as he will look for them as they roll your trailer up on the scales to determine if you are overweight on the Axles.
Reply:Originally Posted by richeyGood luck on trailer. I m not sure but I was told that trailers over a certain GVWR are required to have brakes. Someone on the forum may know.  Looks like you are On your way.  Another thought.  In Alabama you have to have a serial number on a homemade trailer and have it inspected to get a tag.  You may want to call your county officials to find out up front to determine what you may need.  It could save you from some surprise when you get ready for a tag. Thanks for your post
Reply:Good info here and thanks . Wouldn't you just know it, one just popped up on CL for $650, which is about what I will spend on this one:http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/4288931595.htmlHere is progress on mine, spent a few extra minutes making brackets so I could flip it:
Reply:Sunday Bloody Sunday