Utility Trailer Upper deck and storage cage

admin

Hi All,         I am a beginner welder (at best). I would like to add a 5x5 upper deck onto my 5x12 tandem trailer for extra storage space. The lower deck is stuffed with race bikes. I would also like to fab a storage cage for either the tongue or the front of the upper deck (to store parts, portable generator, etc). I plan on using 2x2 tube for the posts, 2x3 for the upper deck sides, and angle iron crossbeams for the wood flooring to attach to. Does anyone have any advice or tips? Also does anyone see any potential problems with the added tongue weight? I've seen this done on quite a few trailers already. I'm attaching a pic of my trailer and a few others that have additions.Thanks in advance~
Reply:I wouldn't worry about the tongue weight, but I have a bigass truck.  If you're pulling it with a minivan, it might make a difference.  Just make sure you know what youre doing with the welding, if something falls off on the freeway it's a big deal and people could get hurt.  If a big section flies into the back of your vehicle when you slam on the brakes going 70 you could be in a world of hurt too.  That said, looks like a fun project.  keep us posted.Millermatic 135Syncrowave 250
Reply:Yup, I'm hauling with a 99' F250 Superduty V10.....plenty of power, but horrible on gas. I'll start planning it out this weekend. It should be a fun project!Thanks~
Reply:looks good, I was thinking of the same type of thing for my car/utility/everything trailer, and theability to have a tarp over it when camping would be real nice, kind of a portable shed once the quads are unloaded. Looking at the trailer with the upper section, I would add a triangular gusset to the front legs, just to add some stability. May be over kill, but better than having troubles in the middle of nowhere.
Reply:Consider adding a diagonal support. With the added torque on the top, just a couple of diagonal braces would keep the metal from fatiguing over time. Triangles are strong.Regards,RobGreat Basin WeldingInstagramBlue weldersRed weldersMy luscious Table DIY TIG Torch cooler
Reply:I'm not sure if I want to frame up the whole trailer (like the pic with the quads) or just the 4 posts to support the upper deck. It would be nice to have more supports to tie things down with and I could put more stuff across the top (EZ up canopy, folding tables, etc). BUT....if I want to haul anything wider than the post (like a sofa or something), then I'm out of luck. Pro's & Con's anyone?
Reply:Bikehauler, seems like all too often guys with limited skill sets want to delve into projects that have big safety problems.We see this all the time here, where someone who may not be capable of doing the work wants to put something together that rolls down the road.It just doesn't make good sense.You should be VERY sure of your ability to make a sound weld,BEFORE you attach something to a trailer .As simple a job as this is, it really isn't a job for a self described "beginner at best"My reply isn't intended to cut you down, but is honest feedback, given the available info in your post.
Reply:i would use all angle, tubing will rust from the inside out
Reply:Yes, I agree. As I am a beginner, I wanted to get advice on how complex or advanced this could be. I definitely don't want any weld failures while towing down the highway. I will probably go over board on the welds and supports just to make sure. Then, do a series of test hauls, turns, etc on a low traffic road or parking lot. I'm also not planning on placing anything heavy duty up there either (mostly just camping supply type items).
Reply:I would leave off the rear upper horizontal bar, so you can still ride the atv's up onto the trailer, without chopping your head off with the rack bar.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Certainly not a real difficult project. There are plenty of other designs to benchmark.  The biggest concern that I would have would be your skill level.  Please don't take that the wrong way but it's just that a trailer build or mod is certainly something that must be solidly welded and is really not a project for a beginner.  If you are confident that your welding skill is up to the task....have fun! The idea of using angle over square tube is a good one. So is the addition of diagonal supports or gussets.  Post pics when you get it done.StephenMillermatic 251Miller Syncrowave 200Miller 30A SpoolgunHypertherm Powermax 30Etc., etc., etc.............Cancer Sucks!