Trailers - is it even worth it?

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I need to get myself a decent trailer.  I want at least 10000lb with brakes.I work in a big fab shop and get plate right now at around 0.30/lb and most shapes around 0.45/lb....but honestly, looking at the price of trailer parts, it seems that I'm better off just buying used.  There is no desire to build it myself, it's just a trailer.  So, for those that have done it, is it even worth building a dual axle trailer with brakes yourself, or is it better to just shop around for the used one?  Seems the price of those axles with power brakes is pretty costly.
Reply:It's really tough to build for less than you can buy for.  Unless you want something custom it's probably cheaper to buy.  If your job offers overtime, figure how much you would make working OT for the hours it would take you build one and add that to your material cost to get a more real value. Also Auctions are a great place to get deals.Tiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:The main issue other than appearance and craftsmanship I've come across with repairs on factory trailers is shotty  wiring and light 99% function as anticipated if you know what to look for. So if you have no inclination to want to say you built it yourself I'd find a used one and plan on going through wiring/lights 1st
Reply:I bought my car hauler as basically a frame and axles... no deck, paint, wiring or ramps.  That way I wired it WAY better than most factory jobs, primed it and painted it,  and built ramps from material already in the shop.
Reply:On the cost of axles if you don't have an in with a dealer/distributer they can be 2x or more
Reply:The only ones I could build were custom or high end trailers and make money. If you want a standard trailer just buy one, that's what I always told my customers and it's what most did. That's why most of what I did was aluminum.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's my exact experience although I haven't tackled alum. Trailers yet. Ive got a good in for parts and steel and still can't make it work on paper not to mention I won't use scotchlocks or wire nuts for wiring lol.
Reply:Yeah, I'll just buy one then.Wiring is always expected.  I solder / heat shrink all of my connections and it still doesn't last one encounter with the lawnmower.  I'm going to start making a short cord from the trailer to the truck so I can just replace that instead of ending up rewiring the whole damn trailer every time!!!!
Reply:I always put a 7 stud junction box at the front of the trailer for that exact reason....dielectric grease and silicon you good to go.
Reply:Originally Posted by schartzrossWelderJ that's my exact experience although I haven't tackled alum. Trailers yet. Ive got a good in for parts and steel and still can't make it work on paper not to mention I won't use scotchlocks or wire nuts for wiring lol.
Reply:Just pick up a harbor freight 110 mig and go to town Bruce DeLaetHeavy Equipment Mechanic and Welder1948 SA-200 short hood1949 LincWelder 1801963 SA-200 red faceMiller S-32-P
Reply:I tell my customers to just buy a good used one and we can repair any thing that isn't right. The only trailers I build are specialty trailers.
Reply:Originally Posted by delaet20Just pick up a harbor freight 110 mig and go to town
Reply:the first thing you do before you build you own trailer is to see whats involved in getting a titleall states are different. it can be a pain in the but and you may not be able to resell it
Reply:unless you're making a custom trailer that you can't buy elsewhere 98% of the time it's cheaper to just buy a trailer. Manufactures buy materials and parts in bulk, at bulk pricing. Not retail pricing that you'd have to pay. Option B is buying a used trailer and recycling the parts for your own build. Otherwise just buy a trailer.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:Around here its usually cheaper to buy a new trailer.  Used trailers that don't look like they have been run over by a Cat sell for 70% to 110% of a new one.  When you buy a new one, you can order what you want.  New ones come with new tires and brakes, and a warranty that will expire 1 week before you need it.My little trailer is a bumper pull deck over hydraulic tilt deck PJ.  I should have ordered the winch plate and the wireless remote for the tilt deck.