Build a Trailer in a Weekend (or two)

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My old snowmobile trailer, built about twenty years ago, finally bit the dust. The liquid salt they have been putting on the roads lately did it in big time. I needed another trailer in a hurry and I refuse to buy anything unless I have to. Threw together this trailer in two weekends from steel to paint. Those are twenty footers on the truck. Attached ImagesMillermatic 211Lincoln Precision TIG 225Century 250 MIGLincoln 225 AC Box (sold)I support my local welding store (Amazon, McMasterCarr, Cyberweld, EBay).
Reply:Second set of pictures. Trailer tows real nice.......... Attached ImagesMillermatic 211Lincoln Precision TIG 225Century 250 MIGLincoln 225 AC Box (sold)I support my local welding store (Amazon, McMasterCarr, Cyberweld, EBay).
Reply:Fine looking trailer.I'll assume that plywood remains removable ? I always used expanded metal so no moisture got trapped.
Reply:Well done!  What's the capacity on the axle?Craig MontgomeryM&L Fabrication, LLChttps://www.facebook.com/pages/ML-Fa...8228829?ref=hl
Reply:Child's Play....Where do you ride?...zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:Thanks. Axle capacity is #3500. It's not plywood. I am so sick of plywood. I never use it anymore. It's 5/4 x 6" pressure treated deck boards. We ride in northern Vermont. Snowmobiles are old and stay up there now. This trailer is mostly for go karts, dirt bikes, and moving anything too big for the truck. It's a little narrower and a little longer than a snowmobile trailer.Oh yeah forgot to add it took longer to get my gas tank filled by Airgas than it took to build the trailer. Airgas has such nice people.  Attached ImagesLast edited by Fab54; 09-26-2013 at 06:17 PM.Millermatic 211Lincoln Precision TIG 225Century 250 MIGLincoln 225 AC Box (sold)I support my local welding store (Amazon, McMasterCarr, Cyberweld, EBay).
Reply:Northern Vermont....When they have the recipical weekend when you can go to N.H. and Maine without getting a temp permit...Maybe we could hook up somewhere..The trails up into Pittsburg and Erroll are really good so who knows?We ride out of Colebrook so we are "Up there" also......zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:How many bed frames had to site needlessly to make that trailer?.  Looks goodSent w/ Tapatalk using Swype, pls excuse typosTiger 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:Nice job!You cheated and bought the axle though, they have weld in snubs you weld in your own tube to make your own axle.
Reply:Yeah I cheated. Had a hard time matching spindle O.D with Tube I.D. so I just bought it. I cheated even more. I bought the fenders at tractor supply. It killed me...... I needed the trailer to take my kid back to college.All of the wood is screwed from underneath with stainless screws.Millermatic 211Lincoln Precision TIG 225Century 250 MIGLincoln 225 AC Box (sold)I support my local welding store (Amazon, McMasterCarr, Cyberweld, EBay).
Reply:Very cool project.  Thanks for sharing this!  Im assuming you MIG'ed the entire trailer?   Originally Posted by Fab54Oh yeah forgot to add it took longer to get my gas tank filled by Airgas than it took to build the trailer. Airgas has such nice people.
Reply:Very nice build, looks great. I was wondering thoe. When me an my buddy were looking for a small trailer for two atvs we found it cheaper to buy one then to make one. We priced out everything and then the hassle of meeting DOT requirements and everything it was cheaper and easier to go buy a trailer from big tex. Was it cheaper for you to build the trailer then buy one?Either way I like the build, good job PROUD   AMERICAN
Reply:Originally Posted by Fletcher94Very nice build, looks great. I was wondering thoe. When me an my buddy were looking for a small trailer for two atvs we found it cheaper to buy one then to make one. We priced out everything and then the hassle of meeting DOT requirements and everything it was cheaper and easier to go buy a trailer from big tex. Was it cheaper for you to build the trailer then buy one?Either way I like the build, good job
Reply:I have purchased my own cylinders, but I simply exchange them for full ones as needed at my supplier. No waiting.I use DeLille in Ohio.Last edited by TIGguy; 09-27-2013 at 08:32 AM.Reason: additional
Reply:Originally Posted by TIGguyI have purchased my own cylinders, but I simply exchange them for full ones as needed at my supplier. No waiting.I use DeLille in Ohio.
Reply:Originally Posted by PlowboyAnyway.........Nice build, looks professional, and I love the higher sides. whether or not it was cheaper to buy a trailer or build one... you didn't learn how to weld to buy someone else's welding.. And I would bet your quality over TSC junk.  Should give you piece of mind, which is worth the extra money in the event it is cheaper to buy.
Reply:Not a bad trailer, but there are a couple of minor design flaws I see. First there should be an upright directly over the rear end of the tongue and over where it crosses under the front angle. The way yours is done could allow flexing in these areas. Also I usually run a cross member right behind and attached to the tongue to help keep those from flexing. Also I usually run a cross member at the front and rear of the fenders all the way to the outside to help hold the fenders and help hold the sides from flexing in and out. Your design is not that far off and most likely won't be a problem, I just say it so others can make the minor changes. Hope I didn't hurt your feelings.
Reply:Nice job!It is good that you completed the project before posting or there would have been a number of spectators nibbling popcorn while the work progressed.Tubular axles:  Is the axle you bought cambered (curved) on top?  Looks like a straight tube from here.- MondoMember, AWSLincoln ProMIG 140Lincoln AC TombstoneCraftsman Lathe 12 x 24 c1935Atlas MFC Horizontal MillCraftsman Commercial Lathe 12 x 36 c1970- - - I'll just keep on keepin' on.
Reply:Straight. I didn't want a cambered axle because most loads will be light. Springs are also as close to the hubs as possible.
Reply:Originally Posted by burnt09Looks good. May I ask what size the lower frame rails are? They appear to be angle steel.