Building a utility trailer

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Well slowly over the winter I've been working away at building a utility trailer. This trailer is 54"by 84" with a 5200lb axle and electric brakes. Here is a website with pictures posted of the trailer build. Harold's trailer The last picture is of the framework for a short tailgate that I can use when hauling dirt and gravel.  I've also attached a photo showing the completed trailer. Attached ImagesHarold MulderMiller 211 AutosetHTP 201 Invertig with water coolerHardinge Cataract Quick Change Lathe
Reply:That's one stout looking trailer, did you drill holes in the cross members for the decking?
Reply:yes I didHarold MulderMiller 211 AutosetHTP 201 Invertig with water coolerHardinge Cataract Quick Change Lathe
Reply:That's a good lookin' job, Harold. If those sides are 16" i figure you can haul a yard and a half in it. Looks well built!!                                              MikeOl' Stonebreaker  "Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes"Hobart G-213 portableMiller 175 migMiller thunderbolt ac/dc stick Victor O/A setupMakita chop saw
Reply:Very nice!  How much do you think you have into it?
Reply:More than a store bought one of the same size. However they're only good for 2500ish lbs mine has a 5200lb axle under it. Locally you can probably buy 4 by 8 utility trailer around the 1000 to 1200$ range. I estimate I've got 1500-1700$ into it without labour.Harold MulderMiller 211 AutosetHTP 201 Invertig with water coolerHardinge Cataract Quick Change Lathe
Reply:Harold,   Ive built maybe a dozen trailers in the last decade...yours is very well built.Most people I have seen with trailers that are store bought, have nothing but angle iron floor frames, usually with 2 1/2" or 3 " angle.  You used channel, that alone was a big upgrade.Most trailers built here in this area with a tailgate, the hinges are built so cheaply that they fall apart in about a year.  The amount of steel I see in your design....tells me that its built to last.  Moreover, the gate itself, on yours, is built heavy enough for daily abuse by any mower, even a ride on.  The ones around here, I have fixed and replaced over a hundred....all made of  1/8" or 3/16" thick angle; usually 2" to 3".The tongue on your trailer is also made of channel with gussets  welded to the attachement points.  Most trailers you buy from a trailer dealer....have just weak 4" angle welded at the front of the trailer and where it hits the side rails.So.....GREAT JOB!!   Glad to see you took the time and spent the money to do a great job.  For the price you say you have into it.....your way ahead of the curve.JDLincoln IdealArc 250 AC/DC  w/ tigLincoln Ranger 8Miller Millermatic 140Victor Cutting setForney gas welding setMilwaukee power-tools3 legged dog named SpeedyFridge full of Diet Coke1 angry wife2 loud kids
Reply:I would like to add, this is a great trailer.  You did not have to drill the crossmembers because you can buy lumber clips from heavy duty trailer dealers that will fasten your flooring without drilling your steel. Sorry I did not see your build earlier, hope some other builder will get the clips and not drill crossmembers. Best, Ralph
Reply:Thanks for the compliments "Darthwelder" I always tend to overbuild things even when I was woodworking. I'd rather have a piece of equipment that lasts a lifetime then one that falls apart after one use. Being a 6ft5" person in the 280lb area I hate flimsy items:-):-)Harold MulderMiller 211 AutosetHTP 201 Invertig with water coolerHardinge Cataract Quick Change Lathe