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Post by jpeay on Nov 12, 2011 9:00:54 GMT -5
I'm thinking of building a car hauler / utility trailer. anybody have any suggestions
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Post by jeeepxj on Nov 12, 2011 12:12:57 GMT -5
unless you have access to some cheap steel and/or some decent axles, you don't really save much $$ doing this. I've been involved with building/customizing a few trailers and it's really not worth the time spent unless you're just doing it to pass time or because you truly can't find exactly what you want and have to build it for your needs. for the best bargains (but may need some work) keep an eye on Craigslist. I've seen several recently that were pretty cheap. Kaufman Trailers is still probably the best bargain, if you're in the market for new. www.kaufmantrailers.com/heavy-equipment-trailer-store/Kaufman-Trailers-Catalog/Diamond-Floor-Car-Trailers-c54/ |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 12, 2011 13:22:08 GMT -5
I agree, unless you have free steel, then you will spend more making it yourself. You can hold out for a good used one and include new bearings, tires, lights, brakes in your budget, or just get a new one from Kaufmann. If you call them, ask for Kirk.
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Post by jpeay on Nov 12, 2011 19:52:25 GMT -5
I have two 4000 pound axles and suspension from a camping trailer with good tires and rims plus I just bought a welder and I'm itching to play with it, but the Kaufman does look like a good deal.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 12, 2011 20:04:23 GMT -5
If you want to do it for fun, knock yourself out. It would be fun and we'd like to see your progress. But if you're doing it to save money, it will be tough to do.
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Post by onzrocks on Nov 12, 2011 20:26:31 GMT -5
I've debated this time and time again because I couldn't find exactly what I wanted, if you're looking for something unique then you have to build it - if it's going to be a standard trailer, you're better off buying one - my 2 cents...
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Post by jeeepxj on Nov 12, 2011 20:49:09 GMT -5
I have two 4000 pound axles and suspension from a camping trailer with good tires and rims plus I just bought a welder and I'm itching to play with it, but the Kaufman does look like a good deal. If you're itching, then you need to build it!  Build it and post up some progress. What are you pulling it with? Does the trailer need to be light weight? |
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Post by jpeay on Nov 14, 2011 17:14:15 GMT -5
Weight isn't a issue. I'm towing with a ram 2500. Even with the Kaufman I will be doing mods to it to get what I want
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Post by ex-tbd85hilux on Nov 14, 2011 19:28:32 GMT -5
sell you my gooseneck...
Paul G.
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Post by dyds4x4 on Nov 15, 2011 11:10:45 GMT -5
Step up and do it yourself! BMG Metal has all the materials you would ever need, and it's NOT that expensive. I did a stack of mods to my 32 foot flatbed, including changing from bumper pull to gooseneck, widened it 2 feet, replaced over half the existing structure....added enough crossmembers to haul a tank....spring-over axle swap, a 12k jack, new lights/wiring and 2x12 pressure-treated planks. Total spent? Under $3k, and it's just the way I want it. You will spend a lot of time looking for something that is right, or you can spend the time making your own, and KNOW what you have, all the while knowing it IS what you wanted. Personal satisfaction in a job well done is HUGE, man. My 2 cents........
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Post by jeeepxj on Nov 15, 2011 19:09:59 GMT -5
Step up and do it yourself! BMG Metal has all the materials you would ever need, and it's NOT that expensive. I did a stack of mods to my 32 foot flatbed, including changing from bumper pull to gooseneck, widened it 2 feet, replaced over half the existing structure....added enough crossmembers to haul a tank....spring-over axle swap, a 12k jack, new lights/wiring and 2x12 pressure-treated planks. Total spent? Under $3k, and it's just the way I want it. You will spend a lot of time looking for something that is right, or you can spend the time making your own, and KNOW what you have, all the while knowing it IS what you wanted. Personal satisfaction in a job well done is HUGE, man. My 2 cents........ |
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Post by dyds4x4 on Nov 17, 2011 10:51:59 GMT -5
No idea how to attach pics in this forum, bro. I can email before/after shots of the trailer. WORLDS of improvement with regard to the one I re-worked.
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Post by dyds4x4 on Nov 17, 2011 11:22:13 GMT -5
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Post by ex-tbd85hilux on Nov 17, 2011 12:02:38 GMT -5
I have two 4000 pound axles and suspension from a camping trailer with good tires and rims plus I just bought a welder and I'm itching to play with it, but the Kaufman does look like a good deal. Do you have any welding experience? I only ask because if this is going to be your first welding project I may try and deter you from starting on something that it going down the road at 70+ MPH in traffic at 6000+Lbs. And Jon also knew better then make the gooseneck himself. He bought plans and the materials, and had a professional that builds trailers swap the tounge for the goosneck. Paul G. |
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Post by dyds4x4 on Nov 17, 2011 14:04:48 GMT -5
Very true, Paul. I took the PRO route for the gooseneck primarily for the zero-failure and liability factor. He was able to build the hitch AND certify it. This way, if the hitch falls off, I'll own a trailer shop. ;D If not for that consideration, I would have done it all at home. In hindsight, I should have bought the Hobart 180 vice the 140. Need LOTS of heat to cook that heavy channel together on a vertical weld. The 140 worked really well for the crossmembers, axles, deck edges, and everything else.
*BREAK*
Where bumper hitch trailers are concerned, I've been making those since high school. Hay wagons, car trailers and dollies are pretty easy stuff, brother. Practice welding on something less critical if it's your first project. Build some bumpers, sliders, or other stuff that will give you some time on the machine, and plenty of wiggle room to get the settings correct for your project.
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Build it and post up some progress.