My first Trailer build.
- Thread starter Poorboyota26
- Start date
Poorboyota26
Adventurer
I would recomend 14 at least for the floor. The sides keep light, but my 16 ga bent like laundry.
slimtwo
Adventurer
Now when you say "bent like laundry", did you mean by the sheet metal guy, or just by leaning on it, or something?
Poorboyota26
Adventurer
No sheetmetal guy here, it's bent from welding it. I warped the crap out of it. I am seriously thinking of replacing it. I welded the sides and they are 16ga but I did a different weld, and they are flat and straight as an arrow. I was talking to some gents that have a few trailers under their belts and they both agreed that 16ga, no mater what your weight limits are, is way too thin. The recomended 14 minimum and 12 as their choice. Especially if it will be used as a utility trailer (rocks, dirt, etc).
I am going to finish it like it is and then decide after the test drive what I'm going to do.
I am going to finish it like it is and then decide after the test drive what I'm going to do.
Poorboyota26
Adventurer
IT's A ROLLER!!!!! Tows GREAT! kinda soft in the springs though. Just have to finish weld everything and plate the tailgate, front box and lid. Then paint.
LOTS of tack welds to keep the warpage down.
Putting the axle on.
The chain loops. (got pretty tired and goofy)
Mounted.
made my own shackles out of 1/4x3" stock. Had to cut it down to 2" wide. They are 6" long 4" center to center. I welded them too steep, I know. The flat springs dont move too much though so it's not a problem until I get better springs.
First time on it's own two feet!
Pulls perfectly!!!
I welded the front box on and the chain loops. It's temporarily wired for towing around town and the plates are all leagal like. Just have to do the finish work on it and it's ready for paint.
LOTS of tack welds to keep the warpage down.
Putting the axle on.
The chain loops. (got pretty tired and goofy)
Mounted.
made my own shackles out of 1/4x3" stock. Had to cut it down to 2" wide. They are 6" long 4" center to center. I welded them too steep, I know. The flat springs dont move too much though so it's not a problem until I get better springs.
First time on it's own two feet!
Pulls perfectly!!!
I welded the front box on and the chain loops. It's temporarily wired for towing around town and the plates are all leagal like. Just have to do the finish work on it and it's ready for paint.
jeepmedic46
Expedition Leader
Kudos on the build. Looks great. :smiley_drive:
Poorboyota26
Adventurer
This thing is 100x's more work than I thought it would be. I'm trying to make it look good though before I paint. lots of grinding and making with the pretty stuff. I worked on it tonight for about 3 hours. Got the sheet metal all welded and half of the seams ground down. I have to fix my lid befor I weld the sheet onto that. It got a little bent at the shop mysteriously while I wasn't there, grr. I wont be able to work on it for a week so there wont be much action here.
Thanks everyone for the support and ideas!
Thanks everyone for the support and ideas!
Poorboyota26
Adventurer
Well it's been a while and not much has been done on the trailer except a little primer and some caulking.
Here it is behind the 4 runner again. I've been towing this thing everywhere to see how heavy it is and what my MPG's look like (down 3mpg).
Got some sleeve material for the tail gate hinges.
Fabbed them up.
The drill bit hinge pin will be replaced it's all I had at 2am.
Just got to weld on 3 more and the tail gate is done.:victory:
Here it is behind the 4 runner again. I've been towing this thing everywhere to see how heavy it is and what my MPG's look like (down 3mpg).
Got some sleeve material for the tail gate hinges.
Fabbed them up.
The drill bit hinge pin will be replaced it's all I had at 2am.
Just got to weld on 3 more and the tail gate is done.:victory:
Poorboyota26
Adventurer
The material is 1/4x1"1/2. With the four of them I don't think that they will bend, time will tell. I was going to gusset them but figured what the hell. It sets flush when down and when up so I am semi happy with it. I really didn't want these things sticking out the back but oh well.
Poorboyota26
Adventurer
Lid - check
Tail gate - check
Tail gate supports - check
All 3 removable - check
Primered - check
Shake down run - check
Happy - double check
Pics - Coming soon
I took it to Wheelers for the Wounded event in Buena Vista. Had a blast, trailer worked great, needs gas shock for super heavy lid.
:wings:
Tail gate - check
Tail gate supports - check
All 3 removable - check
Primered - check
Shake down run - check
Happy - double check
Pics - Coming soon
I took it to Wheelers for the Wounded event in Buena Vista. Had a blast, trailer worked great, needs gas shock for super heavy lid.
:wings:
Poorboyota26
Adventurer
just a couple pics I'll get some more tomorrow in the daylight
Loaded and ready for a 2 day trip.
worked out pretty well I need rear stablizers and shocks to keep the lid from decapitating someone.
The lid latch works great for a lantern hook.
Loaded and ready for a 2 day trip.
worked out pretty well I need rear stablizers and shocks to keep the lid from decapitating someone.
The lid latch works great for a lantern hook.
just a couple pics I'll get some more tomorrow in the daylight
Loaded and ready for a 2 day trip.
worked out pretty well I need rear stablizers and shocks to keep the lid from decapitating someone.
The lid latch works great for a lantern hook.
Nice set up, I can see how that lid could be a little scary!
Poorboyota26
Adventurer
My father in law had a chevy conversion van at the body shop. The owner wantedit gutted and customized. I got the motorized reclining rear seat. I have an Idea for electric lid lift.
Poorboyota26
Adventurer
I've hauled a lot of stuff in the past few months with this thing and I love having it. Only one camping trip on the tires though, I moved and haven't had the time to get out there. I know that it holds LOTS of heavy car parts(engines, Trannys, Axles) though. Hit the scale with it fully loaded: 1200#'s the trailer weighs a little over 400.
Couple things I would change though:
Thicker sides and floor. 14ga instead of 16ga
Completely weld the frame, tailgate, etc. before putting the skins on.
Get all lid shocks, suspension set-up, hinges, latches, etc. in position and working before skin and paint.
I broke my fingers the other day, the lid came down on them and I have decided that it would be a good idea to get those gas shocks on there.
Any suggestions in the mean time about, mounting angles and projecting lift weight, would be helpful/welcome. I am researching shock suppliers and the like as well.
Cheers.
Couple things I would change though:
Thicker sides and floor. 14ga instead of 16ga
Completely weld the frame, tailgate, etc. before putting the skins on.
Get all lid shocks, suspension set-up, hinges, latches, etc. in position and working before skin and paint.
I broke my fingers the other day, the lid came down on them and I have decided that it would be a good idea to get those gas shocks on there.
Any suggestions in the mean time about, mounting angles and projecting lift weight, would be helpful/welcome. I am researching shock suppliers and the like as well.
Cheers.