Trailer width - Building from utility trailer?

[FEFF]

Total newbie here to trailers but, this is what I looking to do. I am looking to take a utility trailer and convert it for carrying our kayaks and assorted gear along with some general hauling for around the homestead (trees, bushes, etc). Tow vehicle will be a 2002 - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The big question is how wide of a trailer do you end up with after adding matching sized tires? Being that I am in Pennsylvania I can't do a kit trailer or home built trailer with out a lot hassles and expense. Thanks

Mike

 

[grogie]

Well if I'm reading you correctly that you want matching wheels and tires on a basic store bought utility trailer, then you may need an axle that can also support the larger wheels and tires then what most utility trailers probably come with? If that's the case, then you may end up having to have a custom axle built for strength, long enough to add wider wheels and tires, and as well a matching tire pattern.

My trailer has the same size wheels and tires as my Jeep, however the axle is slightly shorter then my Jeep's axle. It also has a custom built 3500# axle which a local off-road shop built (and the trailer). The trailer is only 1100#s loaded, however its axle is as it is as I tow it off-road, and a guy that built a trailer that I modeled mine after, he first tried a lesser axle and bent it off-road, so he as well went with a 3500# axle.

Here is my trailer's thread if interested. There are some pictures of the underside and it tows great! I hope that helps.

 

[rnArmy]

Need more info; what size trailer are you looking at to begin with? How much are you wanting/willing to spend? What size tires are you wanting to match?

Chances are if you're looking to add matching tires (and I'm assuming matching wheels) you'll be needing a new trailer axle as your Jeep has an odd size 5 on 5" bolt pattern. And a lot of the newer factory rims won't fit over the hubs of most trailer axles unless you bore them out or add a spacer.

Have you checked out Manley trailers?

 

[Sean H]

Buy a cheap trailer with a title and build what you want.

 

[Cyberman]

Buy a cheap trailer with a title and build what you want.

X2 on this. I'm in PA, and built this

From this

 

[FEFF]

I am looking at a 4X8 trailer and was thinking wheel spacers to go from 4.5 x 5 to 5 x 5. Budget is what I can slowly build and sneak past the wife. I want to start out with a plain box like the little giants with a tailgate versus ramps. I can just lay the kayaks in there for short trips rather than climbing up and putting them on the vehicle roof rack. Thank you all for the help.

Mike

 

[Ngneer]

Do you have a build thread? Would love to see more of this one