Rbertalotto
Explorer
This pandemic thing has me on a scale of 1-10 for boredom at 11!
I needed a project. I want to buy a mid-size garden tractor for use around the property. But I need a way to transport it. So I needed a Utility Trailer. Want to use it for transporting canoes and kayaks and bicycles too.
I was going to order a axle, spring. hubs. fender kit from Ebay for $380. Then I'd need about $200 in steel and another $200 in lights, coupler, wood, etc.....This was getting expensive!
On Facebook Marketplace I saw a rolling tent trailer frame for sale. $200 and it was three miles away from my house.
In a pouring rain storm I went and bought it. Didn't look under it, just paid, hooked up, and drove off. I was surprised how well it towed with no weight. No bouncing around. Nice and stable.
Once the platform was stripped off I was pleasantly surprised that this trailer had a torsion axle. I'm a big fan of this type of axle for its soft ride and independent suspension. But limited travel does not allow this type of axle for off-road trailer. The axle is rated for #2500.
The trailer also has four corner stabilizers and a fresh water tank.....I'll keep the stabilizers but sell the water tank....
I decided that I want a trailer with outboard fenders. So all the side extensions were cut off.
And the removed steel was cut to 18" for side supports
I also cut 18" off the rear end as I wanted to end up with a 5" X 9' bed
This set the axle back a bit more than I'd like. But it will make backing up much easier and it will track beautifully. Tongue weith will increas so loading will need to be managed properly.
Side supports were welded on
At this point....Sanded, Pressure washed and painted.....and pressure treated wood deck installed
Galvanized Tek-Screws were set into recesses
Today the sides will be installed, a 2" x 2" angle iron top rail will be welded in place and a tailgate fabricated....
Stay Tuned!
I needed a project. I want to buy a mid-size garden tractor for use around the property. But I need a way to transport it. So I needed a Utility Trailer. Want to use it for transporting canoes and kayaks and bicycles too.
I was going to order a axle, spring. hubs. fender kit from Ebay for $380. Then I'd need about $200 in steel and another $200 in lights, coupler, wood, etc.....This was getting expensive!
On Facebook Marketplace I saw a rolling tent trailer frame for sale. $200 and it was three miles away from my house.
In a pouring rain storm I went and bought it. Didn't look under it, just paid, hooked up, and drove off. I was surprised how well it towed with no weight. No bouncing around. Nice and stable.
Once the platform was stripped off I was pleasantly surprised that this trailer had a torsion axle. I'm a big fan of this type of axle for its soft ride and independent suspension. But limited travel does not allow this type of axle for off-road trailer. The axle is rated for #2500.
The trailer also has four corner stabilizers and a fresh water tank.....I'll keep the stabilizers but sell the water tank....
I decided that I want a trailer with outboard fenders. So all the side extensions were cut off.
And the removed steel was cut to 18" for side supports
I also cut 18" off the rear end as I wanted to end up with a 5" X 9' bed
This set the axle back a bit more than I'd like. But it will make backing up much easier and it will track beautifully. Tongue weith will increas so loading will need to be managed properly.
Side supports were welded on
At this point....Sanded, Pressure washed and painted.....and pressure treated wood deck installed
Galvanized Tek-Screws were set into recesses
Today the sides will be installed, a 2" x 2" angle iron top rail will be welded in place and a tailgate fabricated....
Stay Tuned!
