Utility Trailer build (long lotsa pics)

[WyoExplorer]

Thanks Rob, this is my second trailer build...learned a lot from the first one. The angle clamped to the bottom of the frame is also squared to the frame, it gives me a much needed "third hand" as I'm doing this without any assistance...the kids are never around when ya need 'em.

As for the tongue construction, I hope you don't mind me borrowing your idea, I really like the looks of it and it makes for a strong joint. If you could patent an easy way to get all the angles to line up the first...or even third time ....you could be a wealthy man

mike

 

[WyoExplorer]

A couple pics from today....landing leg welded on

Bracket/brace for the taillights.

Next up will be a combo tailgate/loading ramp

mike

 

[R_Lefebvre]

As for the tongue construction, I hope you don't mind me borrowing your idea,

No problem at all. I've borrowed enough ideas from others.

And yeah... I ended up with a huge gap inside that I couldn't weld. It is hard to get the angles right. Actually, part of the problem with not welding it, is not having a MIG welder. Pretty hard to get a TIG torch into an acute angle.

 

[DBH]

Great looking build Mike!

 

[wheels]

Great looking build Mike!

I agree...

 

[WyoExplorer]

Going to try to get this finished up soon. Next was the folding rear gate/ramp. The primary duty for the trailer will be to transport an ATV, so a ramp was needed. I started the hinges with a piece of sch 80 pipe, I put it in the lathe to true the ID so a 3/4" solid steel rod would fit. I welded the pipe to 3/8"x 1 1/2" flat stock to set the hinge away from the bumper for added clearance. I made a jig (...always making some sort of holding device) to hold the pipe and plate securely.
The jig is just a scrap of angle with the fillet milled out to give a square inside corner, here it is clamped up ready to weld.

I used a scrap 1"x2" tubing to determine the placement of the hinge and the location of the cut-out where the rect. tube meets the pipe.

The mill made short work of cutting the notches on the tubing

The center hinge consists of two plates and a piece of 1" round stock with a 1/2" hole in the center. The round stock was welded to the 1st section of rectangular tube and the plates welded to the 2nd section. I made an aluminum template for the plasma to cut the plates.

Here it is welded up...really could have used an extra set of hands for this part...ended up with a nasty burn on my forearm wrestling this monstrosity by myself :wings:

View of the center hinge...

Folded down...

mike

 

[WyoExplorer]

Paint...not my favorite subject. My nephew, Matt came over to help so I put him to work priming the trailer with epoxy primer, he did a great job!

http://i1026.photobucket.com/albums/y323/WyoCoyote58/Trailer Build/GEDC1709.jpg

I shot the color, it matches the tow vehicle...a dark gray metallic.

The ammo cans got painted also..

Waiting for paint to dry, then I'll finish wiring the lights/plug and get the tire/wheels on it and back on the ground

mike

 

[Titanpat57]

I'm in total awe of the workmanship....

What else can be said?

It's beautiful, built like a friggin' tank, and functional...all the major food groups! :ylsmoke:

Nice job! Pat

 

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

I love the folding rear gate/ramp design! Nice work.

 

[expo80]

awesome trailer, nice work:victory:

 

[WyoExplorer]

Thanks for the comments! It's plenty strong, shouldn't have any problems with it....probably outlive me
I got the floor pieces cut out of 3/4" CDX plywood, strong and inexpensive to replace if needed down the road. I gave them a coat of urethane top and bottom.

Finally on the ground and rolled out of the shop into the sunshine. Waiting on the flooring and reflectors to be installed, should have this thing wrapped up tomorrow...I really need to get back to work on knives, Blade show coming up quickly....:wings:

mike

 

[WyoExplorer]

I pre-drilled the holes for the deck screws with a 3/16" bit.

Run "em in with an impact, take a hammer and break off the excess screw protruding underneath.

Finished!!! Reflectors and ammo cans installed, floor screwed down.

mike :coffeedrink:

 

[WyoExplorer]

Few more pics....

....even managed to get a knife finished today as well...not too bad for a Monday...

Thanks for following along! :smiley_drive:

mike

 

[Curtis in Texas]

Fantastic build!
But, where does the license plate go?
I don't see any provisions for it!

 

[WyoExplorer]

That's a good question! Wyoming just changed it's policy with trailer license, used to be anything home-built, less than 1000# just needed a weight slip and a tag (small like a motorcycle) was issued...no title/VIN needed. Now they want everything built after the first of the year to get a title/VIN, not a biggie, but I'm not sure what the plate size will be, I'll know more in a week. It'll be located on the left side, probably hinged under the tail lamp if it's full sized or above the light if it's still the small tag...

mike