I've been looking through the "Post Your Build" thread and haven't really found what I'm looking for. The idea of a trailer behind my fullsize van is becoming more attractive but a full-blown expedition trailer is well beyond my needs. After really analyzing, I think I need a "Utility Trailer Plus"; something that could be used for my hunting and camping trips as well as be useful around the house. I was going to try my hand at building my own but I've run into a couple road blocks:
- took a welding course but other expenses have prevented me from buying a good MIG welder
- back injury in Sept. has prevented me from doing a lot of bending and lifting
- have learned that registering a trailer in MA that is homemade or a used trailer that is missing the markings from a manufacturer can be a real pain. If caught pulling a trailer without tags, it can be impounded on the spot
So I've decided a 5x8' utility trailer that you get at Lowe's or Tractor Supply (Carry-On) may be my path of least resistance. I still plan to get a welder but it will probably be early next year. My needs are:
- carry bikes and canoes/sea kayaks
- carry a single-person ATV (not yet purchased)
- carry coolers and other bulky camping/hunting/fishing gear
Low sides - $675
High sides - $1000+
If I had one of these Carry-On trailers, I would want to:
- change axle to spring-over for more clearance ($0)
- change hubs to 6x5.5" to match my Chevy van (~$60)
- swap trailer wheels to 16" wheels that match my van (already have them - $0)
- build a new tailgate that is flush with the top ($100?)
- if the low-sided version, build higher sides and lid. If the high-sided version, just build a lid (cost varies)
- add solid sides to keep gear safe and dry
- weld any bolted together joints to get rid of rattles and weak points
- add shocks
- add Thule crossbars
- add tongue storage box
There is also this option where the base has been dealt with, has all the markings I need and is delivered to my door. It would be a clean slate to weld or use wood to build what I want:
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200356494_200356494
My point to all of this is to ask if someone has tried using one of these Carry-On, Northern Tool or Harbor Freight trailers as a base for a build? I know ExPo member "The Swiss" has done something similar (used a Carry-On for a while then had something made) but I'm looking for additional examples or input. I love reading the "from scratch" and military trailer builds but something like those will have to come when I stumble into a deal and/or I live in a different state.
Thanks!
- took a welding course but other expenses have prevented me from buying a good MIG welder
- back injury in Sept. has prevented me from doing a lot of bending and lifting
- have learned that registering a trailer in MA that is homemade or a used trailer that is missing the markings from a manufacturer can be a real pain. If caught pulling a trailer without tags, it can be impounded on the spot
So I've decided a 5x8' utility trailer that you get at Lowe's or Tractor Supply (Carry-On) may be my path of least resistance. I still plan to get a welder but it will probably be early next year. My needs are:
- carry bikes and canoes/sea kayaks
- carry a single-person ATV (not yet purchased)
- carry coolers and other bulky camping/hunting/fishing gear
Low sides - $675
High sides - $1000+
If I had one of these Carry-On trailers, I would want to:
- change axle to spring-over for more clearance ($0)
- change hubs to 6x5.5" to match my Chevy van (~$60)
- swap trailer wheels to 16" wheels that match my van (already have them - $0)
- build a new tailgate that is flush with the top ($100?)
- if the low-sided version, build higher sides and lid. If the high-sided version, just build a lid (cost varies)
- add solid sides to keep gear safe and dry
- weld any bolted together joints to get rid of rattles and weak points
- add shocks
- add Thule crossbars
- add tongue storage box
There is also this option where the base has been dealt with, has all the markings I need and is delivered to my door. It would be a clean slate to weld or use wood to build what I want:
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200356494_200356494
My point to all of this is to ask if someone has tried using one of these Carry-On, Northern Tool or Harbor Freight trailers as a base for a build? I know ExPo member "The Swiss" has done something similar (used a Carry-On for a while then had something made) but I'm looking for additional examples or input. I love reading the "from scratch" and military trailer builds but something like those will have to come when I stumble into a deal and/or I live in a different state.
Thanks!
Last edited:
