Figured I'd share my trailer build. I started with a 26ft camper trailer that had been set on fire. I started by stripping off everything down to the bare frame. Here's when I started fabrication.
Not your average camper frame
- Thread starter Ryansweatt2004
- Start date
I cut off the bumper, all the cross members, the trailer tongue, and started fabricating.
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I cut the frame rails at 16ft, widened the frame from 55 inches to 72 inches, added a 2.5ft beaver tail, started building a new trailer tongue from 4 inch channel.
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Started getting the trailer tongue finished up, fenders going on, and ramps getting built as well.
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Fenders are on, started adding d-ring tie down points, hitch is all done and plated. Trailer is technically towable by this point. I also added a stop bar at the front of the trailer as well.
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So but this point I've got a total of 10 d-rings welded on, most of the paint is done. Ramp pins and ramps are finished and welded on, decking is all cut to length as well.
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Not sure why that photo keeps turning but you get the idea at least. So far because of how busy life has been it's taken me three summers of fabricating in my front yard to get to this point. Tonight I finally got to load my tractor on my home made trailer for the first time.
I had hoped to have the money to invest in 5200lb axles but for now I've had to settle for keeping the stock 3500lb axles. Either way it holds the tractor fine. Don't mind the flat tire. It's been leaking air for a while now lol.
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Nice job!
I kept scrolling down at the pictures and they all said "today" and I thought man that guy can fabricate things FAST. Then the last post explained.
I kept scrolling down at the pictures and they all said "today" and I thought man that guy can fabricate things FAST. Then the last post explained.
85Hokie
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BX-25D ,PTB. Under Armor, '90&'92-B7100HST's, '06 BX1850 FEL
Around here a typical conversion is removing the camper, adding a plywood floor, advertising it as a car hauler or equipment trailer, and jacking the price up to $2500 or more. They are easy to spot as most rebuilders don't even take off the propane tank mounting base.
Bruce
Bruce
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Nice job. As far as tire goes, nothing a little air wont fix.
It will sit better once tire is repaired, as all weight is on back wheel. Looks a little close to fender with flat tire.
It will sit better once tire is repaired, as all weight is on back wheel. Looks a little close to fender with flat tire.
Thanks everyone. My profession has always been fabrication and welding but life decided to take me in a different direction. This trailer build was the prequel to me buying a tractor. It's been a long build and I'm just finally nearing the finish. It's got 4 inch drop axles so it already sits some what low compared to most trailers. I honestly hate seeing the homemade "car/equipment" trailers that every joe blow seems to build and post for sale all over craigslist. Everyone seems to miss the fact that these quote "heavy duty" trailers can't even fit a car between the frame rails let alone support the weight without heavy modification. At the time when I started the build I knew I'd need a trailer before buying a machine. I actually wanted to buy one but had recently been laid off from my job and couldn't afford one so I opted for the next best thing. One hand built by me and to my specs. During my build, life got busy, kids came into the picture and I didn't always get the time I needed to finish it all in one go. Weather also plays a big part in finishing any metal fabrication project when the project is being built out in the elements in the middle of your driveway lol. For now most of my fab work is done other than I need to weld on some loops to tie up the wiring harness, fabricate some ramp locking mechanisms and then it's on to stringing up the light and brake harness.
I wanted an 18ft trailer from the start. Everything I had looked at was $2500-$3500 for new trailers and honestly not much better for used trailers. So far my build cost is around $1300.
85Hokie
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BX-25D ,PTB. Under Armor, '90&'92-B7100HST's, '06 BX1850 FEL
I would say that you have built a fantastic trailer - and if you EVER had to sell it would be money ahead. Nice looking machine too!
Something about doing something yourself and then looking at the finished project, so much better than just buying something new. 
North Idaho Wolfman
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L3450DT-GST, Woods FEL, B7100 HSD, FEL, 60" SB, 743 Bobcat with V2203, and more
How many times have you fabbed up a tongue drop like that?
I've worked and built a few trailers and any drop on the tongue like that is seriously frowned upon as it has no support, and can snap suddenly at the welds.
It's usually much better idea to use a drop hitch on the truck and keep the strength in the trailer tongue, But hey your the one running it.
I've worked and built a few trailers and any drop on the tongue like that is seriously frowned upon as it has no support, and can snap suddenly at the welds.
It's usually much better idea to use a drop hitch on the truck and keep the strength in the trailer tongue, But hey your the one running it.
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Honestly it's not the first trailer I've built but it is the first time I've built a drop tongue like this. I've seen it on a few other trailers and figured I'd give it a go. Having been a professional welder for years I'm not at all concerned about it. The joints were all v-notched, welded, plated and fully boxed on the joints so it's plenty strong. I had originally wanted an adjustable hitch on the trailer tongue but my creativity took over lol. I do need to add a crossmember in the tongue to help support side to side stress and also support a chain/block storage area behind the hitch.How many times have you fabbed up a tongue drop like that?
I've worked and built a few trailers and any drop on the tongue like that is seriously frowned upon as it has no support.
It's usually much better idea to use a drop hitch on the truck and keep the strength in the trailer tongue, But hey your the one running it.