Dieselbob
New member
Equipment
BX 2230, LA211 loader, 60†MMM, 2†wheel spacers, grille guard, gauges, bucket e
After searching for about six months and not finding anything at a price I was willing to pay, I decided to build my own utility trailer. My requirements were: 1) Big enough to haul BX with loader and attachment, 2) small enough to tow with a S10 pickup, 3) Tilt deck so I don't have to use ramps, 4) Capable of hauling zero turn mowers, garden tractors, golf carts and numerous other items. It is 66" wide, 144" long, has a Dexter 3500 LB axle with electric brakes, 1/8" diamond plate floor, 5,000 LB hitch, 7,000 LB jack, electric winch, LED lighting, and the fenders, spare tire carrier and license plate bracket are all easily removable for oversize or awkward loads. I have been around trailers for over forty years, and I poured ever bit of practical knowledge I have accumulated into this project. Here is the construction which took place between Thanksgiving and yesterday, and the finished product. As you will see in the pictures, the trailer was road tested before painting, first empty, them with a zero turn mower on board, and finally with the BX, loader and grader blade. The trailer was tested over forty miles on various types of roads at speeds up to 65 MPH and exceeded my expectations in every way. In fact, it pulls better than my big factory built trailer.
As for cost, I have about $500 in steel, and I got the hitch and jack on e-bay dirt cheap. I work in parts in the trucking business, so I got my steel and lights at a a very discounted price, and some of the other items I bought years ago when a truck equipment shop was closing down. Of course, the axle was free, and I had the tires and wheels, although I would like to put nicer wheels on it. All told, I probably have about $1000 in materials. The labor would be off the charts though, which is why as much as I would love to, I can't make any money doing work like this. If I built another, I would probably have to ask $3500 for it, which is a non-starter. In case anybody is wondering, this trailer has about 14 LBS of mig wire in it.
