Morten MС€lsted Nedertoft
05.05.2021 5:24:39
Let me ask you first: How would you reply to this question? (Please put your answers in the comments.)
See full version: Converting A Trailer
Let me ask you first: How would you reply to this question? (Please put your answers in the comments.)
Working with an older trailer or even just older trailer parts can require patience. If this is your endeavor, we certainly salute you as well as wish you the best of luck. It’s rewarding, for sure, but also a bunch of work. [links]
Like the old adage: Run what you brung. Our respect and congratulations to those who re-purpose a trailer. [links]
well recently i bought a boat trailer that i am going to convert to a utility trailer. i paid $200 for the trailer and figure i will put about $200 into converting it and in the end i will have a 6x14 utility trailer. i have been wanting to do this for a long time and thought maybe some of you guys would be interested also. i will post pics when i get updated but the whole build it probably going to take around 5 weeks.
this is how i got the trailer
Gravely Pro 50 W/B
Craftsman Garden Tractor
husqvarna 223L Trimmer
little wonder Blower
6x14 trailer
I purchased an 18' (from tip of trailer tongue to tail lights) on craigslist for a very nice price.
I wanted a 14' x 7' utility bed, but the size is difficult to find used. new trailers are too expensive. I decided I would convert the cheap boat trailer into a bigger utility trailer. No cutting of the boat trailer was needed. I wouldn't want to damage the integrity of the frame by doing so. I simply purchased some angle iron and 2x2 11 gauge steel tubing. I framed in the trailer and welded it down. I followed by adding the steel tubing as support for the boards. After welding on the support, I taped off sections of the trailer, scraped it down and applied a base coat primer of rust-o-leum to help prevent rust. I followed up with another coat of black rust-o-leum. I also added some 45 degree 2x2 11 gauge steel tubing from the front outer corners of the angle iron frame back to the curved frame of the boat to give the front outer corners of the trailer more support. The boat trailer curved in too soon so the corners wouldn't have been properly supported. They are barely visible in the pic below.
I then cut the 2x10s to size, used a ratchet strap to move the boards as close together as possible and then started bolting them down with carriage bolts.
HTP Invertig 201
HTP MIG2400
Trailblazer 302, Spoolmatic 30A, Suitcase 12RC
Clarke Hotshot [links]
Mine came with a tongue that spanned two time zones, but was easily shortened. here
Make sure that any trailer you consider has brakes. The weight of the trailer & load are usually more than the tow vehicle can safely stop. here
May or may not be an issue when converting for utility purposes. more
Even with building from scratch. Would it be cheaper to buy a boat trailer for most of the parts. Then if you took it completely apart and reused the parts( lights, tires, jack etc) plus the metal.
Been thinking of doing the same thing. That is why the question.
Just as an observation I've noticed boat trailers seem to have an extreme amount of flex in them when being towed. Probably by design (?) and I don't have a clue why that is. Just know that's how they are. The one I've got now does the same as have the others I've had and observed on the road.