Project Everything Trailer

[zukrider]

So today i happened to trade some wheels for a Harbor Freight Haul Master trailer. its a 4 lug, so 1195# capacity with a 1450# GVWR. that means it weighs 253#'s, complete and ready to pull! very light.

http://www.harborfreight.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/i/m/image_21298.jpg

like that ^^^

but a bit weather worn and with very worn decking and stake sides

this is it.

http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj104/josephfrank/HF%20trailer%20build/image_zps82a7cdb7.jpg

http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj104/josephfrank/HF%20trailer%20build/image-1_zps4f9a569a.jpg


as you can see, it is very skinny, a 4' x 8' platform. my plan is to get a wider axle that i can match the Xterra bolt pattern and run factory matching wheels with size matching tires. will also be adding some samurai front spring packs for a smoother and higher capacity ride. and with that, will likely add some sami shocks also. running matching sized tires will add a bit of track width, a good thing. i also plan to add about a foot of width on each side, making 2 foot tall walls, and forming enclosed tool boxes while doubling as fenders. i plan to redo the whole front triangle with better steel, a swap to a 2" ball mount or pintle setup, and extending a small platform in front of the 4x8, this will house a small Greenlee gang box that i have. like this. will also allow a jerry can on each side. will also extend it enough to be able to full jack knife. ALSO, i will be deleting the mid platform folding ability. it will stay full rigid from now on.

http://www.greenlee.com/products/BOX-ASSEMBLY%2540cCHEST-(1636).html
https://greenlee-media.precis5.com/0/450/98b297950041a42470269d56260243a1


this will provide a lot of lockable storage. a very good thing. i plan to maintain the folding front triangle. thus allowing equipment loading. a full rewire with all LED lights and better wire will happen. probably wouldnt hurt to figure out a spare tire mount either. i am planning to redeck it. accepting suggestions. id love to use composite decking, but that is heavy. so i dont know. treated plywood or even good wood decking is only so good.


the end goal, keep it extra light. and all add ons must be removable for certain situation adaptation. with real tires and better springs, i figure it should be capable of 2000 + pounds. but id like to stop at the 1500 range. camping it will haul all the gear to keep the truck light. and thats the real goal. but in town function must be met.


ALL input welcome. ideas are the best way to make good decisions before fab work!

[Patrolman]

I have one of these, and for what they are, they work good. I personally wouldn't drop too much coin or time into one though. The frames won't handle any more weight, so even an axle and spring upgrade will only get you maybe some extra height and width. I torqued my frame a bit when loading an engine on it. Good news is tweaked back into line on its own. They just aren't made to carry too much weight with the rather lightweight channel frame.

When I had to re-do the decking on mine, I wanted to keep it folding, so I bought some 2x4s and ripped them in 1/2 on my table saw. They are the perfect thickness. I then cut them to 4' lengths and bolted each one down individually. They are much stronger than the plywood and not too much heavier. If you don't care about it folding, the composite decking could be a good option.

[Hypoid]

Yup, you'll have to add some steel to that frame.

When I adapted my buddies trailer to accept ramps that I already had, I welded some 1/8th-inch angle to the back, so I could weld some heavier angle to it. Removing the bolts and welding the back corners did a lot to stiffen up the back end. Second thing I did was add a couple straps across the bottom of the frame channel, to keep it from spreading when I hooked a strap to the frame. I used some old 1/2-inch plywood for the deck. It held up fairly well to the loads I rolled across it.

[mattzj98]

One of my car hauler trailers is getting an axle replaced under warranty but there's nothing wrong with it anymore.. it's a 5 lug, 8k lbs double axle trailer.. I might be able to donate that axle if it isn't too wide

[zukrider]

Thanx Jeff. i realize i wont carry much more weight, and honestly dont want to. but with the 5 lug upgrade they offered at purchase, its rated for 1795, which exceeds my 1500 goal. so i think it will be fine. less is more, all the way. i like the 2x idea, however have no wood working tools, so it may be tough to duplicate.

[zukrider]

Matt, if its free, ill take it. budget is super low right now, so free is the only price i have right now! but i really appreciate the offer either way!

Mike, i noticed just that. forgot to add it to the list. i plan to full weld the entire platform frame portion, which i agree will stiffen it up quite a bit. also had planned to add 2 or 3 sections of 1x2" tube from side to side to stiffen the outer rails. i agree that strapping to them will pull it out under a large load.


all great ideas so far guys.

Matt, do you know what lug pattern the axle is? and too wide is not an issue. i will narrow it if necessary.

[mattzj98]

Not sure I'll check after work tomorrow

[zukrider]

ok, thanx bud.