6 1/2 Ft. x 18 Ft. Trailer

[scolliflower]

I decided I would post my trailer project. I was growing tired of paying delivery fees for mulch, gravel, lumber, etc. and I don't have a truck, just the family SUV. Additionally, I've been teaching myself (books, Youtube, forums) how to MIG weld and how to cut using an Oxy-Acetelyne torch for a year or so--thus I decided I would build a trailer and learn/practice welding at the same time. Of course, I'm smart enough to know that I don't fully understand enough about steel strength and stress tolerances to design my own trailer--so I ordered some trailer plans. I've been on various forums asking various questions, some have criticized my attempt to build a trailer without being fully trained/experienced and some of beads have been really bad. I learn from their advice and suggestions and keep plugging along.


The below pic is frame and cross-member I started with--I really put down some bad looking beads--in another forum they really hammered me, but I learned that I was moving way too fast, not grinding the millscale, making my tacks too long and too thick, and not using the correct gun angle for some of the welds, especially lap joints.

 

[scolliflower]

I then added the upright supports and the top rail. I also added twice as many cross members. The trailer plans said that this setup would handle 7,000 lbs-but in another forum they really criticized the design and most said they didn't think it would hold near 7,000 lbs. I had some extensive conversations with some members, and I came to the conclusion that I would at least add more crossmembers and put in some "blocking" on the first and last crossmembers to connect the front and rear frame.

My son decided he wanted to help jack it up!

 

[scolliflower]

I then had to flip the trailer to begin welding the spring hangers, tongue, and ramp pockets on the bottom. Turning it was a trick--this thing weighs (estimate) over 1,000 lbs. I managed to do it by myself using my SUV, straps, shop crane, and moving dollys. There were some scary moments...but it worked out. I then wheeled the thing into my garage to proceed welding on the bottom side.

 

[AndyStobbs]

You're doing well for one so young...

Seriously though, are you really over 500kg already? Going to be a heavy trailer once finished.

 

[scolliflower]

Here are some pics of my welds--the better ones. I know they are not professional grade by any means, but I am getting better with each bead. Actually, it's more like I'm laying more and more good beads for how many ever ugly beads.

 

[scolliflower]

You're doing well for one so young...

Seriously though, are you really over 500kg already? Going to be a heavy trailer once finished.

Young? I haven't been called young in a long while, I'm 37...bless you. I really do think it is that heavy, but I cold be over estimating--it will be heavy!

 

[jedmand]

That is one hell of a trailer Scott wow very impressed with this mate and well done by you for persisting and having a go and not being disheartened by all the haters out there top work mate and it looks like your getting the hang of things only way to learn different things and techniques I reckon is by getting in there and having a crack

 

[Robotstar5]

looking good so far, although the wheels in the 3rd picture are going to limit you to very smooth roads

 

[scolliflower]

That is one hell of a trailer Scott wow very impressed with this mate and well done by you for persisting and having a go and not being disheartened by all the haters out there top work mate and it looks like your getting the hang of things only way to learn different things and techniques I reckon is by getting in there and having a crack

looking good so far, although the wheels in the 3rd picture are going to limit you to very smooth roads

Yep...and probably weight limit too.

 

[AndyStobbs]

Young? I haven't been called young in a long while, I'm 37...bless you. I really do think it is that heavy, but I cold be over estimating--it will be heavy!

Just in one of the pics of you turning the trailer onto its side, you've got a young assistant

 

[scolliflower]

Yeah...that's my son.

 

[jpmillermatic]

Looks like a really beefy trailer!....have you done any research for brakes and lighting yet?...When I built my trailer, (under 1000 lbs) it was surprisingly easy to register and inspect it....But your trailer will be over 1000lbs, so will probably need its own brakes, ect....In NY, there is a different type of inspection for a trailer that weighs 1000 lbs or more....

keep up the good work

JP

 

[scolliflower]

I actually bought a kit which comes with both axles and lights. In Ohio only one axle is required to have brakes. The axles are 3500 lbs each.

 

[andrew hewett]

well done mate its coming on great! you,ll always get peeps telling ye you cant do this n shudnt be doing that but its about having a go and learning from your mistakes! your welds are looking spot on from the pics! will be nice lil trailer! Get a cheep jeep to go on back of it!! weekend off road fun!! haha