building a trailer

[thatmorman]

Hi, i was wondering if anyone has experience in building a fully covered trailer from nothing but a chasiss. what type of materials and thicknesses, what is the best structural support, etc... thanks

[tdlrali]

I'm not sure if that's even possible, since trailers have to fulfill all kinds of specifications. I'd suggest looking up your state's requirements for registering a trailer, I have no idea where to start.

[thatmorman]

you do not have to register a trailer if it will carry less than 8000 pounds, we bought it from someone who was going to fix it up but didn't have the time... so it is possible, we've already discussed with our mentors, just lookin for any designs tips or ideas...

[Jeremiah Johnson]

Pop rivets and aluminum... What exactly do you want to know? Cut down on wind resistance w/ as many curves as possible on the corners and edges.

[Jay H 237]

I built an open utility trailer from scratch, but not an enclosed one. From what I'm gathering you're looking for something like the Featherlite here http://www.fthr.com/trailers/style_t...lity&cat =rec ?

They use an aluminum frame with an aluminum sheet as the exterior skin. As mentioned pop rivets are used for the skin and some of the cross pieces in the frame. The main frame parts are TIG welded to the chassis for strength.

What is the frame that you already have? How large will this trailer be? What do you want to do about doors?

Now keep in mind too what the total weight will be (gross) of the trailer PLUS the stuff in it. In some states it will require it's own brakes if it's above a certain weight and may require a second axle (tandem).

If the trailer will be large for safety's sake get a sway control for the hitch, last thing you want is a cross wind catching the trailer and making it sway and thus making the tow vehicle sway (especially with smaller tow vehicles). They call it "the tail wagging the dog".

237 did have a small enclosed trailer (8' Haulmark) that a previous mentor (now deceased) had purchased. Once that trailer was filled with our stuff it was much heavier, will trailers you have to remember that the contents weigh more that the trailer itself. He had no trouble bringing the empty trailer home with his Aerostar but once filled the Aerostar wouldn't pull it. Add in wind resistence and it gets worse.

[Andrew Y.]

Originally Posted by thatmorman

you do not have to register a trailer if it will carry less than 8000 pounds, we bought it from someone who was going to fix it up but didn't have the time... so it is possible, we've already discussed with our mentors, just lookin for any designs tips or ideas...

Really?! We had to register our 1500lb. tboat trailer! I also would check that the trailers dont need to be DOT certified.