Well this build is slightly different from my prior builds. The ol' beast isn't much a fan of the pavement anymore. Since i finally got a rig worthy of towing a 5k lb machine behind it, i figured it's time to start a trailer build.

First order of business was acquiring a frame.
$0 later i came home with this.




I dropped the 23 footer off at my buddy's house so he could work some scrap metal magic. Two days later this is what i had. a rough frame. 3/16 thick. 5"x2" outer dimension. Fully boxed frame



Drew up a set of plans. Looks something like this. 12% of the deck length will tend to the front of the center bolt in the axle layout.




Also picked up 3 20' pieces of 5/16 2"x3" angle for $80. That will make the cross braces. (shown with a quarter for size reference)




Flange to flange on the axles measured about 5'. Tire to tire on the trail rig is 7'... no bueno.
I scored on some SUPER beefy axles for $150. They are 6 lug with a 2x2 axle. The spindles are over an inch in diameter. Flange to flange is a little under 8'. Hot damn!!
I think they will sufficiently handle the trail rig's weight lol.
Mocked up for mounting measurements.






So here is how it sits now. Frame rails ready to be separated and widened with stronger cross braces.




I will post my progress. Wish me luck, never done a trailer before.

 

Old axles removed.




Steel cut up for slats. 8' wide.




Here is the final width. The slats will run through the frame rails to remain continuous opposed to relying on welds to the thinner frame rail, a scab plate or the likes.

 

yay al!!! Good to see you posting again. What will you do for paint

 

That is going to be sweet!

 

Strip to metal, scuff. Then a combo of roll and spray on rustoleum.

yes

 

Ill be watching this. I picked up a similar camper frame a while back and Im just itching to do something with it!

Keep up the good work! You might have already said it, but what are you going to use for a deck?

 

Good luck on the build, Al!

 

Got the spring mounts fabbed up



Cig for size reference




Tongue mocked up





Everything welded up and axles installed. She's a beauty. Next is to grind everything down and paint.

 

good luck.

 

Looks pretty sweet. Still want your truck lol. good luck

 

cooool..do the brakes work?

 

Thanks

I dont blame you, its a sweet machine lol. Thanks man

They arent wired up yet but they work.

 

Dang that thing looks great!

 

*subscribed*

 

Done yet??

I don't want to hear anymore I cant go excuses.....

 

Nothing real eventful lately. Been working some time in for the trail rig so the trailer has slowed down. I added a few small things and got it all primed up.

Cut out some braces for the tongue... i am still going to add more here but i dont know what yet. Open to suggestions



Noted a potential weak point between the tongue and the springs so i made some plates that add some strength to the area




All primed up, ready for paint, but not until i weld studs in for the decking and fab the mounts for the lights




Also picked this up for $20, it will make wiring easy

 

 

Lol hey now take it easy, i have been building a badass snorkel with pink pvc and putting my birfs in so i dont wanna hear it.

 

 

True that