home built trailer/kit

[roolu]

Can anyone tell me of an easy, inexpensive way to make a flat bed trailor? Is there a kit or something that does not require weilding?

[tufhelp]

Can you give an idea of size and or capacity that you're interested in?

[NCLee]

A good starting point is the chassis from a travel trailer. Depending on the size you need, this can be anything from a tiny pop-up tent camper to a large fifth wheel rig.

As a general rule, you can tear off everything down to the floor. Then, replace the original flooring (usually 3/4" ply) with 1by or 2by pressure treated boards. If you need it, a fold down ramp, can be attached. (This may need some welding, depending on how the back bumper of the chassis is attached.

Check salvage yards and junk yards near camping type recreational areas. Sometimes these are junked due to roof leaks that make the wooden parts structurally unsound. If there are any good salvage parts (stoves, refrigerators, cabinets, water storage tanks, pumps, sinks, etc.) you may be able to re-sell these and re-coup much of your investment in the chassis.

Also, check your local regulations for max width, clearance lights, brakes (for larger trailers), safety chains, licence requirements, and any other related info needed to put a DIY on the road.

Hope this is food for thought until you let us know more about what you have in mind.

Lee

[roolu]

A camper, less than 2000lbs is actually what I'm wanting. I found instructions on how to build one, but am having trouble with the actual trailer part of it. Something small, like 5x8 would be perfect. i had not thought of the salvage yards. Will look into that. Thanks! Trouble is, I have no way to weld anything. So have to avoid that.

[tufhelp]

If your resources for construction methods are minimal, a place like Harbor Freight might be worth a look. The have multiple versions of trailer frames ready to roll of various weight specifications. Here are a couple:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=90154
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=94564

Home page: http://www.harborfreight.com/

[NCLee]

Roolu, unless you have a special reason for building one, yourself, your best option may be to buy one. By the time you get a chassis and buy all of the components to build and furnish one, you're quite likely to have as much money in it that a good used one will cost.

If you wait until the end of this summer (Labor Day weekend), that's the best time to buy. People don't want to pay storage fees over the winter, is just one of the reasons why this is the best time to buy. RV dealerships have trade-in units that they don't want to carry over to next summer for inventory tax purposes.

Even if you buy a used one in what appears to be poor condition, as long as it's structurally sound, you'll probably get the best bang for your bucks. Unless one has been wrecked, the main problem is with leaks that weaken the structure. Even that can be resolved, providing you can stop the leak(s).

Most cosmetic problems are easy to fix, especially if you handy with a paint brush, hammer, and sewing machine (or know someone who sews).

For whatever it's worth ---- Over the years, we've had 3 campers. Two slide ins and finally a fifth-wheel trailer. The last one I bought in bad shape, including some structural damage from leaks. But, I bought it for the equivalent of a new 5th wheel hitch (which was included with the rig.)

I gutted it from the inside down to the studs. Repaired/replaced the water damaged studs and sealed the roof.

Designed a new floor plan and rebuilt the inside. Used a combo of salvage yard and new components. For example, the old version didn't have a bath sink and only a bar size kitchen sink. It used the old pressurized water tank that was no longer functional. Found a travel trailer sized double sink, bath sink, fresh water tank at salvage. Purchased new fittings and a 12v pump for times when water hook-up wouldn't be available.

The old version was 110v only. It's now dual 110v/12v throughout.

To make a long story short, I have far less investment in this than I would if I'd bought new or a late model used. Plus, I enjoyed doing the work of restoring it.

And, one last point, before closing. Weight of the unit is always an issue. From most plans that I've seen, it's hard to find the materials needed to keep the weight to a minimum. RV manufacturer's use those materials along with construction techniques to keep the weight down. (A lot of those are unseen until you gut one and see how it's done.)

In closing, do spend some time pricing what's available in your area. New, gently used, and those ready for rehab. Get good estmates for the cost of everything you need to build and furnish from scratch. Be sure to include any tools you may have to purchase. Since things like this can vary widely from one part of the country to another, what works here, may not be the best for your area.

Hope you find some of this post useful and that it'll be good food for thought as you proceed. Good luck with your decision.

Lee

[MooseToo]

good post - and timely too -

what with the economy tanking, many are turning toys into dollars - local radio swap shops and "thrifty nickel" papers are loaded with bargains these days - AND, cash talks -

[Incoming]

Ive built several that are put out by Harbor Freight Tools that will handle 1500 lbs.

[roolu]

thank you all for your input, I greatly appreciate the help.

[Catalpa]

And watch the roadsides, too. I've been seeing a LOT of Rvs, campers, and such put out for sale. Like was said, in a bad economy people get rid of toys.

I have a heavy-duty 5x8 utility trailer that I bought for $140.00. I've put about $150.00 into it with new safety chains, new wiring harness, new wooden sides and bottom, and paint. For less than $300.00 I have a better trailer than the same sized new one I could have gotten from Harbor Freight or TSC. And all because my Dad knew I was looking for one and noticed it for sale on the side of the road.

Good luck!

[DM]

I would buy a used one too. You will never build one as good that's "as light" as a factory model, and having it pull decent is what it's all about. The factories have it down to a science, and used trailors are found cheap.

I have an extra one, want to buy it cheap?

DM

[roolu]

I would buy a used one too. You will never build one as good that's "as light" as a factory model, and having it pull decent is what it's all about. The factories have it down to a science, and used trailors are found cheap.

I have an extra one, want to buy it cheap?

DM

Are you just trying to get me to Michigan??? lol That's a long way to go for a trailor. Besides, it's the camper I'm really wanting. A bug out vehicle so to speak.

[DM]

Well, if you were here where i am, you wouldn't need a "bug out" vehicle, you'd allready be "bugged out"! lol

DM

[roolu]

Well, if you were here where i am, you wouldn't need a "bug out" vehicle, you'd allready be "bugged out"! lol

DM

LOL! Yep, your homestead is sounding pretty nice.

[Steve_L]

If your resources for construction methods are minimal, a place like Harbor Freight might be worth a look. The have multiple versions of trailer frames ready to roll of various weight specifications. Here are a couple:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=90154
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=94564

Home page: http://www.harborfreight.com/

Hey! I have that first one. I am almost done putting it together, just gotta put on the lights, finish wiring it, and then a trip down to the state government to get a license for it.

It's all bolts. I recommend laying everything out and then marking the pieces with a big marking pen. There are a couple of errors in the instructions.

[teamhillbilly]

look for a cheap used boater trail

[Old Rusty]

I think that Tractor Supply sells trailer frames also.

[annabella1]

You need to check state regulations when you buy one of those trailer kits from Harbor Freight. We built one and put a small shed on it to use as a puppet stage. We had all kinds of trouble getting it licensed. Couldn't ever figure out what the State of Illinois wanted (maybe a bribe?) We brought in receipts, filled in their forms repeatedly, had the manager of the Harbor freight fill in the forms, got statements from everyone we could that knew we were building it. Wasn't ever good enough to prove it was ours, finally gave up took the shed apart and gave it to friends who used it for a playhouse in their backyard. Gave the trailer to my brother to use on his farm.

[whtdragn]

http://www.countryplans.com/

Check out some plans here. Also look up katrina cottages people started seeing how small they could make and still be functional. Youtube has some tiny home videos also I think.