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Trailer Build Thread

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Old 05-13-2015, 06:42 AM
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If you need anything from trailercraft I get good discounts . It's looking good .
Old 05-13-2015, 12:05 PM
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Originally Posted by ak_cowboy
Hitch is rated to 5000lbs, Tires were Trailer C rated, around 1400 each, I figure it'll have a GWR of about 4,000lbs when I'm done. I hope the trailer stays under 1,000 empty.

I suspect you're over-estimating the payload capacity of that trailer.


If tires were the limiter, then GAWR would be 2,800 pounds, plus 280 pounds tongue weight = 3080 GVWR. Net payload around 2,000 pounds if you can keep the net weight of the trailer down to 1,080.


But tires are probably not your limiter. That single-pole tongue is probably the limiter. I suspect that finished trailer would be a good motorcycle trailer for hauling one Hawg or a couple of dirt bikes, but not much more.
Old 05-14-2015, 03:53 PM
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I agree with Smokeywren, your trailer tongue does not look strong enough for much more then a 2000 gross vehicle weight. I have a small dump trailer and my trailer tongue looks about half again as wide as yours. Yours looks like 2x3 box steel with a 1&7/8 coupler. In addition it looks as if the coupler is only bolted on with 1 bolt. it needs at least 2. The trailer looks to be very similar to the lightweight harbor freight model which grosses out at under 1400lbs.
Old 05-16-2015, 10:32 AM
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Couple suggestions, (I have built many trailer) first. Move the ammo box further back on the tongue. its a great idea but limits your turning to a small degree . Second You should use full length wood, the long boards are the backbone of the trailer.


the trailer cant be more then 2k. that the load and trailer combined. If the tires are rated for 1400 each, then 2800 would be ther max combined carrying capacity, but I think the tongue and axle will be your limiting factor
Old 05-16-2015, 09:09 PM
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Tongue was a 2" ball, originally held on with 4 bolts, the 1 bolt was just for mockup.
The 6' boards were to see how the decking would look. I've got full length 10ft ones for the final decking.

Since it's a homebuilt, I don't know how to get an "official" GWR besides the axle bearings and tire ratings. The biggest load it'll ever have is a couple ATVS, which should be well under 1500lbs total. I'll be able to do better calculations once it's registered and ran over some scales.
Old 05-17-2015, 10:49 AM
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The rating of a trailer depends on the weakest link. If the tires are rated for say 700lbs each and the axles is rated for 10k, lounge for 6k, then your restricted to a 1400lb load including the weight of the trailer. Don't get hung up on the rating of the coupler. its just a single component in the puzzle. Nice work, keep it up
Old 05-20-2015, 04:22 PM
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Got the hitch and toolbox on.



Had to use an old trick to get the nuts on the back bolts. Everything with fender washers and Nylocs so far.




Got things lined out for lights.




Old 05-20-2015, 08:17 PM
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Found a good site for estimating trailer capacity based on tongue design and material.
http://www.angib.pwp.blueyonder.co.u...rop/tear84.htm

Puts my 2x3 box at around 2500lbs max tow weight, about 500lbs below what I figured.
Old 05-21-2015, 11:47 AM
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More pipe work


Originally Posted by ak_cowboy
Got the led taillights in.

Last edited by ak_cowboy; 05-23-2015 at 03:11 PM.
Old 06-05-2015, 02:11 PM
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Pretty much done.
Originally Posted by ak_cowboy
Got the first boards on and sealed all the wiring with silicone.











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