Building a light utility trailer.

[RNeeley]

Having built a number of utility trailers over the years, and with materials available, free time, and not much extra cash, I decided to rebuild an old trailer to use with the Maverick. The base I am starting with is a trailer my Father had built around 1952. At the time my parents were living in Minesota and had decided to move back to Arizona. From what I was told the base was made using conveyor belt rails and a 1936 Plymouth axle.

The first picture shows the poor old thing holding a Jeep body. The last thing the trailer was used for was a home made pop up trailer. The old tow hitch is a 2" type with a screw up securing plate. It's badly worn out and has to go.

Stripping down and getting the unwanted things removed, and checking the wheels bearings. There was a metal rattle inside the right drum that was probably debris. These drums have lug bolts instead of studs and lug nuts. I'm also removing the drum backing plates. I still have to remove all the add on metal from the pop up build and remove all the layers of old paint.

The frame is actually lighter than it looks, but still solid. The only issue is the springs are worn out and I am probably going to have to remove a few leaves and put in new ones. The deck will be 44" wide, and 84" long.

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[BILLNOROVILLE]

I built this 120 pound aluminum trailer to haul 1 of my 3 motorcycles motorcycle behind a Chevy Volt.

 

[Wrench77]

I

I built this 120 pound aluminum trailer to haul 1 of my 3 motorcycles motorcycle behind a Chevy Volt.

I had an 89 Honda ant 650 Hawk with a Two brothers left side high exhaust that opened up the right sight open wheel. A hell a bike. Way more handling then power but great balance and sound.

 

[BILLNOROVILLE]

I

I had an 89 Honda ant 650 Hawk with a Two brothers left side high exhaust that opened up the right sight open wheel. A hell a bike. Way more handling then power but great balance and sound.

You should get another one. They will fit corner to corner with tailgate down in the Maverick.

Great bikes for 1988 and 1989. My Blue one has Stainless Steel Supertrapp exhaust. The Targa windscreens are too rare and fragile, so they are off and stored for now. The Blue one won "Hawk of the Month" on the Hawk forum last year.

Both of these I ride about 3k each a year. Both have seen time on the trailer. They sit covered next to my Maverick every night.

 

[RNeeley]

I built this 120 pound aluminum trailer to haul 1 of my 3 motorcycles motorcycle behind a Chevy Volt.

I built one similar many moons ago. It was all steel, $150.00 complete! Ace Hardware I think. It was light and handy, but I ended up upgrading to move 4 X 8 plywood after trading for an old beater. Sold those two and made a heavy duty one for me and another for my parents. I also built the tandem axle trailer I haul my Jeep on. Welding and metal work is therapy for me.

I like motorcycles, but I tore out the ligaments in my left knee as a teenager and have had trouble ever since. I decided to stick with 4 wheels.

 

[Redneck Garage]

Try looking at Harbor Freight for a small trailer

 

[RNeeley]

I don't have the funds to get a new trailer, aluminum trailers are expensive. Even used ones, the size I need, are out of my price range. At least the ones I've priced lately. This is a bird in the hand project, bringing the old thing back to life.

I've been welding for a long time, I know what you mean about weight adding up quickly. The heaviest part of this old trailer is the axle. Even if I replace the axle the weight will be similar. A simple frame for a bed with short sides is what I intend to do, and I have all the materials in the yard to get it done. Except tires, that will be the major expense.

 

[STARCOMMTREY1]

I don't have the funds to get a new trailer, aluminum trailers are expensive. Even used ones, the size I need, are out of my price range. At least the ones I've priced lately. This is a bird in the hand project, bringing the old thing back to life.

I've been welding for a long time, I know what you mean about weight adding up quickly. The heaviest part of this old trailer is the axle. Even if I replace the axle the weight will be similar. A simple frame for a bed with short sides is what I intend to do, and I have all the materials in the yard to get it done. Except tires, that will be the major expense.

I can't even find a used one. So it's 3 grand for a new one.

 

[The Weatherman]

Having built a number of utility trailers over the years, and with materials available, free time, and not much extra cash, I decided to rebuild an old trailer to use with the Maverick. The base I am starting with is a trailer my Father had built around 1952. At the time my parents were living in Minesota and had decided to move back to Arizona. From what I was told the base was made using conveyor belt rails and a 1936 Plymouth axle.

The first picture shows the poor old thing holding a Jeep body. The last thing the trailer was used for was a home made pop up trailer. The old tow hitch is a 2" type with a screw up securing plate. It's badly worn out and has to go.

Stripping down and getting the unwanted things removed, and checking the wheels bearings. There was a metal rattle inside the right drum that was probably debris. These drums have lug bolts instead of studs and lug nuts. I'm also removing the drum backing plates. I still have to remove all the add on metal from the pop up build and remove all the layers of old paint.

The frame is actually lighter than it looks, but still solid. The only issue is the springs are worn out and I am probably going to have to remove a few leaves and put in new ones. The deck will be 44" wide, and 84" long.

Love the idea of rebuilding a vintage trailer/ family air loom.

I built this trailer some 20yrs ago for use on the farm behind my four wheeler. That was before I could afford a side by side.

I have modified it for my Long

Kayaks and use with the MAV.
Happy Building.

 

[RNeeley]

I can't even find a used one. So it's 3 grand for a new one.

Sneaking online at work during my break...

The only aluminum trailer, the right size, I could find used is listed at $3,000. I can get a new one for that! Everything else is the wrong size, too small or too large, and there are only a few for sale here in AZ.

 

[06Warrior]

Try looking at Harbor Freight for a small trailer

+1

I still have my HF 4’x8’ trailer I bought 14 years ago. Came shipped in pieces and I put it together. Works great.

 

[RNeeley]

Love the idea of rebuilding a vintage trailer/ family air loom.

I built this trailer some 20yrs ago for use on the farm behind my four wheeler. That was before I could afford a side by side.

I have modified it for my Long

Kayaks and use with the MAV.
Happy Building.

That's pretty much what I'm going to build. My only regret is my parents did not keep the original wheels. I remember it had antique 16" rims on it. When those were replaced is a lost memory. It will be a fun project.

 

[RNeeley]

Try looking at Harbor Freight for a small trailer

I looked at those and they are a nice kit. Pretty much what I got from Ace many years ago. If I didn't already have the antique I might have gone that route.

 

[RNeeley]

+1

I still have my HF 4’x8’ trailer I bought 14 years ago. Came shipped in pieces and I put it together. Works great.

If I didn't have a trailer already I would probably get one of those.

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