Trailer build advice and ideas please.

[BigRAWesty]

So I think the first thing you need to do is work out your sides.
To save heaps of fab time (and depending on how high you want to go) a simple C section purling may be a simple cut to size and bolt on option.
If not some plate strips to suit new height and angle iron welded on to give the folded edge look..

Next will you want tailgate mounted kitchen or something that slides out.

If tailgate mounted you'll need to cut off and move hinges so it swings from the side.
But also will the extension piece be ok or is a new tailgate needed??

Then how fancy do you want the kitchen??
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/171368597021?nav=SEARCH

There are cheaper but that's the first I found.
And if you plan on mounting the kitchen and spare on the tail gate you'll need some serious hinges, dam near a rod and tube setup and something just as good to secure on the other end.

If your happy to stick the spare under the trailer a simple flat bar hanger could be made and a couple of chain links make a simple hinge and lock setup cheap.

Draw bar is simple.
100x50x5mm minimum.
Personally I always start the draw bar as close to the front spring hanger as possible.
That's as strong as it's going to get.
Then just make it to suit the length you want.
Run a string line down the guts of the body so the tow point is dead centre.

How much steel do you have and what sizes?? This will really determine what you do.

[altech]

Hi Guys, had this trailer that I got Ebay for 200 bucks which need fixing up as it had wooden floor & sides. replaced floor with marine ply .hmm other $160.
Wife saying to me why didn't you get a new one lol . surfing ebay and saw a ford ute tub $200 ,same day found a canopy $ 150 ebay and here is the results in pic's below , hope this helps regards Alex

[threedogs]

TBTH an angle iron frame with slipper springs wont cut it on any rough tracks,
better off buying one for off road use or sell your trailer and buy some decent steel

[Bloodyaussie]

My mate who builds caravans dropped me off a large water tank to mount under my trailer, he just came past then and dropped the brackets off and said he might have a chassis for me that would make the perfect base for a build.

A little excited but dont want to get my hopes up..

[Winnie]

My mate who builds caravans dropped me off a large water tank to mount under my trailer, he just came past then and dropped the brackets off and said he might have a chassis for me that would make the perfect base for a build.

A little excited but dont want to get my hopes up..

Hope it all comes together for you mate

[kevin07]

I would without hesitation have electric brakes fitted, why not keep your eye on some pickles auctions for when they do the caravan and trailer wrecks some awesome chassis there only down side is you have to take the scrap that comes on top of the chassis.

[threedogs]

Not sure on your design but when I converted my back hoe trailer
I was going to get my sheetmetal guy to fold up some sides to suit my design.
was going to be cheap enough doing it this way.
Great idea 07
Electric brakes are a given for any off road trailer, brake over ride going down hill
pays for itself imo
Also when designing figure out where a battery would go you could recess it into the floor like I did
out of sight, Are you putting a box on the drawbar, ??
You'll also need either larger mudflaps or a curtain on front of the trailer,
to prevent smashing your back windows, All things to consider.
Orac make a good off road greasable shackle leaf set up or you could make a
simple coil shock set up. pre drilled and welded tabs for any boxes I needed
big white box is my Bailys ice box[esky]
Flip up jockey wheel with a 10" wheel priced ok at SCA

[Bloodyaussie]

I am beginning to make my own trailer now and wanted to know if I should go 6x4 or 8x5???

[Clunk]

I am beginning to make my own trailer now and wanted to know if I should go 6x4 or 8x5???

I'd say whatever you think suits you best. Is a 6x4 going to be big enough, or is a 8x5 going to be a bit large for your intended use.


You can thank me later sweet cheeks

[Bloodyaussie]

I have some C-section that is 2300mm long and very heavy duty... I am thinking of using this as my draw bar??

I have decided on 8x5 and managed to get a very good deal on 40x40x2400 and 3mm thick at only $8 a length.. I bought 15 but I am going back for more as it is a bloody good price.. Matty is getting me to grab him 15 also.