Building Your Own 5x8 Trailer - A DIY Adventure
Utility trailers provide a more cost-effective solution than hauling large items in a pickup truck.
Save money on your 5x8 trailer when buying components second-hand by carefully evaluating their quality - no one wants to make an expensive mistake! But be wary of any promises of savings made from second-hand parts being too good to be true - quality can differ widely depending on where they came from and it is wise not to rush in and purchase without doing the proper due diligence first.
What You Need
As is true of any construction project, having all your materials at hand beforehand can save time and money in both frustration and expenses. Furthermore, organizing everything beforehand ensures that any unexpected purchases won't arise during your work process.
As part of this DIY 5x8 trailer build, you will create a steel frame trailer designed to safely carry heavy loads without breaking. Its basic structure consists of square steel rods assembled into its frame; then mounted on wheels for complete completion of this trailer build.
In order to assemble your trailer, a variety of tools and supplies will be necessary. Some essentials include toolboxes, axles and hitches - these will keep your trailer safe to drive while staying in good condition - You can find all these at local hardware stores.
An equally essential consideration when purchasing a trailer is sizing and the type of load you intend to transport. Depending on its use, additional supports may need to be added depending on its characteristics - this can present challenges but must remain done for safety's sake.
Before beginning work on your trailer frame, it is a good idea to make sure that its corners are square. You can do this by measuring the distance between hub centers on either side and this will let you know whether or not your frame is square; if it is off by even just slightly then corrective welding may help rectify it.
When building a trailer to transport a boat or other heavy loads, it's essential that the load is securely tied down. Poorly tied loads can become hazardous on the road at high speeds; for this reason it is beneficial to include several rope anchor points within its bed.
Planning
Everybody needs something bigger than they can fit into their car now and then, which requires us to use a trailer. Hiring or buying already made trailers can be expensive; instead, these welding project plans can help you craft your own at much less expense!
Before embarking on any trailer-building project, set your budget. This will ensure that you do not end up with something beyond your means or cannot use. Research all components and tools required - it will save both money and time in the long run! Additionally, looking around may enable you to find used or salvaged parts at reduced cost; just make sure they are in excellent condition - otherwise rusted parts might ruin the whole trailer experience!
Your trailer's quality depends on the quality of materials used to assemble it. Most parts for building it can be found at local hardware stores; however, some components like axle and coupler assemblies require more specialized skills and should be purchased as kits to simplify the installation process. Online or specialty stores may also carry these parts.
Building your own car carrier trailers offers another means of hauling vehicles. Car carriers come equipped with cradles for holding the vehicle securely in place, a loading ramp, a built-in chock for stabilizing the front wheel, tie-down rings and tie-down points; making these much better options for long distance transport than tow dollies.
Other features available on your trailer may include landscape-style hinged tailgates, ramps and various sides to complete its landscape design. These trailers are strong enough to haul a riding mower or ATV but still versatile enough for other tasks; their frame uses C-channel and rectangular tube technology for an airtight seal that's lighter than traditional steel trailers; there are options for decking such as plywood or 2x6 treated boards as well as different tailgate types and toolbox options - plus you could even consider adding a spare tire mount should something unexpected happen on its journey!
Materials
Nothing can beat the sense of accomplishment gained from creating something with your own hands, such as a trailer you designed yourself. A custom-built utility trailer can serve both professional tradesmen and recreational users well, providing invaluable haulage solutions.
Building one from scratch can save money and provide the freedom to personalize its design and function. To get started, gather these materials:
Start with a metal frame. Depending on your requirements, all necessary parts may be available at your local hardware store; alternatively there are several online retailers who sell kits with all the components necessary to assemble your trailer such as axles and wheels, hubs, lighting kits and tires.
Steel beams will form the frame of your trailer. You can find these at most hardware stores and can cut them to size with a saw. Once cut to length, galvanized brackets will connect them and you can weld them together using electric welders - making sure not to position too closely together unless space allows for your gear.
Your trailer requires a door at its rear end, preferably constructed out of a metal rectangle that fits inside the rear beams and features strong door hinges on either side. When traveling with cargo you will require access to this area; thus this door allows this access.
Your trailer sides can either be welded from the bottom up or cut to shape from plywood sheets. If you decide to cut them yourself, a wood saw capable of cutting through steel should be used; safety equipment should also be worn while doing this work.
Once the wheels and axles are attached to your trailer, the next step is attaching all other components - lights and brakes are musts! Purchase these at either your local auto shop or online retailer, but always consult the plans that came with your trailer to ensure proper installation of components such as LED bulbs which tend to last longer and are less prone to breakage than incandescent lighting options.
Assembling
Once you've selected an appropriate trailer plan, found materials at great prices online, and assembled all the parts in your garage, it's time for a test drive. Before taking it out on the road, check that its suspension is in good condition, as this plays a pivotal role in how well your trailer performs on the road; damaged suspension may cause rough rides for cargo or damage the trailer itself. Also inspect tire treads for dry rot and verify proper air pressure settings.
Listen for any high-pitched humming sounds when driving your trailer to detect whether its axle bearings haven't been sealed or properly lubricated, then drive to an inspection station to assess if your unit passes inspection - once approved by an inspector, you'll be ready to get a metal tag!
Good quality trailers are built to last, but like any vehicle they require proper care and upkeep. When not using it, keep it covered either with a tarp or in an enclosed garage when not being used in order to protect its finish, frame and flooring from possible damage caused by direct sunlight or harsh elements such as rain. Covering also prolongs tire lifespan thereby saving money over time.
Staying prepared on the road requires having a spare tire handy at all times; getting stuck without one is never enjoyable, and replacing worn out or underinflated tires as soon as necessary will help ensure safety while on the road and decrease the stress placed on axles. For extra durability, consider adding spring mounts that soften the cargo ride experience at higher speeds while increasing stability with Timbren's Axle-Less suspension system easily installed within hours.