Trailer Build

[KennyG]

Here is another project I probably spent more time and money on that it's worth, but it was a fun project. I had a solid S-10 pickup bed left over from another project so I decided to build it into a trailer. I also has some heavy wall 2x2 tubing and that was enough for the frame rails and tongue.

I thought about trying to find a cheap used axle but the truck bed requires specific dimensions and I'm not that confident in my welding and fabrication skills, so I bought a 3.5K axle with the right configuration. As a bonus it has the same wheels and tires as my car hauler so I use one as a spare if I need one.

After I put it together, I realized the axle placement did not provide much tongue weight. Since I couldn't move the axle, I found some 2x3 tube and added some weight to the tongue and added a base for a tongue mount tool box.

 

[KennyG]

Painting was a real learning experience. In the past I've usually used Rustoleum for these kinds of projects and two stage urethane for valuable stuff. I primed the frame with Rustoleum clean metal primer and the bottom of the bed with rusty metal primer. Then I painted those with Rustoleum gloss black.

For the bed, I decided to try Majic paint from Tractor Supply, mainly because they have the matching reducer and hardener there. I like to use hardener when I can because I have a fresh air hood setup.

I followed the instructions (for a "perfect spray" and sprayed the bed and go horrible orange peel. I sanded it back down, put in 50% more reducer and got orange peel again. Once more I sanded it and this time doubled the recommended reducer. This time it went down pretty smooth with very good gloss. I think with a little rubbing and polishing and I think it will look fine.

 

[yanmars]

Nice looking trailer

 

[tacticalturnip]

Very nice!

 

[Rustyiron]

Doesn't look like a waste of time at all!

 

[tacticalturnip]

Doesn't look like a waste of time at all!

At worst it's funny seeing an S10 step-side build being pulled by an F150 lol.

 

[Runner]

Looks great! Any idea of the weight? Guessing maybe 500?

 

[dodge man]

It came out great!

 

[KennyG]

Axle weight 560 lbs, tongue weight 45 lbs.

 

[WinterDeere]

Beautiful. But now you're going to need to buy a black truck next, so they match.

 

[KennyG]

Beautiful. But now you're going to need to buy a black truck next, so they match.

It would have to be a Chevy truck to match and that ain't gonna happen.

 

[Thomas]

Nice...very nicely done.

 

[Rustyiron]

At worst it's funny seeing an S10 step-side build being pulled by an F150 lol.

A ford pulling around a GM is quite normal.

 

[not2old]

Painting was a real learning experience. In the past I've usually used Rustoleum for these kinds of projects and two stage urethane for valuable stuff. I primed the frame with Rustoleum clean metal primer and the bottom of the bed with rusty metal primer. Then I painted those with Rustoleum gloss black.

For the bed, I decided to try Majic paint from Tractor Supply, mainly because they have the matching reducer and hardener there. I like to use hardener when I can because I have a fresh air hood setup.

I followed the instructions (for a "perfect spray" and sprayed the bed and go horrible orange peel. I sanded it back down, put in 50% more reducer and got orange peel again. Once more I sanded it and this time doubled the recommended reducer. This time it went down pretty smooth with very good gloss. I think with a little rubbing and polishing and I think it will look fine.

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The next time you do some painting check out how fast the thinner dries, They make different thinners for different air/environment conditions.

 

[KennyG]

The next time you do some painting check out how fast the thinner dries, They make different thinners for different air/environment conditions.

They do for the expensive urethane paints but Majic seems to have only one reducer which I would guess is probably mostly mineral spirits. If I recall they say don't use acetone which I have used in the past with other paints.