DIY TRAILER BUILD??

[antlers125]

I'm interested in building my own 10k- 16ft. equipment trailer. Any advice from anyone that has done it? Is it cost efficient? I have all the tools already, just need to purchase material.

 

[tcartwri]

Way cheaper to buy a finished trailer

 

[Diamondpilot]

Way cheaper to buy a finished trailer

Second that.

I'm in the boat business part time and could not but the running gear, steel, lights, and wiring for what a new one cost. I would still need the wood, paint, odds and ends, Ect.

Chris

 

[4570Man]

Cheaper and easier to buy new, and homemade equipment has very bad resale value. Not to mention the liability.

 

[ultrarunner]

I built my own dump trailer because I had access to the steel and worked in a Fab Shop at the time with a boss that would let employee's use equipment on Saturday for personal projects. Power Hacksaw, Bandsaw, Crane and Mig welder... I did pay for a roll of Mig Wire and the Boss was happy.

Glad I did it and like to show it off 25 years later.

When I was looking for an enclosed car trailer I got a real good deal on one for $3000... it just had the brakes down... the back ramp door had several gouges that made it look wicked.

Went to the trailer dealer and for $80 got the entire panel and spent a Saturday morning putting it in... looks like new.

Sometimes there are deals out there...

 

[wcampbell47]

Why? Typically individuals don't have the buying power and discounts a manufacturer does. In my state licensing a home made / shop built trailer is much more difficult than in times past. May not be an issue in your state. Recently purchased a partially finished shop built trailer and finally got it licensed. I would be better off had I purchased one of these. Load Trail & Load Max Tilt Deck Trailers

 

[joefromga]

Why? Typically individuals don't have the buying power and discounts a manufacturer does. In my state licensing a home made / shop built trailer is much more difficult than in times past. May not be an issue in your state. Recently purchased a partially finished shop built trailer and finally got it licensed. I would be better off had I purchased one of these. Load Trail & Load Max Tilt Deck Trailers

I had to take mine to "any police officer" so he could sign off that the plate the lady at the tag office gave me was installed .

He had no clue what to do or why but he signed the paper and now my trailer is legal.

Also my wheel bearing just recently went out.

 

[bcp]

I just recently checked WA. You need a bill of sale for all materials. If any parts are from a vehicle, you need a bill of sale that includes the VIN of the vehicle they are from.

Bruce

 

[STx]

I buy about 30 tons of steel a year so I get decent pricing on it. I still can't buy the material to build a trailer for less than I could just buy a completed trailer, never mind the value of my time. I don't know how the trailer builders are able to sell them as cheaply as they do and still make money, they must be getting their materials for almost free.

The only reason to build your own trailer is because you want something very unique or you just want the pride of being able to say you did it yourself.

 

[dstig1]

I buy about 30 tons of steel a year so I get decent pricing on it. I still can't buy the material to build a trailer for less than I could just buy a completed trailer, never mind the value of my time. I don't know how the trailer builders are able to sell them as cheaply as they do and still make money, they must be getting their materials for almost free.

The only reason to build your own trailer is because you want something very unique or you just want the pride of being able to say you did it yourself.

And that is almost always the case with these things. If your needs are conventional, just buy one. If you have unique needs or a unique situation, then building may make sense. And then go post that over on Wleding Web, just for fun. They love amateur trailer builds there. :laughing:

 

[oosik]

Unfortunately, the forum will not allow me to upload my resized photos - "do not have permission".

Anyhow - I built a ten ton farm wagon. Its only used here on the property - so no license, no inspection, no fees. I bought Horst running gear and formed up the flat bed trailer using plans obtained from the internet. Its used to haul dirt, rocks, firewood, gravel - most anything that needs moving around the property. It was a fun & easy build - required no welding and easily modified to the "high sidewalls" I also use with it.

 

[oosik]

View attachment 459119 View attachment 459122

The farm wagon during & after construction. Condition do change.