Aluminum scares me. I have repaired a few aluminum car trailers in the past. They seem to crack more than the steel trailers. I don't know if aluminum is up to the task of bending and flexing as required.
Single Axle Trailer Design
- Thread starter Jezza
- Start date
Aluminum scares me. I have repaired a few aluminum car trailers in the past. They seem to crack more than the steel trailers. I don't know if aluminum is up to the task of bending and flexing as required.
I made a fair amount of progress today. I flipped over the frame and welded the bottom joints. I also cut the gussets for the spring hangers and side rails. Welded those in and made the slide rails for the ramps. The only item I'm still contemplating is doing a plate or gusset on the bottom of the frame where it bends for the tongue. I welded it up, but there was a gap. I don't know how strong it needs to be there.
I need to pass an inspection here. I was planning on using some plastic HDPE barrels to make some temporary fenders with. I should be able to drive over them a few times at least. Ultimately it will probably be fenderless.
Man I wish I had the tools & equipment & skills to do something like this... I've been looking at new trailers and it's just crazy what they want for them now. And I'm looking for something that isn't the norm too which is making it harder.
It is looking great and look forward to seeing it in action.
It is looking great and look forward to seeing it in action.
I priced out a few before I took on this project. I was looking at 5-7k for what I wanted. I couldn't get anyone to call me back, so I went this route. Honestly a welder, chop saw and grinder is all you really need. Everything else is labor or unnecessary.
My thing would the moving it around once I got the frame laid out... But I might have to try it or at least price one out to see what it would cost me to build one myself.
There used to be a custom trailer builder here in WA that was reasonable and would build wherever you wanted but he closed during COVID.
I do like this single axle trailer idea a lot.
A new 10K axle package, which includes the axle, leafs, perches, wheels, and tires can be had for around $2,000. Used ones are out there but I scored a pole trailer and was into my axle for around $400. I'm into my trailer for a little over $4,000. @Jezza , I'd be curious if you're keeping track of expenses and would share, as well.
Thanks that helps a lot... Guess I'll have to start looking into trying this myself. Be nice to have a trailer made how I want it and to fit what I need.
I keep a spreadsheet for all the expenses. Right now I am at $4086 total, however I still need to purchase paint, wiring, wood and hardware. It will most likely be $4500 ish before it's done. The axle was my biggest expense. I gave $1300 for the new Dexter with springs. The tires I bought separately, and they were $155 each for the rim and tire mounted. I wish I could have found some used stuff here locally, but everything was overpriced or torn up.
Progress is being made. Spent some time tonight mounting the lights and drilling the holes for side markers. I also welded on the mounts for the pipe jack. I'm trying to get everything assembled to then disassemble it for paint. I also test fit one of the ramps. Seems to slide nice and should work well.
The paint is on, and I started cutting some of the wood for the deck. I need to get a few more boards for the rear section. Somehow, I miscounted how many boards I needed. I did notice I must have put a little too much heat in the frame when I welded on the axle mounts. It warped the frame in those sections, so the rear deck is angled down slightly. Now on to the task of wiring and assembly.
@sierradmax or @Jezza
Any idea on finished weight of the trailer? I really like this idea...and If I ever clear my plate of other projects, would like to go down this path. I'm a big fan of midsize trucks though, so weight could be an issue.
Any idea on finished weight of the trailer? I really like this idea...and If I ever clear my plate of other projects, would like to go down this path. I'm a big fan of midsize trucks though, so weight could be an issue.
I've yet to scale my trailer but if I'd have to guess. 1,300 lbs. I would suspect @Jezza 's would be a little on the lighter side, without drive-over fenders, a wood vs. metal deck, and I think I used heavier gauge steel.
I'm "old-school" with thinking "mid-sized trucks" are of the 1/2-ton series pick-ups. Perhaps its because todays 1/4-ton trucks are the size of the old 1/2-ton trucks from years back. I tow my Jeep and buggy with my 2022 Chevrolet Colorado and it pulls and stops it amazingly well.. The other day, a customer came to my office with a 2025 Colorado and parked between my 2022 and my 2001 Ford F-350 2wd utility truck. The 25' Colorado hood and cab height was taller than both trucks. So, I guess what weight is your midsize truck capable of towing?
I have a 17 Colorado ZR2, and I'm towing currently with an aluminum 16' trailer. I'm looking at a new Canyon Denali, with about a 7500 lb tow rating. So, to me, that is a midsize, like a Ranger or Tacoma. I agree with you that the newer Mid-sizes are equivalent to a 1/2 Ton from the 90's.
I also agree with you on the previous Gen Colorado. My 17 does surprisingly great towing the Jeep, even with the downgraded tow rating of the Zr2 (5000 lbs vs 7200). The Aluminum trailer is decent, but I'd like something with a bigger axles and a little more car hauler, less utility trailer.
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I won't steer you from a cool trailer build. However, the trailers that Tezza and I built are niche and might be a hard sell, should we come to a time to let them go. I was in a similar situation as you. I had a 14k equipment hauler that was very seldomly being used to haul equipment. It was ALOT of trailer, even for my 2500HD. I looked long and hard at econotrailers before saying F' it and designed/built my single axle.
http://www.econotrailer.com/Open.html
http://www.econotrailer.com/Open.html
Head Lice
TJ Addict
Going to deck it with some superior Canadian Douglas fir before the tariffs start?I like your build, very nice. Have built a few trailers also, but a different design.
Looking forward to your finished product!
I actually looked at those trailers as well. PA was too far for me to travel and get one though. After all the problems I have had with my other trailer I don't want a tandem axle trailer again unless they are torsion suspended.
I like your build, very nice. Have built a few trailers also, but a different design.
Looking forward to your finished product!
Lol, just cheap white pine from the orange store.
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