I Need Some advice with Trailer Build (Super Slow Trailer Build)

My uncle texted me today and asked if I wanted the trailer below for anything. I said sure don't cut it up, I will pick it up tomorrow. It's an old Jet ski trailer that has been hidden in the barn for some time now. My goal is to strip it down and create a camping/adventure/utility trailer. I have a few questions that those more experienced might be able to help me with. I am concerned with the structural supports and how much more I should add to the base. Should I cut out the lateral supports and throw some more in at a shorter distance from each other? Should I add some more supports across and leave what is there alone? Need some advice on what to do about the base, It will need to be sturdy enough to haul 2 dirtbikes max and RTT. If anyone can throw up some knowledge and experience, I would greatly appreciate it! Thanks, I will document every step that I take and hopefully take tons of pictures!

 

The frame will probably be fine like it is. If it's straight and isn't rotted then I'd leave it. If you want to "upgrade" it, I would remove the rear crossmember and weld in a new piece of rectangular tubing (instead of the c-channel) and add a receiver to it. Then I would triangulate the tongue so that you don't risk bending the tongue where it attaches to the frame.

Check the attachments for the axle and make sure they're not rotted. Hard to tell what type of axle it has but I'd suggest ditching the one that's on there and have a new 3500# axle made up with the correct lug pattern for what you want (probably to match your Tacoma). Some longer leaf springs will work great and be simple.

 

I rebuilt this trailer in high school and it was fairly similar to yours. Besides the fact that it started out as a four-wheeler trailer from the beginning. It had Torsion axles which were absolute junk, no lights, and a rotten bed. It now has a 3500#, new tires, new bed, removable bump rack, and I fab'd up some spots for leds all the way around. I've switch trucks since I built it and it's pretty high for my truck now, but I like it because I can go through sage brush and other obstacles without worrying.

When it comes to your I would definitely add some support structures. Think about tie downs as you go along. Those are always good. Box Rocket has a good point when getting the same lug pattern as your truck( and the same tire size if that's possible). Also when you spec your axle I would recommend you make your tire width the same as your truck. I did that to mine so it doesn't have to break new snow after the truck and it pulls easier.

 

That's a really nice rebuild! I will probably end up keeping it around the same size but just weld up a completely new frame, i picked it up today and even though its solid its slightly twisted and lots of surface rust! I'm currently putting together a parts list as we speak. I figured i would go with a 6 by 5.5 (same as truck) 3500lbs axle. What leaf springs would you guys recommend? I was thinking of just going to the junk yard and finding a pair from a f150 or something. I am going to draw up a design plan tonight in CAD, I will try and post it up once i finish it. Thanks for the help guys!

 

Junkyard leafs will be fine. You might need to remove a leaf or 2 from each pack to get it to flex and ride well and not be too stiff. You can also play with tire pressure to improve ride quality. The springs on my trailer are pretty stiff so I run a pretty low air pressure, typically around 12psi. Tires never heat up since the trailer is so light so it's worked out great.

 

What do you guys think about this axle? roughly $41 to ship to my door
http://www.southwestwheel.com/store/p-2302-3500-lb-standard-spring-trailer-axle.aspx

 

That's pretty much the same axle I've got on my trailer. Just see if you can get them to build it to your specs with track width and lug pattern. Match the track width to your truck and the lug pattern too. That's a good price.

 

i know @JeepAndrew built his badass trailer from a old jet ski trailer, he may have some hands on experience to share

 

I have quite a bit of experience building trailers.

It sounds like you would be better off making this into a basic utility trailer, selling it then building a completely different overland trailer. You will have more work and money altering this one, than starting from the ground up.

I get several calls a year for people wanting me to revamp a boat trailer into a utility trailer. It is very hard to save money if you are not going to use the existing axle and tires.