Utility Trailer Rehab

My Fiance and I recently picked up a free utility trailer from her Grandparents who are downsizing. It is a 1998 4x6 Starlite that they bought new and has had some modifications done over time. For the past 5 years or so it just sat out near their shed halfway in the woods. Needless to say this little guy has seen better days. What better project for a couple of days off while my better half is away!

I wish I had been thinking about the possibility of posting this, I would have taken more pictures. The tires on the trailer when we picked it up were flat and dry rotted so the easiest and most cost effective solution was to buy 3 new wheels and tires from Menards so we could get it home. I also had to do some work on the wiring to get the lights to work.

Here it is after we got it home and in the garage. Faded paint, some surface rust, the wiring was trashed, the tongue jack was bent up in an unfortunate mishap, and some rusty hubs (with shiny new wheels!) About the only thing I didn't do was repack the bearings.




The first things I did were pulling the lights and the old wiring out, straightening out the mounting flanges for the tongue jack (with a BFH of course), and figuring out the best spot for the spare tire carrier.





At this point I started laying out the wiring. I didn't take any pictures of this process. I got as far with the harness as I could without making the final connections at the lights. All connections are soldered and covered in heat shrink tubing. I still need to get some wire loom for the length of wire from the 4 pin connector to the frame so it looks cleaner. I wanted to loom everything but my Home Depot has a limited electrical section it seems. I did take a couple of shots of the finished wiring and routing. I shouldn't have any more lighting issues now.




Day 2 consisted of paint, and final wiring of the lights. I used 3 cans of Rustoleoum flat black. It was the x2 coverage can. I wasn't going for perfection, just some rust protection and to make the trailer slightly more visually appealing. I would have needed twice the time and much better weather if I was going to shoot for perfection. I will need another can if I ever paint the "walking" surfaces of the deck. I figured what's the point if I am just going to tear it up right away. I did lightly sand with 120 grit beforehand, which helped knock off some surface rust. I also cleaned up the hubs and hit them with 2 coats of paint as well.





And.... the final product. It was a fun project, and I am sure it will have no problem lasting another 17 years. It will also see some good use. Between myself, my brothers, and my family and friends, I am sure it will always be carrying something. I tell you what though, those side marker lights were a pain in the ass. They were more trouble than they are worth, but they came in the package so I couldn't NOT use them... right? At least they look good. Also, if you see a gray board with handles on it in some of the pictures, it is actually made to slide in a channel at the back of the trailer in case you want to take the ramp off. I think this was a modification that was made at some point. The board will likely hang out under the workbench in the shed. I may also add a tongue box at some point as well. I would be nice to have somewhere to keep the come-along and some tie-downs. Probably need some wheel chocks too.

 

Looks great. I have some rehab due on a boat trailer and utility trailer this weeked, too. I'm not sure if I'll have them looking as good as yours.

 

Looks really good and your garage is immaculate.

 

Looks great. Nice work!

 

Thanks for the kind words everybody. As for the garage, that's what being a member of Garage Journal will do. I actually have a few more projects planned for it too.

 

Garage Journal. I had to cut myself off from visiting that site. So tempting!

 

I might have misunderstood, but for all that effort I encourage you to at least repack the bearings if you didn't. At least look.

Certainly more of an issue with boat trailers. I got a complete set of bearings and races and a new tub of greaae and a pair of elbow length yellow gloves for maybe $75 or so.

Also, nobody local has trailer lights with reverse bulbs- but they are readily available on Amazon and I got the 7 pin thing on my new truck. 7 to 5 afapters are rhe same price as 7 to 4s.