Pimp my trailer

[izzyscout21]

Hey guys, give me some ideas. I was given a 5x8 utility trailer. I'd like to get some ideas on how to set it up to fit my purposes better. I'de already like to add fuel cans/ brackets. It would be nice if I could get a tad more ground clearance out of it. Any ideas?

Oh yeah.... requisite pic:

http://i764.photobucket.com/albums/xx288/2crgrunt/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpskn2au2sy.jpg (http://s764.photobucket.com/user/2crgrunt/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpskn2au2sy.jpg.html)

[ak474u]

First, we lift it, we get some big ole chrome rims, then, I've got 4 letters for you G.O.L.D.

All kidding aside, what kind of weight are you trying to get to max?

[izzyscout21]

Weight-wise, I have no idea. I know I don't want it overload it. It will get most of its use from taking my crap to and from a campsite. Occasionally it will pull my mower. That said, I wouldn't mind setting it up as my Bug out trailer.

[izzyscout21]

I know that the very first thing I have to do is replace the floor.

[helomech]

Lift it, then put some solid sides on so small things don't roll out.

[izzyscout21]

How do I lift it?

[izzyscout21]

I really wish I had someone around who could fab some pieces for me

[ElevenBravo]

Spinners!

[bacpacker]

Your axle and mounts is going to be the point of least clearance on the trailer. The best way to raise it overall would be to put taller wheels and tires. But that will only give you inches at best.
One thing to check, is the axle above or below the mounts? If it's below, raising it to the top will give a little more over all clearance.

[helomech]

http://www.trailerblocks.com/products/trailer-lift-lowering-blocks-3000lb-7000lb-axle-1-3-4-wide-spring


Even though they will not lift the axle, it will make the trailer higher, which will help it from dragging on hills.

[msomnipotent]

My husband and I built up a 5x8 trailer this summer. It doesn't have the metal side rails or the attached ramp, though. We wanted to transport 4 kayaks, fishing and camping gear, and 4 mountain bikes. We laid 2x4's around the perimeter, laid plywood across the top, and added locks, latches, and hinges so we could open the top. Just that bottom part fits all of the paddles, life jackets, fishing poles, bike locks, etc. Then we added superstrut to the sides and top for the kayaks, modeled after the Malone kayak rack http://www.amazon.com/Malone-Racks-Utility-Trailer-System/dp/B007906BCA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1441076799&sr=8-1&keywords=Malone+Auto+Racks+Top+Tier+Utility+Traile r+Cross+Bar+System

We also added some water noodles to give it that homemade look and to protect the kayaks. We used the Thule kayak carrier and tie downs we already had, and bought locking fork mounts for the bikes. I really wanted the gutter style bike racks but they were too expensive and we couldn't find anything suitable to make them with, and the fork mounts take up less room. We also cut some plywood to make sides just so things wouldn't rattle around. I'm thinking about adding a locking storage box or one of those truck bed boxes to the front, but I'm not even sure we need it.

I will have to ask my husband if he took any pics while we were camping. We just took it apart to fold it back up and store it yesterday.

[Onestep]

Check these out Izzy.
I saw a commercial for these the other day. Pretty cool.
This should give you some inspiration and ideas.

http://www.flextrailers.com/

[realist]

Izzy
My nephew has a similar trailer with expanded mesh for a floor. The ramp is also expanded metal. It is rated to hold 850 pounds. Looking at yours, you have a wooden deck which would lower the total weight allowed to be carried. He carries his dirt bike on it. So what can you do to pimp it out, well the spinners would work well…………….but a little too flashy. The one I am familiar with is really not conducive to lifting. You might consider fatter tires to let it float better on mud and sand. I do like the solid side so you keep things inside and with the solid deck you can move dirt or other loose material. I can’t see very well but can you put a lock box on the front of the platform on the tongue,

http://www.globalindustrial.com/c/vehicle-fleet-maintenance/automotive-truck-boxes/vehicle-trailer-tongue-boxes

For carrying equipment take a look at landscape trailers they will allow you to carry various size tools. I like the idea to carry a chainsaw and well as shovels etc.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/category_trailers-towing+equipment-racks

Consider putting racks on the sides for gas cans. I like the ones which lock and I like the metal over the plastic gas cans.

http://www.quadratec.com/products/12202_3000_07.htm?sgsc=C6Z06ZR1C6Z06ZR1&utm_medium=compshop&utm_source=googlemerchant&gclid=CjwKEAjwgqWvBRC2kajZjqeOn0oSJADqBi-lPVRf1m9SJ05Bww9ZU9wtDlZJYASjjpjaq4I1x4u-exoCO6Dw_wcB

Remember when mounting stuff on a trailer keep it close to the axle so you are not increasing the tongue weight but with a small trailer this really will not be a problem. One thing I have found on all these trailers is they skimp on the paint. Most of the time it is just one coat. I do not like anything black so I would paint it, even if you have to rattle can it. All the above stuff is bolt on so you do not have to do any welding. I would recommend welding it you can. Have fun

[izzyscout21]

Realist,

The mesh floor is underneath the plywood. I plan on taking the plywood off.

Do you happen to own the gas can racks you linked to?

[slowz1k]

Love the trailer! Price is right too!!
Ground clearance is a must. The easiest (and cheapest) way to lift it is to change out the rims and tires. Leave the suspension alone, but pull the fenders off for clearance. Either re attach those fenders at a higher point for tire clearance, or head over to the nearest Northern Tool and pick up a larger set of fenders for about $40 to $50 bucks apiece.

I would get a tongue box as well to not only increase capacity, but they make a good "lockable) place to stow straps, jacks, tools, etc...

Good job on this acquisition!!!

Here's mine with stock suspension. Bump stops were added to keep the tires from rubbing the fenders when compressed. This is an old pic. I'm running some mud terrain 235/75/15's now (30") on the Jeep rims, plus an XCargo top box. Tongue box next week ($ willing)

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk95/slowz1k/Radio2.jpg (http://s278.photobucket.com/user/slowz1k/media/Radio2.jpg.html)

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk95/slowz1k/Radio1.jpg (http://s278.photobucket.com/user/slowz1k/media/Radio1.jpg.html)

[izzyscout21]

Love the trailer! Price is right too!!
Ground clearance is a must. The easiest (and cheapest) way to lift it is to change out the rims and tires. Leave the suspension alone, but pull the fenders off for clearance. Either re attach those fenders at a higher point for tire clearance, or head over to the nearest Northern Tool and pick up a larger set of fenders for about $40 to $50 bucks apiece.

I would get a tongue box as well to not only increase capacity, but they make a good "lockable) place to stow straps, jacks, tools, etc...

Good job on this acquisition!!!

Here's mine with stock suspension. Bump stops were added to keep the tires from rubbing the fenders when compressed. This is an old pic. I'm running some mud terrain 235/75/15's now (30") on the Jeep rims, plus an XCargo top box. Tongue box next week ($ willing)

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk95/slowz1k/Radio2.jpg (http://s278.photobucket.com/user/slowz1k/media/Radio2.jpg.html)

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk95/slowz1k/Radio1.jpg (http://s278.photobucket.com/user/slowz1k/media/Radio1.jpg.html)


that's sweet

[helomech]

. Leave the suspension alone,

I disagree, raising the trailer will give you better clearance for crossing creeks and things.

[ak474u]

If you don't get gold rims with "spinnaz" you're only hurting yourself. It's urban camo. Lol

[bacpacker]

A lot of trailers I have seen around here have welded mounts for the axle. Gotta have the right skills and tools to make an axle move safely. Doable but more involved.

[slowz1k]

I disagree, raising the trailer will give you better clearance for crossing creeks and things.

I agree that a suspension lift would help with angle of approach, and help keep the tail from dragging, but most of these util trailers ( mine included ) have straight axles. The only way to get more actual ground clearance for that axle is larger tires. You'll have the same amount of clearance on a trailer with an 8" lift, as you would on one with a 2" lift, IF they are both running the same size tires.

Edit:::: I wrote the above and just realized you weren't even talking about ground clearance. You are right... A lift would pay off when you need to keep the cargo out of the muck. Good point helo!

[helomech]

I agree that a suspension lift would help with angle of approach, and help keep the tail from dragging, but most of these util trailers ( mine included ) have straight axles. The only way to get more actual ground clearance for that axle is larger tires. You'll have the same amount of clearance on a trailer with an 8" lift, as you would on one with a 2" lift, IF they are both running the same size tires.

Edit:::: I wrote the above and just realized you weren't even talking about ground clearance. You are right... A lift would pay off when you need to keep the cargo out of the muck. Good point helo!

I think both are good, bigger wheels and tires and a lift of the axle. Every bit helps, well until it gets so high it is unstable.

[realist]

Realist,

The mesh floor is underneath the plywood. I plan on taking the plywood off.

Do you happen to own the gas can racks you linked to?

Izzy I do not have these, I have the older ones which hold the lower portion and I will have to fabricate something to keep them in place.
The thing I like about the ones from Quadratec is they will stay in place even if I do not lock them down. They are on my list to aquire. I another flatbed car carrier which is my winter project along with an old jeep pickup bed trailer. The jeep trailer will have a pair and the flatbed will have four. I just have to figure out how to get approval from the War Department.............

[izzyscout21]

I removed the old plywood. The mesh is decent, but I'm gogin to drop a wood deck on it.

Took my angle grinder and dispatched of all the horrid rust spots.
Sanded, primed, and first coat of paint on:
http://i764.photobucket.com/albums/xx288/2crgrunt/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsf10h9b22.jpg (http://s764.photobucket.com/user/2crgrunt/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsf10h9b22.jpg.html)

[bacpacker]

How does your gate lock in place? I looked back but didn't see a pic of that. My step dad has a similar trailer, maybe a little longer. I borrowed it to haul some 12' and 14' lumber on and made some cables and cable clamps to hold the gate horizontal to the bed. Gave me an extra 3-4' to support the boards. Cost me maybe $10-12.

[realist]

The one we have has some spring loaded ell bolts which go into place. Not a good description. Okay on the drop down gate there is a welded bracket which holds a spring loaded ell shaped rod. This acts as a handle to pull the spring loaded portion back to engage it with the frame of the trailer to hold it closed. There is one on each side of the ramp. Hope that helps

[izzyscout21]

How does your gate lock in place? I looked back but didn't see a pic of that. My step dad has a similar trailer, maybe a little longer. I borrowed it to haul some 12' and 14' lumber on and made some cables and cable clamps to hold the gate horizontal to the bed. Gave me an extra 3-4' to support the boards. Cost me maybe $10-12.

It has some funky u-shaped rods that slide into lock it up. I'm not a fan, but again, I can't complain about free.