has anybody built there own trailer?

[zaroba]

has anybody tried building there own boat trailer?
if so, how easy is it?
what state laws govern home built trailers?
did you use wood or metal?

i assume it could be much cheaper then buying one.
i figure a simple trailer could be made out of 2x4s or steel beams. 2 lengthwise to hold the boat, a few cross beams, a steel rod for an axle, and a piece to attach the hitch onto. can't imagine it would cost over a few hundred depending on what material is used.

 

[External Combustion]

Re: has anybody built there own trailer?

I have built three boat trailers for myself. It is hard to find what I want in a generic trailer, especially for my 30 foot steam launch which has a "classic" underwater profile.

If you are handy with a welder and a spray gun or paint brush, trailer fabrication is easy. If you can't do the calculations for strength, then find a friend that can or stick closely to the size of material in a commercial trailer for the same weight. Figuring out the balance for the tounge weight is fairly easy.

The state that you reside in is the only regulation outside of the current FMVSS standards that you will be concerned with. Order a Redneck Trailer Supplies catalog and read through it. That will help you far along the way when it comes to compliance. Call your DMV for further information.


Steel if far superior to wood. Some states will no longer allow wooden chassis vehicles.

If you have to buy new tires, axle, brakes, steel, coupler, lights etc. you may find that the commercial article is a real bargan, even if you don't count your time. If you need something out of the ordinary that would have to be custom fabricated, you most likely will save some big bucks.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: has anybody built there own trailer?

What kind of boat are you going to put on this trailer? There's a big difference between a small aluminum boat and a cabin cruiser when it comes to trailers.

I've built several small trailers. It's not hard, and I had a supply of steel to work with. If you have to buy the materials, you'll be better off buying a good used trailer off Craig's list or somewhere like that. Much cheaper.

Even cheaper is a junk boat on the trailer you want. Generally, buying both is cheaper than buying a bare trailer. In fact, there are quite a few guys who make some money buying junk boats and trailers, then fixing up the trailers to resell and junking the boat.

Lots of folks just want those things out of their yard after a few years.

 

[dimock44]

Re: has anybody built there own trailer?

If you can weld it is really easy. I built 3 utility trailers for about 350 with out tires and rims. Agree with Catransplant for boat trailers buy a dead boat and trailer. Last one I bought was $100 and $40 to take the boat to the dump. Got it to replace a POS Tracker trailer. Sold the tracker trailerfor $500

 

[zaroba]

Re: has anybody built there own trailer?

the boat is a 15ft glastron. it can be seen here: http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=254803


yea, i had thought of just buying a boat with a trailer just to keep the trailer, but i think i would be too tempted to keep the boat as well . especially if it turned out to be in better condition then the glastron.

 

[littlefuzz]

Re: has anybody built there own trailer?

If you have a welder and know how to use it, go for it. I've built all kinds of trailers over the years and they are expensive to build. If you have to buy all materials it will be cheaper to buy a used one. Usually if I have axles laying around I'll build one.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: has anybody built there own trailer?

the boat is a 15ft glastron. it can be seen here: http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=254803


yea, i had thought of just buying a boat with a trailer just to keep the trailer, but i think i would be too tempted to keep the boat as well . especially if it turned out to be in better condition then the glastron.

OK, that's easy. There are approximately a million of those 70s trihulls rotting away in backyards all across the country. Find one with a decent trailer and offer to tow it away. Then cut it up with a chainsaw and take it to the landfill. Put new hubs, wheels and tires, and lights on the trailer, after cleaning it up and painting it and you're home free.

 

[guy74]

Re: has anybody built there own trailer?

Where are you located at? If you were in driving distance, I've got the original trailer out from under my V156 glastron sitting in the back yard. The wife says it needs a new home

 

[zaroba]

Re: has anybody built there own trailer?

at least a thousand miles from you

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: has anybody built there own trailer?

go shopping, you can buy a trailer for that boat for around $150. watch craigslist. the axles assembly will cost you atleast $200.

 

[zaroba]

Re: has anybody built there own trailer?

well, i lucked out. i will possibly be getting a trailer for free this evening. it does come with a boat, but i don't know anything about it. but if its in ok condition, i might keep it instead of restoring the Glastron or just sell it. if its in bad shape, i'll take any parts off it that i can use and then cut it up and trash it.

 

[zaroba]

Re: has anybody built there own trailer?

well, just got back with the trailer.

all i know is that its a lil' rider brand. it came with a 15ft all aluminum bass fishing boat. don't know if i am going to keep both boats or sell the aluminum one. besides needing some paint, it appears to be in perfect shape.

 

[dimock44]

Re: has anybody built there own trailer?

way to go