If your spending that much I would just sell that trailer for 150 bucks, then take that, and the 400 your were gonna spend and go buy a new 5x8 trailer...A new one is around 700 to 800, that is already purpose built for towing, or buy a used one. Although it can be fun to build one too! Love the channel

I would leave the axle that's under there now I just buy new tires you go with a 3500 lb axle you'll never be able to put it to the full capacity of that axle cuz that trailer ain't designed to hold that much weight that tongue will just break right off and not only that . that other axle that your plan on older will make the trailer set up a whole lot higher because it has leaf springs and shackles the axle that you got now give you a lower profile but that's my opinion you just got to go what's best for you

David, now you've explained and showed the way the trailer is constructed, its clear that you can cut-off the extra width without sacrificing strength.. The weight you remove can go into additional carrying capacity, so another bonus. As for the axle, if you are going to replace, is it worth finding out how much a braked axle will add to the total? I know its not required legally, but it is safer. Here in Australia the maximum unbraked trailer wieght is 750kg - about 1,400lb I think, while with the brakes you can tow up to the maximum limit of the trailer and vehicle capacity, so here they've seen fit to require trailer brakes for a trailer like yours. Our maximum speed limit here is 110km/h on a few freeways, or 100km/h on most highways, so I think we also travel slower than you guys.

Wouldn’t it be cheaper just to buy a harbor freight trailer?

Ahhh . I see your strategy. Thanks for sharing. It is a utility trailer first, then possibly a mobile solar/power trailer.

Thank you

Dave I concur with the folks recommending just getting a new trailer. Sinking 400 bucks into this one with brand new parts on a rusted old trailer gets you most of the way to what you would have spent on a new trailer in the first place. The value is in buying new IMO. Looking forward to seeing this build happen!

Honestly, I would just buy a new one, I bought one from Northern Tool 3 years ago on sale for $379 brand new 4x8 on sale. I use it for towing my ATV and lawnmower around with the occasional trip to the hardware store for things. According to my warranty stuff in my file, it was Part # 37561

Nice project mate can't wait to see the outcome 💪💪 does arms are huge

Everyone building campers from utility trailer, this guy do opposite....

That look like 4” purlins type “C” may be you can get some purlins to reinforce your trailer, try to sand blasting to uncover the weakness of the trailer, it look pretty good for your project, i do suggest you to add 4 purlins of 6” distributed with the channel down, very welded to make a reinforcement in order to make it a base for a new bed, can be wood or steel, leaving the original design to have more room, just some ideas floating.... 👍🏼😎🇵🇷

It would be interesting to know the weight of material you removed vs the weight of modifications added. When done, name your video: Do you really need a pickup truck? I used to be 110% sort of guy, everything top notch and dedicated to the "What if" scenario. Now I'm 80%, life is easy.

maybe you can re-use the current axle for a solar tilt mechanism - just a thought

My 2 cents----Do not buy the axle kit as the main rails will become the limiting factor. Note that with a store bought utility trailer the frame and top rails form a "truss design" witch is much stronger than a flat bed surface. Keep shopping for tires, try Wal-mart. I would go ahead and remove the outriggers, re-place the tires, re-pack the bearings, paint the frame with a 'rust-convertor' product. Get the wiring and lights (buy led's if needed) sorted out before decking. Decking--2 thoughts. 1st would use standard PT decking as it would be cheap and save some weight. 2nd - Use PT 2x8's or 2x10's, much stronger and stiffer. the 2x's are better for concentrated loads from mowers or just walking on the deck. In either case, I would add additional cross members (maybe the discarded rails from the outriggers and some angle iron) that ties the decking lumber together forming a "raft", thus spreading out any concentrated load on single board or the original cross members (they are not strong enough for the unsupported span length). Add a box up front for ratchet straps, tarps, bungee cord, etc,. It only rains when you are not prepared. At the back of the trailer, in the center, add some sort of vertical marker, like 4-5 ft. of white pvc pipe so you know how to steer when backing. Good Luck

go for the axle kit very smart buy

Save the 400bucks, just go with 175/80 r13 rims and tires. Seems like your not going to max out the 2000lbs. You mentioned home depot an sort of things. Your not over loading the axle, by far.

Suggest modifying the outside girders to add some protection so the wheels stay recessed and can't catch on a fence post, or leg! You may still be able to salvage enough for your plans.

Hopefully you change your mind about removing the extended width of that trailer and if you size down the trailer you're going to hate, it take my word I've owned many trailers and 5ft wide is just simply not enough. You may want to also look into upgrading the axle not sure you're going to be able to put a whole lot on it with that current axle.

David, maybe it would be wise to sand blast the frame before doing anything else, in case there are hidden issues. The axle/tire kit is a good idea and can be repurpoaed later if the trailer needs change. A flat deck is better than fender humps. Good project, don't worry, it will be worth it. Does it have title and license? Good luck.

I would leave the axle and replace the tires. When are you going to carry 1500lbs of plywood. Most 1/2 ton trucks are only rated to carry about 1100lbs to 1600lbs anyways. On the off chance that you need more than the trailer can carry just have it delivered.

The capacity of the trailer should be twice what you intend to tow in it. Use the 3500# drop axle and build it up so you have a full sized flat deck with no wheel wells and you will thank me later. You can add drop on sides but if you weld them on they are not removable and will interfere with the solar panels height raising your center of gravity. A flat bed utility trailer can be used for all kinds of useful things. You can pitch a tent on it, use it as a temporary deck, use it as a large flat work table for projects or even back it under a jacked up shed or covered box for a temporary box trailer. External wheels cause all kinds of issues and are in the way when backing up anyway. Wheel wells are the scourge of utility trailers. If the wheels are under the trailer it's easier to access stuff in the trailer even though it is marginally higher. Use wide short tires rated for 3500# and you will limit the total deck height of the trailer. You can buy a raised receiver hitch attachment for the minivan and will still be able to pull the trailer level with a pickup. You can borrow/rent a pickup truck for the few times you will carry heavier loads. You may have to reinforce the trailer tongue to safely add the 3500# axle.

U should sand everything down and rustproof it

Yes ,go for the new axel kit ,new bearings new metal support and heavier weight capable and new tires . Reuse the metal to add strength where needed. Long term better resale value and better load capacity if needed.

Good video while watching I noticed the wire dragging on the frame which will cause shorts are you going to replace the wires all so adding side marker light's to the build

riding lawn mower so decks clear just over the wheel well and other furniture bulky light stuff

Nice work!! Excellent idea !! I worry about it’s 2000lb or 200O kg?

Although it was a good Idea if your going to spend 600 + sell this and buy a already built trailer for hauling it would be cheaper

Aah, I didn’t realise that the inboard joists were continuous on your last vlog...they look segmented!

Can you still get a License Plate for homemade trailers in your state as any changes may need to be certified before plating Just wondering.

First

Did you ever finish this project?

👍💪

Is this worth it if you get a free pop up?

Trailers outlast vehicles. Build it to handle future uses. Go for the axle and spring set. Brakes are easy to add later also. You may only have a minivan, but daily rental pickups are a thing... you will have a pickup soon anyway... used they can be had for a grand... less if ya don’t mind issues. Those torsion axles are simple, and they work. Leaf springs ride better under load, but you don’t seem to expect much load... if you make the existing frame lightweight, changing to leafs in the future aren’t much of a chore to change. Tire wheel combos are cheap at northern tools... online deals should be out there.

Solar trailer you don't say.

Just buy some tires. How many times are you going to actually need that much tow capacity. Plus your pulling that with a van and that limits you anyway. Take your win and buy some tires.

Get serious this is not your bag. Stay to electrical, solar things. You lost credit ability with me on this dumb video. You keep getting of the track like this and I will unsubscribe.