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View Full Version : My Trailer Project - My New One!!!


DasUberKraut
05-05-2013, 11:50 PM
So this is my current project. I got this 17' boat trailer on trade a week ago. I basically stole it. It's either a Load-Rite or 5 Starr brand. I think it's rated for 2400 lbs. The tag is faded and half missing. Waiting for an email from the company to get help identifying it.

The plan is to convert it to a flat bed utility hauler. It's been a dream of mine since I owned my first truck when I was 18 to have my own trailer. Now I got one!!! My roommate gave me a truck toolbox I can mount up front for lockable storage. I may leave the hand crank boat winch up front for now. I'm working on bartering for a 5 ton electric winch. It has a really nice jack stand up front. Tires are completely shot.

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w33/Duggalo/IMG_20130429_124228_138_zps669b4675.jpg (http://s172.photobucket.com/user/Duggalo/media/IMG_20130429_124228_138_zps669b4675.jpg.html)

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w33/Duggalo/IMG_20130429_124219_003_zps68d05d9c.jpg (http://s172.photobucket.com/user/Duggalo/media/IMG_20130429_124219_003_zps68d05d9c.jpg.html)

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w33/Duggalo/IMG_20130429_124314_807_zpsf06befde.jpg (http://s172.photobucket.com/user/Duggalo/media/IMG_20130429_124314_807_zpsf06befde.jpg.html)


Today I started working on it. Stripped the rollers and brackets off it. Took the fenders off and moved the the axle forward to a more centered location.

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w33/Duggalo/IMG_20130505_150449_974_zpsb4671b33.jpg (http://s172.photobucket.com/user/Duggalo/media/IMG_20130505_150449_974_zpsb4671b33.jpg.html)

Got a bunch of nice L brackets to use for mounting a side rail or strengthening the deck. And a bunch of U bolts. Got some good steel tubing for strengthening the frame up too.

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w33/Duggalo/IMG_20130505_150535_155_zps70540e97.jpg (http://s172.photobucket.com/user/Duggalo/media/IMG_20130505_150535_155_zps70540e97.jpg.html)

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w33/Duggalo/IMG_20130505_150521_249_zps7b857a6e.jpg (http://s172.photobucket.com/user/Duggalo/media/IMG_20130505_150521_249_zps7b857a6e.jpg.html)

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w33/Duggalo/IMG_20130505_163949_572_zps5c4d280c.jpg (http://s172.photobucket.com/user/Duggalo/media/IMG_20130505_163949_572_zps5c4d280c.jpg.html)

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w33/Duggalo/IMG_20130505_163659_555_zps4d9088a6.jpg (http://s172.photobucket.com/user/Duggalo/media/IMG_20130505_163659_555_zps4d9088a6.jpg.html)
jeswinehart
05-06-2013, 06:29 AM
That is a great start/base for a utility trailer. I have done a couple trailer conversions (pop up camper frame to boat trailer - large snow mobile tilt bed to usable utility trailer) but never had that good of a "base" to work with.
You will never know the problems of those small boat/snowmobile tires with the larger rimmed tires. I had more blow outs with those then I care to remember. My store bought trailer has 14 inch tires with no problem.

Keep us posted, john
just ben
05-06-2013, 07:01 AM
It looks like the axle may have been moved a little too far foreward. If it's too light on the tongue it will fish tail at higher speeds.
jeswinehart
05-06-2013, 07:24 AM
I also learned that having a tall drop gate acts as a heck of a wind catch at road speeds (even with the expanded wire -vented or what ever it is called) and puts a lot of "wind weight" on the rear thus robbing from tongue weight and as Ben said, fish tails like crazy.
I cut 2 foot off my "factory" drop gate just for that reason.
up-tyte
05-06-2013, 08:19 AM
I would agree, maybe move it back about 6" to 9", also put your cross pieces back in they will stiffen the frame up so it won't wobble as much.


It looks like the axle may have been moved a little too far foreward. If it's too light on the tongue it will fish tail at higher speeds.
DasUberKraut
05-06-2013, 12:09 PM
I agree the axle may be a little farther forward than I first intended. I didn't measure it or anything. I'm still in the preliminary process of figuring out where I want what anyways. The cross braces are in the factory position. It's some kind of goofy hang and rattle system. The cross members are suspended on U bolts hung on the side rails. Then the roller assemblies mounted to that. I don't understand it. I am however removing them and they will be cut down and welded between the frame rails. I don't plan to put a gate on it at all. I've never been a fan of gates in the least. I do however have portable ramps that I love. I believe they are the Larin brand. The lighting and wiring all has to get pulled and redone. Also the coupler up front looks like it got jammed up. Bent and cocked sideways. The tires are some outdated E78-14's Bias Ply. Buddy of mine that works at the tire shop is keeping his eye out for some light truck or trailer tires for me.

If anyone around me needs a trailer project. I was just offered another boat trailer "Priced To Move".
DasUberKraut
05-23-2013, 03:56 AM
So I got the winch I was trying to barter for. 4500 lb Superwinch S-Series. I stole it!!! Dewd gave it to me straight up for a 1 gallon can of GUNK carb dip. No lie!!! :twisted: It's a little dirty, but it has a brand new cable, and clevis hook. Now the only question is... Will the winch post on the trailer be acceptable or do I need to bolt on the deck itself through a frame crossmember?

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w33/Duggalo/IMG_20130522_132542_774_zpsbad3f307.jpg (http://s172.photobucket.com/user/Duggalo/media/IMG_20130522_132542_774_zpsbad3f307.jpg.html)
beadle
05-23-2013, 05:27 PM
I would bolt it to the trailer floor myself stronger that way.
DasUberKraut
05-31-2013, 09:20 PM
Got a pair of nice 14's off CL today. Almost new. Will post pics after I'm done stuffing Hong Kong Beef with onions and garlic on white rice in my face. Today was a good day.

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w33/Duggalo/IMG_20130531_205434_738_zps7fa32e06.jpg
just ben
05-31-2013, 11:05 PM
Got a pair of nice 14's off CL today. Almost new. Will post pics after I'm done stuffing Hong Kong Beef with onions and garlic on white rice in my face. Today was a good day.

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w33/Duggalo/IMG_20130531_205434_738_zps7fa32e06.jpgThats a ticket here in NY. If you get the right a-hole officer they can pull it out of service until the proper tires are installed. I would check your states laws,
kb0nly
05-31-2013, 11:37 PM
Why would NY ticket you on the tires? Never heard this before.

He ain't got no problem over here in the midwest, heck those tires look better than most trailers i see on the road on a daily basis... LOL
DasUberKraut
06-01-2013, 12:02 AM
Granted they are not load rated tires. I will give you that. Bias ply tires are damn near extinct in my area. But, in my experience locally. You will only get stopped if you are hauling excessive weight or your load is wampussed. Anything I haul with it, won't weigh as much as a car. I agree about the condition. Most people slap on any used tires as long as they hold air and run em til they blow. My truck only has an A load rating sticker on the plate. But I doubt if I get stopped for it.