car trailer project

**10secBu** · 02-03-2003, 01:02 PM

Todd G

**deere_x475guy** · 02-03-2003, 01:37 PM

Great looking project. Thanks for sharing with us. BTW did you draw up your own plans for this? I would like to see them.

Bob

**10secBu** · 02-03-2003, 01:43 PM

Yes, I drew plans up on a CAD software program called TurboCad.

If you have a CAD program, let me know which one and what drawing extension you can open and I'd be glad to send a copy.

Todd

**dysfunction** · 02-03-2003, 02:55 PM

If you could send me one I'd appreciate it. I have autocad and can open dwg's. I also have solidworks, although I forget off the top of my head what extension that uses.

**deere_x475guy** · 02-03-2003, 03:52 PM

Originally posted by 10secBu
Yes, I drew plans up on a CAD software program called TurboCad.

If you have a CAD program, let me know which one and what drawing extension you can open and I'd be glad to send a copy.

Todd

Todd, I have TurboCad learning edition. My email is
boba@abbottgraphics.com

Thanks.

**cope** · 02-03-2003, 07:48 PM

Looks good. Obviously this project proves that you can never have too many c-clamps! Please keep us updated on the progress.

**Rocky D** · 02-03-2003, 10:43 PM

Very professional....I hate it when I see guys that can work neat! I've never mastered that one!

**Will** · 02-04-2003, 07:27 AM

Todd,
I am curious what the weight of the trailer is so far, without the running gear on it. do you have an estimate? Excellent work so far, and nice design.

**Bobby** · 02-04-2003, 08:06 AM

Nice work. I'd love the plans too if you're sending them around dwg is fine.

xj4rocks@excite.com

What wall thickness material did you use an what kind of cost did you come up with for material. I'd love to build one but am not sure i could build it much cheaper than I could buy one.

I see you're in westminster. I grew up in Gamber

**morpheus** · 02-04-2003, 08:13 AM

nice work! any estimates on how much the completed trailer will weigh ?

- jack

**10secBu** · 02-04-2003, 08:47 AM

This has been a fun/learning project for me. It's the first "large scale" project I had attempted.

The trailer frame as it sits weighs 1368 lbs. I calculated the tool box completed should add 250 lbs to the front segment and with the running gear installed, the total weight should be right around 2000-2100 lbs. The solid 1/8" thick diamond plate deck really adds weight quickly compared to two small runners of diamond plate with an open deck.

I've got right around $1000 in steel alone right now. I kinda knew from the start that this build project wasn't going to save any money over purchasing a mass produced trailer. Building my own allowed me to design the trailer for my exact needs (including the large tool box I despirately needed), not to mention I feel this trailer is stronger and of higher quality than is currently available.

Early on in the project I thought it would be nice to start a side business building trailers, but quickly realized I'd never make a dime as these things take way too much time to complete.

The entire trailer is built from rectangular steel tubing. The tongue and perimeter rails are 2" x 5" x .120" wall tube and the remaining crossmembers (on 24" centers) are 2" x 3" x .120" wall tube. The beaver tail drops down 4" over a 43" length, and the ramps are 60" long. The rams are made of 2" square tube, .083" wall thickness.

The tool box is framed from 1" square tube, .065" wall thickness and will be skinned in pre-finished .040" aluminum. There will be a large door on either end of the box. The box itself will be divided into two compartments. The small compartment on the curb side will have a drawer on roller bearing slides. The generator will sit on the pull-out tray to allow it to be started/used without having to lift it in/out of the tool box.

The other side of the tool box will have a shelf for my EZ-Up shelter, lawn chairs and the lower compartment will be for the spare tire, floor jack, jack stands, tool chest, etc.

Lastly, the winch will be mounted inside the tool box keeping it out of the elements. A small hinged door in the back of the tool box will allow access to pull the cable through to operate the unit.

This trailer turned out so well than my buddy wants me to help him build a ramp truck. We started already by converting his '77 Dodge crew cab truck into a 1 ton with the "Budd" front suspension. We will be installing a dual wheel rear axle and stretching the frame approx 53" before building the 18" long ramp bed. This will also be one sweet ride when done, not to mention about 32' to 33' long when completed! Add a car trailer behind the ramp truck and your likely over 70' in total length.

**morpheus** · 02-04-2003, 09:11 AM

sounds good man. how long have you been working on the trailer ?

- jack

**10secBu** · 02-04-2003, 09:32 AM

The construction took about a month or so of evenings/weekends to get to the point it is right now. It's been sitting idle for the last few months as other more important obligations have taken funda away from purchasing the axles/wheels/tires, etc. I hope to get back into the project come spring and have it ready to use by summer. It's not a huge hurry to complete the project, although it's really using up my carports space in which the wife usually keeps her car in

.

Were hoping to build a new workshop (32' x 40') if the local county government will allow me to. The funds are in place, but they have thrown a monkey wrench in the plans which need to be either worked out or changed over the next few months.

**morpheus** · 02-04-2003, 10:02 AM

good luck with the County.

what kind of welding equipment do you have ? your welds look quite good from what I can see.

- jack

**10secBu** · 02-04-2003, 10:09 AM

The trailer was built with a Miller 251 Millermatic Mig I bought just before starting the project.

I also own a Lincoln Squarewave 175 Pro Tig machine.

Hobart Welders

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