Boat Trailer length?

[andreuther]

I have an opportunity to buy a boat trailer for pretty cheap, but I'm not sure if it would work. The guy said it was 6' wide between the wheels and the overall trailer length from hitch to the rear is 20'. I am planning on building a 5x8 but I'm not opposed to a 6 by 8. I'm just not sure if 20 overall length is to long. The trailer is a Calkins Galvanized trailer. Any advise would be nice. Thanks!

[48Rob]

If you don't plant to cut it down and refabricate, it would pull very well as is.
Of course it would be fairly long, but if you have space to store it, why not?

The extra long tongue could hold a really cool, long cooler, a bike, or something else you wanted to bring.

If you aren't into fabrication/adaptation and the trailer is just too long, buying one that fits your build plans may be the easiest route in the long run.

Rob

[bc toys]

If it was me I would cut it down shorten the toung and cut some off the back but it would still be a nice trailer to use weld some bracing in the center and on the back
You would still have lots of room to store stuff

[KCStudly]

Check to see if the axle has provisions to be moved forward (many boat trailers are adjustable with multiple bolt hole locations). It looks like you can take some length off of the front, but maybe you will need to take some off of the back, too. Because the side rails look like they sweep fairly far forward and would be harder to deal with the curved sections, you may need to take some of the extra length off the back. With the way the axle appears to sit now, it may end up too far back if it is not easily moved. Anything is possible, but remember, when dealing with galvy it is always an issue getting the metal clean enough for solid welds (grinding can smear the galvy into the grain of the metal), and you really don't want to breath the fumes.

[andreuther]

Thanks guys! I am looking a few other trailers but so far this one is at the top of my list. I am not afraid of making modifications, but I have never worked with galvanized. I think I would avoid welding if possible.

[bc toys]

if you weld with galvanize drink 8 oz glass of milk before and after you finish

[andreuther]

To bad I hate milk. Will almond milk work?

[KCStudly]

Better to avoid the nasty fumes in the first place. Grind well; ventilate well; if you see weird colors or smoke while you are welding stop and grind some more. If you taste it you will know; and stop.

They make air fed welding helmets, but I've never had an opportunity to use one.

Don't forget to use cold galvy spray for touch ups.