Should I use this jet ski trailer for a lightweight build?

[andreuther]

Found this on craigslist for $200: 1993 Long Run jetski trailer. Has a 5' wide buddy bearing axle with 12'' tires. The max load is 900 lb. I want to do a 5x7 build with an estimated 700 lb. If I get it I will lengthen the tongue by about 3' as the trailer is only 8.5' long from the back to the tongue. I might add 1 or 2 cross members to the front as well. Any objections?

[bobhenry]

HELL YEAH !

If it were mine I would get out the grinder with a cut off blade and cut the little tee ends off of that front anchor bar and fir out the top and bottom and this would be my front spars. a torsion box floor (think of a heavy duty hollow core door) as a floor there is no need to modify the trailer other than to remove the roller bars at the rear. With that bumper/anchor bar built into the body there will be great strength and stability added to the trailer body. This will be a great towing trailer with the wheels almost to the rear and it could easily cantilever 12 to 18 inches beyond the frame at the rear thanks to the torsion box floor.

[starleen2]

I used a jet ski trailer for my build (double width)




Be sure to repack the bearing with fresh grease - don't just squirt some in through the grease fitting. You never know what the previous owner used on the bearings and some greases don't mix very well. Now is a good time before you start your build and not have wheel parts everywhere in saw dust! Just a good idea to start out with a fresh repack to ease the mind when traveling down the road.

[andreuther]

Looks like i'm committed now, just pulled the trigger and ended up paying $180. I think the torsion box is a great idea. My only concern is the weight in the front corner of the build when people are in it.

[KCStudly]

Rather than adding xmbrs, that trailer is the perfect start for a long A-frame ultra-light. Just tie the fronts of the spring perch mounts/existing front xmbr with long diagonals to your new tongue length.

[andreuther]

You read my mind! I was just taking the trailer apart for a complete overhaul and I had that same idea. Starting to get excited about this frame!