Boat Trailer?

[tekgrunt]

I have a 16' boat trailer and was wondering if anyboday had used such an item as the base for their TD? It is a nice galvanized trailer and it sure would make things easier (and cheaper) if I could use this.

I think I will probably use it anyway, but it would be reassuring to hear that someone else has already went down such a road.

Thanks in advance.

[Arne]

I personally have not, but others here have.... It kind of just depends on if it is close to the right size for what you want....

Some us here are into chopping and cobbling. It is actually hard to make a trailer wrong. Tear Drop trailers are pretty light, generally.

[angib]

Christopher,

I think we've got only one member, Joanne, who has built on a boat trailer and I seem to remember that her conclusion was that it would have been easier to sell the boat trailer and start from scratch. Here is her build site.

Andrew

[Sonetpro]

Welcome tekgrunt
I used a boat trailer. Only mods were to remove the bunkers and change axles. The trailer was 48" wide, My tear is 60" I built it overhanging. You can see how I did it at my WWW. Do you have a pic ?

[JIML1943]

I built mine on a boat trailer, not to many modifacations in my case any way. Remove bunks shorten tongue add cross bracing. mine is heavy but solid.

[Joanne]

Hi Christopher!

As Andrew said, I started with a boat trailer and it has been a lot of work. I had a number of issues with my trailer. It was old and I have a hard time finding parts. It's built out of heavy channel iron so the frame ended up being heavy. It was wayyyy too long so I had to cut it up and reweld the entire frame. I ended up spending a lot of time rebuilding and refurbishing, or replacing all the parts.

That said, if your trailer doesn't have those issues it may be a good starting point. Being gavanized is good unless you need to weld on it. Then it can release toxic fumes.

Joanne

Christopher,

I think we've got only one member, Joanne, who has built on a boat trailer and I seem to remember that her conclusion was that it would have been easier to sell the boat trailer and start from scratch. Here is her build site.

Andrew

[madjack]

Hey TEK, a number of folks have done so, the one thing I would add to the above is to pull the hubs apart and do a serious inspection and repacking of the bearings...I would also replace the rear seals and look for any sign of rust on the spindles....got any pics for us
madjack

[CHUCKLEHEAD69]

gpw built his on a boat trailer,dont think he had any problems

[bg]

Some of the older trailers made by 'Dilly' would be a perfect base for a 4x8 trailer. Probably be 13` long once you shorten the tongue.

[madjack]

...another caveat is that many boat trailers are galvanized...very nasty stuff when welding...be carefull, make sure of adquated ventilation and use safety gear....
madjack

[tekgrunt]

WOW! Thanks for all the replies. I took another good look at the trailer and I am not sure it is right for the job... perhaps I will try and sell it, or trade it for one that is more appropriate. Although, I could be wrong. Let me know what you think...