Is this a good trailer?

[jajabee]

Hi all! I'm new here, looking for a new garage project now that my homebrewing kit is all done. A friend of mine got me thinking about campers, and I think teardrops are the perfect fit for us, lightweight, real beds, and no worrying about wet tents when we pack up. I like the look of BigWoodyCamper's 4x8 plans (I'm comfortable building stuff, but I need a lot of help if I'm going to make it look good), but I'll want to adapt them to a 5 wide instead.

Anyhow, I'm in the market for a trailer to build on, and came across this: http://portland.craigslist.org/clc/rvs/1276259098.html

It's new from a local builder (actually I think they build them to order). Part of me wants to wait and scrounge a $100 deal off craigslist, but I don't know a lot about trailers (I have yet to get a hitch installed, actually), and I worry about safety and such. Of course, I also worry about my husband freaking out over my new "hobby" project costing $650 before I have anything to show for it!

What do y'all think? I'd be a lot happier with a 5x8 trailer in the $200-$300 range, but is that unreasonable?

[planovet]

Not a bad price for a custom built trailer. The axle would be a little stiff for a light weight teardrop. But it would be sturdier than a bolt together trailer. You could probably find a cheaper used trailer somewhere, it just depends on what you want and your budget.

[Tackett]

Looks like they build it to your specs "color can be changed to customers choice when built".

So... have them use a 2500# axle and 13" or 14" wheels, and leave off the 2x4 stake pockets. If it's a flatbed, it probably also has a floor of some sort, which they can leave off.

See some examples of their work, and perhaps have them build something for you. It should cost less than the one on CL (which looks like a very good price to me).

Tackett

[del]

First of all welcome.

http://www.ms-trailer.com/
I would say they will make it the way you want.
Things to look at;
1. axle location (tears are set back further than most utilities).
2. heavy springs are not desired on most tears.
3. brakes (depending on how small your car is).

If buying used, you must be flexible, or able to modify it. If you need to pay someone to modify it, look again at new.

Red trailers also makes 5 x 8 trailers, that many here have built on.

del