Chassis price question

[RogHodge]

I have been debating the merits of all things chassis in anticipation of a build. Here is my question.
It seems that the fellows at T2K trailers http://www.t2ktrailers.com/ , east county San Diego could build their 5x8 utility trailer for around $500- if it is a total striped down model- no ramp- no sides- no deck- no wires- not even any paint! I might choose to go with paint +$100 or powder coat $??? (Which would YOU do? I guess that is another question). They could even build it “upside-down” so the angle is inverted- does this make sense- that would keep me from building a frame over a frame. So does this sound good? They are also giving me a quote for the widget chassis ala’ Andrews design.
I guess I just wanted some thoughts from the experts before I plunk down any cash (whenever that happens)
BTW- thanks for all the input, and answering countless anxiety induced questions- this forum has been a blast to engage with (and an incredible time vacuum)

[wannabefree]

Powder coat will probably cost $$$ due to the size and it's a one-off. Paint - weigh how much you value your time over the cost of having it done. If your time is worth much, $100 doesn't sound too bad.

As far as wiring goes, do it yourself. You will use better parts and do better work, I guarantee it.

[RogHodge]

They farm out the powder coat to another shop- said it was a per/foot price- If/when I get a price I’ll let the world know.
I don’t want all the other jive- such as wiring- So I asked to get the complete bare bones model- striped to the core- the price quoted represents around $250 savings
I think a smart guy would pop for the paint- they say it’s “industrial grade enamel.” I wonder what Earl Schibe would charge?

“I’ll paint any chassis any color- only $99.95!!”

[Steve_Cox]

I have been debating the merits of all things chassis in anticipation of a build. Here is my question.
It seems that the fellows at T2K trailers http://www.t2ktrailers.com/ , east county San Diego could build their 5x8 utility trailer for around $500- if it is a total striped down model- no ramp- no sides- no deck- no wires- not even any paint! I might choose to go with paint +$100 or powder coat $??? (Which would YOU do? I guess that is another question). They could even build it “upside-down” so the angle is inverted- does this make sense- that would keep me from building a frame over a frame. So does this sound good? They are also giving me a quote for the widget chassis ala’ Andrews design.
I guess I just wanted some thoughts from the experts before I plunk down any cash (whenever that happens)
BTW- thanks for all the input, and answering countless anxiety induced questions- this forum has been a blast to engage with (and an incredible time vacuum)

Rog,

Almost didn't respond since you directed this to the experts, but I think the inverted angle iron was a great idea

Can't wait to see the sawdust fly on Rog's Hodge~Podge~Lodge

[vrodjason]

Save yourself $50 and paint it yourself. Farm machinery paint isn't too expensive and it comes in a wide variety of colors. Plus some are designed for harsh environments so they shold hold up well on your trailer.
Powder coating can be expensive. All depends on what color, texture or if you want clear applied over the color. I do some pc work but it is all small stuff. No where near as big as a trailer and this stuff can suck your money up.
I like the idea of flipping the angle over. Pretty clever idea.
Also you might find a local metal fab shop to build the trailer. I have found that in my area they can usually beat the specialty shops prices.

[Elephant Stone]

Powder coat is only as good as the pre treatment. Unless they are going to blast it back and then apply a zinc rich primer before the top coat then you won't really gain much more than if you painted it yourself.

It's worth asking about the process and each stage, if they do all the above then weigh up the 2 prices if it's only slightly a bit more to powder coat then it might be worth it.

[eamarquardt]

$500 is cheap!!!!!!!!!!!! But, bear in mind you get what you pay for. What are the ratings of the tires and axles? Tubing is more expensive than inverted angle iron but much stronger. I wouldn't use 1/8 angle iron but 1/8 tubing is argueably overkill (and it's what I used).

Given a little laundry detergent, a scotch bite pad, and a paint brush or spray gun you can paint pretty much as well as they can.

You could probably buy the materials for what they'll build for a bit less and do it youself. You can buy their product ready made. Or for a bit more you could get a frame of superior quality.

Not sure where you are in So. Cal. but if you'd like some help "doing it eactly your way" building a trailer is only a Saturday project. I'd be willing to help.

Gimme a hollar if you chose to "do it yourself".

Cheers,

Gus

[dh]

I have been debating the merits of all things chassis in anticipation of a build. Here is my question.
It seems that the fellows at T2K trailers http://www.t2ktrailers.com/ , east county San Diego could build their 5x8 utility trailer for around $500- if it is a total striped down model- no ramp- no sides- no deck- no wires- not even any paint! I might choose to go with paint +$100 or powder coat $??? (Which would YOU do? I guess that is another question). They could even build it ?upside-down? so the angle is inverted- does this make sense- that would keep me from building a frame over a frame. So does this sound good? They are also giving me a quote for the widget chassis ala? Andrews design.
I guess I just wanted some thoughts from the experts before I plunk down any cash (whenever that happens)
BTW- thanks for all the input, and answering countless anxiety induced questions- this forum has been a blast to engage with (and an incredible time vacuum)

Rog,

Almost didn't respond since you directed this to the experts, but I think the inverted angle iron was a great idea

Can't wait to see the sawdust fly on Rog's Hodge~Podge~Lodge

I'm having a hard time visualizing how the springs would mount to inverted angle iron. Anybody have pictures of a trailer built like this?

[toypusher]

I don't have any pictures, but if I were doing it, I would just 'box' the section where the spring brackets needed to be mounted.

[Woodbutcher]

I would never get the powder coating . I have a Jeep and have bought a few things that only came powder coated. Front bumper, skid plates and rock rails. The powder coating only lasts about 1 season. I have refinished all the powder coated parts with good old Rustolium (SP) That holds up the best. For my frame after it was all welded I used truck bed liner. Holds up great even with stones being thrown against it.

[RogHodge]

dh- toypusher is correct- the trailer guys said that they would just put a section of square tube in the rail for axle support- no problamo'
However they have yet to provide me with a quote for a widget frame- I have since decided to go with a quazi ultralight on a HF frame- like a moth to a frame