Inexpensive trailer options?

[djdawg]

It seems like the trailer can end up being one of the most expensive pieces of the puzzle when it comes to building your own TD. I know about the Harbor Freight trailers one can buy brand new...but they can be pretty pricey. Aside from Craigslist, are there any other good sources that I don't know about to find used, decent trailers? Any secrets? And I cannot weld so that's not an option.

[eaglesdare]

a used pop up trailer, or used boat trailer. i have seen both of those that people have used. check your local newspapers(here we have a thing callled swap shop, sometimes something will appear there. one more that i can think of, when driving down the road, keep a look out for a trailer just sitting there forever. go ask, you never know, might just get it for free.

[bobhenry]

It seems like the trailer can end up being one of the most expensive pieces of the puzzle when it comes to building your own TD. I know about the Harbor Freight trailers one can buy brand new...but they can be pretty pricey. Aside from Craigslist, are there any other good sources that I don't know about to find used, decent trailers? Any secrets? And I cannot weld so that's not an option.

Not if you look about and turn over the rocks.

Bought one new HF trailer 40 x 48 for 179.00 on sale

second one was a damaged 4x8 HF for 75.00 off of e bay

the third was a 5x8 cargo used for 125.00

4th one was a apache motorcycle tent camper stripped down to haul junk $60.00

and the fifth is my current caboose build. It is on an 8 x 20 that was and I quote " Just get the damn thing out of here" . We call that free.

That's 5 different builds on 5 different trailers with a total cost of $439.00 for all five. That averages about $88.00 a build. So if you see one hiding in the weeds that looks like it just might work for you , stop and just knock on the door. You might hear "NO it's not for sale" or they might just want it gone for a cheap price. Ain't but one way to find out

[Dean in Ct.]

I'm on the coast and used boat trailers are dime a dozen. That being said, I paid $300 for mine. Trashed pop ups also seem to be available for little money or free. Around here the registration is what costs money but luckily the state of Maine is happy to recieve my money! (I live in Ct.)

[mikeschn]

Actually, in the big scheme of things, the trailer is not that expensive... A 4x8 can be had on sale, with a discount coupon for around $300.

But don't be surprised if you end up spending $3000 for your total build! So the trailer is only 10% of the cost!

But remember, it's important to build with good quality materials, so that your build lasts a long time. And as time goes by, you'll forget the price you paid. You'll only remember if it was a good quality product, or not!

Mike...

[Lgboro]

Sometimes the most inexpensive option may cost more than a custom trailer if it requires much work to make it conform to your build . Mine probably did in the end.

[LDK]

I gave about $250 for my hf trailer on sale but the total cost of my camper is somewhere between $4500 and $5000.

[absolutsnwbrdr]

If you want a complete package that you know is new, HF is as cheap as it gets. You can probably find a pop-up trailer frame a bit cheaper (and maybe even with accessories like a stove or heater), but then you don't necessarily know what exactly you're getting, how much its rated for, what bearings it takes, what tortures its endured, etc. I like a nice cheap find and have actually been keeping an eye out for a cheap frame in my area, but it definitely is nice to know exactly what you have with a new trailer.

[rowerwet]

having built on a tractor supply no-floor trailer ($360) and then having two tent trailers (PUP) given to me last year for nothing, just come pick them up, I would really recommend finding an old PUP on craigslist, ebay etc.
First of all, a PUP frame is normally 5' wide, IMO the perfect width for a TD, this will take away any headaches with how to support the overhang (you really don't need to anyway, the nose wall and galley wall are all the support the TD needs)
PUP frames are already built strong enough to stand on and still be light to tow, you will only be sleeping on it with your weight spread out by a mattress, put your floor on the frame and build away.
Most PUP's frames will also let you have a 10' length, with no axle moving worries, another plus in my book.
A PUP on craigslist in worn out, mouse infested condition should be free or nearly free, however it should come with plenty of usefull stuff, the one I tore down for a utility trailer netted me a collection of lights, a power center (110 to 12v), sink, faucet, ice box, fire extinguisher, door latch, draw latches, awning track, and some other stuff I can't think of right now. It also has a nice torsion axle. between the money all that stuff would cost even on Ebay, you could buy a nice utility trailer if you still want to and have money left over, but as I said before I will always be recommending just using a PUP frame from now on.

also forgot to mention the nice pile of scrap metal from the PUP teardown, a few more dollars in the pocket

[mezmo]

Don't forget the old addage of 'a good foundation supports
everything', so don't scrimp on the frame to save a buck. Get
something that you're sure will, literally, support your build and
give you confidence as you go down the road.

[Lgboro]

A cheap trailer may not be the least expensive if it doesn't allow you to build the trailer you really want. You'll spend more time and effort than you will money building a teardrop.

[Ron Dickey]

It seems like the trailer can end up being one of the most expensive pieces of the puzzle when it comes to building your own TD. I know about the Harbor Freight trailers one can buy brand new...but they can be pretty pricey. Aside from Craigslist, are there any other good sources that I don't know about to find used, decent trailers? Any secrets? And I cannot weld so that's not an option.

you do not show where you live there might be people in your area that can help or know of a trailer frame. If you see a trailer in a yard that has been sitting or has plants growing over it you might get it for nothing. Mine was free. An old boat trailer which is now beginning to break up because it was used in the ocean.
Harbor freight offers ones, but you may want to buy better axel barring housings or you might want to put on brakes depending on your state. If you buy an old trailer and strip it for it's frame you need to find out where you can take the old parts, walls, windows, etc. Unless you are on a large lot and can let it turn to dust over time.

I should have had some welding done to my trailer before I put on the floors, yes floors I have a boat trailer in a T shape and needed extra wood to reinforce what was not there.
You might keep you eye open sometimes there are folks that started a trailer and can not finish it and will sell it for less then what it cost them for different reasons.

Last you could do like me and take your time building, I had many things get in the way of my build but also I did not have to lay out a lot of cash all at one time. I slowly got the tools I needed as I needed them. Grinder, drills, I borrowed some tools from folks that knew I would return them in better shape then when I got them, I also had friends who wanted to help me finished I got a free air compressor, and free mini table saw. Another friend had several folks drop by to help him with his build. Which is another reason to say where you live there might be another teardropper in your town. After I was done I not only found one in my town he goes to my Church. He might help me on my next build his trailer has solar, shower, water tank, is sheet metal covered, and he pulls it everywhere.

So keep looking Keep talking Keep asking and tell us where you live state, town, you never know some where some place some one will look at you and say smile we want to help you with your build.

Ron Dickey'
Los Osos, CA

[ghcoe]

HF trailers will be a lot lighter than most other trailers too. If your worried about wieght.