Was given an 4 x 8 trailer with rails... any suggestions?

[BigDean]

The wood floor is gone and it was replaced by diamond plate by the previous owner. Just bolted down, not welded... So I am trying to incorporate that into the plans. Good sturdy floor the way it is now.

[BigDean]

Without actually seeing what your trailer looks like, it's hard to say what modifications can be done to it. I was just assuming that if you removed the existing decking and the rails you would end up with something similar to the TSC trailer http://www.tractorsupply.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay_10551_10001_33977_-1______14297|14337|14342|33977?listingPage=true&Special=false , in which case the floor and walls of your tear become part of the strength of the whole thing. It's just a personal opinion; but I think without triangulation, the side rails don't really add a lot of strength to the frame judging from some of the rolling wrecks I see the landscape crews down here using.

It is very similar to this one... only difference is the diamond plate deck.

[BigDean]

Well my wife and I have decided on a style of one to build.

Looks like it will be off the concept of the 'Compact'. We really like the pop mechanism and basic layout. I am currently adjusting a set of plans for the length, it looks like it will work out quite well!