Build or purchase????

[crazycuda]

I am looking at eventually building a teardrop for hunting trips. right now im trying to decide what route i want to take. I have the capabilties to build a trailer but the idea of just buying a HF trailer and not having to build from scratch seems nice.

what axles are you guys using to build your own frames and what can i expect to spend on building my own 5X8 trailer.

[TPMcGinty]

I don't think Harbor Freight sells a 5x8 trailer. I think the only sell a 4x8.

[bobhenry]

Don't forget there are a lot of unloved trailers setting idly in back yards, side lots, and behind garages everywhere. Utility trailers , boat trailers, old rotted pop ups, and other styles. I have picked up several .The first used one was an abused HF 4x8 for $75, then an old popup frame for free, then an aluminum tent trailer for $60.00 then a 5x8 rail sided flat bed for $250.00 then a wrecked rv for free. Thats 5 build and only $385.00 for all five of the frames. They are out there just stop in, walk up, and knock the worst they can say is NO!

[grantstew8]

Bob is right. I picked a two berth caravan and in half an hour with a circular saw had a flat bed and a pile of useable components...it cost me £50 $75 or so and I got £25 back for scrap aluminium.

[planovet]

I didn't have the capabilities to build one so I had a trailer frame specially built.

But like Bob said, there are many around if you know where to look (Craigslist, etc.).

[lfrazer98]

Hello all! I have been reading and researching for a couple months now, and I am trying to decide if I want to build a kit trailer, purchase a utility trailer (but don't know how hard it would be to modify it), buy used a camper and convert. I am set on building a teardrop style tiny trailer, but am not very knowledgeable (except for the all the reading I've done) and will be learning as I go.

Just to give you a little info, I am looking for a 5X10 for size, since I am tall and looking for a roomy interior for 2. So I guess my questions are as follows. Box frame or angle frame. Does it make a difference for a tear drop since they are pretty light anyway? Is converting a new utility trailer with 2x4 floors, mesh, or side rails hard? Since this is my first build, is it worth trying to cut costs with a used camper trailer that I would have to modify?

I know deciding on the trailer is probably the hardest choice I will have to make, but I am hoping that all of your expertise will help me make the best decision. Thanks, everyone!!

Lauren

[KCStudly]

If you have little to no experience cutting and fabricating metal, then adapting a utility or used boat/camper trailer may be less feasible for you. I'm not saying that it can't be done, nor that you can't learn these techniques, you can, but it does require special tools and PPE (safety apparel), and takes some experience (or guidance from someone with experience to learn safely) that will cost you time and/or money to achieve.

Used boat and/or camper trailers will also most likely require modifications to existing cabin designs, and/or cabins that are specifically designed by you to fit (...and still look good while doing so...) due to existing dimensions, xmbr locations, fender and wheel placement, tongue configurations, etc.

IMO the bolt together trailer kits are the best starting point for people that have basic wood working skills, but aren't as comfortable with metal fabrication. Usually the only modifications needed only require repositioning a few parts, drilling some new holes, and maybe making a couple of simple cuts/notches. Extending the tongue, which is highly recommended, is also not too involved. These modifications have been well documented by many people here and can usually be done w/o the need to weld.

It is not my intent to steer you away from any particular choice, but hopefully my perspective can help you evaluate your options. If you are a fabricating mad women, or wish to learn, I'd encourage you to build from scratch. If you are handy and want a challenge, but aren't quite ready to take on the challenges and time commitment needed to build from scratch, I'd say modify and/or restore an existing trailer. If you just want the trailer part to go together relatively easily for not a lot of money so that you can get on with building the box and go camping, I'd say buy the kit or a used one on the market (they come up quite frequently in my region).

I hope this helps you to decide, and I look forward to following along, whichever method you choose.

[oakinteriors1]

Get one of these....
http://www.tractorsupply.com/en/store/c ... d-capacity

And take it somewhere to have all the unwanted steel framing cut off...

I used an angle grinder to cut the stuff off mine...

[lfrazer98]

Get one of these....
http://www.tractorsupply.com/en/store/c ... d-capacity

And take it somewhere to have all the unwanted steel framing cut off...

I used an angle grinder to cut the stuff off mine...

That is what I was leaning towards. I have some family friends that can weld and have offered to help, so I am sure that if I get a new trailer, they could modify it to what I need/want. I really want a 5X10 and think I might just purchase.

I am an over-planner and I know I just need to take the leap and get the ball rolling. I so appreciate you both taking the time to reply! I can't wait to start my own build and am planning out all the details tomorrow night with my father. Wish me luck and I will hopefully get to posting some progress soon!

[Shadow Catcher]

In my not so humble opinion you must always have trailer brakes and we can go into the legal, what happens when you have an accident and the lawyers find you don't have them, states laws which vary and you may well exceed the weigh limit some where, and just plain physics. Yes you can get way with it by not having them, until you can not! We have had two nearly identical tears, one with out and one with (the current one). The tow vehicles brakes are sized for the vehicle and if you are like us one of the reasons for having a tear is MPG.
As to which axle I would go with a flex ride http://www.ucfamerica.com/flexfull.html and I can go into detail should you ask why.
As pointed out there are donner/salvage frames available and some have brakes or have the backing plate that will let you mount them.

[lfrazer98]

In NYS, the DMV requires any trailer with an unladen weight of 1,000 lbs to have brakes. Guess you have to just check your state rules. I would assume that some trailers come with them and some don't (haven't really looked at that), but now that I know it is a state reg, I will!

[GerryS]

Oh please not the brake question again

Laws aside, trust me....the pucker factor easily offsets the price. Today's vehicles simply aren't engineered for trailers unless your looking at full size trucks. But even the full side stops better with the brakes. When your panic stopping looking at the back end of another vehicle getting amazingly large you will not be thinking about the price of the brakes.