Using a boat trailer?

[pete.wilson]

Hey

I found a boat trailer that doesn't appear to be overly heavily built and has a straight box section that is 47" wide X approx. 65" long and then the frame tapers to a rounded nose with a total length of 115.5" long. It has either 14 or 15" wheel (no fenders), and is in good shape although suffers from pealing paint and some minor rust. Someone lengthened the tongue (5-6' total) but I would cut it back by about 2-3' and install a 2" coupler (has 1 7/8" now). The axle seems light and springs are also compliant, it is not as heavily built as my 4X8 utility trailer I have now.

Do you think $100 is reasonable and could be made into an off-road capable camping trailer? I would rather over-build than under. The other issue is I would only have a bill of sale and no title, I didn't even see a data plate. I offered him $74 earlier and he said no (it was what I had on me). I can get pics if that would help. Thanks for the feeback.

Pete Wilson

[Miriam C.]

Sounds good if the wheels and tires are in good shape. Also would depend on how "off road" you plan on getting......

[robfisher]

Don Ferdinand made his teardrop on a boat trailer. I think he offers plans on his web site. I know there is a picture of his trailer there.

http://www.rvi.net/~djfiron1/TearDropTrailer.html

[green_eyed_diablito]

in my opinion, any trailer will do as long as you're willing to modify it to suit your needs.

as a fomer boat owner, i would suggest a thorough inspection for rust. a galvanized boat trailer is best, but since you mention peeling paint, i'm assuming it's not galvanized. look under the peeling paint if you can and check for rust. if there is any, scrape some of it off to get an idea how deep it runs. take a flashlight with you.

good luck.

[wlooper89]

My only concern would be the width of 47" unless you can modify that. Five feet wide would be more comfortable for two. Ours is a six wide and that is really more than necessary.

When trying to back it into the garage, I wish it was more narrow. But for sleeping it is good. We are big people.

Bill

[caseydog]

I am building on a recycled boat trailer.

http://tnttt.com/viewto ... highlight=

CD

[Chip]

My 3 cents worth (inflatuation) ,,, I built my second teardrop on a old light weight boat frame,, I did put new 750 lb springs on it and a narrowed 3500 lb 4"drop axle,,(overkill for sure but it was on the shelf and I wanted it),, Pictures are in my album on page 3 ,,,, the bare frame is right flimsy but when the box was bolted down it became super strong being a unibody design,,, the frame width is 42" out to out and has a 48" wide box on it,, so inna word or two an old boat trailer will work just fine Ya might just have to think of it as a Teardrop trailer that was used as a boat trailer in its early life,,,,,

build on it,,

chipper