5' wide prefab trailers

[Jeff Hubbard]

Ok guys, just getting started assembling parts and a tangible plan on a 5 wide build. It'll be my first build, and I'm not only new to the forum, but to tears in general, so I'm greateful for your insight. After reading the trailer building tutorial, I have come to the conclusion that a prefab trailer is probably better for me at this point due to lack of a welder and sufficient current capacity in my garage. Ultimately however, I really want a 5' internal width to allow for a standard queen mattress. After allowing for the walls and such, are any of the prefabs wide enough? If not, can wheel offset be changed to allow for it?

Also, on a less important note, I'd love to get some feedback on the seemingly standard 12" wheel size and how they travel over long distance. It just seems pretty small and I'm wondering if going up to a larger wheel would be better.

Thanks!

[TPMcGinty]

I picked up a 5x8 trailer from Northern Tools and made a true 5 wide on the inside. My trailer frame is a 2 inch angle iron frame. I made the floor out of 2x4's and attached the outside walls to the 2 inches that stuck up above the frame after I installed the floor in the trailer. Does this make any sense?

[Jeff Hubbard]

Sure, I'm assuming you used 1/2' ply for the flooring? Thanks for the input.

[Alfred]

I'm building mine on a 5x8 from Northern Tool. I'm not a trailer expert, but so far, so good. Seems good enough. I have considered taking it to a welding shop to have the tongue reinforced, but not sure that is really necessary. They put them on sale every now and then. Got mine on sale for $279 about a year 1/2 ago, I think. I believe they're $319 regular price, now.

My only gripe is they lay the wiring for the tail light across the top of the inside beam. Has to be cut/moved to lay your floor frame.

AL.

[Jeff Hubbard]

Wow, they've gone up. I'm seeing Northern Tool # 125692 for 600.00 now. HF & Red Trailers are similar. Still after adding up steel, axle, wheels/tires & other hardware plus whatever a welder charged me, I can't help but think I'd still be ahead of the game.

[TPMcGinty]

Sure, I'm assuming you used 1/2' ply for the flooring? Thanks for the input.

Yep. 1/2" on top and bottom.

[TPMcGinty]

Wow, they've gone up. I'm seeing Northern Tool # 125692 for 600.00 now. HF & Red Trailers are similar. Still after adding up steel, axle, wheels/tires & other hardware plus whatever a welder charged me, I can't help but think I'd still be ahead of the game.

The Northern Tool Trailer I bought wasn't available online. Only sold in the store. Sorry. The price on it was up to $369 the last time I looked at the store (about a month ago). I got it for $299 at the beginning of 2008.

[Jeff Hubbard]

Durn it, looks like the closest store to me is in the Dallas area. I'll keep my eye out though....

[bobhenry]

I got 4' 11" inside on this one !

It was a true 5 ' x 8' Found it used for $250.00

I cut off all the verticals except the fender supports and the very back stub and framed it this way



The little vee that is left gave me a place to bolt a bottom wall plate to. Just used very large fender washers and bolted the 2 1/2" wide lvl rip to the frame. Notice I cantilevered the front 2' and replaced the bent tongue with 2x2x3/16 square tube. ( should have used 2x3 )




Pulled like a dream took it about 200 miles this weekend to a small gathering

[Ron Dickey]

I used a boat trailer they are every where. Mine I got free. But if you look around you might find one that has the frame you want.
I put on new wheels little 6 inchers when I got it now I have 12 inchers.
But what ever trailer you get MAKE SURE THE WELDS ARE GOOD. I should got someone who knew welds to look at mine before I started the weld let go on a trip to New Mexico and the wheel nearly fell off.



Later I found others with a frame that ran around the out side that would have been a smarter idea.
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