Does this new trailer cost too much?

[MUhunters]

We have a local trailer and hitch company that will make custom trailers. Here is the information I gave for the quote.

5x10 trailer frame, no paint, no lighting, no side rails or gate, no
>flooring. 2000 lbs capacity Wheels, fenders, axels and hitch with
>safety chain, and tongue jack

I think the wheels are 13", but I know nothing of the steel size used on the frame. The quote we got was $585.00

Any suggestions on how to cut costs? I've requested an itemized quote, type of tongue ( "A" or not) and size and shape of steel used.

We started looking at 4x8's and 5x8's but with what we want inside we feel we need the length.

[prohandyman]

Cut costs? It doesn't sound bad for an American made frame. Does it come with a certificate of origin?

[asianflava]

It's in the ballpark,for a torsion axle trailer. A sprung axle trailer would be a little cheaper. I also prefer 14in tires.

[48Rob]

It would be good to know what size steel is being used, and how many cross members, etc.
May be better/easier to present a plan of exactly what you need to the builder.

That price for a good quality trailer is not high.

$100.00 2 tires @ $50.00 each
$50.00 2 rims at $25.00 each
$125.00 1 2000# axle with springs
$25.00 1 coupler
$10.00 1 set safety chains and hooks
$125.00 steel for frame
$50.00 Welding supplies
_______
$485.00 Materials and supplies

$100.00 labor
________

$585.00

I'd say the shop is doing the job pretty inexpensively.
There isn't much room for overhead here, like his/her building, power bill, insurance, etc.

You may be able to buy a cheaper kit trailer, but you'll end up with a cheap kit trailer that you'll still have to modify to fit your build plan.

Rob

[MUhunters]

Thank you for all of the help,especially Rob for the list.
I would assume the cert. of origin would come from this company that is making the trailer.

I posted a wanted ad on craigslist and have gotten 4 responsed in 5 hours.

Interesting trailer, hoping to get pics off email to place in album but not having luck. Possibly due to it being a bmp file.

Description: Blue, owner says it is a 5x10 deck, but the picture shows 6 boards that are 2x10's on the trailer deck. I guess they are 10 inches wide. 2 axles with 13 inch 4 lug tires. I noticed that there was something undre the rear tires that might be ramps that slide out for an ATV. But he said they were support members. It's licensed for 3500 pounds. The amazing thing is that it has a metal deck within the "A" frame, perfect for propane tanks, electrical or hopefully our results from deer season. I have a conversion van to pull it but I'm worried thet the Chevy Blzer my hunting partner has will not once we build.

[bpb165]

You could do as I just did last month, I built my own 5x8 trailer. Register it as a homebuilt if you can. Much cheaper. Just hang some lights on it, take it to an inspection station and get it inspected. That was only $10. I haven't registered it yet, was gonna wait until after the new year to avoid paying taxes on it for 2009.

[MUhunters]

Sorry, but we don't have the skills or tools to build our own trailer. Good Luck on yours

[bpb165]

To be honest, I had help. The price you said the shop quoted you is a really fair price however. Mine was around that all said and done.

[rwelp]

Here's the trailer I bought off of craigslist. 5x9 frame with 14" tires. I paid $125.00. My brother in law modified it for me this past sunday so I could build a drop down floor. He had some steel left from a previous trailer he made for himself so the modifications didn't cost me anything but a six pack. I will have pics in my album when I get them, I forgot my camera and the trailer is still at his house.


Rob Welp

[spud233]

i took other builders suggestions and used a trailer from northern tool,a 4x8 cost total 350.i am making a 5x9 by overhanging 6inches on all side

[NathanL]

Two years ago I bought a 5'x8' utility trailer with a 3500lb axle, 12" sides, a fold down ramp, built and painted with a spare tire for just under $600 from a local trailer place.

I own a steel fab shop and it was cheap enough I didn't want to mess around with getting a title on a trailer we built in house as I have been down that road in the past.

I guess it depends on the region. Where we own the fab shop there are places on almost every corner that make trailers to suppliment their fab shop business.

I choke when I see some of the prices for no frills utility trailers on here sometimes.