Getting Started....build vs buy

[mikeschn]

I do have access to a complete fab shop, where I will build everything...including the chassis if need be, but in your experiences, is it more prudent to just purchase a new trailer chassis and skip that step, or is it more cost effective for me to build it?

Thank you in advance for any and all replies!

Sister

Design your trailer first, and the build your chassis to suit.

You will never find the perfect chassis if you have to go to Harbor Freight, or some such place.

HF is very cost effective, but it sounds like that's not an issue for you.

Mike...

[NUNGUN-SISTER]

Design your trailer first, and the build your chassis to suit.

You will never find the perfect chassis if you have to go to Harbor Freight, or some such place.

HF is very cost effective, but it sounds like that's not an issue for you.

Mike...

Great advise Ill sit down and draw it all out then look over a chasis... Im just not sure where to start.

[Wolfgang92025]

Great advise Ill sit down and draw it all out then look over a chasis... Im just not sure where to start.

one of two ways to get started,

Design Library (or other source, pictures etc), find a shape you like and see if you can make the interior work for what you need. you may have to modify the shape to get the interior you want.

Or,

Lay out the interior first, and design a shape around that you like.

I had a general idea of what I wanted, found a design in the library, exported it and made changes till I was happy. Most of us end up making a template out of cardboard , OSB or cheap plywood to get a feel to see if the shape/interior is pleasing to you.....

Remember, only you have to like what you built......

Wolfgang

[KenC]

I do have access to a complete fab shop, where I will build everything...including the chassis if need be, but in your experiences, is it more prudent to just purchase a new trailer chassis and skip that step, or is it more cost effective for me to build it?

Thank you in advance for any and all replies!

Sister

Since you have access to a fab shop I would take advantage of that and build your own frame.

I'm a first time builder and decided to build my frame from scratch, more work but I will have it the way I want it. I'll be building a 5 X 10 Benroy with a 2 x2 frame with a 3 x 3 tongue. Axel will be a 3500 lbs Dexter with springs derated at 1500 lbs with shocks to soften the ride. I'm gathering my parts now and I'm almost ready to have my frame welded.

[Wild Bill]

I like having more capacity than is needed, I have a #3500 axle with 14 inch LT load rated D tires from Tractor supply with electric brakes., I have been behind too many light weight axles with the tires canted out and bent from over load or from hitting the speed bump in the campground a little too fast, better to have too much capacity than not enough, If you start hanging bikes or cast iron, the weight adds up quick. Worst case if you had to use your trailer to evacuate for some reason, you would load a lot more in that a normal weekend trip. Two 5 gallon water jugs filled weighs over 80 pounds. good luck with what you decide to build. Bill