Modify this, or start from scratch??

[StanDahl]

I found this boat trailer right down the street from me. It's wider than I'd like (7'6"), and probably longer too, but that's not so bad. It has a California PTI license, the wheels are inline with the chassis frame, not outside the frame, and the guy wants $350. Gus (eamarquardt) is my chassis builder/mentor here, and he says it would be easier and only slightly more expensive to start from scratch. Cutting the cross-pieces and boat supports, shortening the axle, re-working the front to fit the narrower width, dealing with rust (there is some that I can see)...I think I'm talking myself out of it already. I don't know what kind of brakes it has on it either.

P8254212a.jpg (120.71 KiB) Viewed 290 times

P8254213a.jpg (121.13 KiB) Viewed 290 times

P8254216a.jpg (120.13 KiB) Viewed 290 times

I thought it would be a head start on getting something started, since I have wasted the whole summer doing nothing on this project at all. He assures me that getting the parts together, welding it up to exact specifications, painting it and getting it registered will take less time, less work, and result in getting exactly what I want for the project. He's right, isn't he?

[pawp]

He's right,

[glenpinpat]

At 350 it is easier to start from scratch. If you bought it for 100.00 then maybe. however I am surprised you cannot find a regular utility trailer way cheaper.

[LWW]

I built my weekender on a boat trailer but the cost was zero. I don't know what weight you're shooting for on your camper but you're already starting out heavy, lots of extra steel around the fender area. The one I started with was from a small John boat based bassboat and had a lot of less extra metal in it and I then removed a section of about 3' long where the trailer narrows down for the front. Also check to see how much wider the axel sticks out past your tow vehicle too as you don't want the wheels to stick out way past you tow vehicle's side. Try to keep them in the same track as your tow vehicle.Larry

[Wild Bill]

With the cost of an axle, steel, a coupler, Primer, paint, Lights, jack, Rims, tires, etc etc I cannot imagine that you can have a trailer built from Scratch for any less. If the finished weight is not a factor build right on that trailer. If the trailer has a title that is a BIG bonus!! The longer tongue will make backing easier, leave room for a tool box or bike rack. The axle near the rear should be right if the galley will be in the rear. Most of your weight will be in the tale of the trailer so you want the axle closer to the rear. Most boat trailers have the axle set back to compensate for the weight of a heavy motor on the rear of the boat. You can always make a counter offer but be sure it is what you really want and have the cash in hand to back up the verbal offer. The way the trailer appears to be built, you could build your box and bolt it right down to the trailer. Good luck with what ever you decide to do. Bill

[working on it]

I sorta agree with Wild Bill...if weight is not a factor,it's doable. I think the structure of the existing trailer could be utilized as a convertible type trailer ( like a Wazat?). With the the existing roller system left in place, and maybe adding a coupla more rollers, a keeled platform with a Teardrop/Tiny Trailer on top could be built and bolted in place, then unbolted and slid off when not in use, then to use the original base trailer as a boat hauler, or (with a flat,keeled platform also constructed) cargo carrying trailer. A triple purpose carrier. I had wanted to build a dual purpose trailer myself, but went another direction. If you've got a stout TV, the time, and skills (and with eamarquardt as your mentor) go for it!

[bigbendhiker]

From the pictures the trailer looks really stout. I do think you would need to get it at a better price. But I think first you need to ask yourself what you want to accomplish. What do you plan to build? If it's anything approaching a traditional teardrop, then look elsewhere, because that trailer is really too wide and heavy for what you need. If however you want to build something larger and unique in design and if you have a use for the side platforms such as a place to mount a spare tire, jerry cans, propane tank, or even a generator then this trailer may be a good place to start. As others have mentioned the front could be used for a storage box or even possibly a platform for bikes, etc.

What kind of shape are the tires in?

Good luck and if it doesn't fit with what your looking for in a camper then keep looking.

[Lgboro]

I started with a Tractor Supply trailer (4x8') and would build a scratch built if I were to build again. Excess weight adds up weigh faster that you can find ways to reduce weight. The excess weight over time will cost more than you more than you save if you plan many long trips in your tear.