Jet Ski Trailer

[Dirke]

Hello. I am new here and am thinking about making my own teardrop. I have a line on a "free" (that's the magic word) jet ski trailer (unfortunately doesn't come with the jet ski). I was wondering if anyone has used one of these to build a Teardrop camper. I don't know what the weight rating is on it yet as it is at my brother's four hours away. Any advice or suggestions? Anyone have pics of one they made with this set up? It is a single jet ski trailer.

Thanks

[Dale M.]

Welcome....

Bottom line, a trailer is a trailer..... IF it has custom cradles for the skis, they can probably be removed... If basic frame work is somewhat square and level, almost anything can be adapted .... If it needs modifications, a Sawzall with metal cutting blade can cut like a champ (with some patience) if you need some pieces added, cut and fit them, and find somebody that can weld it up for you....

A pic of trailer and some dimensions would actually tell us more of how practical the trailer may be for a TD frame...

Dale

[Dirke]

Thanks, that's what I figured. I still have a lot of research to do. I have seen a lot of youtube videos but none of them do a great job of explaining how to build one. (I know they are all different). My wife's requirements are that it be tall enough to sit up in and read on a rainy day. I would like to try and make it as light as possible. KISS. I am thinking of not using any kind of drawers, etc for the kitchen. Just some cubbies to put some pastic boxes in. Easier to build and lighter to pull.

Has anyone tried a canvas TD?

[KCStudly]

Check out the "Foamie" section down under the build journal portion of the forum. Lots of light weight options using hard board foam insulation stiffened by cotton canvas impregnated with paint.

They can be built quickly (not mine), light weight (not mine... well, maybe lighter than it would have been if done traditionally), and thrifty (not mine).

[KE5PPH]

I have a "jetski" trailer as well. it is a single place, made for 1 that weighs about #850. A double is probably rated #1800 or so.

[Dirke]

That sounds like it would work then. I am thinking extra light weight. I am seriously considering the cardboard version that I saw here. I am just not very experienced working with fiberglass. Although, once I did that, I would be able to do some body work on my car.

Thanks!

[angib]

Probably the most critical dimension you need to know about the trailer is how wide it is between the inside wall of the tires - deduct a couple of inches from that and it tells you how wide a normal (ie, not over-wheels) teardrop body can be. Most single jet-ski trailers are likely to be quite narrow.

[Dirke]

Well, I would ideally like to build a 5' x 11' trailer to have plenty of room in the sleeping area for more than two (just found out wife is pregnant) I was not wanting to make it more than 4' high mostly for the convenience of using 4' wide sheets. Of course, I am a scrounge-aholic and if I can get a free trailer then I will. The foamies are very intriguing. I know that would be extremely light weight. Just not sure if it wouldn't be cheaper (or just as cheap) to build with wood. I have thought about the over the wheel style. I would consider building a storage area underneath to bring the camper up over the wheels.

[91kuhndog]

Dirke, Be careful with some of the bolt together trailers. A lot of the economy trailers I used to assemble for a local marina used 750# springs and 8" wheels. If it's a double, you should be able to get by with adding a set of heavier springs. Most of those utilize 1350# springs too. Just my .02... and as the guys above said, after all, it's still a trailer!

[rowerwet]

my opinion is below

[91kuhndog]

rowerwet... I soooo wish more people thought like you! When I build my BBQ smoker trailers, I usually start with an old boat trailer or utility trailer. I have people calling me all the time to custom build trailers when they could save a TON of money by recycling. My initial TD I'm starting next weekend is going to be an experiment since my "dream TD is a 5x11 and I'm not ready for that one yet, I'm using an old "Haulin A$$" trailer sold through the big blue box store. I bought it last month for $50 because it had a bent tongue tube. YUP, I'll take that off your hands! And so a build will begin!

[ksmack01]

Mine is built on an old boat trailer which is about the same size as a jet ski trailer. I built a wider axle and put bigger tires on it. It worked out just fine to me.

[ksmack01]

Better pic from the side-ish .

[91kuhndog]

ksmack.. that's a nice trailer you've built. I actually have 5 trailers in the woods behind the house for future projects. I havent paid more than $100 for any of them and 2 of them were free removals. I just wish I could find an old tent trailer or camper sitting around but on the islands, we dont have many camper or RV owners... either way, I overcome and adapt.

[ksmack01]

Thanks. I used mainly things I had found or had been given. I had an old rv that i got lots of goddies off of that saved me lots of money. It started out simple but evolved into a real nice project for me and my son. I have about 700 bucks in it and it is very well built and equiped. I add something everytime I go camping. The next time I set up to camp im gonna do a walk around and snap some pics so I can share with everyone on here.