John Weber
04-16-2003, 1:01 PM
Several of you asked to see my utility trailer after I had finished it. I had asked some questions about floor etc… Well here it is. I ended up using composite deck boards for the sides and floor. Other then the weight they look good and should hold up? The floor was attached using galvanized carriage bolts, 2 for each board in the 1st, 3rd, 4th, 6th, & 7th cross members. The 7th is used to support the front tool box extension. Each bolt was counter sunk – that is a lot of holes, thank goodness for air rackets and cordless drills. I found a guy with a TIG welder and he added some extra stake pockets. The stakes are oak and the composite boards are attached with stainless steel deck screws. The oak is finished with a spar varnish for some weather protection. The side boards are also notched around a few bolts that attach the running gear to the frame. I secured the front to each side with an aluminum “L” bracket. I still need a “quick” release corner support for the rear – I think. I also attacked 2 handles to assist in removing the rear panel. I added 4 tie downs to the trailer floor with stainless steel hardware. I have about 52” between tie downs and 61” between the sides. The tie downs came from a Toyota pickup truck bed and bolt into the 2nd and 5th cross member. I would have liked a flush mount tie down, but I didn’t find any that would fit and I was concerned about the recess holding water. The ramp came from Menards, and the tool box was left over from when I had my truck.
Overall I think the composite will make a great floor, I think I would use something else for the sides to save weight. It seems kind of funny to have a lightweight aluminum frame and a heavy bed, but together they should be mostly maintenance free and look good – no rust. I should still have around 1,500 lbs of capacity, which should be plenty for trips to the dump and auctions. Be on the look out for a mini van pulling a trailer
Thanks for everyone’s help.
John
<img src=http://www.weberwoodworking.com/pond/trailerside.jpg><p>
<img src=http://www.weberwoodworking.com/pond/trailerrear.jpg><p>
<img src=http://www.weberwoodworking.com/pond/trailersidewithramp.jpg><p>
<img src=http://www.weberwoodworking.com/pond/trailerrearwithramp.jpg>
Overall I think the composite will make a great floor, I think I would use something else for the sides to save weight. It seems kind of funny to have a lightweight aluminum frame and a heavy bed, but together they should be mostly maintenance free and look good – no rust. I should still have around 1,500 lbs of capacity, which should be plenty for trips to the dump and auctions. Be on the look out for a mini van pulling a trailer
Thanks for everyone’s help.
John
<img src=http://www.weberwoodworking.com/pond/trailerside.jpg><p>
<img src=http://www.weberwoodworking.com/pond/trailerrear.jpg><p>
<img src=http://www.weberwoodworking.com/pond/trailersidewithramp.jpg><p>
<img src=http://www.weberwoodworking.com/pond/trailerrearwithramp.jpg>