Trailer Update:

[John Weber]

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>

[Rod Peterson]

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That's a good looking trailer!

Nice seeing you at E-o-P, John.

[Gary]

Man! That's way too nice a trailer to be takin stuff to the dump! :D

[Keith Outten]

Nice job John,

I have a Peco 6X10 trailer that I pull all the time but it's all steel. I'll bet your aluminum trailer pulls like a dream. I'd like to borrow your trailer from April till November every year :)

Thanks for the Pics.

[Tom Sweeney]

Now I have trailer envy on top of tool envy & skills envy - from hanging around all you people :rolleyes: ;)

Seriously - very nice trailer you've got there. Since I'm coming to the conclusion that I can't afford the new F150 crew cab I want - maybe I'll settle for a ranger PU & a nice trailer like yours.

Nice use of Advertising space for your website also - I wish my web clients would do stuff like that to promote their sites. Maybe you should put it on the back of the trailer also. Just don't drive like a maniac or everyone will know how to track you down :D

You might have mentioned it in your first post - but how much $ do you have tied up in the trailer? If it's none of my business just say so - I am half seriously thinking about getting one.

[John Weber]

Rod, Thanks, since it's for the business and parked at the house I was looking for something that would look decent over time. I'm sorry we didn't get more time to chat at the Pond gathering. As soon as we left I was looking forward to the next one.

Gary, Thanks, Well the dump was on of the selling points to Kim. We rent brush dumpsters several times a year and always have to wait on a them. What else is a guy without a truck to do. Plus, I'm hoping to buy some more equipment at auction this year.

Keith, Thanks, it does pull nice, much better then I thought it would. I think having the 15" wheels (from a mid 90's Jeep) really helps. Now about that borrowing...

Tom, Thanks, My trucks been gone about 18 months now, and I still miss it. But with a bike rack on top and the trailer behind the minivan is doing ok. Seriously, a truck was so far off in my future the trailer was the only way to go. I saw some other trailers with graphics and that gave me the idea for the web site. It would have been cool to have some color graphics along with it, but I needed to go cheap for now. My local welder said I should polish the aluminum to a high shine. He did a small spot for me and it looked great, but I'll stick with the simple graphic for now.

John

[Mark Hulette]

John,
Very nice! You should be very proud- didn't visualize the final product would be that substantial. Well done.

[Eric Apple - Central IN]

So how will does the plastic wood machine ? Do you think decent outdoor furniture could be made from this stuff ?

[Mark Valsi]

John,

You should loan that trailer to Coach Tressel.

He will need it to carry off all the hardware such as all his Div II trophies, the big ten trophy, the coach of the year trophy, and the NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY !!!


Mark

[John Weber]

Eric,

The composite machines great, fine blades give a super smooth cut, routes fine, and hand planes as well. As for furniture, I don't know. It's heavy, but I don't believe it has the strenght of solid wood, so that could be a problem for structural members. I also didn't use any fasteners or glue, I don't think it would hold with all the vibration the trailer will get. A better option for you might be Ipe wood, a little more Trex, but almost indestructable.

Mark,

I just need to stain the composite red.

Thanks guys - John