Can this be done? Trailer building question(s)

[easygo]

I have the opportunity to buy a good amount of 1.5"x3"x1/8" tubing at scrap steel price. I long have been hoping to get or build a larger trailer then my current 4x8 light duty trailer. I was thinking about building a 6x12 trailer out of the above mentioned steel. I want to make it with a single 3500# axle but it would only have to hold about 2200-2500# because my tow vehicle can not handle more than 3500# total.
So here come the questions.
I know that the 1/8" steel is on the light side for such trailer, but what if I double it up in the most important areas. After making the 6x12 frame I thought about welding two 8' pieces on the inside of the long sides and use extra cross braces as well. On similar size and capacity trailers I found that they have a cross brace every 2' and I thought of putting one every 16" using 2" round steel tube or the 1.5"x3" material. The other problem I can think of is: would the 1/8" material be sturdy enough to weld the spring brackets onto? Would I want to weld up some 3/16" plate and then the spring brackets? The upside of this that I could get the material for my trailer for about $50 and I would just get the axle and such from Trailerplans.com or may be a local place.
Please let me know if you think this is a doable project. It would haul wood, sheetrock and may be my little tractor is the need ever came up. I have to decide if I want to buy the steel pretty soon or it will be carted off to the scrap yard.

 

[wushaw]

3/16 and bigger is the norm for trailers.

I myself would not want to use 1/8" for a trailer build for anything bigger than a garden trailer.

 

[bobodu]

Are you talking box?
1.5" x 3"???
I made the loader for my A/C using 2 X 4 X 1/8" and have lifted 2000lbs with it. Also the bed on my dump truck.....and my dump trailer. Technically speaking...you could build a trailer out of tooth picks if done right.
I would stack two pieces (one atop the other ) and weld on plate gussets every couple of feet and I think it'd be fine with the light load you plan on.

 

[easygo]

Thanks for the replies.

Wushaw; I read your thread about making that impressive dump trailer and am not surprised about your response. It seams thought, that your trailer was made to handle a lot more then what I want to do. The most weight that I ever had to haul was 2200# of wood pellets. That is pretty much my expectation as far as weight. My tractor would weigh in at about 1700# with the loader on and that is the second heaviest item I can think of ever hauling around, but never had the need to trailer it anywhere.

Bobodu: The doubling up of the 1.5"x3" X 1/8" rectangle tube/box is what I thought of doing on the long sides of the frame. Do you think it would be stronger to put them on top of each other instead of side-by-side? The plate gussets sounds like a great idea for extra reinforcement.

 

[MrJimi]

I think lots of the problems will be with lots of weight on it and hitting a bump or a dip in the road and a tractor with wheels not over the axle will make it worse.
Get some 4" channel and be safe

 

[bobodu]

Do you think it would be stronger to put them on top of each other instead of side-by-side?

Yes...much stronger.

 

[Eagleview]

You have saved enough money on the steel to be able to buy some 4x2 box section for the two outer rails , front and rear and the drawbar . Make a lattice type frame for the sides out of what you have and then prefferably line that with steel sheet or marine ply . Remember that you will need to have it inspected for registration , if it looks to light they wont pass it .

 

[Blagadan]

I agree, go heavy gauge with the chassis and use your lighter stuff for the bed and secondary stuff. Is a single axle a bit under-rated for a 12ft trailer? I would prefer double axle for that length of trailer. If you plan on trailering your tractor on that trailer, a double axle set up would distribute the weight more evenly and put less stress on your frame.

 

[easygo]

As I looked around I found that a lot of trailer manufacturers offer the 6x12 size with single 3500# axle. The idea behind that size came from that and the fact that my current 3'10"x7'10" 1400# capacity trailer is too small both in weight capacity and also when I try to transport bulky, but light things. The 20 year old trailer for my 2300# boat is made of 3x4x1/8 box and it is bolted together. I thought if that is strong enough then I may be able to pull of my idea.
Would it make a big difference if I were to make the trailer only 11' or 10' long? That is the shortest I would be interested in making.

 

[Blagadan]

I have a 10ft X 4ft6in trailer that takes 2500# comfortably and its fine for most things I do but I could do with the extra few feet every so often. It is perfect fo my needs 99% of the time and is managable. I had a 10ft trailer that was single axle and it was a pita. I found I had to load it tongue heavy to keep it from swaying all the time. I also found if you are driving into a field it tended to grind out at the rear as the overhang was 5ft from the axle.
I decided to sell that one and build a double axle, 10ft heavy duty trailer. The second pair of wheels helps to keep the trailer stable on the road and in my opinion distributes the load better.

I'd go for the 12ft you have in mind. If you have room to store it (which is another consideration some folks dont think of) then why not.

I'd ask your county vehicle inspector and get his/her opinion on using the light gauge steel for the chassis. It'd be a shame for you to go to all the trouble to build the trailer, only for them to fail it on inspection...

I'd go for the heavy 2"x4" box section or C section if it were me.

Happy welding... and post pictures as you go!!