mikehaugen
Elite Member
Hey everyone! So I have a cheap crappy folding 4'x8' utility trailer that was given to me a while back... most likely from harbor freight. I have never used it because I never had much use for it, but I'm starting to think a small enclosure on it would be make it useful for camping trips. First thing I want to do is weld it rigid because I HATE the folding aspect of it. I will also put new wheel bearings and slightly larger tires on it.
As far as the enclosure my plan is to build a skeleton out of 1"x1"x11ga square tubing. I'm thinking 3' tall. I found some 1/4" 4x8 hdpe panels at Menards that I thought would make a great skin, but now I am questioning it. When I looked at them in person I see there is label on them and it recommends using slotted holes to fasten it to allow for expansion. I was going to butt them up at the corners (without overlapping) and then filling in the corners with silicone, then trimming over that with aluminum angle. I don't know how much expansion to expect, but I feel the joints may become a problem. For the floor, I was thinking 3/4" plywood and then 1/8" hardboard for the interior walls.
Any thoughts on these plans, particularly the hdpe panels? I looked around some to see if anyone else has tried this but didn't come up with much, so maybe there is a reason? Also, I now see that I can special order 1/8" hdpe panels... would they be sufficient do you think? Thanks in advance for any advice.
As far as the enclosure my plan is to build a skeleton out of 1"x1"x11ga square tubing. I'm thinking 3' tall. I found some 1/4" 4x8 hdpe panels at Menards that I thought would make a great skin, but now I am questioning it. When I looked at them in person I see there is label on them and it recommends using slotted holes to fasten it to allow for expansion. I was going to butt them up at the corners (without overlapping) and then filling in the corners with silicone, then trimming over that with aluminum angle. I don't know how much expansion to expect, but I feel the joints may become a problem. For the floor, I was thinking 3/4" plywood and then 1/8" hardboard for the interior walls.
Any thoughts on these plans, particularly the hdpe panels? I looked around some to see if anyone else has tried this but didn't come up with much, so maybe there is a reason? Also, I now see that I can special order 1/8" hdpe panels... would they be sufficient do you think? Thanks in advance for any advice.
