Cargo Trailer Converted to Utility trailer

coal160 · Oct 24, 2011

I have the opportunity to buy a burned up 7x16 cargo trailer for $950 (OBO). The enclosure is burnt to the point of the aluminum shell melting away in places. It has tandem torsion axles on it, that, according to the seller, are unhurt by the fire, along with the tires, wheels, and undercarrage. It is a wells cargo trailer. My question is this: Is it worth converting over to a flat bed/utility type trailer? The origional weight (gross) capacity is 7700#, which is way more than I will ever put on it. In my estimation, it will cost me $400-$500 to deck it, but I would have a very nice torsion axle utility trailer when I am done... Any suggestions or advice?

dusty3030 · Oct 24, 2011

If the deck was burned off I can't see how the rubber in the axles wasn't fried.

For 900, no I would not buy it.

For 200 maybe. At least you could get 150 out of it at the scrapyard if you get it and it's totally trash.

deepNdirt · Oct 24, 2011

by the time you buy the lumber to re-deck it, plus your time in removing the old structure, could get one ready to go for what you would wind up having in this one,

Diamondpilot · Oct 24, 2011

Run.

I have been in the trailer business for 20 years and would not touch it. Plus, in my area you can get a new 16 landscape trailer for $1500

Heat and metal don't mix and surely does not mix with torsion axles

Lastly. New a guy who converted a livestock trailer and folded it in half with a old 9N.

Run.

Chris

coal160 · Oct 25, 2011

Okay, with nothing but negative feedback about this, I decided to not go through with it. Thanks to all who gave advice!

schmism · Oct 25, 2011

dusty3030 said:
If the deck was burned off I can't see how the rubber in the axles wasn't fried.

Rubber? I was under the impression that they used a standard metal torsion bar.

(and yes i would have been in the pass on it camp also)

dusty3030 · Oct 25, 2011

schmism said:
Rubber? I was under the impression that they used a standard metal torsion bar.

(and yes i would have been in the pass on it camp also)

AL-KO Kober - Rubber Suspension Axles

Link above has a good picture of how they work.

Diamondpilot · Oct 25, 2011

All I have seen on trailers is rubber torsion. Could not give me another torsion spring trailer. No weight sharing capabilities leads to way more tire failures. We stopped dealing them in the early 2000's after the troubles we had

Chris