basic trailer build question

[zmansmac]

I have been toying with the idea of building my own utility trailer. Something that could haul my Kubota B7500 around as well as general material hauling. I figure the tractor w/ loader and attachments that I would take would weigh a total of about 2500 lbs. I wouldn't mind buying one of the many trailer plans but need a steel strength question answered first. I have an opportunity to buy 2x2 and 2x3 tube steel at a good price. I can get the 2x2 in either 1/8 or 3/16 thickness and the 2x3 in 3/16 thickness. Would any of these suffice to make a frame that is 6 x 12 foot with cross tubes every 2 feet? I would plan on getting a 3500 lb torsion axle with 15 inch tires. Obviously, if this works out it would mean a lot of pictures for you guys to look at and critique.

 

[Inkomodius]

If you are building a trailer to haul a 2500lb tractor, I would go higher then a single 3500 torsion axle. I probably run dual 2500 lbs axle or a single 4500. Big reason is while your tractor weighs 2500 your trailer will be pushing 1000lbs putting your axles at max load all the time.

I dont think I would build a trailer out of material that thin, If you want to run a 3/16 wall id go at minimum 2x4x3/16... preferably 2x4x1/4 for your frame rails, the for your crossmembers you can lighten up and go 2x3x3/16. Hauling a tractor you dont want a catastrophic failure. Poor tractors dont look good as road kill. Id spend the 50-100bucks and get an engineered blue print with material lists. Cheaping out on material will cost a LOT more down the road.

Right now Im building flare stack trailers, they are dual 6000lb torsion axles and 2x6x1/4 frames, and crossmembers and they are 32 feet long. The last 2000lb axle trailer I made was 2x4x3/16 channel with fish plates across the webbing at every x-member and above the axle. That is hauling a yamaha rhino and garbage.

In the end buy the blue print. Where you aer do you have to apply for a VIN number for your trailer to register it?

 

[zmansmac]

Inkomodius,

Thanks for the advice. I certainly don't want to build a trailer with frame stock that would be questionable. I have a lot of time invested in modifications to my tractor to take a chance of losing her. I live in southeast Michigan. I haven't checked into what it takes to register a home built tractor. We used to have to renew a trailer plate every year, like our vehicles. But that recently changed to a lifetime (for the owner, that is) registration for trailers.

 

[Inkomodius]

Trailers here (alebrta) changed as far as registration goes the ones we build in a shop have to have an engineered drawing with then before they will issue a VIN number. Im not too sure on home built trailers, years ago I have built quite a few that were registerable without VIN or engineered drawings. It could be shop/liability issues.

The other thing is have you checked into pre built trailers latley? I dont know what its like down there but up here you can get a 5000lb single axle trailer for cheaper then what it would cost to build one thanks to the economy. And then liability is 100% off of you.

 

[GT2]

Trailers here (alebrta) changed as far as registration goes the ones we build in a shop have to have an engineered drawing with then before they will issue a VIN number. Im not too sure on home built trailers, years ago I have built quite a few that were registerable without VIN or engineered drawings. It could be shop/liability issues.

The other thing is have you checked into pre built trailers latley? I dont know what its like down there but up here you can get a 5000lb single axle trailer for cheaper then what it would cost to build one thanks to the economy. And then liability is 100% off of you.

Dito that, I've seen nice car trailers around here going for as low as $1800, NEW! Of corse I would check them out very well if buying one.

 

[George2615]

I agree that you will need an axle rated for more than 3500. Figure the weight of the steel to build your trailer (about 1000 lb.) plus your 2500 lb. load and the single 3500 axle is maxed out. Another thing to think of is your tractor with loader will be about 10' or so in length leaving only 2' or less for any rear attachment on your 6 x 12' frame. My neighbor bought a single axle trailer for his MF 20 HP SCUT tractor with loader and that is all he can fit on his trailer. He has no extra room for attachments. I don't know about your state but in most states a trailer over 3500 lb requires brakes as well.

 

[LBrown59]

1*I have been toying with the idea of building my own utility trailer.
2* Would any of these suffice to make a frame that is 6 x 12 foot .
3*I would plan on getting a 3500 lb torsion axle with 15 inch tires.

1*You might find a better used one at a better price and save a lot of headaches and responsibility.
2*I'm looking for an 18' long By 7.5 wide trailer for my BX23; therefore I don't think 6 x 12 is large enough for your B 7500.
3*This is way inadequate.
You need at least 2 3500 pound axles with electric bakes on all 4 wheels.The tires should be 16''.

 

[George2615]

Here's a link to H&H trailer for a 14' single axle trailer. I'm sure there are many other companies who compare. Note that this trailer with one 3500 lb axle is only rated for a load of 2240 lb. The second trailer (2 axle) is more what you would need.


H & H Trailer Company - SS 8x14F SS

http://www.hhtrailer.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=190&Itemid=281

 

[LBrown59]

Inkomodius[/SIZE]]
***I'd probably run dual 2500 lbs axle or a single 4500.

2 3000 axles is the correct choice.
I would not go with a single axle 4500 pound or any other rating.
Have a blow out on a single axle and yer in a heap of trouble.

 

[zmansmac]

Thank you all for your good advice. I was trying to shy away from a tandom axle because of the additional cost. That was a good point made about a blowout with a single axle though. It's comments like that which make me appreciative of the experience and advice of the folks on this forum. While I had this dream about planning a good metal working project like this I think, for economic reasons, I'll go back to looking for a used trailer on craigslist.