Trailer conversion

Slamfire · Dec 1, 2006

I've an old ('68) Prowler 19' camping trailer. The camper portion itself is pretty much shot. I put my foot through the floor in the right front, and the side wood is dry rotted in that area, also.
I'm thinkin' of pulling of the camper body and putting a floor on to make a utility trailer. The brake work just fine. Trouble is I have no idea what the weight rating is. The trailer is so old there is no dry weight listed on any of the factory tags, just model and serial numbers.
Anybody got an idea of how to judge the weight rating?

BTDT · Dec 2, 2006

Does it still have a license tag on it? It should be on your registration papers, if those are gone, go to court house/tax office, they can probably look it up for you. Is the company that made it still in business, maybe they could help or have some online info?

Egon · Dec 2, 2006

Try and find some kind of identification on the axle. That should tell the tale.

I'd just go ahead, make the conversion and haul light loads.

gordon21 · Dec 2, 2006

Weigh it in the current condition. Add 500# for personal effects and that is probably the original maximum rating. They were never rated to haul several people as part of the load. People were assumed to be in the tow vehicle. Rated max capacities would include a full water tank, full LP, full refrigerator and a few pounds for clothes and not much else. Update the tires and you're good to go.

kenmac · Dec 3, 2006

I just built a trailer 5' w x 12' L & have no idea as to how much weight it will haul. I have hauled both of my ATV'S on it without any problems. I had a personal water craft trailer that someone gave me & I converted it into a utility trailer 4' W x 10' L . I don't know the weight rating ,but I have 2' side rails & have had it loaded with wood all the way to the top of the side rails with no problems. I figure when the springs bottom out ,It's over loaded

Slamfire · Dec 5, 2006

BTDT said:
Does it still have a license tag on it? It should be on your registration papers, if those are gone, go to court house/tax office, they can probably look it up for you. Is the company that made it still in business, maybe they could help or have some online info?

I do have it currenty registered, I'll check the form, maybe the title also. Thanks for the suggestion.