What is the material they use for enclosed trailers? I may try building my own.

[jimgerken]

I would like to buy some of the wall material they use for enclosed trailers, like cargo haulers and snowmobile trailers. I am talking about the painted aluminum skin that is typically rivetted to a welded tubular structure. The skin itself- can a guy buy that stuff? Where?

I did a quick search and found a couple suppliers, but looking for alternatives that yo umight know of.

If you havent guessed, I am weighing the alternatives between building and buying a trailer. They seem to get a load of money for these trailers, and I wonder if a guy could do better if he ignored his time input. I already have the torsion axle, hubs, wheels and tires, all new and standing by.

Thanks.

 

[George2615]

Are you talking a single or double axle enclosed trailer. Double and single axle enclosed trailers are on CL all the time in my area. I couldn't build one for the price of a used one.

 

[jimgerken]

Yea, I was thinking of a super lightweight single axle, 6 or 7 X 16, only 5 feet high inside the box. Two sleds or two quads, approx 1200 lb load, hopefully trailer weighs 1000 empty. Similar to a Triton TC 167.

 

[George2615]

I don't know what singles go for new but you should be able to buy sheet aluminum most anywhere. Price out everything you need for the job and compare to new prices.

 

[Groo]

The only reason to build a trailer is if it is something unique that you can't easily buy.

 

[mikehaugen]

My dad had some rolls of aluminum that I believe had the same intended purpose. I think he got them from harbor freight. Cant remember the gauge, but they were called "trim rolls" or something. They were intended for flashing I believe and about 24" wide.

They were pretty thin though, not really sure how well they would work and he never went through with the project. They may work okay if you put them over some thin plywood, but it probably wouldn't meet your weight requirements then.

 

[Brad_Blazer]

Fiberglass panels might work. They weigh 20lb each so about 200lb & $350 to cover your trailer.

4 ft. x 8 ft. White .090 FRP Wall Board-MFTF12IXA480009600 at The Home Depot

Shop Panolam 0.09-in x 4-ft x 8-ft White Frp Fiberglass Reinforced Wall Panel at Lowes.com

 

[bamboozled]

You can't build one for the price of a new one, let alone a used one. Unless for some reason you have all of the supplies laying around already.

 

[ace10]

Fiberglass panels might work. They weigh 20lb each so about 200lb & $350 to cover your trailer.

4 ft. x 8 ft. White .090 FRP Wall Board-MFTF12IXA480009600 at The Home Depot

Shop Panolam 0.09-in x 4-ft x 8-ft White Frp Fiberglass Reinforced Wall Panel at Lowes.com

I don't think those FRP panels are constructed to withstand impacts with debris at highway speeds. Trailer skins need to be strong yet able to conform to movement in the frame and skeleton.

 

[jenkinsph]

If you are interested in fiberglass sheeting look at Filon which is available in rolls up to 60' x 12' IIRC. It is available in different weights and is commonly used on RVs' and trailers.

My preference is for the white on white aluminum sheeting which I have on my Haulmark enclosed trailer. I agree with others that you can buy a trailer cheaper than you can build your own.