Trailer from Travel Trailer

[wmgeorge]

I have a chance to purchase a 16 foot single axle travel trailer frame. Just wanted something to haul my Case skid loader 1816C on, the machine weight is just under 2,000 lbs. The frame has electric brakes and I would need to reinforce crossways and install planks for a floor. Tie downs and ramps also needed. Also planning on new tires and wiring of course.

So is this a project that is worth while? Yes I have all the shop toys and I did build a 3 point backhoe, with no welds broken after 4 years.

Comments and advise taken.

BTW he wants $300 for the frame and its a 80 mile round trip to pick it up.

[AD5MB]

I saw a ~'62 Ford Falcon on a single axle trailer. Axle looked like a recurved bow, tires were knock-kneed.

[1-800miner]

Tandem axles,only way to go

[John Stevenson]

I saw a ~'62 Ford Falcon on a single axle trailer. Axle looked like a recurved bow, tires were knock-kneed.

Other than that it was OK ?

[sasquatch]

Well, i,m thinking if this was caught on the road here in Ontario, you wouldn,t get far.
The road cops would be on this in a flash, seized the trailer, towed to a compound, and a big fine handed out.

For a short trip down a back road at night might be fine.

[wmgeorge]

Curious as to comments on tandem trailer. I have a 18 ft Sea Ray inboard boat that runs on the road fine, using the factory supplied single axle trailer. If the travel trailer was used on the road, what do you think it had for weight on top?

[Willy]

The most important piece of info you should have is the GVW tag info from the trailer in question. Without that all we can do is speculate.

As a general rule travel trailers are made on the light side for ease of towing. They don't always stand up well to commercial or industrial use.

Having said that, many single axle travel trailers in that size range weigh roughly 1800-2500 lbs. with a GVW of up to 3500-3800 lbs. Don't forget that a well balanced load should put about 10-15% of that weight on the tow vehicle.

But without an axle weight rating, tire, wheel, brake ratings, and that all important GVW tag, all we could possibly do is speculate. See if the present owner can give you more info before you take the plunge.

[Carld]

wmgeorge, call the owner and ask him what brand axle and model number it is. If it is a Dexter axle it should be tagged with a rating. If you look on some axle sites for prices of Dexter axles with brakes you may find you can build a trailer better and cheaper than buying and reworking an old trailer.

On the other hand I bought a dual axle trailer used much cheaper than I could build one. Dual axles have the added safety in case one tire blows. I also have brakes on both axles for towing my Jeep or my tractor.

[wmgeorge]

wmgeorge, call the owner and ask him what brand axle and model number it is. If it is a Dexter axle it should be tagged with a rating. If you look on some axle sites for prices of Dexter axles with brakes you may find you can build a trailer better and cheaper than buying and reworking an old trailer.

On the other hand I bought a dual axle trailer used much cheaper than I could build one. Dual axles have the added safety in case one tire blows. I also have brakes on both axles for towing my Jeep or my tractor.

Thinking it is going to cost another 400 - 600 to weld in cross braces, wire and lights, planks for the floor and then new tires. I'd just rent one but its $100 each time and the trailer weighs more than this little skid loader.

Now I see a local ad for a trailer made from a 1 ton truck bed and wheels of course. It has 10 ply tires and was used for hauling firewood. Looks heavy duty in the picture and its priced at $500. I would use this 2 times a year to travel 125 miles one way loaded with the skid steer, Case 1816C.

[Spookydad]

Not accounting for any legal issues....

Tires are the most important thing to consider when looking at a trailer. Even full size tires are not going to exceed 3500lbs per tire. Small trailer tires are far less. This includes the load AND the trailer.

When you look at those little utility trailer that have a rating of 600-800 lbs, it looks like the steel frame would take a LOT more than that, especially if you bolt a double layer of 3/4" plywood to the deck. It is the tires that are limiting the load, as they usually have tiny crappy wheels on the trailer.

I have a WWII truck that weighs 12,000 lbs and to get a trailer that will carry that load, you have to add around 6000 lbs for the trailer itself. So I need one with 6 - 8 wheels and 3 7,500 lb or 2 10,000 lb axles.

Neil