Camptrailer to Flatbed Conversion questions

[thill2007]

I recently picked up an old gutted camptrailer to build a flat trailer out of to haul my fourwheelers. I got it stripped down to the frame and I think I have decided how i want to build it. I am going to use 2 inch square tubing (1/8 inch thick) and attach it across the two pieces of c-channel every couple of feet, and then deck it out with something (still being determined).

I am wondering if it would be possible to bolt the square tubing to the channel iron rather than welding it??? I dont have a welder and if i bought/borrowed one im not too handy with it anyways.

Some specs: The trailer is about 15 feet long and it is 5' 7 1/2" wide from the outside edges of the c-channel. There are only a few supports (5 to be exact) welded between the channel iron. I will set the tubing on top of the c-channel and essentially build a flat deck on top of the existing trailer frame.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks alot

 

[sirenmoses]

pix would help.

personally, I'd build a hauler from scratch, rather than mod an iffy frame. camp trailers don't have the same dynamic load as haulers.

just sayn'

 

[Ebag333]

I've seen people do it, so it can be done. As said, not sure I'd trust it to heavy loads. Buy an arc welder and learn to weld. You can pick up a Lincoln buzz box for around $250 new, less than half that used, and it'll weld anything you want to.

 

[thill2007]

Hey thanks for the advice, i appreciate it. I ended up borrowing a welder and practicing a bunch (havent welded in probably 2 years) and i actually wasnt bad at all. The trailer is coming along great! I almost have the frame finished. I have looked at some trailers around town and so far none of them are built as sturdy as this one. i think its a little heavy but still not too bad. I bought new leaf springs, brakes, hubs, and all the hardware. I think its going to turn out great. I will try to get some pictures up. Thanks again