New trailer planning stages

[MTJohn]

I'm in the planning stages of a building a trailer. I bought some plans for a 5x8 trailer and that looks straightforward. I really like the looks of the M101 trailers and am wondering about trying to copy one of those. I'm assuming after I complete my three welding classes in November (something like 110 hours of training) I should be able to weld something together.

In looking at steel, I found that a local supplier forms conveyors. If you look at #7 in the picture, it looks a lot like the M101 shape. Not sure what this would cost, Seems like it would be easy to get the formed up box and then do a frame and axles plus close off the front and add a tailgate on the back. If I use light gauge steel, it may need some stiffening on the sides.

Usually if it looks easy, I'm missing something. I suppose I should find out the cost before I spend a lot of mental energy on this.

What think you all?

 

[uplandhawaii]

Looks good, I'm about to start something similar. What size and thickness metal are you using for the frame? I was thinking 1/8 or 3/16" 2X2 box tubing for mine.

 

[MTJohn]

Below is the bill of materials for the storebought plans. I kind of like the idea of using square tube. however. The C channel is 4"x1.584" and .184 thick. Square tube is supposed to be stronger than C channel, but I see they specify 3/16 for the square tube tongue. Hate to have it any heavier than it has to be. These plans are from real engineers for a 3,500 lb trailer.

4" x 5.4 lb. C-Channel
_ 2 @ 96" _ main rail channels.
_ 1 @ 62.5" _ rear bed bumper channel.
2 1/2" x 1 1/2" x 3/16" Angle
_ 5 @ 62.14" _ cross members.
_ 2 @ 28" _ tongue angle braces.
2" x 1 1/2" x 3/16" Angle
_ 1 @ 62.5" _ trailer bed front.
_ 2 @ 26" _ rear angle braces.
_ 3 @ 10" _ bed support angles.
_ 1 @ 62.5" _ bent front angle.
_ 2 @ 48" _ axle spring mount angle.
3/16" Square Tube
_ 1 @ 96" _ tongue tube

 

[uplandhawaii]

I was thinking of using 3/16" for the tongue as well. I want to keep it as light as safely possible. I think Ill end up using the 1/8" box for the frame and the 3/16" box for the tongue.

I thought of using angle or channel but I like the box for strenght and aesthetics.

 

[KY854RUN]

These plans are from real engineers for a 3,500 lb trailer.

How much do you plan to carry in your trailer? 3500 pounds is a lot of stuff.

The M416 is listed as a 1/4 ton trailer, but it can carry a lot more than 500 Lb. The frame of the M416 is 12 gauge C-channel. 12 gauge is 0.098 to 0.100 steel. The tongue bars of the M416 are 1/8" (0.125).

Also, how big of a trailer are you planning to build? If what you want is an off-road trailer about 4' x 6' in size, then you can build it lighter than what those plans call for in materials. If you made the frame using 2" x 3" 12 gauge box tubing and 3/16 for the tongue, it would easily carry 1,000 pounds. This would reduce the trailer weight by about 1/4.

IIRC, if you want to match the Toyota 6 on 5.5" bolt pattern, then you will need to order a 3500 Lb axle.

 

[MTJohn]

How much do you plan to carry in your trailer? 3500 pounds is a lot of stuff.

Certainly not 3,500 lbs. I suspect not more than a ton, including the trailer. The problem is I have no experience here and am substituting steel size for knowledge.

The plans that I have are for a 5 x 8 trailer. Realistically a 4 x 6 trailer would do 99% of what I need it for. If I did the 5x8 it would be the plywood deck - wood sides kind of deal for hauling lumber, dirt etc. If I do a 4x6, I may try to replicate the M101 styling.

Thanks for the reality check on size. I bought a book on steel steel load and resistance factors, but I have to admit that the formulas are a little beyond my abilities.