"upgrading" my utility trailer (1 Viewer)

[oldboyscout]

Hello,
I'm a noob here but have been lurking for a year or so. First want to say thanks to all for the info I've picked up.

I'd appreciate anyones thoughts on my project:

I have a 4x6 utility trailer that I've been using to carry everything from canoes, camping gear to firewood. But it's time that it take on a proper off-road form.
I plan to increase the height of the sides to 2' but keep the overall construction.
I need to make a tub 2' high for it and am unsure of how heavy to make it.
16 gauge would weigh 160 lbs and 14 ga is 200 lbs. Since it would be used to haul firewood and gravel (up to 2500 lbs-about 1/2 cord) ) a few times a year I want it heavy enough to withstand the beating, but at the same time I'd like to keep it as light as possible.
next question is how much additional bracing with angle or flat stock might it need besides the sheet metal box?
Of course I'm also upgrading the axle and wheels, and building a better boat rack.
Thanks in advance!

 

[Brian in Oregon]

Why not just make taller expanded mesh sides?

And for all the work you're talking about, especially upgrading the axle, why not get another trailer and leave this one as-is? A jeep trailer or a trailer made from a small import pickup would probably do everything you need. The latter could accept a canopy, and the canoes could fit on top of it.

 

[oldboyscout]

I already have enough pieces of equipment around the house, so I'm trying to keep it to 1 trailer.

I realized I can simply put plywood on the bottom when hauling gravel or firewood, but I still don't know if the 16 ga is stiff enough for the tub otherwise.

Anyone know what gauge an M416 is made of?

 

[womacje]

16ga for the sides should be fine. If you want to protect the sides when hauling gravel and the likes, throw some masonite sides in when hauling loads that may damage the sheet. masonite is cheap and easy to cut, plywood floor and youre done!

 

[oldboyscout]

thanks. I need the sheet metal to stiffen the whole frame because I've already bent it carrying firewood.

I also need to figure out what width axle to use. the frame is 49" wide and I'm using 10.5" wide tires on rims with 3.5" backspacing. I don't know how much space i should leave between the tires and the frame.

 

[se2000]

I agree with selling that trailer and getting something that will work for you. Lots of old pickup bed trailers around and you could put a cap or rack on it for the boats