Utility trailer build

[tputterman]

I picked up this truck bed trailer for free. My goal is to built this into a utility trailer I can use for my business and for camping. My goal is to do all the work myself, obviously, and to use as much reclaimed materials as possible. Through my work I can barter for a lot of materials.

My view for this trailer...
1. Storage- I want to build out the sides and create storage lockers around the wheel fender, like a utility bed. Interior I would like fold down shelves, I transport Live Bees for work and need spots for my hives. But, stll want it to beable to load is up when the are folded down to make runs to the dump or use it transport stuff.
2. Work shelf- I want to incorporate a folding or retractable work bench of sorts. I could incorporate thia i to the top of the lockers on the exterior or use the folding shelve on the interior.
3. Ladder storage- I carry a few ladders ranging from 6ft A-frames to 24ft extensions.
4. Enclosed/semi-enclosed
5. Tank/pump/hose- I would like (2) 8gals tanks, one for fresh water and one for pesticide, a surflo pump and either a place to store a spray hose or a hole reel attached somewhere.

I am sure I will have more for this list as I build. I appreciate any input or advice!

 

[cruiserpilot]

Looks like a great start. If you use that drop down axle you should be able to keep it fairly low,
make it easier to load beehives and stuff in and out. Probably drop a bunch of unnecessary weight
by removing that tail gate thing. Looks kinda heavy. Do the stock rails just slide out
of the stake pockets? Looks like a fun project

 

[tputterman]

Looks like a great start. If you use that drop down axle you should be able to keep it fairly low,
make it easier to load beehives and stuff in and out. Probably drop a bunch of unnecessary weight
by removing that tail gate thing. Looks kinda heavy. Do the stock rails just slide out
of the stake pockets? Looks like a fun project

The drop down axle is what I planned on using, but today when I took the hub off the other side I noticed it was bent...is it repairable or do I need to replace it? The guy gave me two ut the other one is to narrow to use, bummer...

I plan on removing that tailgate and building a new one.

 

[tputterman]

On a fun note...I used my "new to me" oxy acetylene torch for the first time today. I am teaching myself to use it.

 

[cruiserpilot]

That spindle has burnt, probably melted the wheel right off. I have experience with that
New axle I think, unless that spindle is replaceable. I’d go new. Then you have a known starting point.
Happiness is cutting steel with fire!

 

[tputterman]

That spindle has burnt, probably melted the wheel right off. I have experience with that
New axle I think, unless that spindle is replaceable. I’d go new. Then you have a known starting point.
Happiness is cutting steel with fire!

Damn. Ok...it isnt replacable. I thought about trying to heat it up and bending it back but wasnt sure how smart of an idea that was. Ill start looking for a new axle

 

[tputterman]

What about splicing the spare one I have to make it longer? If i cut it dead center and Insert a section of square tubing and Weld it would there be any issues? I'm starting to have a sneaking suspicion that's why he had the extra axle

 

[tputterman]

What about splicing the spare one I have to make it longer? If i cut it dead center and Insert a section of square tubing and Weld it would there be any issues? I'm starting to have a sneaking suspicion that's why he had the extra axle

 

[cjmoon]

I’ve adjusted axle width with that style axle using square tube and corrected for camber. But I flipped mine for lift. I have a trailer build thread i here some where that shows some of the details.

 

[tputterman]

Nice. I'm going to go that route. Im not flipping it just. Ecause my 4runner is still stock height and if I flip it it would be to high. Maybe when I finally lift the 4runner. Im gonna look for your thread

 

[cruiserpilot]

What about splicing the spare one I have to make it longer? If i cut it dead center and Insert a section of square tubing and Weld it would there be any issues? I'm starting to have a sneaking suspicion that's why he had the extra axle

That's been done but not admitted. You have to be confident in your welding fab. Have to clean that old one up to see if it is viable. Axles aren't that expensive, and that's ground zero of the worst that can go wrong

 

[tputterman]

I feel pretty confident I can weld it up pretty good. I hope...

I cut out the floor of the trailer today. The previous owner tack welded a peice of sheet metal over the wood floor, which is completely rotted. So tomorrow I'm going to pull all the wood and figure out what my plan will be for a floor. I'm thinking expanded metal for the floor. My reasoning is honey comb and dripping honey is messy and sticky and not easy to clean off wood so expaned metal I can spray off with my power washer, but not worry about water sitting or rusting out. Plus it will reduce weight. Thoughts?

 

[ntsqd]

My grandfather built his trailer, that I now have, to take a piece of 3/4" plywood for the floor and he made it easy to replace. Literally lift it out, cut the new panel for length, and drop it into place. I recommend a couple of hold-downs. One of the panels replaced was because with nothing in the trailer it sailed out. and was damaged on landing in the empty road.

 

[tputterman]

So I've been thinking today about what i want to do for "work bench" space. I have an idea for a swing out or fold over. Folded in it would act like a partial bed cover style work bench when standing in the trailer at the front of the trailer bed and I could swing or fold out the section so I could work outside the trailer also

 

[tputterman]

Got the trailer torn down to the frame. Debating how tall/deep to make the trailer, 24" or 20", also debating if i want to reuse the old tub or use the upper rails I removed.

 

[Drake2]

Damn, I did not know Prescott Valley, AZ got snow.........bet the scorpions don't like that one bit, LOL.

 

[tputterman]

Damn, I did not know Prescott Valley, AZ got snow.........bet the scorpions don't like that one bit, LOL.

We got a ton of snow New Years Eve.

 

[Drake2]

LOL, looks like Wisconsin. Glad to share the misery with you

 

[tputterman]

Decided to go with 20" deep...

 

[tputterman]

How many leafs should this trailer have? This seems much...