McCool's basic trailer build

[Mccool]

My name is McCool and I'm building a trailer. I've gathered so much information from threads here, I thought I'd post my own build to contribute.


Initially, I drew up extensive plans for a fancy teardrop style trailer. But with 4 kids, I realized I didn't want to invest 300+ hours into a build when I could be spending that time with my kids. So I decided to reevaluate. In the end, I decided to keep it simple and build a basic box trailer.


There won't be anything groundbreaking here. Eventually I'll add a water tank, full electric, solar, slide out kitchen/fridge, etc. But for now, I'm just trying to get a usable trailer built.


I'll try to catch everyone up to speed. Here's the frame welded up. Its made from 2.5" square tubing.

 

[Mccool]

Next, I ran the wires for the taillights. I also picked up a 3500lb dexter axle and wheels and tires that match my tahoe

 

[Mccool]

At this point I had only worked on it for 15 or 30 minutes at a time, But I knew the next step would be a long one. I borrowed a plasma cutter and wanted to get the box sides cut as well as build the running boards. All told, these steps took 7 or 8 hours over a weekend. The sides are 16 gauge steel, the running boards are 14g diamond plate. The fenders I bought from northern tool and stretched a little bit.

 

[Mccool]

In a couple pics above, you can see the 1"x2" I used for the top rail as well as the 1.25" uprights for my tent rack.

 

[Mccool]

Since that weekend two weeks ago, im back to working on it 30 minutes at a time. Here's where I'm at currently. I finished the tent rack, it uses 50lb struts to lift. I also started on the tailgate, I'll take pics of that shortly.

 

[Mccool]

Here's a few more pics

 

[john61ct]

Great work, love the KISS process

tent rack, it uses 50lb struts to lift

more details on that bit, links?

I'm going to need heavier duty, but don't want to go automated electric, hand cranking, jacks whatever. . .

 

[Mccool]

Great work, love the KISS process
more details on that bit, links?

I'm going to need heavier duty, but don't want to go automated electric, hand cranking, jacks whatever. . .

Thanks!

Sure thing, here's what I used. They have a 16" stroke and come in 50,100,150,200 or 250lb sizes. I'm using 4 of the 50 pound ones. I have one mounted on each post of the rack. The rack is made of 1" square tubing that slips into the 1.25" square uprights. Hopefully that explains it, if you need more info I'm happy to help.

https://www.mcmaster.com/#catalog/124/1301/=1cdznn8

 

[Mccool]

Well it hasn't been the most productive week but I've got a few things done since the last post.

I mounted the awning
I made the initial cuts and placed the floor in
I finished the tailgate

 

[john61ct]

Great work, love the KISS process
more details on that bit, links?

I'm going to need heavier duty, but don't want to go automated electric, hand cranking, jacks whatever. . .

Thanks!

Sure thing, here's what I used. They have a 16" stroke and come in 50,100,150,200 or 250lb sizes. I'm using 4 of the 50 pound ones. I have one mounted on each post of the rack. The rack is made of 1" square tubing that slips into the 1.25" square uprights. Hopefully that explains it, if you need more info I'm happy to help.

https://www.mcmaster.com/#catalog/124/1301/=1cdznn8

Thanks, must've missed it when you posted.

I'm looking for 3-4' and as heavy duty as possible, total weight maybe 700#.

That seems unrealistic in this category?

 

[Mccool]

The weight shouldn't be an issue, but I don't know about 3'-4' stroke. These were the longest I could find, ideally I wanted 25".

 

[john61ct]

Darn. Maybe I'll look for a custom maker, mechanism not exactly rocket science.

Although I suppose physics may limit things, like lift on a water pump.

 

[Mccool]

Decided to hook the trailer up to see how it looked. It sits pretty well.

 

[Mccool]

Well in normal fashion, I got 90% finished and then stopped. But I'm back on it. I made the lid, still need to get the struts figured out but it latches and locks. I also got a plate for it. Here's a few pics, we are taking it to padre island national seashore in a couple weeks

 

[Mccool]

My struts for the lid showed up today. I thought it would take me a few hours to figure the placement out but I got lucky on the first try, took about 20 minutes. They are 90 pound struts with an 8" stroke from McMaster. I also moved the license plate over so it wasn't blocked by the trasharoo.