Hi,

I'm wondering what kind of utility type trailers people are pulling behind their Elements? I've checked out one like the "SportPod" and "SportTote" on the web and they look alright, but I"m just wondering what other options there are.

Thanks,

Terry

I've got a 5X8 that carries everything (like a fridg to the dump)

Hi,

I'm wondering what kind of utility type trailers people are pulling behind their Elements? I've checked out one like the "SportPod" and "SportTote" on the web and they look alright, but I"m just wondering what other options there are.

Thanks,

Terry

I use a 4'X8' from Harbor Freight for hauling firewood and/or my motorcycle.

I'm wondering what kind of utility type trailers people are pulling behind their Elements?

I've got a Snowbear 5X8 (http://www.snowbear.com/) that I picked up at Home Depot for about $500. Works great for hauling small amounts of hay bales, lawn tractor, and other assorted junk.

How much have you towed? I am thinking about a 2000 lb. boat. Any have Experience towing with the Element?

Sal

what are your boat ramps like?

If 2000 lb is the weight of the boat, what's the weight including trailer and gear?

If you have experience with towing, and need to tow this boat on a temporary basis, go ahead and try it. However, if you are dreaming of buying this boat, and the Element is your ownly towing option, forget it. Either get a different tow vehicle, or get a different boat.

The reason why ask about ramps is the pulling a loaded boat up a steep ramp is one of the hardest things you would be asking the Element to do. Especially so if you have a fwd Element. Of course if you have experience with towing boats you would already know this.

paulj

I can just see the pictures now, of just the Element's roof sticking up from underneath the lake...

:shock:

I was just asking for "Real Life" experience. My wife has a PT Cruiser that is rated for 1000 LB, but regularly pulls 1400 lb with no problem. PT Cruiser users report pulling 1800 lb with ease. Probably due to the gearing of the car. I know that the Elemnt is "rated" for 1500 lb. I am considering buying a 5 Speed AWD Element. I was hoping to hear of users experience with towing. I have a fair amount of experienc pulling boats and trailers of ALL sizes. I also know that the manufacturer frequently specifies a lower limit for a cars capacity. They assume that the machine will be used at that capacity ALL the time. I am talking about pulling a boat MAYBE 20 miles a week. :shock:

Any REAL experience with this?

Sal

if you do a little searching, you will find more answers

i seem to recall someone around chicago towed 3000 lbs while moving

someone else a 2000lb travel trailer through the mountains.


of course trailer brakes will help a lot. and low angled boat ramps!

No real experience with the Element yet, but for years I have generally followed the unwritten rule of the trailer being no more than 2/3 the weight of the tow vehicle. I have followed this for a long time with other vehicles and haven't had any trouble...and I'll eventually continue the trend this coming Summer with my Element.

My title shows a weight of 3428#, and 2/3 of that would be 2262#...so I'll have no trouble pulling a 1700# VW Beetle or an even lighter dune buggy around.:)

*your results may vary...this guideline is just that*

I regularly tow a pop up camper that runs around 1500lbs and up to 1700lbs wheb packed for a VERY long trip. I also tow my jet ski to the lake at least once a week and it weighs in around 1400lbs. I live in the mountains in WV and have had no trouble towing either and never felt like I was in danger with them otherwise I wouldnt do it. I am very comfortable with towing a trailer because I have done it so often for so long, but I think if your new to trailering perhaps you should start out with something smaller. The key is to remember your towing and keep a LONG following distance and stay alert.

I regularly tow a pop up camper that runs around 1500lbs and up to 1700lbs wheb packed for a VERY long trip. I also tow my jet ski to the lake at least once a week and it weighs in around 1400lbs. I live in the mountains in WV and have had no trouble towing either and never felt like I was in danger with them otherwise I wouldnt do it. I am very comfortable with towing a trailer because I have done it so often for so long, but I think if your new to trailering perhaps you should start out with something smaller. The key is to remember your towing and keep a LONG following distance and stay alert.

I'm glad to have seen your post. I was 99% sure that the Element would have no problems towing this weight (given that the max load capacity is 1500lbs) . I'll be towing a tent trailer this summer and when the numbers didn't fit, the nervousness kicked in. Thanks for the reassurance. :)

GT

Hey guys!

I found this picture on line....

Aloha,
5th

I'm looking for a trailer for occasional use. The lowest price I have come across are assemble yourself products from Harbor Freight:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=40597
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=90154
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=42709
Anyone have experience or thoughts on these?
Thanks, joel

I'm looking for a trailer for occasional use. The lowest price I have come across are assemble yourself products from Harbor Freight:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=40597
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=90154
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=42709
Anyone have experience or thoughts on these?
Thanks, joel

Hi Joel,

I have one. Assembly was easy, built my own sides. I use it for firewood and to haul my motorcycle.

Only problem was getting it street legal in Pa. I had to jump through quite a few hoops since they come shipped as kits. Pa. has some strict rules about getting kits registered. Also, Harbor Freight never signed or notarized the certificate of origin (which is required in Pa. to transfer title).

Luckily there's a harbor freight nearby and I was able to get the manager there to do it. Then I had to wait 3 weeks to get the title and registration.

Once all that was done it was fine. Nice little trailer, light enough to move by hand and easy to tow with the E. Can't beat the price either.

How big is the box for the Harbour Freight trailers?

Will I need to borrow a pickup?

Maybe I could assemble it in the store's parking lot and tow it home?

How big is the box for the Harbour Freight trailers?

Will I need to borrow a pickup?

Maybe I could assemble it in the store's parking lot and tow it home?

2 Boxes and they fit in the E if you put the rear seats up. The assembly is easy but it may take you a few hours. Lots of bolts and some wiring.

I towed my Pinewood Derby track to the race yesterday on my 5X8 trailer....later that afternoon, I towed my uncle's tow dolly home with the E. I have not tried the E with a car on the dolly and I doubt I will...but maybe :-)

2 Boxes and they fit in the E if you put the rear seats up. The assembly is easy but it may take you a few hours. Lots of bolts and some wiring.

Thanks, I plan on getting one. I like the Harbor Freight store, mostly cheap tools but I always go home with something.

Budman & Trickyvick, Thanks for your comments, I appreciate them. It makes me feel better about a bolted together trailer.

I'm thinking about one of the hinged folding versions so it takes up less space when stored. Has any one tried a "folder"?

(For anyone else thinking about the kits who did not look at the online assembly manuals, the kits include clamps to build side rails all arround the trailer. I think I'll use door hinges with removable pins in the corners, to permit easier disassembly.)

joel

I bought a fold up but don't use it that way. The castors are extremely cheap looking and in fact one of mine was broken in shipping. Plus with the wiring I decided against trying to fold it. It's not exactly a quick release type of set up. There are bolts that need to be removed. Looked like more trouble than it was worth, although if you're hurtin' for space it'd be nice.

Budman, Again thanks for the good advice! joel

I got my 4 x 8 Harbor Freight Trailer for $199 and it probably took me about 3 - 3 1/2 hours to assemble.

I know that this is an old thread, but I bought a Harbor Freight folding trailer and put it together over a weekend. I'll post a picture tomorrow. I still have to install the floor and build the removable sides. It is the 4'x8' trailer with 12' wheels. Rated at 1474#. I intend to use it to haul stuff to the dump, mulch, furniture, etc.

My did come with a certificate of origin which should make titling it easier. VA charges $15 a year or ~$50 for a lifetime plate.

i have a 5x8 utility trailer from carry-on trailers. weight is 350 lbs.

I know that this is an old thread,

An oldie but goodie... it's nice to see these dredged up.

Please post pics of your trailer project when you can.

:)

I know that this is an old thread, but I bought a Harbor Freight folding trailer and put it together over a weekend. I'll post a picture tomorrow. I still have to install the floor and build the removable sides. It is the 4'x8' trailer with 12' wheels. Rated at 1474#. I intend to use it to haul stuff to the dump, mulch, furniture, etc.

My did come with a certificate of origin which should make titling it easier. VA charges $15 a year or ~$50 for a lifetime plate.

Same same only I bought the non-folding trailer, rated at about 1700lbs.

PM me and I can send you pictures.

Yeah, I just got a HF folding 4X8 as well. I just finished it today.
When I started putting it together, I got so disgusted with the "wambly" construction that I welded all the struts together and put a couple cross-bars on it. Frankly, it only helped a little. :rolleyes:
I redid the grounding system on it, because it doesn't have one as it's designed and described in the manual.
However, for the cost, I can't complain (much) and it will do what it says.
Also, for safety and longevity, I would suggest packing the wheel bearings with real grease.

I just got back from Harbor Freight Headquarters in Camarillo with the same trailerIt was nice to see them on display before I bought. I also bought the nice metal side panels. Sorry to hear that it's wobbly, but I own a nice Tig welder and it won't bother me to hit every joint and add another bar or two. I just don't want to add too much weight, need to be able to haul my toys to the "E" Humbolt Camp-out. :D. Some day when we can post pics again, I post them.

The only wobble I have from mine is in the tongue arm from the tilt action. You really have to keep the load toward the front to keep it from rocking up on you as you drive. I used 6 inch deck boards to make a floor and it is rock solid. I have loaded it pretty heavy with rocks for a landscaping project and the axle was bent out a bit but sprang right back after unloading it.

Last night I just hauled a friends golf cart to their new house and it did fine. They liked the trailer so much they are going to go get one. For the price you can't beat it.

These trailers are great, and I looked at them before buying, but ended up getting a 5x8 tilt trailer with sides and tailgate for $300 from a guy nearby through the newspaper classifieds. It works great and has paid for itself many times over already. You really can't beat having a handy all-purpose trailer around.

well guys.....I'll be headed out to the Tractor Supply Company tomorrow morning to pick up a 5' x 8' utility trailer.....they are made by carryon & depending on how much you wanna spend you can get the floor in either metal, mesh, wood, or trex......they come with 14" wheels, full brake lights & running lights, side rails & a drop down tail gate.......
http://www.tractorsupply.com/images/productImages/prod_600_by_600/1090202.jpg
I'll promtly be adding a spare tire mount, a landing gear & a utility box on the front to store all my straps, tarps & tie downs.....I'm also already looking for 2 or 3 EX wheels from an 05' so it matches the E.........

I'll let you all know how it goes.......... Pat

Hi all,

I'm in the process of purchasing this trailer:

http://www.tritontrailers.com/models1.asp?ModelID=23

I need a trailer with a bed wider than 5 feet. We'll use it to carry our kayaks, my wife's horse cart, our mowers, hay, fence posts and rails, lumber, etc. It only weighs 550 pounds and has a 12' 6" long by 79" wide bed. We can pull the heavier stuff with my wife's pickup. It's a little more than I wanted to spend, but I think it will best suit our needs. A similarly sized steel trailer that I looked at weighed 900 pounds but was about $600 cheaper.

Bill

I just went out bought the Harbor Freight 4x8 trailer, put it together, decking, side wall panels, tie downs, kayak racks and DMV; and then I come across a website (http://www.rackandroll.com/) that has the trailer of my dreams. What a thing of beauty! I want one so bad. too bad christmas is so far away.:D

[QUOTE=goosler;460203]well guys.....I'll be headed out to the Tractor Supply Company tomorrow morning to pick up a 5' x 8' utility trailer.....they are made by carryon & depending on how much you wanna spend you can get the floor in either metal, mesh, wood, or trex......they come with 14" wheels, full brake lights & running lights, side rails & a drop down tail gate.......
http://www.tractorsupply.com/images/productImages/prod_600_by_600/1090202.jpg
I'll promtly be adding a spare tire mount, a landing gear & a utility box on the front to store all my straps, tarps & tie downs.....I'm also already looking for 2 or 3 EX wheels from an 05' so it matches the E.........

I'll let you all know how it goes.......... Pat[/QUOTE




this is the same trailer that i bought at lowes. i put plywood down on the floor. also those are 12" tires not 14".
the weight is 350 lbs without the wood. great trailer for the price.

I just got back from Harbor Freight Headquarters in Camarillo with the same trailerIt was nice to see them on display before I bought. I also bought the nice metal side panels. Sorry to hear that it's wobbly, but I own a nice Tig welder ...

I'm jealous. I have a really nice Miller Mig welder that is a step up from my old spark box, but I would like to get a TIG someday; welding aluminum is on my to-do list.

Use a lot of ventilation- that paint is nasty and thick. Even after I ground it off, it gave off a lot of fumes. I used a cut-off tool with a grinding wheel (instead of a cutoff wheel) on the joints before assembly, otherwise you can't remove the paint underneath where the parts meet up. A wire wheel on a rotary tool was too weak to effectively remove paint, but it worked well to clean up the little areas that I missed.

...then I come across a website (http://www.rackandroll.com/) that has the trailer of my dreams. What a thing of beauty! I want one so bad.

Me too. If it came at that price with all the accessories I wanted, I may consider it. But for a bare trailer, I don't think so.

didnt have time to get the trailer this weekend....dammit..... Saturday morning was spent selling off one of my VW's & the afternoon was spent parting out my now-retired Astro van......... maybe next weekend, If I can get the trans pulled out of the astro...then she can go rest in peace at the scrap yard....

well..........I unexpectedly bought my trailer tonight.....finally......I stopped by the home depot before picking up my wife from work & got an awesome deal on a "SnowBear" trailer......... 5.5' x 10' trailer for $790!!! Regular price was $999 but I got 20+% off because of "damage" to the trailer which amounted to a few scratches (that probably happened in transit) an a slightly bent marker light........I'll post up pictures tomorrow or this weekend, I forgot when I got home & unhooked it.........duh.......:grin:

Duffy (lower left corner) & I just finished setting up my spiffy new Harbor Freight Tools trailer. I installed 2" Speedrail to support the Kayaks and installed Commercial Aircraft "chair-rail" on three side so I use the nice little fittings when I tie down tarps or netting, also install the rubberised Diamond Plating.

(I sure hope the picture attachment works)


It doesn't :x

i've been hauling band equipment for 2 years behind the element in a yuppie wagon. it is perfect~
http://www.tandrtrailer.com/different/

Do they come in the same color as the plastic panels on your E? :-)

I pull a kendon trailer with a 1,000 lb harley trike with no problems.

IF WE WEREN’T ALL READY CRAZY
WE WOULD PROBABLY GO INSANE

Hi all,

I just picked up my new trailer yesterday. It's an aluminum Triton ATV128. It weighs 552 pounds and tows very nicely behind the E.

Bill

http://www.lvmoc.net/gallery/albums/album191/25_E_and_trailer.jpg

http://www.lvmoc.net/gallery/albums/album191/26_E_and_trailer.jpg

Hi all,

I just picked up my new trailer yesterday. It's an aluminum Triton ATV128. It weighs 552 pounds and tows very nicely behind the E.

Bill

http://www.lvmoc.net/gallery/albums/album191/25_E_and_trailer.jpg

http://www.lvmoc.net/gallery/albums/album191/26_E_and_trailer.jpg

Tango, that is one nice trailer. We're talking about a second ATV and we need something bigger. Where did you get it?

Tango, that is one nice trailer. We're talking about a second ATV and we need something bigger. Where did you get it?

Perfdata,

Thanks, I think it will suit our purposes well although we don't have ATVs. :rolleyes:

It will hold 3 ATVs and can be loaded from the side. There is a ramp that slides out from the rear and attaches to either side or the back. It's made by Triton Trailers, headquartered in Wisconsin. I live in SE PA and have a couple of local dealers. They don't list their dealers on their website but do list email addresses for their regional managers. I got a reply in one day from the manager in my region. Here is a link to their site and the map that shows the regions:

http://www.tritontrailers.com/map.shtml

Bill

I finally got to use our new trailer for one of its intended uses yesterday evening, so I thought I would post a pic.

Bill

http://www.lvmoc.net/gallery/albums/album191/eandtrailer.jpg

Looks like it does the job for you.

I found out that my local dealer is also one of my clients, stopped by there and they were putting one together. Very nice, I like how the tires sit under the deck. I was surprised how wide they are.

I've been towing the motorcycle for a couple of years with my '04 'toaster'. The only problem is the required 18" ball height, which requires a gooseneck ball hitch. No problems hauling one bike, but I'm avoiding towing both bikes (the wife has a sportster) because of the gooseneck. I have a dealer installed hitch and wiring harness. Those with a Kendon trailer, I recommend replacing the bulbs for an LED arrangement - the lights are attached to the wheel, not the trailer, and bumps can break the bulb and short the circuit (guess how I know)!

[QUOTE=goosler;460203]well guys.....I'll be headed out to the Tractor Supply Company tomorrow morning to pick up a 5' x 8' utility trailer.....they are made by carryon & depending on how much you wanna spend you can get the floor in either metal, mesh, wood, or trex......they come with 14" wheels, full brake lights & running lights, side rails & a drop down tail gate.......
http://www.tractorsupply.com/images/productImages/prod_600_by_600/1090202.jpg
I'll promtly be adding a spare tire mount, a landing gear & a utility box on the front to store all my straps, tarps & tie downs.....I'm also already looking for 2 or 3 EX wheels from an 05' so it matches the E.........

I'll let you all know how it goes.......... Pat[/QUOTE


this is the same trailer that i bought at lowes. i put plywood down on the floor. also those are 12" tires not 14".
the weight is 350 lbs without the wood. great trailer for the price.

I think you're half right. Lowe's sells the 5x8 Carry-On trailers with 12" wheels. Tractor Supply sells the same trailer, but also an upgraded version with 13" wheels and enclosed fenders, which is pictured in the original post. The 12" tire equipped units are recognizable by the "square" versus "radius" fenders, and the square fenders don't have backing on the bed side (to protect the cargo from debris ejected by the tires). Locally, I can buy the 13" version from Tractor Supply for the same price that Lowe's sells the 12" version.

Is the fact that I know this pathetic? I've been shopping all over for the "right" trailer.

[QUOTE=skysensor;476421][QUOTE=Z-ELEMENT;460632]

I think you're half right. Lowe's sells the 5x8 Carry-On trailers with 12" wheels. Tractor Supply sells the same trailer, but also an upgraded version with 13" wheels and enclosed fenders, which is pictured in the original post. The 12" tire equipped units are recognizable by the "square" versus "radius" fenders, and the square fenders don't have backing on the bed side (to protect the cargo from debris ejected by the tires).

you are right, i checked mine. :-o

I have a 5x8 and have used it for SO much it's not even funny. I pull my sled, my quad, and my bike as well as loads of garbage and whatever else needs to be hauled. the only thing it can't haul is my dad's Ferris mower due to the side rails being too tall. It's a 1/2 ton trailer but can haul much more than that.

My hunt for a utility trailer continues.

While on a journey to a Tractor Supply Co. store, I passed another place selling small trailers. I pulled in and took a look at some of their units, and have to say I think I may have found my favorite so far.

http://www.hhtrailer.com/05GolfCarTrailer.asp

Though only 1500 GVWR, this thing is rock solid. Tubular frame, tread plate deck, and the strongest expanded metal deck I've seen on a trailer of this side. The flexibility of a flatbed, but with stake pockets all around to build your own walls.

I'm kicking myself right now because I didn't think to look at the suspension. The only thing that I'm wondering about it's suitability with the Element is the curved tongue. It was hard to judge the height of the coupler with a level deck due to the uneven area where the trailer was parked, but it seemed that I'd need some amount of rise in the ball mount.

It's more expensive than many "big box" choices, but might be worth it.

Anyway, I have no affiliation with the manufacturer, but thought others might be interested.

My hunt for a utility trailer continues.

While on a journey to a Tractor Supply Co. store, I passed another place selling small trailers. I pulled in and took a look at some of their units, and have to say I think I may have found my favorite so far.

http://www.hhtrailer.com/05GolfCarTrailer.asp

Though only 1500 GVWR, this thing is rock solid. Tubular frame, tread plate deck, and the strongest expanded metal deck I've seen on a trailer of this side. The flexibility of a flatbed, but with stake pockets all around to build your own walls.

I'm kicking myself right now because I didn't think to look at the suspension. The only thing that I'm wondering about it's suitability with the Element is the curved tongue. It was hard to judge the height of the coupler with a level deck due to the uneven area where the trailer was parked, but it seemed that I'd need some amount of rise in the ball mount.

It's more expensive than many "big box" choices, but might be worth it.

Anyway, I have no affiliation with the manufacturer, but thought others might be interested.
While those diamond mesh ramps look pretty handy, its surprising how much wind resistance they offer. I'd suspect they subtract 25% of your gas mileage at 65 mph. Take em off and get a couple of ramps. JMHO

Here's a cool alternative for sale on Craigslist, Norfolk. It's a surplus military clamshell trailer. $650.00

http://norfolk.craigslist.org/car/483519335.html

Here's a cool alternative for sale on Craigslist, Norfolk. It's a surplus military clamshell trailer. $650.00

http://norfolk.craigslist.org/car/483519335.html

http://images.craigslist.org/01150201020801030020071119e6f71383bf1c82abc400f638 .jpg

Convert it into a gigantic portable pig roaster and use it at the EOC National Meet.

http://images.craigslist.org/01150201020801030020071119e6f71383bf1c82abc400f638 .jpg

Convert it into a gigantic portable pig roaster and use it at the EOC National Meet.

Or use it to lock-up Twilightzero.

Started the trailer upgrade today. I took the trailer over to the Chesapeake Science and Technology Institute where for $50 their welding class will weld all the seams and weld stake bed pockets to the side rails. I took advantage of the good weather and abundance of saved vacation days to take off all the wood for the welding work.

43310

I just purchased a new fold-up utility trailer made by Lifetime for Sears. I really like it because of the foldup feature which makes it very easy to store. It is 5' x 6' and carries up to 1000 lbs. You can check it out at: http://www.lifetime.com/Trailers/folduptrailer.aspx I think this is a great trailer to use with my SC Element, unfortunately it doesn't come in Root Beer. I will try to post some photos in the future.

does that fold up trailer really weigh 1500 lbs, or is that trailer weight plus 1000 lbs of cargo?

I just purchased a new fold-up utility trailer made by Lifetime for Sears.

I bought a 4x8 fold up trailer several years ago and, except for the need to "upgrade " the weak springs (busted them during one trip (OK, I overloaded them more than once)), but, I an VERY happy with the trailer and, especially, the foldup capability. It really makes a difference when "storing" it, whether it's in your driveway or garage.

IMHO - it's a GREAT investment!!

Started the trailer upgrade today. I took the trailer over to the Chesapeake Science and Technology Institute where for $50 their welding class will weld all the seams and weld stake bed pockets to the side rails. I took advantage of the good weather and abundance of saved vacation days to take off all the wood for the welding work.

43310

Looking good!

Um, Rocket...?
What's all that brown and green stuff you got all over the ground there...?
The driveway looks like mine - white from the rock salt, but you got some strange dirty coloured snow there...

does that fold up trailer really weigh 1500 lbs, or is that trailer weight plus 1000 lbs of cargo?

The rig I have is not the fold up style, but it does have a tilt bed feature. It's rated at around 1700 lbs and its shipping weight was about 350lbs including the tires. I figure with the side rails, bed wood, and other misc hardware it probably weighs between 500 and 600lbs unloaded.

There are certainly better trailers out there, but this one is mine. ;-)

Trailer weights about 400 lbs. and can hold 1,000 lbs.

I got the trailer back and the frame and stake pockets are welded up fine. Now I'm looking to paint it.

Alternatives include:

- Rustoleum

- Professionally powdercoat

- Possibly some marine style rust inhibitor paint?

Any suggestions? Looking for bang for the buck and not the Cadillac solution.

I have been thinking of using the do it yourself rhino liner stuff to paint my HF trailer. It might be a little over kill but I have found that the red paint that comes on the HF trailer fades really fast and I thought that the liner stuff would give it that extra toughness look.

Ted I would just go with the rustoleum. Low cost, and if/when touch up shouldn't be a problem down the road.

I'm all for low cost and simple. :)

Here's a trailer for sale in Smithfield VA. It's not my trailer nor do I know the seller. I'm not representing this trailer as the deal of the century but having looked around at the options out there this does not seem like a bad deal.

- Ted

http://norfolk.craigslist.org/car/526142418.html

Stay with the Rustoleum spray paint, Liner in a can is a problem not a solution. Paint touches up, can liner peels up and can not be touched up. Prep is 90% of any paint job.

Actually I'm having the trailer sand blasted, primed, and coated with an industrial gloss black for about $200.00 I'm happy with the quote and will have the trailer done when I finish re-working the "conduit" for the wire harness.

Well...life got in the way for a bit but I finally got the trailer into the paint shop last week. When I get her back my intention is to sandwich 2x4 runners between the frame and the plywood decking material. In the space created by raising the deck higher I will run the wiring harness.

Question: Any recommendations for a coating for the 2x4's? I will be using pressure-treated wood. Perhaps some coating used in the roofing industry, or similar product that will withstand being out in the sun and rain.

Have you thought about using synthetic two by fours? Some brands offer lifetime guarantees and it never needs paint, stain, or Thompson's Water Seal.

Edit: I can only think of one brand off the top of my head and that is Eon. I've seen decks made out of this stuff and it looks great even after three or four of our harsh winters and zero maintenance.

I agree with elementbryon on this RD.

Trex is the common brand we have up here, I don't know if it's down there as well, but I figure anything this common (you can buy it at Home Depot) must be available there too.

http://www.trex.com/whytrex/WhatIsTrex.aspx

I would definitely use this for any outdoor application now - anything that saves trees, and I don't have to paint or seal is a big plus!

I got my trailer out of the paint shop and am happy with the results. I had the joints welded, stake bed pockets welded to the perimeter of the frame. Next I'll re-work the wiring harness and install "plastic" wood decking like Trex.

(Post #58 is a "before" photo)

52397 52398

I got my trailer out of the paint shop and am happy with the results. I had the joints welded, stake bed pockets welded to the perimeter of the frame. Next I'll re-work the wiring harness and install "plastic" wood decking like Trex.

(Post #58 is a "before" photo)

52397 52398


Keep in mind, That with PLASTIC decking, you need to keep the stringers at 10 to 12 inches. You can't use the standard 16" format. Also it is almost twice as heavy as OAK ! So if weight is something your concerned about, Use southern yellow pine! I usually just get the Pine from one of the second hand wood places. For this type of thing, nail holes are no big deal!

Dom

Keep in mind, That with PLASTIC decking, you need to keep the stringers at 10 to 12 inches. You can't use the standard 16" format. Also it is almost twice as heavy as OAK ! So if weight is something your concerned about, Use southern yellow pine! I usually just get the Pine from one of the second hand wood places. For this type of thing, nail holes are no big deal!

Dom

I have some furniture (ok a LOT of furniture) made by the defunct "This End Up" company. Southern Yellow Pine is pretty indestructible. I can't imagine the yellow pine would be any lighter than the composite stuff.

Is this the HF trailer? It looks really good being welded together.

I have used the yellow pine decking material and it works great. The cost is much lower and it is easy to screw in anchor points and move them around without much worry to the wood. If it gets too beat up I can just pull the boards and replace them for little money. I used 8 6" deck boards and the spacing is perfect to allow me to put those truck bed tie down anchors between the boards and position them where I need them for each load. Just be sure to check any bolts you use to attach the wood decking to the trailer because when the wood shrinks the bolts will be a little loose and rattle on you. If you go with wood.

I am looking into building another set of sides for the trailer that are taller and more streamlined for more long haul loads. I have found the trailer to be very steady on the roads empty or loaded.

I have also thought about attaching a sheet of aluminum to the underside of the trailer to improve airflow under it. I don't really know how much it will help but it could reduce the drag enough to show an improvement on mpg while on longer trips.

It's a Harbor Freight trailer, the 4x8 foot model that was hinged. It's rated at just under 1800 pounds capacity.

There is a site (Google "little read trailer") that sells a similar right with a bit stronger frame. That site also sells a trailer designed to be a platform for a homebuilt teardrop.

For the record, this project does not make sense economically. For around a grand I could have bought a similar size trailer with 14 inch tires. By the time I'm done with this one I will have spent close to that much, but ended up with a trailer I'm happier with. More pics to follow.

This is what I tow with my E.

http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s41/carpcarpcarp/Eboat.jpg


Steelheadtrout

I have a 2wd E and pulled what I think was about 2500 pounds in a 5 x 8 enclosed trailer from Ft Lauderdale, Fl to Seal Beach, Ca. We spent 6 weeks camping on the trip and had no problems at all. We did about 3600 miles and did drive pretty slow (50-55)