My newest hands on project: utility trailer build

[Titan]

Check this out guys. Once in a while, I found the need for a little more cargo space than my Jeep can carry (or I had to transport something dirty that would cause me to clean out my interior after). After Jeep installed that free trailer hitch as part of a safety recall, I figured, why not build a trailer. Went to Harbor freight and with a coupon, got the trailer frame for 320 bucks. Pictures below for the build.

The first picture is me putting the first section of the frame together.

The second is the frame together minus the ball coupler (hitch), lights and wheels. Almost there

The third picture was taken today. Had to get it registered with the state before I can take it out. Finally had a chance to take it for a test drive. Kinda bumpy on New Jersey's shitty roads but will be alright.

I'll update as I do more work. I still have to put the box on it. Hopefully can go to Home Depot this weekend and get the supplies I need. When all is said and done, this whole build should be about 500 bucks. Way better than the 1500 most utility trailers cost brand new, plus I built it with my own two hands

[Titan]

Ah. Finally got the lumber to build the box frame.

So this is with the base of the box that will hold the uprights. It took me a while to drill the holes and bolt it to the trailer frame.

[Titan]

I got 2 of the uprights screwed into the frame before it started to get dark. Going to hopefully do some more today before meeting my lady.

[Living-In-Clip]

Seems like just yesterday you were getting your first kiss...now this...
 

[Titan]

Seems like just yesterday you were getting your first kiss...now this...
 

I know right? Doesn't even seem that long ago. I thought I posted a picture of the trailer complete. Guess I forgot 

I have to say it was a fun little project. Though using the trailer, I learned a few design flaws. For one, I can't fit a full sized sheet of plywood, which will be a problem when I do some bigger woodworking projects this spring. Also, since I used indoor grade wood studs for the supports and cheap birch plywood, it's already starting to warp and begin to rot from the rain. I saw a guide online for these Harbor Freight trailers of how you can extend the floor with 2x4s, so I may give that a try this summer and spend the extra money on some good pressure treated wood for the sides. I have better tools now so I can pull it off 

[Titan]

Been doing some more work to this thing before I move. I decided I wanted to put a top on to keep the elements out (plus I want to use it to store and haul photo props/equipment when I actually have time to get my shit together on that business). The challenge is to have the top removable should I need to haul something large, like a couch or furniture.

The basic design is as follows. There are 2x4s screwed around the rim of the top. Then I built a top frame the same way so the supports will sit on top of the frame (which will be screwed in with pocket screws). You can see in the picture the two frames on top of one another. The supports (the arches you see in the picture) are made of 2x12s. They are heavy as fuck. So to cut down the weight, the two middle supports will be cut out in the middle, like the one second to the front. I still have to cut the other behind it. After that, I'm going to take 1/4 in plywood and nail it to the top and a piece in the front and back to hide all the wood. Then, I'm going to paint it white to reflect the sun rays and it'll be good to go

[Paul2]

interesting.  so how many hours did it take you to get this far and how many more hours do you need to go to complete it?

[Titan]

interesting.  so how many hours did it take you to get this far and how many more hours do you need to go to complete it?

I have no idea. I haven't kept track. I just start projects and see through them until they're done. Always been my thing. Time doesn't matter to me till the project is finished. Monetarily, I also haven't kept track. I'm doing this just because it's been fun for me but if I can ball park it; probably about 700 bucks between buying the trailer frame plus the costs of the lumber and tools which I will use on future projects.

[Paul2]

i see.

[clips]

Impressive Titan!!...who knew you was a kickass industrial/construction engineer?... ....looks good man!...congrats. Me?...i'm buying that s**t already put together and ready to roll!....

[Titan]

Impressive Titan!!...who knew you was a kickass industrial/construction engineer?... ....looks good man!...congrats. Me?...i'm buying that s**t already put together and ready to roll!....

I also make a mean pork roll, egg and cheese sandwich, can take great photos of girls in lingerie, change a tire, and satisfy a woman