Building a Trailer

[Outlaw]

Could I get some input on building a trailer.I'm starting out with a K-car rear axle and a rough frame that is approx. 7'L x 6'W. I am thinking of making it 10x6.The frame is all wrong on it(you know how home mechanics usually go) and I'm widening the spring perches.How far ahead of centreline should the axle go for a tilt trailer.The framework is 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" (3/16"thickness)with an array of pieces, but looks like I may have to go with a better frame(@ least on the outer perimeter),I'm open to suggestions.Anyone have an existing framework or material(angle iron,U-channel,or tubing/cheap)that they are willing to part with?I'm in no hurry but suggestions would help my planning.Thanx for your time.:jack:
I would like to keep it as light as possible but we'll see how it turns out.

[Kodiak450]

What do u plan on towing with this???? Sounds like its built to tow a tank. Thats pretty heavy duty steel for a utility trailer. I made mine for my quad, (7' by 5') out of 1/8" material, 1" by 1" angle, 1 1/4" by 1 1/4" angle with 2 by 4 wood stiffners in the middle 5/8" plywood. Plenty strong for a quad/snowmobile. There is also a Trailer I-Beam i call it, it is about 2.5" on the flange and about 3" high also very strong. As far as the axle i would put it only a 2 to 3 inches ahead of center. u can also just tack the the hinges to the frame and test it for yourself to see where is best, you don't want it to just fall as soon as u pull the pin. Hope that helps you out. It all made sence in my head.....lol.... if you have anymore questions ask away.

[Outlaw]

I'm not sure what the previous owner hauled, but my purpose is for hauling a quad (or 2/not sure yet),along with my sled on occasion with some utility work.I was thinking of maybe 1" x 2" thinwall rectangular tubing for the outer framework depending on cost but prolly settling for angle iron.like I said I'm tossing around ideas as I'm stripping down the old unit.Keep the ideas coming guys/gals.:hammer:

[QUADZILLA]

Don't put the axle ahead of center, it will have dangerous handling characteristics. set it behind center, how far some what depends on the trailer and its design. Best recomendation would be to measure up a professionally built similar trailer, or buy some plans.

The key is tongue weight, both loaded and unloaded. I think around 10% is ideal. and err on the plus side. if the axle is in front of center then tongue weight could be negative. That would be bad, real bad!

[007]

general rule of thumb for axle location is 60% of the length of the trailer from the ball or 55% from the front of the deck area

[Taz]

Common axle location is 60/40. 60 from the front of the deck 40 from rear. You could go 55/45 but don't go 50/50.

[muddy]

go to metro trailer to figure out what type of trailer you want (and take a tape measure ) They sell the P& J and have quad trailers in stock . Im building my own too and have the advice of 4 mfg. of trailers. Tounge weight is VITAL! back from centre line a must, otherwise the trailer will porpoise up and down . hope this helps.

[muddy]

ps go with 100 wall not 1/4. more than enough strength too much weight. overload the axel or tires with GVW of loaded trailer ( not sure of your axel though)

[ongreen]

i built my own 8.6'X10' aluminum tilt deck trailer and prior to setting up my axle location i went and measured a triton trailer of the same measurments and the axle was located 1" ahead of center. i belive this is located at this point to keep the trailer in the tilted position while trying to load it, other wise it wont stay tilted.

[muddy]

ongreen, hi , '' the one inch front of center' , was that the center of the deck or center measured from tounge to rear bumper?

[ongreen]

ongreen, hi , '' the one inch front of center' , was that the center of the deck or center measured from tounge to rear bumper?

i measured from the front of the frame to center with a square to ensure that i was getting a correct measurment on the center of the axle. i didnt include any tongue measruement cause i made it longer so it would be easier to back up.

[muddy]

ah, thats why the axle placement includes the tongue. It's best to tack up everything to allow for positive weight down on the tongue with the trailer unloaded.10% tongue weight of total loaded trailer weight. rule of thumb. as best i remember

[Grizzly SE]

Don't count the tongue because there isn't much weight there. I've built three trailers of my own and they always tracked true. If you are building a tilt deck put the axle in the middle. If you built the deck the same front and back with no added features to unbalance the weight it will stay tilted because when you tilt it the axle moves alittle ahead and the deck moves alittle back just because you are rotating it verticaly. when I load mine I put more weught on the front the keep the 10% tongue weight. When I tow empty it does porpoise which can play havic with your trailer and hitch. But I hardly ever tow empty. The next trailer I build is going to be 6' wide and 12' long with ramps and no tilt so I can put three quads sideways on it. the axle will be located with 7' in front of axle and 5' in rear of axle or right around there to keep tongue weight even when empty. Just my two cents but I thought long and hard before I built my trailers and never had any regrets and speak from experience.
P.S. When mounting the tongue square it to the axle not the deck so if the axle is a smidge out of square with the deck (shouldn't be but $h!t happens) it will still pull true and not wonder or ride out to one side more than the other. The last thing I put on was the tongue and I measured each side from the center bolt in the spring to the coupler on the tongue on one side then the other and moved the tongue from side to side till the measurements were the same. Then welded the tongue mounts on. Worked out perfect. I'm not trying to boast or brag, just want your trailer to work perfect for you. O. K. enough said, my fingers are tired. LOL

[JoeCool]

Don't count the tongue because there isn't much weight there. I've built three trailers of my own and they always tracked true. If you are building a tilt deck put the axle in the middle. If you built the deck the same front and back with no added features to unbalance the weight it will stay tilted because when you tilt it the axle moves alittle ahead and the deck moves alittle back just because you are rotating it verticaly. when I load mine I put more weught on the front the keep the 10% tongue weight. When I tow empty it does porpoise which can play havic with your trailer and hitch. But I hardly ever tow empty. The next trailer I build is going to be 6' wide and 12' long with ramps and no tilt so I can put three quads sideways on it. the axle will be located with 7' in front of axle and 5' in rear of axle or right around there to keep tongue weight even when empty. Just my two cents but I thought long and hard before I built my trailers and never had any regrets and speak from experience.
P.S. When mounting the tongue square it to the axle not the deck so if the axle is a smidge out of square with the deck (shouldn't be but $h!t happens) it will still pull true and not wonder or ride out to one side more than the other. The last thing I put on was the tongue and I measured each side from the center bolt in the spring to the coupler on the tongue on one side then the other and moved the tongue from side to side till the measurements were the same. Then welded the tongue mounts on. Worked out perfect. I'm not trying to boast or brag, just want your trailer to work perfect for you. O. K. enough said, my fingers are tired. LOLGood plan RB, but you would be wise to go a bit longer than 12'.

[Grizzly SE]

Good plan RB, but you would be wise to go a bit longer than 12'.

I know, I'm still not completely decided, will probably go 14'. Just for a little room between them.