$600 trailer build

My plan was to build a classic looking trailer to haul my dirt bike, yard clippings and firewood. The small size of the classic Bantam 1/4T trailers just won't work for me.
I found a Willys truck bed for $150. Only the sides and fenders are useable for this build. After pricing 1/8" floor tread (commonly called diamond plate) I will be using what I can of the rusted floor.

Next was a frame. I decided to build a new one out of 2x3x1/8 black iron tube. 40x84 with a 42" tongue. Including 1-1/4" 16 gauge cross members, $281. ouch! but why build a trailer with a junk frame.
Here is the frame being welded together.

I connected the tongue in a simiular way to a 1/4T Bantam.




next was a axle. I found a Dodge Grand Caravan (5 on 4-1/2) wheel bolt at the wrecking yard for the donor. It has a easily narrowed tube axle and the springs should work. Bonus, the spring frame mounts are bolted onto the Caravan unibody for easy removeal. I stripped the brakes and flipped the axle for ground clearnce. I located the spring mounts with a 60/40 layout and welded them to frame.


truck bed is modified to 40x84 and mounted. Used, steel wheels and 30x10.50x15 LT tires (3 each) are from same wrecking yard. They were already mounted and @ $12. a piece a good deal. While taking a break from working on the tailgate, I tack welded on the fender to see how it looks and what's needed. More fender trimming!

But it's coming along.

I think the best choice of all the different parts is the Caravan axle fliped upside down.

Great ground clearance. $58 for the axle, springs and mounts was a steal.
Not finished and it looks like my $600 trailer will be more like $700. I'm happy with it so far. I'll post a few more photos when it's finished.
Later!

 

Great project all the way around, from the selection of bed sides, to the frame design, and especially that axle! Going to have to take a peek under some Caravans next time I'm at the bone yard! Looking forward to seeing the finished product.

 

Nice setup.

 

That is one nice looking trailer! Good work.

 

Great work.

 

Not all caravan axles are the same. Lug patterns vary , 4 bolt x something, 5x100, and 5x4-1/2, all with the same hub and bearings. I found most Grand Caravans where 5x4-1/2 but a few where 5x100. An AWD Caravan looked like the spindle was larger and very H.D. Because the spindle bolts on, I will be looking into a AWD spindle and hub swap. That's if the yoke for the AWD shaft won't be a problem.

 

Nice job.

Wrecking yards are great!!!! The fabricators super store......8)

 

Great idea on the axle ! Did you use caravan leaf springs there too ? how wide is that axle ? I've been thinking of building a trailer myself.. and I think this is perfect. 5 on 4.5 lug pattern will match my cherokees

 

made some progress. some painting and wiring.

 

Wow. Great stop light. What did it come off of? Nice work on the trailer.

 

I used the Caravan springs and mounts. The mounts come off easy because they are bolted to the unibody. Stock the axle is 63" and I cut it down to 53". This keeps the truck fenders 63" wide, which matches my Willys wagon fender width.

 

school bus light , early Willys wagon mount. I added a hinge onto the mount so that when the tailgate is flat as a bed extender, the light and license swing down and it's still legal.

 

Very nice. Good job!

 

Very good idea as usual.

I want a trailer but dont want to pay what the old willy's style ones are going for around here.
But a willy truck bed would be almost free.
good frame and good axle all makes alot of common sence.


I bet we shop at the same upull-it.

Thanks

 

thanks for all the kind words gentlemen. Hope the idea of the Dodge Caravan axle and Willys bed helps somebody else with a cheap trailer build. Mine is now mostly done. Still need to add a lockable storage box for tarps,straps and misc.




FYI I threw a plastic tarp in the bed, filled it with water until the springs flattened out. I still had a several inches before bottoming out and felt this was a safe weight limit. With a little math I worked out the water volume and weight of water which was 760 lbs. Not bad but soon I will be adding helper springs to boost the load capacity. Also weighted the trailer, required for licensing, 740 lbs.
I was wondering how my trailer compares to a 1/4t military trailer so I looked up a little info on a m100.
military......................................... mine
trailer weight empty 550 ................. 740
load capacity 500 ...................... 760
GVW 1,050 .......................... 1,500 as is
ground clearance 12.5" ................ 15"
load height 22 .............................. 26

plus mine has, 5 on 4.5 wheel lugs
longer 7' bed
12v lights
2" tow ball (common)
trail gate
tube frame
long tongue which is easier to back up and very staple towing