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Cheap utility trailer build

MOAK

Rank V
Launch Member

Off-Road Ranger I

I started with the same trailer and after 10 years it is being rebuilt. The frame had cracked, as I knew it would. We cut the spring hangers off and welded in a 2x2 subframe.
 

Advocate III

They are out there. Just don’t get in a hurry.
I'm in no hurry. Been keeping an eye out but I don't have a place to put it right now either ( living in temperary housing) and only 1 of 3 of our vehicles has trailer wiring. I have wiring for my compass but still.nees to install it, and my TJ sits a little high for most trailers and I still need to buy my own drop bitch because I used to borrow one from my old job all the time lol.
 

Purpony

Rank III

Enthusiast II

i have the same 4x6 trailer that i also picked up for $100. I just started working on and doing something similar. How stable is the trailer on the highway with the tent up that high? Any sway?

looks great! What size tires?
 

jeepman

Rank III
Launch Member

Traveler III

i have the same 4x6 trailer that i also picked up for $100. I just started working on and doing something similar. How stable is the trailer on the highway with the tent up that high? Any sway?

looks great! What size tires?
Thanks! I still have more to do to it. I just drove to Oxford Al and back with no issues. I also ran 600-1 and 600-2 in the Talladega National Forest pulling the trailer. The tires are 30".
 

pa10spro

Rank II
Launch Member

Enthusiast I

I picked up a good condition used 4x6 utility trailer for $100 and turned it into a camping trailer to put my RTT on. Started with cutting off factory fenders, flipping the axle, and building the rack.
Hey. I am doing a similar build. Did u swap to a different axle? I am looking at timberlen axle less set up. Any advise after your project?
 

jeepman

Rank III
Launch Member

Traveler III

I kept the original axle for now. Going to see how it does before changing it further.
 

AggieOE

Rank IV

Advocate II

I kept the original axle for now. Going to see how it does before changing it further.
Hey there, I had a couple of questions about your build as I think I'm about to do the same thing.
1) What all did you do to fit larger wheels and tires? Flipped the axle and... any wheel spacers, lug pattern changes, etc.
2) How has it held up? I read one of MOAK's comments here and elsewhere of the failures he had but was curious if you've noticed any weak points.
3) How's the stability of the trailer with the tent unfolded? Any tipping worries? Any need for stabilizers in the corners?
4) Lastly, overall, do you recommend this idea or would you not repeat it?

Thanks!
 

jeepman

Rank III
Launch Member

Traveler III

Hey there, I had a couple of questions about your build as I think I'm about to do the same thing.
1) What all did you do to fit larger wheels and tires? Flipped the axle and... any wheel spacers, lug pattern changes, etc.
2) How has it held up? I read one of MOAK's comments here and elsewhere of the failures he had but was curious if you've noticed any weak points.
3) How's the stability of the trailer with the tent unfolded? Any tipping worries? Any need for stabilizers in the corners?
4) Lastly, overall, do you recommend this idea or would you not repeat it?

Thanks!
I kept the original axle for now. Going to see how it does before changing it further.
Hey there, I had a couple of questions about your build as I think I'm about to do the same thing.
1) What all did you do to fit larger wheels and tires? Flipped the axle and... any wheel spacers, lug pattern changes, etc.
2) How has it held up? I read one of MOAK's comments here and elsewhere of the failures he had but was curious if you've noticed any weak points.
3) How's the stability of the trailer with the tent unfolded? Any tipping worries? Any need for stabilizers in the corners?
4) Lastly, overall, do you recommend this idea or would you not repeat it?

Thanks!
I kept the original axle for now. Going to see how it does before changing it further.
Hey there, I had a couple of questions about your build as I think I'm about to do the same thing.
1) What all did you do to fit larger wheels and tires? Flipped the axle and... any wheel spacers, lug pattern changes, etc.
2) How has it held up? I read one of MOAK's comments here and elsewhere of the failures he had but was curious if you've noticed any weak points.
3) How's the stability of the trailer with the tent unfolded? Any tipping worries? Any need for stabilizers in the corners?
4) Lastly, overall, do you recommend this idea or would you not repeat it?

Thanks!
I have not had any issues with the trailer so far. I use the tent mostly with the trailer still hooked to the vehicle and have had no stability issues. I would recommend stabilizing the trailer for use unhooked. I have not had a problem but could see situations where I could. I have run Imogene pass, Cinnamon Pass, Hurricane creek, and American Basin pulling this trailer. I would absolutely do it again. I can’t say why others have issues but properly built it will last almost anything.
 

Attachments

AggieOE

Rank IV

Advocate II

I have not had any issues with the trailer so far. I use the tent mostly with the trailer still hooked to the vehicle and have had no stability issues. I would recommend stabilizing the trailer for use unhooked. I have not had a problem but could see situations where I could. I have run Imogene pass, Cinnamon Pass, Hurricane creek, and American Basin pulling this trailer. I would absolutely do it again. I can’t say why others have issues but properly built it will last almost anything.
Thanks for the update! Ironically, we're building it up for a trip to Colorado this summer to do Imogene and Alpine loop.
 

boogiedynamite

Rank III
Launch Member

Enthusiast III

I’ve recently acquired a utility trailer myself, however it’s a tilt trailer. I don’t know if this will be a long term solution for my RTT and overlanding accessories but just wanted to see what you thought of there being any potential issues with using a tilt trailer as an initial build?
 

AggieOE

Rank IV

Advocate II

I have not had any issues with the trailer so far. I use the tent mostly with the trailer still hooked to the vehicle and have had no stability issues. I would recommend stabilizing the trailer for use unhooked. I have not had a problem but could see situations where I could. I have run Imogene pass, Cinnamon Pass, Hurricane creek, and American Basin pulling this trailer. I would absolutely do it again. I can’t say why others have issues but properly built it will last almost anything.
One more question, what size wheel spacers did you have to use to account for the backspacing?
 

jeepman

Rank III
Launch Member

Traveler III

I have not had any issues with the trailer so far. I use the tent mostly with the trailer still hooked to the vehicle and have had no stability issues. I would recommend stabilizing the trailer for use unhooked. I have not had a problem but could see situations where I could. I have run Imogene pass, Cinnamon Pass, Hurricane creek, and American Basin pulling this trailer. I would absolutely do it again. I can’t say why others have issues but properly built it will last almost anything.
One more question, what size wheel spacers did you have to use to account for the backspacing?
I used 3” spacers to clear the factory jeep wheels. If you used aftermarket wheels you could probably use 2.5”
 
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