Those of you with enclosed car trailers...?s for ya...

[*Boostwerks*]

I am actually looking to build an enclosed tandem axle trailer specifically for my CRX, so I'm looking for some ideas. I just want it big enough so I can fit the car, my tool box, and a set of 4 slicks and still be able to fit in a single parking space (not hooked up obviously). I'm new to enclosed car trailers, so I'm just looking for as much info as possible. questions I have: - What do you have, and how do you like it? - What size is it, and do you have any pics? - How do you strap the car down if there is barely enough room to get around inside with the car in there? - How much of a benefit would it be to have a door on the side? - Anything else you would reccomend in the design such as a winch? Thanks for any info/help! Bryson

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[Clayton]

I can see where you're coming from, but honestly by the time you buy your materials, and factor your time being worth something, I gotta think it'd be cheaper to buy a ready made one. I mean I know everyone says well, it's for me and I don't pay myself, but trailers aren't super expensive.

[*Boostwerks*]

Originally Posted by Clayton

I can see where you're coming from, but honestly by the time you buy your materials, and factor your time being worth something, I gotta think it'd be cheaper to buy a ready made one. I mean I know everyone says well, it's for me and I don't pay myself, but trailers aren't super expensive.

Well, how inexpensive? The ones I've found that are enclosed with simple plywood interiors, start around 3 grand.

I've actually priced out the parts and came to about 1 grand. Time is no issue, as I would have a large bandsaw, solidworks program to make drawings/cutlist, welders...ect to make it. I actually work at a fab shop and can get all the materials I would need for cheap. Hell most of our scrap would be enough to build it.

[Clayton]

Originally Posted by Boostwerks.com

Well, how inexpensive? The ones I've found that are enclosed with simple plywood interiors, start around 3 grand.

I've actually priced out the parts and came to about 1 grand. Time is no issue, as I would have a large bandsaw, solidworks program to make drawings/cutlist, welders...ect to make it. I actually work at a fab shop and can get all the materials I would need for cheap. Hell most of our scrap would be enough to build it.

Agreed on most of your points. Making it for 1K is doable, but like I said, sometimes it's just easier to buy a ready made. You're probably right about the 3K price tag though. Just be sure to do your research ahead of time and keep weight in mind. You want enough for it to be stable, and durable, but not so heavy that it's a PIG to haul. Best of luck to you (from someone who's built their own trailer before)

Clayton

[d15bfi]

ya, i would pruchase one, by the time you purchase materials and shit your in deep.
Check out racingjunk.com! I bought my 98 28' fully enclosed dual axle for 4500! Hella deal.

[*Boostwerks*]

Originally Posted by d15bfi

ya, i would pruchase one, by the time you purchase materials and shit your in deep.
Check out racingjunk.com! I bought my 98 28' fully enclosed dual axle for 4500! Hella deal.

1K > 4.5K

[rota92]

What are the laws for registering a home made enclosed trailer in your state?

I got my 40' for 7500 with a ton of extras, a STEAL by most standards. Sure its 10 years old but I don't mind painting my car in it, or slining wrenches across the floor

[T4eg]

i hightly doubt you can get all the materials to make a trailer big enough for ur car plus tools etc for $1000 even if so, i wouldnt put a car in it.

[ExospeedAMcrx]

I dont know. Personally, I would think buying an already made one is still the better choice.
From what I remember years ago, when my dad's shop built a custom Heavy Duty open trailer for our Jeep Scrambler 4x4, the materials werent that much but it was still a good $1000 or so. Considering you're wanting to make an enclosed, Its going to be a bit more. The amt of labor and time involved, I think is not worth it. But thats me. I'm not sure if youre looking to keep this for along time. The value of your homemade trailer wouldnt be worth much as far as resale value also. If you got the time, the skill to make it, and with a tight budget for materials, then go for it. Show some pics when its done. It would be cool to see this type of build.

[AllMotorMark]

no way 1k, axles alone with brakes would be minimum $500. what about rims and tires proper rims and tires would be minimum $100 each. thats $900.

[DaveF]

who cares,,,, you can telll people something until you are blue in the face, and they still dont get the expletivein point.... let the know it all figure it out for him/herself....

carry on......

[*Boostwerks*]

Originally Posted by DaveF

who cares,,,, you can telll people something until you are blue in the face, and they still dont get the expletivein point.... let the know it all figure it out for him/herself....

carry on......

WTF is your problem?

My 1k estimate is exactly that...an estimate. My thread in the RR forum was completely different...Instead of trying to impose their own philosophy, they actually responded to the questions that I'm looking to get answered.

Even if it ends up costing 2,000, thats still cheaper than 3,000. And considering I have a fab shop at my disposal I can build something that fits my needs, and at less of an expense.

Geez. People need to get off their high horse.

[DaveF]

i wish i had a high horse......

by the time you actually sit down, plan this out, go purchase the materials, and actually perform the job, you are well over your 1k budget just in "labor time"

you are wasting your time, no matter which way you DONT want to see it.


IMO, you do your job, leave the trailor building to the people that do it all the time.... it makes the world go round......

[ssc_thomas]

I worked for a trailer company for 2-1/2 years (Great Dane Trailers) Building trailers. I have built more than a fair share and have known people who have built their own. People who had been building trailers for 20+ years and had actual trailer skin sheets and building materials at their disposal. All of them ended up looking and performing like something what most of you who are saying to just buy would think! My personal addvice to you is to buy one! But if you are going to make one keep these things in mind.

It will have to be inspected. You'll need to have this done to title it and plate it. This means having something as simple as reflective tape covering half the length of the trailer down to the way, size, and style you use to build the frame with will be checked. Read up on build codes and trailer laws.

You'll want to insulate the walls. Great stuff foam spray is about the closest you can get to what is actually used. You need to insulate for strength! Unless your uprights are close enough. If you don't address this your walls will "flap" when your driving.

the roof is easy to make and hard to put on! Keep sealing at the top of your list! Using button rivets as compared to pull type rivets will help with seal. There is a lot to cover and this post is already to long. I commend you on wanting to save money! Almost all of us are on lean budgets. But this is one of those area's that scimping is a bad idea! I mean your only putting your car in it! Good luck in whatever you do!

[*Boostwerks*]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> wish i had a high horse......
by the time you actually sit down, plan this out, go purchase the materials, and actually perform the job, you are well over your 1k budget just in "labor time"

you are wasting your time, no matter which way you DONT want to see it.


IMO, you do your job, leave the trailor building to the people that do it all the time.... it makes the world go round......

</TD></TR></TABLE>

Wow, its kind of amazing that your actually into building cars with that mentality.

I guess I should let tony build my car then.

[AllMotorMark]

the problem is you said you estimated the cost , in 2 mins i estimated the cost of 4 rims and tires and the axles and am already at your full budget, the problem is you really haven't thought this through. fabing up the frame you might save some money, if the materials are free.

if you are just a bit off on your measurements you could be looking at a 2500 peice of crap that will pull to one side or sling the car from side to side untill it flips you and the trailor in to the ditch. so think even if you do it for 2500, would it be worth it...

[*Boostwerks*]

Originally Posted by AllMotorMark

the problem is you said you estimated the cost , in 2 mins i estimated the cost of 4 rims and tires and the axles and am already at your full budget, the problem is you really haven't thought this through. fabing up the frame you might save some money, if the materials are free.

if you are just a bit off on your measurements you could be looking at a 2500 peice of crap that will pull to one side or sling the car from side to side untill it flips you and the trailor in to the ditch. so think even if you do it for 2500, would it be worth it...

lol. It's funny how you said I havn't thought this through, considering I already have a deisgn almost completed in solid works, and have a build list almost completed. I've also already looked into the registration process, so hold your breath.

I know how to fabricate if thats what your worried about.







If you think building a trailer is like building a submarine, then why do they sell prints for $10 online? I can surely build something a little better than a back halfed f150

[AllMotorMark]

i never said you don't know how to fabricate i only question your estimate ....

i have built a trailer before and owned 2 others that were made by trailer manufactures.

the problem is you could build an open trailer for cheap but an enclosed is gonna blow your estimate out of the water.

if you already have plans then build it why ask us?? usually the $10 plans you can buy are for open trailers i never viewed an actual plan for an enclosed although i am sure there are some


Modified by AllMotorMark at 2:48 PM 2/17/2008

[DaveF]

bryson, you sir are a bad ass ! ! and thats a hell of a table ! (has nothing to do with building a trailor)

you probably sport cut off sleeves, chain wallet, and a chin strap too !

Originally Posted by Boostwerks.com

Wow, its kind of amazing that your actually into building cars with that mentality.

I guess I should let tony build my car then.

yea, you are right, i need to call him to schedule my appointment, after all, he is the best !


like they say.... JACK of all trades master of NONE !

[rota92]

I pay lots of people to do stuff for me, why? Because my time is worth quite a bit.

Financing a trailer is easy, I work a few hours OT and BAM it's paid for, works like a champ and any problems with it don't get to my ego since they aren't my fault

[*Boostwerks*]

Originally Posted by AllMotorMark

i never said you don't know how to fabricate i only question your estimate ....

i have built a trailer before and owned 2 others that were made by trailer manufactures.

the problem is you could build an open trailer for cheap but an enclosed is gonna blow your estimate out of the water.

if you already have plans then build it why ask us??

Modified by AllMotorMark at 2:48 PM 2/17/2008

"if you are just a bit off on your measurements you could be looking at a 2500 peice of crap that will pull to one side or sling the car from side to side untill it flips you and the trailor in to the ditch. so think even if you do it for 2500, would it be worth it..."

Huh. After a statement like that, I somehow felt the need to defend my self.

So...If you've built a trailer, and owned a couple...why is it so hard to simply address my questions instead of telling me to "buy one".

50% of the cost is in the axle assembilies. The aluminum sheeting I can get a wholesale price at a local semi repair shop. Simply building a "roof" won't throw my cost out the window.

I actually asked last night, and started on the design this morning. I asked questions that pertain to the DESIGN of the trailer. however, no one here (with the exeption of a few, and my thread in the RR forum) has actually even addressed the questions.

Originally Posted by DaveF

bryson, you sir are a bad ass ! ! and thats a hell of a table ! (has nothing to do with building a trailor)

you probably sport cut off sleeves, chain wallet, and a chin strap too !

yea, you are right, i need to call him to schedule my appointment, after all, he is the best !


like they say.... JACK of all trades master of NONE !

lol...yup. You got me. So are you going to actually help???...or simply defend your avatar?

Originally Posted by rota92

I pay lots of people to do stuff for me, why? Because my time is worth quite a bit.

Financing a trailer is easy, I work a few hours OT and BAM it's paid for, works like a champ and any problems with it don't get to my ego since they aren't my fault

Thats great!

However...<FONT SIZE="8">I'm NOT looking to BUY ONE!</FONT> And especially not adding compound interest upon the price. Did I mention that in the first post?

Unless I can find a complete, well built trailer with new parts for under $1500 I won't be buying one. My time is important to me as well. However, I'm also a person who LIKES to build. I have no problem with spending the time to build it right.

Now...

Is anyone here actually going to help with my questions? I thought this would be a good forum to ask this in, since a lot of drag guys use single car trailers...Or is this forum simply for shit talking?

[rota92]

HMT may have some input for ya then lol

[*Boostwerks*]

Originally Posted by rota92

HMT may have some input for ya then lol

lol. Lets not go there please.

[DaveF]

Originally Posted by Boostwerks.com

won't be buying one. My time is important to me as well. However, I'm also a person who LIKES to build. I have no problem with spending the time .....

great.... spend your time doing whatever your job is, so you can afford your new trailor....

but rather go off on a whim, order a bunch of stuff(ie waste your hard earned monies), waste a bunch of time, and end up with some junk/leaking/unstable/ non road worthy JEM of a trailor...

the choice is clear.....

[HR-1320]

How to get a trailer for less than $1,500. Your not gonna like this part But BUY A NEW ONE then use it. Take good care of it. Buy it bare and finish it like a pro series trailer exact. Then when your done sell it . They hold value very very well. After you finish it inside you might make money on it. Either way at the end of the day you prolly spent less than 1500. I know I'm pimp. I just bought one for 6200 new. I'm finishing the inside[I build houses for a living] then I'm gonna sell it make loot and upgrade.