30 thoughts on “E-Z Built Video 3 – Trailer Part 2”
Hello,
I was thinking about building a utility trailer out of heavy duty wood but I want the body of the cart to be 2 times bigger than yours, (like a tiny house).
Have you ever built one out of wood, and what materials would you use or recommend to use for building this type of a project?
Do you think it is a similar build to the regular metal trailer frame as far as the schematics go?
Hi Fernando. The bolt together trailer kit from Harbor freight is usually around $190. A similar trailer that comes preassembled from a manufacturer would easily run $400 to $500.
why did you use OSB particle board as the base of your trailer rather than treated plywood. Seems like the moisture from the road will not be good and that the plywood may hold up better, longer. Is there some food rule I don’t know about concerning treated lumber (that will be painted)?
thanks,
Although OSB works just fine when it is painted on both sides, plywood is indeed a better choice. I used the OSB because I already had a sheet lying around from a previous project.
I am building a cart, just getting my plans together, one question, once a year I plan to take the cart from Chicago to Tenn! Would the 8 ” wheel be ok, or should I consider the 12″ or maybe just rent a trailer to put it on? Curious for your recommendation! Also doing a farmers market this summer which starts at 8am on Sat! So plan to do egg sandwiches, any recommendations on plan modification for a griddle or grill top add on? thanks mike
The eight inch will be fine as long as you pay attention to your bearings. Pull the wheels and inspect/repack the bearings a couple of weeks before you leave.
I looked on your harbor freight tools website that you recommended on your blog to someone ….found the 870 lb 40×49 utility trailer for 189.00 and a discount code for $38.00 off total price is 151.99 please tell me this is the correct one to buy for the cart that you are assembling in your video ??
What’s the difference between the 1090 lb 401/2 x 48 inches. For $229.00 with the discount of $38.00 total 191.00 and they ship to hawaii for free!!!
Which should I use ???
Me again Noelani sorry I am being a pin in the butt …gosh I’m so excited
Hi Noelani,
The only difference between the two trailers is the tire size. I recommend the cheaper cart with the smaller tires, but either one will work just fine. Glad to hear you are excited!
The process has begun… I picked up the trailer yesterday… I already have the base plywood and will extend it out from the frame for a little additional space.. The tow.er and breadbox have been pre-made I will send pictures…I am doing it a bit different thus why I wanted to pre-build the tower and box. Excited to be putting this together… I am looking forward to spring in Michigan
Steve I have taken the leap and started the build. The HF trailer has gone together in less than an hour. I still need to wire the lights but the rest was smooth… 2 questions…. #1 the leaf spring bolts no longer have the cotter pin holes is this a problem? #2 the part that I thought would be easy is turning into a pain.. I cannot get the hub to seat right on the axle and I can’t get the castle nut to bite the threads. What an I doing wrong?
Next will be wiring then I have the floor already painted with Flexseal and that will be bolted down next…but I can’t get going until these tires seat properly.
Rob
I like having the cotter pins for safety. If I were you I would file a flat spot on the bolt and drill a hole for a cotter pin. Keep the bit oiled and run it slowly so you don’t burn it up.
Steve.. I cannot get the wheels to seat properly on the hub and get the castle nut to catch threads The trailer went together easily and what I thought would be easy as in installing tires is not….. what am I doing wrong?
Remove the front (outside) bearing from the wheel. Slide the wheel on and make sure the rear (inside) bearing is seating properly. Then replace the front bearing, washer, and castle nut.
Noticed no lock washers were used or supplied. For this application I’d go purchase some and while I was at it I’d double up on the nuts where ever I could.
Hi Mark, I put my trailer together so long ago that I can’t be certain, but I think all the nuts supplied have nylon inserts that keep them from backing off. But lock washers certainly wouldn’t hurt either.
Hi,
In the early stages of planning. Now in 2017 what trailer should I get? I’ve looked locally (Lewiston, Idaho) but maybe I should by one online. What do you recommend these days?
Hi Steve, do you have plans to make a enclosed in hot dog cart? If so, where would I find that please? I purchased a art from Ben, a Big Dog. It works fine, but I thought of some changes that would fit my style perfect and won’t have to fight the weather in winter here. Its to cold out for me to be slinginging hot dogs in 15 degree weather. My arthritis immediately goes on strike when my body wants to build an enclosed hot dog cart. It may take me longer, but the pride of building building something that I made, is a personal high achievement for me. I t will never tasdid by myself
Hi Dwayne, I do not have plans for an enclosed cart but you could easily outfit any trailer with the equipment shown in my videos. Several members have done just that.
FYI, I don’t believe the newer 12” Harbor Freight trailers include the spring slider piece. The spring hanger has been coated in red paint like the rest of the trailer. The spring slider isn’t included in any of the part lists or diagrams.
Hello,
I was thinking about building a utility trailer out of heavy duty wood but I want the body of the cart to be 2 times bigger than yours, (like a tiny house).
Have you ever built one out of wood, and what materials would you use or recommend to use for building this type of a project?
Do you think it is a similar build to the regular metal trailer frame as far as the schematics go?
Akieva Heath, Waterbury. CT
Do not build the trailer frame out of wood. It would not be strong enough and it would not pass a DOT inspection therefore would not be titleable.
Harbor Freight Tools has an eight foot trailer kit that would be perfect for you. You can check it out here.
http://www.harborfreight.com/1195-lb-capacity-48-inch-x-96-inch-heavy-duty-foldable-utility-trailer-with-12-inch-wheels-90154.html
This is the folding version which is $70 cheaper than the non-folding version (not sure why). You won’t need the folding feature but why pay more?
I actually own one of these (folding version) and use it all the time. It’s plenty heavy duty for your needs.
Hello,
Thanks for the tip and advise, I’m going to use your suggestions.
Akieva Heath, Waterbury, CT
What is the cost difference between building a trailer, like you did in the video, and purchasing one with the same dimensions? Thank you.
Hi Fernando. The bolt together trailer kit from Harbor freight is usually around $190. A similar trailer that comes preassembled from a manufacturer would easily run $400 to $500.
Harbor Freight currently (5/1/14) has a Super Coupon for the 40″ x 49″ utility trailer for $169! In Texas there is NO tax on utility trailers!
What! Under electrical, you list “switch, fuse holder, fuse”. What kind of switch, fuse holder & fuse are you referring too?
Toggle switch, any kind of fuse holder with a 5 amp fuse. Nothing fancy, the pump only draws 2.5 amps.
why did you use OSB particle board as the base of your trailer rather than treated plywood. Seems like the moisture from the road will not be good and that the plywood may hold up better, longer. Is there some food rule I don’t know about concerning treated lumber (that will be painted)?
thanks,
Although OSB works just fine when it is painted on both sides, plywood is indeed a better choice. I used the OSB because I already had a sheet lying around from a previous project.
Steve,
I am building a cart, just getting my plans together, one question, once a year I plan to take the cart from Chicago to Tenn! Would the 8 ” wheel be ok, or should I consider the 12″ or maybe just rent a trailer to put it on? Curious for your recommendation! Also doing a farmers market this summer which starts at 8am on Sat! So plan to do egg sandwiches, any recommendations on plan modification for a griddle or grill top add on? thanks mike
The eight inch will be fine as long as you pay attention to your bearings. Pull the wheels and inspect/repack the bearings a couple of weeks before you leave.
I looked on your harbor freight tools website that you recommended on your blog to someone ….found the 870 lb 40×49 utility trailer for 189.00 and a discount code for $38.00 off total price is 151.99 please tell me this is the correct one to buy for the cart that you are assembling in your video ??
What’s the difference between the 1090 lb 401/2 x 48 inches. For $229.00 with the discount of $38.00 total 191.00 and they ship to hawaii for free!!!
Which should I use ???
Me again Noelani sorry I am being a pin in the butt …gosh I’m so excited
Hi Noelani,
The only difference between the two trailers is the tire size. I recommend the cheaper cart with the smaller tires, but either one will work just fine. Glad to hear you are excited!
The process has begun… I picked up the trailer yesterday… I already have the base plywood and will extend it out from the frame for a little additional space.. The tow.er and breadbox have been pre-made I will send pictures…I am doing it a bit different thus why I wanted to pre-build the tower and box. Excited to be putting this together… I am looking forward to spring in Michigan
That’s great Rob. Keep up the good work and send me some pics!
Steve I have taken the leap and started the build. The HF trailer has gone together in less than an hour. I still need to wire the lights but the rest was smooth… 2 questions…. #1 the leaf spring bolts no longer have the cotter pin holes is this a problem? #2 the part that I thought would be easy is turning into a pain.. I cannot get the hub to seat right on the axle and I can’t get the castle nut to bite the threads. What an I doing wrong?
Next will be wiring then I have the floor already painted with Flexseal and that will be bolted down next…but I can’t get going until these tires seat properly.
Rob
I like having the cotter pins for safety. If I were you I would file a flat spot on the bolt and drill a hole for a cotter pin. Keep the bit oiled and run it slowly so you don’t burn it up.
Steve.. I cannot get the wheels to seat properly on the hub and get the castle nut to catch threads The trailer went together easily and what I thought would be easy as in installing tires is not….. what am I doing wrong?
Remove the front (outside) bearing from the wheel. Slide the wheel on and make sure the rear (inside) bearing is seating properly. Then replace the front bearing, washer, and castle nut.
Thanks Steve that did the trick!
Cool.
Noticed no lock washers were used or supplied. For this application I’d go purchase some and while I was at it I’d double up on the nuts where ever I could.
Cheers
Hi Mark, I put my trailer together so long ago that I can’t be certain, but I think all the nuts supplied have nylon inserts that keep them from backing off. But lock washers certainly wouldn’t hurt either.
Hi,
In the early stages of planning. Now in 2017 what trailer should I get? I’ve looked locally (Lewiston, Idaho) but maybe I should by one online. What do you recommend these days?
Thanks
Northern Tool.
Hi Steve, do you have plans to make a enclosed in hot dog cart? If so, where would I find that please? I purchased a art from Ben, a Big Dog. It works fine, but I thought of some changes that would fit my style perfect and won’t have to fight the weather in winter here. Its to cold out for me to be slinginging hot dogs in 15 degree weather. My arthritis immediately goes on strike when my body wants to build an enclosed hot dog cart. It may take me longer, but the pride of building building something that I made, is a personal high achievement for me. I t will never tasdid by myself
Hi Dwayne, I do not have plans for an enclosed cart but you could easily outfit any trailer with the equipment shown in my videos. Several members have done just that.
FYI, I don’t believe the newer 12” Harbor Freight trailers include the spring slider piece. The spring hanger has been coated in red paint like the rest of the trailer. The spring slider isn’t included in any of the part lists or diagrams.
Thanks for the update!
-Steve