Build a DIY Utility Trailer for $300 - Part 1

Four thumbs what way up for this video. Right to the point, from the ground up. No talking about the rain, or your aunts dog. Just shows what is going to built, then right into the basic parts and materials that go into it. I especially appreciate the parts list as they cime up. And most of all, the prices and source suggestions. Thank you fie this videi

Hello from 2020. We can't buy steel for that price anymore. I say with tears in my eyes.

The kit trailer I got from Harbor Freight came with 12 inch wheels and the tires wore out in about 3500 miles. I've also had bearing problems and bent the axle from carrying 1000 pounds of tile. The caravan axle is strong, has better springs, much better bearings and accepts 15 or 16 inch full size rims from old jeeps, intrepids, and caravans. I've owned caravans that had over 250k miles and I've never seen a axle bearing failure. BRAVO FOGOFOX

I love watching tools pay for themselves. And good idea putting that axle rear of center especially with that long tounge.

Good job. I appreciate that you covered the geometry to ensure the finished product is square.

8:45...there is never "overkill." Make it stronger than you'll need and you'll never need to worry about over stressing it. I love being able to weld. I bought a rowboat last month and if I need to haul it on a trailer I can build my own or modify one I buy. I'm super excited about getting my own welder.

hey! very nice job and i really liked how you took ur time to make things right from the start. i have been a welder/fabricator since '76 and ur work is very good and well planned out. keep it up!

By far best DIY trailer video I've seen. Lol I was actually excited to see it in use. Great video bud!

Great job ! You gave me the inspiration to build one . One that will fit the exact dimentions I need.

All these comments about just buying a $300 trailer from Harbor Freight. Because just buying some cheep piece of crap that will fall apart is SOOOO much better than learning a new skill set and getting a better quality product on the other end. SMH I can go buy some ikea crap furniture, but I prefer to build my own. Takes longer, costs more, but I have a better product and I learned something.

Hi there,"THanks for the Diy tips on building your trailer, great job .! mike

I agree with you afterthought you mentioned in the video. Marine grade plywood or similar would have been my choice for the deck. Actually I would remove the expanded metal deck and replace it with a solid deck. More protection from road crap when driving on my cargo. Then perhaps use the expanded material to fabricate a lockable utility box just forward of the main trailer. EXCELLENT video IMHO

It doesn't seem to matter how "Watertight" a DIY box metal frame is, 99% of the time you'll eventually find waters got in. It's usually best to just accept that this is going to happen and give it a convenient way to get back out. It doesn't help that a "Sealed" box frame will suck moist air in through any little pin holes when the frame get's cold, and the moisture in this condenses on the inside of the tubes when it warms back up, so the water doesn't get pushed back out. I've found a usable option is to introduce an intentional "Pin hole" (1/16" or 2mm depending on your preferred flavour of drill bits) at the sealed sections lowest point so that any pooled water get's pushed out as the frame heats up in the sun and the internal pressure raises slightly over atmospheric, but the best option is always to have a few 1/2 to 1" holes in the bottom corners where water may sit. As a bonus, These holes also double as seriously strong locations to hook ratchet straps into for when you're lugging something REALLY big about. That said, It's looking to be a pretty stout start to the chassis. I'm thinking it's going to turn out to be a rather robust little unit as I watch the rest of these videos. Nice work.

Good tip for the van axle

The best DIY, thank you very much

A guy gave me a trailer this size after the original axle bent twice. A neighbor suggested I use a minivan axle, springs and shocks, which he had saved 3 of, saving them for this purpose. He gave me one, and I've been using it for 4 years now. Works great!

This is bloody brilliant!

Nice trailer, and excellent video

Now I wish I could weld!!

That's amazing. Good job.