what does it cost to build a DOT approved utility/open car trailer, about 8 feet long?
If possible, itemize (roughly) the costs.
I want to do this myself, but I have a limited budget.
 2IN1 DOUBLE BABY BICYCLE BIKE TRAILER STROLLER BLACK  US $109.99
|
 AOSOM Elite II 2IN1 BABY BIKE TRAILER STROLLER BLACK US $134.99
|
 Burley Piccolo Bicycle Trailer Child Bike US $104.00
|
 NEW 2011 6x12 Motorcycle Enclosed Cargo Trailer V Ramp US $1,875.00
|
 NEW 6x12 6 x 12 Motorcycle Enclosed Cargo Trailer Ramp US $2,595.00
|
 NEW 5x8 5 x 8 Motorcycle Enclosed Cargo Trailer Ramp US $1,225.00
|
Tagged with: budget
Filed under: utility trailers
Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!
A cheap way to go is buy the back half of a junk pickup (you should be able to find one cheap somewhere) with an 8′ box and turn it into a trailer. You’ll want the truck frame, rear axle, tires, wheels, etc. Cut the frame as far forward under the cab as you can to make the tongue out of. Be sure to save the wiring. Toss the drive shaft fuel tank and anything else you don’t need. Heat or cut the frame flanges in front of the box so the frame rails can be bent inward. Do the same at the very front of the frame rails to create an area to bolt the tongue. Get a hunk of 2"X4" rectangular steel tubing from a scrap yard to make the tongue. Bolt it to the front of the frame. Buy a hitch coupler, chains & plug for about $40. Wire the plug to the truck box tail lights. bolt the hitch coupler and chains to the 2"X4" tongue. If you can find a cheap pickup, id guess you could do this for $200-300. Makes a nice trailer with tail gate, built in lights good capacity, etc.
If you want new parts – Go to northerntool.com and click on trailers + parts. An axel assy. is $160, Lights will cost about $20, a front hitch coupler will run $16, Chains, wiring and plus another $20. Tires and wheels will run about $60. Then you need to buy material to make a frame out of which can be bought from a scrap dealer – hope you know how to weld!
If new is what you want, best just to buy Northern’s kit trailer for $399 and add plywood to the top if you want new. You may be able to find this kit for less as well – harborfreight.com has them for $280. Hard to beat that price. Spend $40 for some 3/4" plywood for the deck and you’re ready to go.