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Posted: 12/5/2021 3:12:08 PM EDT
I need a bigger trailer for my new SxS, as well as other duties and I'm tempted to build exactly what I want/need rather than buy one.
Basic Wants- Long enough to haul the 1800lb vehicle with proper tongue weight Deck over so I can load material on it with a forklift Single axle for maneuverability Brakes Basic specs- 6'4" wide, ~13' long incl/ ~2' dovetail Deck over Rub rail 6k axle with brakes 3x4x3/16" rect tube frame (because I have a lot of it) 2" ball ~34" deck height Benefits- Does everything I need Fits in single car garage sized space Building stuff is fun and cool Room for boxes below deck Drawbacks- Effort Deck height Weight, could also be a pro Stupid, unnecessary layout with $0 resale value  Weird specs, right? But I haven't found anything close to doing what I need. Talk me in or out of this, please. |
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Posted: 12/5/2021 5:45:24 PM EDT
[#1]
I've always been a fan of building stuff. That said, I'd talk to a local trailer manufacturer and have them quote you. Unless you've got a cost plus type situation with suppliers you may come out ahead having one built.
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Posted: 12/5/2021 5:52:38 PM EDT
[#2]
If you have the skill to build it yourself then absolutely, go for it. Build exactly what you want/need, save money, and get the satisfaction of doing it yourself.
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Posted: 12/5/2021 6:58:46 PM EDT
[#3]
I built one years ago. The biggest downside of the build for me was paint. I could never get it looking good and it rusted quickly.
I spent a fuck ton of money on rustoleom primer and paint. That shit was a major expense of the build. I got most of the steel for free at the time and I still wouldn't do it again. |
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Posted: 12/5/2021 7:03:29 PM EDT
[#4]
Quoted: Talk me in or out of this, please. Have you seen steel prices lately? Quoted: I built one years ago. The biggest downside of the build for me was paint. I could never get it looking good and it rusted quickly. Yeah, once the frame is built, send it to a powder coater for cleaning and coat. |
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Posted: 12/6/2021 12:50:27 AM EDT
[#5]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Have you seen steel prices lately? Yeah, once the frame is built, send it to a powder coater for cleaning and coat. And yes, final trailer will be sent off for blast and coat. |
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Posted: 12/6/2021 10:13:00 AM EDT
[#6]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I already own about 2/3 of the steel. And yes, final trailer will be sent off for blast and coat. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Have you seen steel prices lately? Yeah, once the frame is built, send it to a powder coater for cleaning and coat. And yes, final trailer will be sent off for blast and coat. Only thing wrong with your plan is you need a second axle and 14’ with a nice ramp that’s easily removed. I have a 12 1/2 foot trailer with tandem axles. I sold my 16’ trailer just because I didn’t use it anymore. But I have a 20’ goose neck for larger loads. I would look at a 16” to 17” wheel option to be able to run used tires. |
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Posted: 12/6/2021 10:28:14 AM EDT
[#7]
I just built a 16 foot double axle trailer to haul my SXS.
A buddy had an old camper and I took the frame from it and beefed it up. If it is just for the occasional hauling of the SXS and other lighter things this works great. I had about 5000 lbs of wood on it a few weeks ago, and it survived. Had about 300 bucks in the build.  Attached File |
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Posted: 12/6/2021 10:37:26 AM EDT
[#8]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Only thing wrong with your plan is you need a second axle and 14’ with a nice ramp that’s easily removed. I have a 12 1/2 foot trailer with tandem axles. I sold my 16’ trailer just because I didn’t use it anymore. But I have a 20’ goose neck for larger loads. I would look at a 16” to 17” wheel option to be able to run used tires. Good point. A deck-over is probably going to run at least 1100 pounds, if not more, and leaves you dang little headroom for 2000lb loads with a 3500lb axle. |
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Posted: 12/6/2021 3:35:15 PM EDT
[#9]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Good point. A deck-over is probably going to run at least 1100 pounds, if not more, and leaves you dang little headroom for 2000lb loads with a 3500lb axle. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Only thing wrong with your plan is you need a second axle and 14' with a nice ramp that's easily removed. I have a 12 1/2 foot trailer with tandem axles. I sold my 16' trailer just because I didn't use it anymore. But I have a 20' goose neck for larger loads. I would look at a 16" to 17" wheel option to be able to run used tires. Good point. A deck-over is probably going to run at least 1100 pounds, if not more, and leaves you dang little headroom for 2000lb loads with a 3500lb axle. |
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Posted: 12/8/2021 7:21:17 PM EDT
[#10]
If you want a deck over w/o being stupid high, you will need those fat/short wheels/tires, and in the weight you are looking for, you will need at LEAST tandems. Basically, you are building a snowmobile trailer
 . Other than the height issues, blowing a tire with tandems is MUCH better than a single. Easy to change, can limp it on 3 wheels if needed. The load will also run smoother and you will have better trailer balance. All that said, I bought a 20' 3.5 ton car hauler for my SxS and ATV, but it gets far more use for other things. I can load pallets from the side, but not over the wheel wells unless I stack a few pallets there first. I would have purchased a 5 ton, but those were OOS and backordered forever. But, if I want a HD trailer, I'll go goose neck anyway. |
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Posted: 2/1/2022 10:20:27 PM EDT
[#11]
Unless you have a source for cheap steel, I highly doubt that you'd come out ahead.
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Posted: 2/1/2022 10:51:55 PM EDT
[#12]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Unless you have a source for cheap steel, I highly doubt that you'd come out ahead.  Still kinda on the hunt but my main riding buddy recently picked up a 24 deckover gooseneck, that's plenty for the immediate trips. |
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Posted: 2/1/2022 11:21:59 PM EDT
[#13]
I considered building a single use trailer for my Hobart welder/generator along with fuel tanks and some other needs but abandoned the idea due to cost issues. My 12' single axel trailer with ramp does it all for me anyway and loading /unloading with my tractor is a simple task. Just didn't make sense. Now, after reading above, if you could find a beat up travel trailer and wreck it out THAT could have some merit.
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Posted: 2/2/2022 6:51:11 PM EDT
[#14]
How far away do you tow your SXS? Do you race? Do you need spare parts etc?
First thing is I wouldn't do a single axel, go with twins. Once you have your deck set up, and you have steel to work with add a tire carrier and tool box with overhead work lights. Adding a winch will help you load it when it's broken. And putting a fuel cell built into the trailer is cool when you are remote and don't have immediate access to fuel. It can mount under the trailer behind the tongue. This is an illustration of what I am talking about, but add some work lights to the tower area where the tires are mounted. The winch can be inside the box, and a 55 gal fuel drum with pump can be inside there too. But it would be dead center to balance.  Basic Transfer Tank Swing Arm Shop LIghts Inexpensive Basic Winch Don't forget to have spare tire carriers for your trailer too. And room for a small generator. |
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Posted: 2/2/2022 7:00:40 PM EDT
[#15]
"Stupid, unnecessary layout with $0 resale value"
If you have the ability to make a good SXS trailer that can do what I post above, you could sell them with a good profit. |
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Posted: 2/2/2022 7:20:28 PM EDT
[#16]
Quoted: How far away do you tow your SXS? Do you race? Do you need spare parts etc? First thing is I wouldn't do a single axel, go with twins. ...snip Quoted: "Stupid, unnecessary layout with $0 resale value" If you have the ability to make a good SXS trailer that can do what I post above, you could sell them with a good profit. |
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Posted: 2/2/2022 7:26:34 PM EDT
[#17]
Quote HistoryQuoted: No racing, if so that's exactly what I'd have. Id never do that. I already manufacture some items and I know the headaches, no way I'd involve rolling stock and the typical driver. Yeah, that's why I don't do it. Race trailers are missing so many aspects, and SXS trailer are super basic, so I suspect there is a market for them. None the less, just trying to share some of what is out there. |
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Posted: 2/2/2022 7:27:39 PM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryQuoted: None the less, just trying to share some of what is out there. |
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