Making a trailer out of a cargo van box

[metallitera]

So I found this on e-bay this and got out bid. Well it got me thinkin, since all the 24' trailers ive found are in crappy horrible condition in my price range. (around $2000).

If i could get me a box like that one, I could make that trailer for fairly cheap I think.

Im wanting to know if the price i got on 8" C channel was bad. $120.75 per 20' section. Figure I'd need 3. and I found some weld on, heavy duty 2-5/16" ball couplers, and a 6k# axle with brakes for $600.

I was also thinking of getting a box with an attic and making it into a goose neck?

what ya'll think?

[kingchip]

I'll sell you my 40' dual 10K tandem trailer that needs wood and tires for $1200. Lots easier. I just don't use it, and it sits at the ranch. I drilled ratholes about 15 years ago and needed it to haul a 20" X 40' piece of pipe.

[RRonning1984]

You think a 6k will be enough?

[kingchip]

I would prefer a dual axle set up with that heighth. Two 3500's or something like that. But with the weight of the box, you are limiting what you can haul in it legally. The box and steel that you describe combined weight has to be pushing 3K empty.

[metallitera]

ok, so back to making the trailer idea. if i use a cargo truck and just whack off the front frame and throw a tounge or gooseneck setup on the front.........think i cab fab the hydraulic brakes to work with a surge brake system (tounge only obviously), OR get some electric brakes that will bolt to the axle in place of the truck's hydraulic brakes withOUT mods like welding on the back plate etc? just bolt up to the axle flange?

[bigcountrysg]

Sounds heavy, which in turn means your load capacity low because the trailer will be heavy.

[StarDriver]

By the time you get done trying to fab up everything, you can buy a decent used trailer.

Look on For Sale: race & performance cars, engines, engine parts, trailers, you can buy new 24ft trailers for around $4,000-$4,500.

If your still considering this, here are a few things to keep in mind. I wouldn't own a trailer to haul a car unless it had at LEAST 5200# axles, plus this get's you the bigger tire which will ride better. A 24 ft enclosed is going to weigh around 4000#s empty, if you put a 3500# car with 2 3500# axles, your already overloaded.

[02lariat7.3]

kingchip, if metallitera isnt interested could you send me some pics of the trailer? thanks!

[metallitera]

all this load talk. im not carrying a large load, mainly need the space. will the truck axles work?