Has anyone built their own enclosed trailer? I keep looking at the prices and its hard to accept. 30 000 for a bare 48 ft stacker to get three cars in. 48 ft 7 ft non stackers are around 20 to 25k minimum.

Seems like material and cost wise I could build an equavalent trailer (probably better) for around 10k maybe less.....

BTW what is the legal longest lenght? I ve seen 53 ft for sale? How is it measured?

Btw, I have the place / tools etc to build it....I m thinking all aluminum.......yes I have a tig fo welding it up too.

Then licencing? Would the state accept a home built 53 ft gooseneck? Or build it open, then licence then make it enclosed.....?

 

Sounds like a disaster looking for a place to happen.

 

[quote author=y-knot link=board=11;threadid=23608;start=0#msg222421 date=1071201234]
Sounds like a disaster looking for a place to happen.
[/quote]

Generally that might be the case, but since Iv e built some pretty high end cars, a house, and a 3200 sf garage , a trailer doesn t really scare me.

Now, any helpful information?

I ve been looking on ebay.....etc...but anything thats remotely close to what I d like is 25k and up .....Most of the 25k $ trailers would actually take a bit of work to make the way I want it.

I ve only heard of 53 ft GN's never seen one forsale yet, but Ill keep looking.

 

I have had some great success with finding large trailers as you are needing,in some of the large truck trader mag's, also on www.traderonline.com / heavy equip.section.I also am a believer in doing things for myself when I have the ability and the tools to do so,you will find here that there are alot of opinons as to not do so because of so called "engineer stamp of approval",but again if you got the stuff upstairs and the strong back to do it, then get after it!! That is what our country was built on,so go for it,and let us know how it goes and goodluck,keep saftey at the fore front. Rick

 

I had a 53 ft enclosed car hauler....I sold it because it was just too much to handle around town I was always curbing it, the extra floor space was nice 45 ft with a 8 ft overhang

I bought it used on the Racers Network and sold it a year later foe $4000.00 more then I paid for it ;D

http://www.racer-net.com/trailer.htm

 

That looks a lot better then e bay.....there are several under 20k.....one is even 12k thats seems a lot more realistic to me.

One is looking pretty good .....its 17k....

thanks.

 

I am glade to here about the house , garage, ect. But that does not automaticly make you "qualified" at trailer building. Now if you had said you built a 16' car hauler and then a 24 fotter later, that might help. I too have built several "cars", and several "race engines" but it does nothing for my trailer building skills. I get the since that you don't think there is much to building a trailer? But there is, and even more when building a safe trailer. I have had many upper end enclossed trailers, the lattest a one-off custom design. But there is no way, i could ever build one cheaper then I could buy one. They buy in large quanities (steel, axles,aluminum sheet,tire,wheel,fixtures,ect) and get there supplies for a 1/3 of what it would cost you or me. On the safty end, there is alot that goes into the design of a enclosed trailer. And starting with a 53' trailer as your first, doesn't sound too smart. I think if cost is the issue, buying a nice used trailer as the last poster mentioned seems like a good alternitive. What ever you do I wish you luck.

 

I built my own trailer because I wanted to get exactly what I wanted. When I tried to trade it in on a bigger one they did not even want it because it had no DOT stamp. My insurance didn't care if it was homebuilt or not. Counting my time I could buy one much cheaper than what I have now. I won't build another one. Have you looked into a curtain-sider?? Good luck

 

I am not at all supprised that they declined to take your trailer in trade. I did not see your trailer so it might have been nice, but everyone has a different standard. And for some reason, when people build something for themselves, they see it through "rose colored glasses". I have seen plenty of "projects" that others have done that looked less then exceptable. For some odd reason people can pick other people's work apart, but can't see it in there own. Any how, commercal trailers are built to industry standards that are in writing and checked. They have to be engineered, so design and matterials will work together to carry the expected loads. The 120V wiring is installed by licensed electricians, and gets several inspections, by state inspectors. Any plumbing also gets done by licensed plumbers and is inspected. All 12V and 120-240V parts and appliances are UL listed, and are inspected. The welders that weld the main frame, up-right supports, roof trusses, hitch, landind gear, ect are all tested and certified. All materials used in the building of the trailer are documented and certified. The trailer itself is built to dot specs, and gets inspected. There is much more to building a quality trailer then most would think, and buying a home-built trailer is usually not a good ideal. I have seen some nice home built trailers, they were all open trailers and I can count them on one hand, and that is over the last 30 years. I have never seen a well made, good looking home built enclosed trailer. They have all been rather hidious, and would never sell on a lot. I personaly think trailers are one of the best buys going, there is a tremendous amount of competition for the buyers dollar and that has kept prices in check. I sell trailers, and can tell you stright-up there is no way anyone could build there own trailer cheaper then you could but it. That is based on like trailers, and to the same quality standards. They buy there axles buy the 100's, steel buy the tons, and all other supplies buy the truckload. They buy such large quanities that there price is atleast 1/3 of what you would have to pay, and that is across the board. I say if you want a 30,000 dollar trailer but only have 15,000 dollars, then go get a 15,000 trailer. I would like a new 35,000 Dodge for only 15,000 too, but it isn't going to happen.

 

Lol mine must be the exception then. It is an open float design with 12" sides of checker-plate and 12" of Pressure treated wood. I have had it in for minor repairs at other welding shops when on the road and have always been complimented on the construction. I tend to overbuild things and that is also true in the trailer. I do agree with you about the enclosed cargo trailers I have seen that are homebuilt. Some are downright scary.

 

I don t mean to offend anyone. I have built three trailers actually, but I wouldn t count them persay...I felt it was so easy that it was alittle ridiculous.( I only have one, its a 18 foot opendove tail) Personally I find the construction a a rear engine dragster alittle more envolved.

BTW, not more then 4 weeks ago two guys asked about my truck, what that run ya? 35, 40k? I replied, no it was 14k.

Like most things, I think trailers loose value after there new purchase, and 17k for a trailer is fine with me, since it appears it was a 35k trailer just couple years ago. You get what you pay for, but you also get what you earn, labor, thought, waiting, the right place at the right time, etc....

 

1320,
Out of 9 or 10 replies no one seems to really want to answer your questions. Seems they want to put you down more than anything else and I do understand their concerns. But, I'm not a carpenter but I've built a couple of houses. I'm not an electrician but I've rewired my house. I'm not a plumber but I've re plumbed a rental house. (All passed inspection) I'm not a mechanic but I've rebuilt several engines - car, truck, tractor & motorcycle. I believe you can build a good trailer.

I'm a retired State DOT Inspector (20 years) and I've seen it all - really. Just because someone has not seen a well made, homemade trailer doesn't mean there aren't any. There are many well made flat beds and hot shots and I've seen some well made enclosed trailers as well, all of them "home made" and some of them up to 53' long.

In many places 53' is not a legal length and will require a permit and even with a permit there are many roads they are not allowed to run on. 48' is the maximum LEGAL length trailer that you can run anywhere you desire. 102 inches (8 1/2 ft) is the maximum width.

If you go to a good truck stop you can get a DOT Safety booklet that will tell you what the requirements are for trailers as far as brakes, wiring, etc. In this state you will need to keep a record of where all of the pieces of the vehicle came from. After it is built you will have to have it inspected and a state Identification Number put on it before it can be licensed. You can also ask questions of your state motor vehicle safety inspector about what the requirements are to build it. In my opinion, after it is built, inspected and licensed you should take it to a DOT inspector and have him re-inspect it. Your nearest weigh station or state trooper should be able to tell you how to get in touch with them. It is usually good to make an appointment to see them - can save you a lot of time.

In my opinion, you sound as if you are knowledgeable and have experience enough to make a good trailer that is safe, will pass inspection and will do the job you want. So, get a DOT safety booklet, talk to a state Motor Vehicle Safety Inspector and to a DOT safety inspector. Take your time and do it right - have loads of fun.

As someone else mentioned, have you thought of a curtain side? Can cut the cost immensely and still keep the merchandise inside free from dirt and weather.

Good luck. If you build it let us know how it comes out.

Stan

 

Great post Bearfoot2 glad to see someone answer questions instead of take an attitude. Thanks

 

I am sorry if you think I came across as bashing or putting one down. I to think that you do not have to be a carpenter to build a house, but it sure helps. Also I do not think building a open trailer is hard, but building a safe open trailer is not something everyone can do. I have built several, and if I can do it, I am sure there are many on this site that can do the same. The problem I have is the poster stated he wanted to build a 53 foot enclosed trailer, this is a long way from simple. And, while a decent mechanical ability and good since will work on a small (16-20') open trailer, it will not be adequate on a larger then, Industry standard,53 foot enclosed trailer. There are far to many structural considerations for the first time builder to foresee, and adequatly design for. Sorry if you don't agree, but that is how I see it. Also ,when I read the post it did not seem to me that the guy was very sure of his ability. I suspect that if he had been, he would not have needed to post the question. Maybe it is just me, but I have never asked a question that I new the answer to, nor have I ever post for info if I already was secure with my knowledge. More like I would have built the trailer then posted a picture of it after it was compleat. If you can build a safe 53 foot trailer, on your first attempt, then hats off to you, I could not. Also it seems to me that someone who possessed the nessesary skills to build a trailer of that magnitude, would have atleased reserched some of the background info, relateing to the local, state and federal requirements. And it does not lend much credibility when the poster ask if he should build the trailer "open" till it is inspected then enclose it, something stinks here.

 

Ynot, Just let it go,you beat down the same dead horse on the subject of guys building their own goosneck plates, if you disagree state it then go on,it does no one any good to keep the berating up,I know you are concerned with saftey as most upright guys are,but there are some that enjoy and do a great job on their own. Goodluck Rick