Q&A for How to Build a Utility Trailer

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On step 3, the instruction mentions a weight distribution of 40% in the back and 60% in front of the center of the axle. Is this meant for the empty load of the trailer or a fully loaded trailer?

Community Answer

Empty. You want to put the Axle near-center of the actual cargo box. If the axle is too far forward, you will have more weight at the back which can cause the trailer to be unstable at speed. If you put the axle too far back you will have a more stable trailer, but it will increase the load on your hitch.

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Question

Why does the build not include adding springs to the frame?

Community Answer

A trailer can be built with or without springs. Using a square tube axle makes it easier to weld the axle directly to the frame. But an axle without springs produces a harsher ride. Springs can be added to provide a softer ride for your cargo, but the center line of the axle should still remain in about the same location specified in the article. The spring mounts should be located in order to place the axle in the proper position.The fixed end of the spring should be toward the front of the trailer, and the part that is allowed to move should be toward the rear of the trailer.

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Question

What type and size of steel tube is used for a trailer?

Community Answer

RHS (rectangular hollow section) is used for the frame, drawbar, etc. The size of each section varies according to the size of the trailer.

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Question

How do I figure how much weight my utility trailer will handle? I was given a homemade skeleton of an enclosed UT.

Community Answer

Load your trailer, then see if the truck it's attached to has its wheels go down. If it does of down, that is not good. If it doesn't, that's what it's supposed to do.

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Question

How long should the ramp be?

Community Answer

This will all depend on trailer ride height and personal preference. Take into consideration what you might be loading. For instance, loading a washing machine onto the trailer using a dolly with a ramp that has a steep incline (short ramp) would be much more difficult than if you had lesser incline (longer ramp).

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Question

I built a trailer to tow with a motorcycle. It rocks on its wheels at speed. The wheel stance is 36 inches and the hitch to axle length is 50 inches. What causes the rocking motion?

Community Answer

Misalignment of the axle, stiff springs over rated for load, rear axle at the incorrect load bearing. Tires at unequal air pressure can also be the cause.

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Question

When building a tandem axle trailer, should the 60:40 ratio be centered between the two axles?

Community Answer

Correct. That will balance the the load between the two supporting axles. Don't forget brakes, too.

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Question

Can I put waterproofing on a wood framework that was under the flooring when building a utility trailer?

Community Answer

That isn't a terrible idea; however, you should ensure that that the wood framework dries properly prior to adding the flooring.

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