I'm Getting A Trailer!

A client I had picked up from and left a card called me yesterday and told me his wife is making him get rid of his trailer so he wants to give it to me "for the metal or for your business". Sweet score! I don't even have a hitch on my van yet so I have to borrow my works truck to pick it up one night this week. I haven't even seen it yet but it's a flat deck. Don't know how big but I've wanted one for a while now and now I get one for free! I love scrapping! Thank you scrap G-ds!

nice score. find out what paperwork you need for trailers in your state and see if they have it.

there are ways to register trailers without paperwork, but some are more legal than others. we don't talk about the illegal ones, and shy away from grey areas. you know this, but its for the benefit of people reading

Thanks I've already started looking into it and already have an appt to get a hitch on the van.

Trailers are the best. Bolt do it yourself hitches are easy to do. You now have a easy way to transport cargo when needed but don't have to take that space with you when not in us3.

I'm set up to get it tomorrow. I will post a pick as soon as I can. I will be asking anyone to share ideas on how to build up walls on the sides because it is only a flatbed right now.

pictures would help a lot. the design of the trailer will affect how easy various ideas are to implement.

does it have stake pockets on it? many do

Originally Posted by MattInTheHat

pictures would help a lot. the design of the trailer will affect how easy various ideas are to implement.

does it have stake pockets on it? many do

I haven't even seen it yet. From where he lives I'm pretty sure I have actually seen it but only through jealous eyes that didn't know it would one day be mine. If I remember correctly it's a 3'x6' steel frame with flat wood top. As soon as I can I will post a pic.

I'm walking around work today singing "it's trailer day, it's trailer day" to myself! It will be a while before I can actually use it anyway as I need a hitch on the van and to register and plate the trailer.

Here she is...

Any ideas for sides would be greatly appreciated. I have 2 options already: use my work's aluminum railing and other aluminum materials (light weight but costly), or my boss can weld steel bars for me if I buy the material.

My recommendation would be to weld 4 inch channel iron upright to create stake pockets. Three pieces four inches long on each side and each end. Weld a small cap on the bottom of each. Use wooden 2 x 4's for uprights and particle board or pressed metal for the side walls. The height of the 2 x 4's will be dictated by the density of the loads you plan to haul. If the trailer is used to haul shred, you could put in 4 ft. side walls. The 2x4 should be on the outside of the side boards so scrap does not get caught and wedged in. This design will provide you with flexibility because you could remove the side boards as needed. You will be surprised how many times you will want to remove the side boards to haul a special item. Good luck and please provide pictures of your final design.

If you are interested in such a design but my description does not make sense, PM me and I will provide pictures.

Thank you for the suggestion. If I were to use the aluminum railing, it would be mounted permanently and I think you right, I will want to take the sides off at some point. I will definitely post pics of whatever I do. It will be a while though, I don't get a hitch until next Friday and then I have to plate and register the trailer before it can leave the side of my house.

I still can't believe I have a trailer! Muwahahahaha! I can't wait to see what kind of trouble this gets me into!