Building an 8x4 Tandem axle car trailer

fiestaman

Hi, was considering doing up an old trailer i have. then i was thinking of building one myself, has anyone done this? would it be worth while?

jack of all

If you're looking for info on trailer building and general fabrication I'd recommend you check out this site:
http://www.garagejournal.com/

Lots of interesting and practical info, very american focus of course but sure to be of benefit- warning though, it can be a little addictive!

aujopimur

I've built a few over the years, and I was going to make another recently, but when I did the costings it was'nt cheap.
One of the problems is you'll be buying lenghts and sheets of different types of steel, which when used for a one off will lead to a lot of left over materials.
I ended up buying one that needed a cleanup and a coat of paint, which worked out about half the price.
Plus there's new regs./test for trailers on the cards.

jack of all

As a matter of interest aujopimur, what type of paint would you recommend for refinishing an existing trailer? Thanks

fergal.b

With the new trailer laws in Ireland your trailer will have to be tested and given a plate to state that it is roadworthy, They are really cracking down on this at the moment so it might be better to just buy one. http://www.rsa.ie/en/RSA/Your-Vehicle/About-your-Vehicle/Example-of-non-Dup/Trailers-/Legal-Requirements-for-towing-trailers-/



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aujopimur

jack of all wrote: »

As a matter of interest aujopimur, what type of paint would you recommend for refinishing an existing trailer? Thanks

Isopon 182 as a primer, and enamel or household paint as a topcoat.
Trailers always get bump and scrapes, so I would'nt spernd too much on paint.

fiestaman

Waht would be the story then if i done up my old one. it dosent have any plate. Surley anyone with an old trailer can get it tested and if its up to scratch it will pass which leads me to think i could make one and say it was one i done up.

aujopimur

The plating is for new trailers made on a commercial basis, you are still required to maintain any trailer in a roadworthy condition.
You are also the obey the the law with regard to weight,speed, the towing capacity of the towing vehicle.
There is no current requirment to test car trailers, but I'd say it will be in a year or two.

fergal.b

If your trailer is under 750kg you might get away with it "I'm not sure" but I do know that the Garda do like to check the towing capacity of your car against your trailer and without an ID/VIN they might make you take it to a weighbridge. Also worth checking is will your insurance cover you with a trailer without a plate. A bit more info here http://www.trailerknowledge.com/New-Trailer-Rules-Info.html