car trailer project almost complete

[10secBu]

About two weeks ago the trailer went to be metal blasted, then in the shop for painting. I picked the trailer up on Tuesday morning and worked to just about finish up the wiring/lighting. The only thing left there is to wire up the splice box and break away kit. I'm waiting for some connectors to arrive tomorrow to finish up all the electrical stuff.

I also need to go and pick up the ramps, license plate bracket and drivers removable fender as they couldn't be painted at the same time as the main trailer.

I have some pics of the wiring and will take a few more of the completed trailer once it's finish assembled and I can roll it outside. There calling for rain the next few days, so it may be a little while till the weather cooperates for a photo session.

If the weather holds out on Sunday, I plan to try the trailer out by taking the Malibu out to a local show/race.

Of course, the tool box still needs to be completed which I'll work on in the next few months.

[cope]

Waiting for pictures.

[10secBu]

Ok, here's a series of pics which show the trailer in it current 90% completed state...still need to complete the large tool storage box.

http://www.qis.net/~geislert/trailer93.jpg

http://www.qis.net/~geislert/trailer94.jpg

http://www.qis.net/~geislert/trailer95.jpg

http://www.qis.net/~geislert/trailer96.jpg

http://www.qis.net/~geislert/trailer97.jpg

http://www.qis.net/~geislert/trailer98.jpg

http://www.qis.net/~geislert/trailer99.jpg

http://www.qis.net/~geislert/trailer100.jpg

http://www.qis.net/~geislert/trailer101.jpg

http://www.qis.net/~geislert/trailer102.jpg

http://www.qis.net/~geislert/trailer103.jpg

http://www.qis.net/~geislert/trailer104.jpg

http://www.qis.net/~geislert/trailer105.jpg

http://www.qis.net/~geislert/trailer106.jpg

http://www.qis.net/~geislert/trailer107.jpg

http://www.qis.net/~geislert/trailer108.jpg

http://www.qis.net/~geislert/trailer109.jpg

http://www.qis.net/~geislert/trailer110.jpg

http://www.qis.net/~geislert/trailer111.jpg

http://www.qis.net/~geislert/trailer112.jpg

http://www.qis.net/~geislert/trailer113.jpg

I took the car/trailer out today for it's maiden voyage, mainly to see how well/poorly it would tow. I was pleasantly surprised at how well the trailer performed...very smooth and soft ride (due to the Dexter Tor-Flex torsion axles). It tracked well and was still easy to manuver even though it's a good 5 feet longer than my older trailer.

Of course as my luck would have it, the weather was wet today and the trailer got terribly filthy on it's ride today, so it needed a good bath when I got home .

Sorry I didn't get some shots with the car loaded, but the sun wasn't out and the pics would likely not have come out decent. I'll try to snap some decent shots with the car loaded once this rain system moves out of the area in a month or two .

[cope]

Todd, that is one beautiful trailer. Almost a shame to load a car on it and get it scratched up.

[deere_x475guy]

WOW....looks very professional...must be a good feeling of accomplishment to have built it yourself...You just paid for your MM251 several times over.

Can you get those torsion axles with different load capacities. I want to build one to haul my tractor and implements around and it looks like that setup will give me a lower profile on the trailer which is what I want......

Keep up the great projects....


Bob

[10secBu]

Bob,

Dexter has many Tor-Flex applications. Here's a quick breakdown.

#8 - 600-1100 lbs

#9 - 1000-2200 lbs

#10 - 2300-3500 lbs

#11 - 4000-5200 lbs

#12 - 5500-7000 lbs

#12V - 7200 lbs

#13 - ???

These are great axles as they can be configured in many different axle hub & frame widths...each is custom built when you order them. They also have different arm start angle options to tailor the ride height of the trailer frame to your needs/likings.

You can also set them up with no brakes, electric brakes, or hydraulic brakes. In addition to that, you have a choice of hubs...standard, EZ lube and they Never-lube.

Just as an example, mine are the #10 built to be 3500 lb weight rated, with 10" electric brakes and standard greasable hibs and they cost about $290 each shipped to my local Redneck Trailer supply where I picked them up.

[deere_x475guy]

Blue thans for info. Looks like when I start this my drive way will be taken up for awhile.....and I better build it when the when I don't have to worry about the winter weather coming in.

Bob

[Dave Haak]

Todd,

Extremely professional!! You might have to make a second trailer to use.........so you can keep this one just to look at!

Dave

[Snidley]

Outstanding job. Well done.

[Suburban_Guy]

Very high quality job, all things should be built this way. I would suggest giving it a good belt with a hammer just to get that first mark out of the way!

Glad that it tows well, I've been very impressed with torsion axles too.

Harley

[jniolon]

pro work

Todd,

really professional work... would love to have one to haul around my '53 F-100... IF I EVER FINISH IT !!!

now the dreaded question... cost estimate ??? and when will you have plans ready for sale ???

thanks

john

[russell]

nicest trailer I`ve ever seen...museum quality!

better keep a "BIG" lock on that one....

[10secBu]

Thanks fellas,

I too didn't really want to go out and scratch it up, so I'll try my best to keep it nice looking, for a while at least.

Hmm...total project cost...gotta think about that one.

I'd guess it'll be close to $4000 if you count the winch and materials to finish the tool box and required auto tie downs, etc.

My wife has a receipt folder which I could compile a list of associated costs if anyone was interested enough.