Thread: Trailer build II... the long haul.

and yes, we are all patiently waiting for the day when Yonnee gets Too few projects, Lots more time and Even more money, so he can finish the trailer.

I can't believe how quick the time goes. Nearly 9 months since I've done anything to it!! And there'll be a bit longer yet!

Currently I'm up to my armpits in Pajero engine bays doing an engine swap. I've got till Queen's Birthday weekend to have the good engine in and running, and then four weeks to make sure it's all good so we can drive accross two states and back.

But I digress...


I've been having second thoughts about the rear cross rail with the number plate hanging down like it will. My father's trailer has been like this for over 30 years and has never really been a drama, but I own a 4WD and I think that the number plate might be a little vulnerable in that location. (I've already caught dad's trailer once on a spoon drain) So... now I'm trying to think of another way of positioning the number plate and light/s.

The one thought that keeps popping up is a wider section of RHS in the centre where the plate sits, with a light either side, rather than one light above. And although this will still hang down, the extra RHS will protect the plate better, and the light either side will gain me about an inch.

Originally Posted by Yonnee

I've been having second thoughts about the rear cross rail with the number plate hanging down like it will. My father's trailer has been like this for over 30 years and has never really been a drama, but I own a 4WD and I think that the number plate might be a little vulnerable in that location. (I've already caught dad's trailer once on a spoon drain) So... now I'm trying to think of another way of positioning the number plate and light/s.

Its only a thought but what about a length of c channel (eg 125 x 65 x 5mm) running across the entire width of back of trailer, wide enough to fit the lights (on their sides) & the number plate onto the inside of the C that way both the lights & plate is protected

Originally Posted by Yonnee

I can't believe how quick the time goes. Nearly 9 months since I've done anything to it!! And there'll be a bit longer yet!

Currently I'm up to my armpits in Pajero engine bays doing an engine swap. I've got till Queen's Birthday weekend to have the good engine in and running, and then four weeks to make sure it's all good so we can drive accross two states and back.

But I digress...


I've been having second thoughts about the rear cross rail with the number plate hanging down like it will. My father's trailer has been like this for over 30 years and has never really been a drama, but I own a 4WD and I think that the number plate might be a little vulnerable in that location. (I've already caught dad's trailer once on a spoon drain) So... now I'm trying to think of another way of positioning the number plate and light/s.

The one thought that keeps popping up is a wider section of RHS in the centre where the plate sits, with a light either side, rather than one light above. And although this will still hang down, the extra RHS will protect the plate better, and the light either side will gain me about an inch.

Or get a slimline number plate

Originally Posted by VXEXEC350

Or get a slimline number plate

Not available in Victoria for trailers.

Originally Posted by billymm

Its only a thought but what about a length of c channel (eg 125 x 65 x 5mm) running across the entire width of back of trailer, wide enough to fit the lights (on their sides) & the number plate onto the inside of the C that way both the lights & plate is protected

Hmm, I've seen trailers done this way, particularly alot of QLD built trailers and motorbike trailers, and I just don't like the look. And because the number plate is 136mm wide, I'd need a 150mm channel to make the plate fit. I'm going to be using fairly narrow LED's, so they'd also get lost in a 150mm channel.

I'm thinking of going back to this setup, but without the reverse lamp, and centreing it. I'll use the 6" RHS piece in the other photo on the first page, and cut'n'shut it into the 3" rail. I'm thinking of adding in some trianguler pieces either side to taper up from either side of the bottom of the 6" piece too.



I'll fabricate the new bar first and see how it looks. Then we'll start cutting up an almost perfectly good chassis.

I know I am digging up an old thread, but I had to sign up just to say that this is an awesome thread which I will use to build my trailer with a difference.

Did the trailer ever get finished?

Firstly, Welcome aboard.

To answer the question, Nope. Still at rolling chassis stage. Been doing a couple of other projects that actually have a time limit.

I had been toying with the idea of selling it though...


Looking forward to seeing your own project. Be sure to keep us posted.

I will but it may be a long term project as well.

I might post pics of my old trailer/camper tonight if I get a chance.

Originally Posted by Yonnee

I had been toying with the idea of selling it though...

what, bugger, this is like finding there is a couple of missing pages at the end of a really good novel, a missing piece of a jiggsaw puzzle, driving for a week to discover WallyWorld is closed, getting married and discov...... you get the idea.

Originally Posted by scooter

Thanks, Yonnee, enjoying the read & the pics.

"The beatings will continue...." What a classic...!

i never thought i would be joining a wood craft group to get the best trailer info on the net . i am about to build 2 car carriers one for my self and one for a friend whos race car ive been building,
frame section will be 4800.. long and 1980 mm wide inside measurements.

i have already got the springs and axles 45 mm sq with the leading axle fitted with elec brakes both axles have a 4 inch drop in them and the trailers will be designed to tilt .i will do a photo by photo shoot as work progresses altho im sure it will be a little while b4 work starts so bear with us on this .

ive just bought a new lincon 180c migwelder to help us along .after seeing some places wanted for a trailer like the one i want im sure i can build one for around $2500 bucks ive already gotten the springs axles brakes and mudgaurds wholsale price thru a friends work . i also picked up 5 commodore sle mags for a 100 bucks for it too roll on .after building rollcages and stuff im really looking forward to this project and the readings of some of you guys has inspired me to pull my finger out ,i hope i dont bombard some of you fella's with 2 many questions as i go along regards dean aka mid life crisis ..