Where I work they have a votech school and I am thinking of converting my 5' X 10' utility trailer into a enclosed motorcycle trailer. Anybody done this or have any pics of one that is done so I could get some ideas off of. Much thanks!
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Moodog, I tried that about 10 or 12 yrs ago, when I first expanded the home building and remodeling biz. I didn't have access to the design and engineering facilities you do. But it ended up being a bit too heavy by the time I got it STRONG enough to do what I wanted it to. If you are doing it for a project for school, great. If for use, check Craigslist, or other sites, just like HDs, there are some really nice enclosed's out there for really nice prices. JMFUO GUMBY
__________________ U don't quit ridin' cuz U git Ol', U git Ol'cuz U quit ridin' American by Birth - Biker by Choice - Saved by GOD's Grace So Many Bikes, So Few Bikers.
I build a high end utility trailer so I have a little knowledge. You can do it,, you'll have to get roof bows and caps etc,,, flooring,, side walls,, roof vent etc,, DOT legal lighting,,, if you have a 3D bender or similar at the school or such you can make the bows,,,, more than likely a higher rated axle and or relocated axle,, trailer rated tires that can carry the weight of the trailer plus the cargo that you put in it,, you might have to add more structural metal (load bearing) to the existing frame and or tongue,,, for the heavier weight etc.,,, first I would check with your DMV to see about requirements for getting it inspected for registration and what state requirements they might have above NHTSA/DOT requirements,,, I get some of my parts here. http://www.luckyb.com/index.html
You'll just have to compare the cost of building it to buying one already,, Gumby's right you can buy some used ones fairly reasonably, but making things with your own hands is fun too,, and sounds like you'll have access to all the equipment you might need as well.
I have searched through the internet for some ideas and cant seam to find any! And I figure what the hell I do have the tools and labor is free so why not try and build one myself to save a dime. Thanks for the insight John i will look into the DMV and the link is very helpful. All I need now is a few pics for ideas.
DONT do what I did,I overbuilt the thing so much a tornado could have took it for a ride.1/2 inch plywood,2 inch uni-strut,re-inforsing plates at every junction,20lbs of welding rod,over 200 1/4 inch bolts,and a bunch of other stuff.I added about 400 lbs wt. or more.It was fun to build it,dont have any pics sold it to a guy who turned it into a camper.Roll roofing no matter how well you put it on wont last at 70mph.Found out that you really need to make the roof go over the sidewalls no matter how it looks,and 8 foot walls arent neccesary plus it catches more wind.I f you let friends help paint it give em beer when its done, not before.After the roofing blows off it takes a surprising amount of caulking to fill in the seams.Its easier to run pvc to run the wires through before you take it to be inspected,inspectors dont like duct-tape.I didnt have a bender like john is talkin about,wouldve been nice,but you can build one with a flat roof that works well. Go look at a few,cheaper the better for your purpose.All you really need is an idea how it works,go for it.
Nomad Billy sounds like you and I have about the same friends as mine, I once had them over when I was building storage building, We started drinking way to early and that evening while I was putting the tin on the roof when I got down I noticed the crazy drunks installed two of the six windows upside down. Got to love friends with a sense of humor.
If you have a trailer sales place near by, you might be able to buy repair pieces for the top roof corners that will save you having to shape the pieces yourself. The down side of doing this yourself, is the cost of scrap steel and aluminum is so high it will probably match the price of a good used trailer. I used to make aluminum pieces when I worked for a sheet metal shop and used to bump roll my own stuff on the press break we had. Then I'd weld the pieces together. Good deal if you have the equipment and the time, but as I said with the cost of raw materials today it may be better to buy a trailer in good shape used.
Any home-made enclosed motorcycle trailers?
