I’ll be honest I rolled my eyes when I saw the title and the start of the video……… but as you got going I saw where you were going with things. Owning a trailer for many years, I could say every single thing you did is useful at one point or another! Good job
90% of the time you see a RUclips video with "xx ideas for whatever" it's one or two ideas and the rest total bs. Just about every idea on this video is solid. Good stuff.
Everyone needs to produce videos like this! No nonsense, pure straight forward information without any fluff. You are a smart guy! Some great tips for all us trailer owners.
WoW! Amazing! I’m 67 and miss the days when my grandfather, my father or uncles wanted something they just made it . This video is old school engineering. I’m very impressed.
Thank you, Vincent. My father just turned 80 this year and we still work together on stuff like this. It's all I've ever known. Thanks for watching. 🦅🇺🇸
This was the best mod video I have watched in some time! Practical and definitely mods that would be helpful for us trailer users. Great Job and excellent ideas!
I've watched a ton of trailer mod videos. This one is straight to the point, creative, and no annoying music. I enjoyed the information provided. The dual purpose jack usage really stood out for me. I "liked". Thanks.
Great modifications! You remind me of how "American know-how" became a phrase to be proud of. My fav is the mounts for the 2 jacks on the sides toward the rear. Several times I've had to get the truck out of the garage just so I could hook it to the trailer in order to load my mower. By doubling as a flat tire jack makes it well worth the effort of the installation. Neither of my trailers had anywhere to tie a rope that didn't have sharp edges so I mounted a 1" galvanized pipe 2" above and full length along both side walls and the front - all of which were 2 x 8's. Now I have unlimited tie-down places. Your gate lift assist save you quite a bit of money because the "Gorilla-Lift" is about $ 225 and the "Kuafu" kit is around $ 137 (plus tax on both). For those without the time, welder or H.D. drills the extra hundred bucks for the Kuafu might be the route to take.
This video is trailer genius bro! My 14 ft trailer is getting modded thanks to this video! Don't have tube rails but I'm thinking on putting a piece of pipe under the angle iron rail instead of on top as you suggested. Love it all especially the jacks on the rear sides.
I would love to see some pictures of how you pull this off.. I have a 12' trailer with square stock hand rails.. The locks for the ramp attach right on the end of the rails.. I tried putting pipes on top of the rails and bolting them on on but when I lowered the gate the steel cable just raked across the steel because of the 45ﾟ angle and there's no way to get the cable up off of the steel.. I have been given suggestions like go to a welding shop and have them cut the locks off and lower them.. Another said just use 30-30 6" long all thread and put your eyeballs level with the top of the trailer so the cable never has to go in a downward angle.. I look forward to seeing pictures of how yours went.. Definitely don't want to cut the locks off if I can help it
Have you made your gate-asist yet? I've got the angle iron top rail as well, but I'm planning on boxing mine by putting angle iron underneath instead of pipe.
Hands down!!! this was definitely one of the best explained and improvement video..Heck we need the Best of RUclips videos award shows...I nominate this video....and I will come on stage and slap anyone who disagrees😂😂
I laughed a lot at this video. These are all great ideas, it's so rapid fire, there were tips inside of tips. No BS, just right into it. Wish more people made videos like this.
I always depended on my older brothers for suggestions and advice like this. Now that they are gone, I've missed having access to their ideas. You sir, are a treasure. You have a new subscriber. Thank you!
I did the spring lift mod on my trailer (I have the same trailer or damn close to it. 6x10') - I am not disappointed. Works very well. I also painted/treated the bed with a sealant and added grit to it for traction. Ended up painting the whole trailer after and used truck bed liner on the wheel fenders. Huge improvement.
That’s so awesome! It’s amazing how much a little effort makes to enhance these trailers and extend their life beyond expectations. Thanks for sharing your ideas. 😁👍
@@baldeagle242Also, gives them a needed refresh. Mine has peeling paint and multipel colors - I like to air spray paint projects in the bed of the trailer. Putting a new coat on everything make it look more up to date.
Great mods, one thing I like to do is put a cage over the tail lights, nothing fancy just a couple pieces of rebar or whatever. Those lights break so easy and gets expensive replacing them all the time!
+A C I have to agree with that. I was afraid this video was getting to long and may make a second one showing additional mods. Thanks for watching! 🦅🇺🇸
I just bought a new trailer today. I drove it from the dealer to my home. Backing it in the driveway I backed into a rock and bent the snot out of my tail light. I'd like to know more about the "cage" you made....
@@hipairbrush1053 There are a few options to protect the taillights. If you have the tools and a welder you can bend up rebar as A C mentioned above or cut steel plates to surround the lights. On some trailers, you can also relocate the lights to the back of the fenders so they are less likely to hit something. If you want to do it the easy way you can buy a housing from Amazon like the one below and weld or bolt it on to protect the lights. amzn.to/351mADx Let us know how it works out and thanks for watching.
LOVE the winch idea! You could double your capacity/ make it easier on your, and pull straight onto the trailer, instead of an angle if you changed out the strap for a cable, used a snatch block, then anchored the other end to the other side.
I have a 16' long x 6' wide boat trailer that I've turned into a generic hauling trailer. I used 2" x 8" boards to build the floor, then put galvanized sheet metal on top of the boards (screwed down) so things slide. I have chain/strap tie down points that attach to the trailer frame. On the sides I put the 2x4 metal brackets then built a 43" (width of sheet metal) wall around the trailer perimeter. Rear of trailer also has a loading ramp similar to the one on this video only heavier duty, and I used springs like he did. On the front pointed section I put an aluminum box, the kind you see in truck beds. I also attached a crank up wheel on the front trailer bar and added a bracket to hold the spare tire. I got the trailer free from a friend so this whole project cost me around $100 for wood, sheet metal and screws to hold it all together. The trailer was designed to hold a 2500 Lb Boat so it's pretty tough for big loads. I intend to use it to haul brush, move all kinds of items, and pick up landscape materials, mulch, rocks etc. My next task is to add the jacks on the rear so I can load without being hooked up to the truck.
I 've been lucky with tail lights so far. I will probably change their location if I do break them. The reflective white tape on the front side of the gate also helps tremendously with seeing your trailer when you're backing up after dark. Thanks for watching.
@@baldeagle242 I found LED taillights at O'reilleys that have a built in back up light. Just have to run a blue wire from the tow vehicle to the light. I suppose you could wire it to come on with the stop lights, don't know if that is legal in all states, LOL.
@@unclemikeb Thanks for the reply. That's one thing I've always wanted to do but never taken the time to make it happen. I think I need a part two to this video for all the extra suggestions people have left. Thanks for watching! 🦅🇺🇸
Very impressive & well thought out. I liked the attention to reflectors and using some to judge your distance backing up. A couple of thoughts while watching: recycle used motor oil to stain the wood deck. For your purposes there will probably be oil leaks on the wood anyway. As long as you’re doing custom brackets-mounting a shovel and farm jack somewhere on there would be cool. And maybe an LED light bar for nighttime use. Nice work. Really enjoyed watching it.
Great ideas! I subscribed! I think a video regarding attaching an axle hub with spare tire attached to your trailer would be very helpful. I like the idea but can’t put together the actual construction in my mind’s eye. Also one of my trailers has rear jack stands that has 2” square tubing vertically welded to the frame (only about two or three inch piece).Then smaller sq.tubing about 18” long slides inside the 2” tubing. Holes are drilled in the smaller tubing and through the 2” tubing with the holes in the smaller tubing being located when you want to support the deck so it does not tip down or to hold up the tubing in position for traveling. You’ll need a plate welded to bottom of the small tubing. This is relatively inexpensive as opposed to using two tongue jacks, but certainly not as helpful as the tongue jacks might be for changing a tire. Thanks for your great suggestions!!!
Awesome upgrades , very useful.. I have the 5 X 8 trailer and I mounted a bed box for a small truck to the front over an extended tongue. Loads of storage and water proof.
@Chickanic is on fire! I have been a sub on her channel since she was at 300'ish subs and didn't post for over a year! She has the skills and personality to explode on RUclips! (Far beyond what she already has!) I have the skills and I'm working on my personality. ;-) LOL
This DIY had good mods, good engineering, and quick and informative execution! I immediately subscribed! How could I not, and miss something valuable? Thanks!
E-Track is DA BOMB!!! That gives a person soooo many hook point options. I love that stuff on the floors of my trainers. Great video, thanks for some great ideas!
Thanks for watching. I purchased the E-track last fall and still haven’t gotten around to installing it on this trailer. I have it in my box trailer and agree 100%! It’s great for odd sized loads or loads that may not always be in the same place.
So you could put a riding mower on your trailer with no problem? I’m looking to get a trailer and wasn’t sure of the size I needed. Great ideas you have here👍👍
If you're looking for a trailer for a single riding mower up to about a 48" deck a 5'x8' trailer is a good size. You will have to fold the plastic chute up on the side but it will fit with room to spare. A 5.5' or 6' x10' would be overkill for a single mower unless you plan to have other stuff on the trailer with it.
I'm the same way. I used a 5x8’ for many years but always ran into issues with things that wouldn't fit. The 5.5x10’ foot trailer is a good size and pulls well with my Jeep.
COOL video !! The only thing I would change is : Instead of electrical tape on the cables, I would use Heat Shrink in two (or more) layers. I love the Lift Assist !!
Thanks for the video. I have a 5x8 trailer just for hauling my lawn tractors and brush that I cut. Works great but I am definitely using some of your ideas to make her more efficient
took a shot today..running into this problem.. my gate lock moves up-and-down vertically.. When I lift the lock up and lower the gate to the ground the flange with the 3/8 hole in it is parallel to the ground and extends 2" beyond the square stock.. I can't figure out how to overcome the sharp angle from the end of the Spring and pipe down to the eye which I have at the very top of the gate as high as I can bolt it.. The steel cable is still scraping the flange where the gate lock goes into the gate.. when it is parallel to the ground, then the cable is level.. Not sure how to send pictures to you but they say a picture is more than a 1000 words lol
That’s impressive. I’m at the beginning of restoring my grandfather’s small utility/dump trailer which I inherited then kept sitting for almost ten years in the bushes. You really make me want to buy a welder and modify it along the way, sick fabrication skills.
Those were some really clever mods. Especially like the tailgate lift idea. I have been longing for a trailer I found in TN. It is 5 x12 with the gate assist. I like it because a 6 footer is too wide for some curvy, narrow roads I have to travel. The 12 foot length is nice for the added space and I'm sure it would not even noticed since it is only five wide. With 15 inch tires and a 3500 pound axle, It is rated to handle 2600 pounds of cargo. I was wanting it because it is the only trailer offered in 5 x 12 with the lift assist. Now, thanks to your suggestion, I could opt for any 5 x 12 I can find.
@@baldeagle242 I subscribed so I could find you later. I double checked and learned the 3500 pound axle will accept electric brake kits. That is a big plus to me as I often have a full load of gear in the Jeep Liberty so the trailer brakes would add a high degree of safety.
Those jacks also stabilize well enough that I can use a swing out trck bed crane w/o issue. Comes in handy for transferring auto engines from truck to truck or wherever. Love your ingenuity. Thanks for sharing.
I just now discovered this video , great upgrades on your trailer , I plan on doing some of these on mine , I am a new subscriber , Thankyou for sharing
I've ran #12-4 aluminum armored cable underneath for the trailer wiring...looked pretty darn cool and held up well driving and scraping through thick brush-stalky fields. Other than that you've encompassed everything I've ever done and a lot more in 15 minutes.
Those tube frame trailers are super rigid and really strong. I had one from Tractor Supply a 6x8, wish I never sold it. I'd put my Can Am 650 back there and it trailered it like nothing. Really smart ideas, subbed and enjoy the channel.
I really like your ideas I'm definitely gonna do so upgrades to my 16' my old ass is getting tired of lifting my double gate.... ya gotta new sub here my friend
I sure appreciate this video. Thanks for great tips and ideas on how to make trailers better. My Harley-Davidson Trike needs some things for securing that you showed me.
2x2 stakes at the front is a great idea, I use a 2x2 or 2x4 as the front stop and a 1x4 as the rear, the ratchet contraption mounted on the bar to utilize the frame pockets definitely a thing to do !
Thank you! They come in handy when others borrow or help load a trailer as well. Not everyone understands how to properly balance a trailer and having a dedicated stopping point makes it foolproof for most items I use a trailer for. Thanks for watching, I hope to see you around on future videos. 🦅
I have a very similar trailer and that open security box always bugged me. I cut mine off, used 2 inch aluminum angle to fabricate a tray for a small ATV toolbox. It sits in the factory location, is water tight, and more securable. I don't have and am not proficient with a welder to fabricate stake pockets and ratchets to my rig. I did buy some decent braided rope, made loops I can slip knot around the top tubes and use ratchet straps or Tie Boss tie downs to secure my load. I used 3/4 marine grade plywood for the flooring in mine and its starting to show its age. Trailer sits outside in all weather so when I replace the plywood I'm probably going to use 2x8 pressure treated. I did add recessed tiedowns to the floor. I drilled two mounting holes into the trailer frame and the other two I went thru the plywood and cut 1 foot sections of shelving angle to spread out the load.
You are pretty amazing to come up with practical solutions yo what would have been problematical issues. You are creative and can think outside the box. Your video is very educational as well as entertaining.
Wow, very clever and versatile mods. That's the first time I remember seeing vanity plates on a trailer, lol. All of that green looks awesome right now with almost ten inches of snow on the ground here in southwest Ohio on February 5, 2022.
It's funny you are the first person to comment on the plates. 😁👍 And, yes I miss the green but not the cicadas that were swimming when I made this video. Thanks for watching. 🦅🇺🇸
Great video! Let's see, my favorite improvements: winch, reflective tape, springs to lift tailgate, extra removable jack, removable spare tire mount, led lights, wood deck, and any other items i may have missed! Very informative! Thanks for giving us these ideas and your time!
I like the idea of the spring assist on the end gate. My trailer has angle sides. I suspect that eyebolts along the top edge would work and also do away with the need for the rollers.
You may want to look at doing some deck recessed tie down points. And I would agree an enclosed box at the front would be ideal. Thank you for the video a lot of good ideas.
I have got to say that’s a real fine job you did on this video and the trailer man. Some real great ideas there. I do have a question if you get a chance to respond that would be great. On the rollers you made for the spring assist is there a reason not to reverse them where the top roller is further back and the bottom one further forward? I thought it might make it to where you wouldn’t have to cut off so much for cable clearance. I for sure want to do that upgrade because I’m disabled and that would be a huge help! And maybe some kind of a handle I could grab without having to bend over to get it. Thanks! Take care!
The main reason for the offset was for clearance between the rollers. I was worried that if the top roller were further back it would increase the cable bend when the gate is closed without offering enough pull to hold the gate upright. It would probably work either way but when I compared it to the commercially available systems the top roller was always offset this way. I hope this helps to answer your question. Thanks for watching. 😁👍
@@baldeagle242 wow thank you for the super fast response, I figured I’d be lucky if you responded at all and it would be a couple days at least! Also thank you so much for the info I see what you mean about the curve of the wire. Btw. I watched several other videos about this topic and I have to say yours is hands down the very best!! Great job! Thank you for all the great info! Take care!
If you every have to drive around at night having some backup lights on the rear of the trailer is very handy as well. Also, because the ground for your lights is through the trailer hitch which can bounce around and lose contact periodically and make the trailer lights flash when the ground is made and lost on bumpy surfaces, having a ground wire run through the light plug to endure a positive ground is a good idea. So for a ground circuit, a backup light circuit, left turn/brake circuit, right turn/brake circuit, tail/marker light circuit would require a five circuit plug. If you want some work lights for loading and unloading at night you could run a fused wire from the battery to the plug then have a switch on the trailer to turn them on and off. That would require a six circuit plug.
"drilling the hole in the front trailer jack wheel" for a locking pin to keep it from rolling : I can not even guess how many times I could have used this little trick! I had two pcs of 2 x 4 mounted on a piece of plywood to act as a anti roll block for a camper trailer
Very ingenious! All very useful items. It's fun to do these jobs. I bought an old RV trailer chassis and a MIG welder from Eastwood and some metal and built myself a nice long flatbed to haul all the large items I've purchased after moving up to Idaho from Commifornia 23 years ago. Loved welding but not crawling around on the ground. I'm 78 and damaged goods after a lifetime of traumatic accidents on motorcycles and hot parachute landings. Next time use a ROCK to pound that stubborn bolt in instead of damaging your tire iron (ha ha!) Great videos. If I lived closer to you, we'd be buddies.
Sounds like we would be. I think you’d get along with my 82 year old father also. He’s still doing smaller stuff like this himself. John Deere 345 18HP Kawasaki Running After Sitting For Years! ruclips.net/user/shortsrxPOCLDNXVI?feature=share
I have the similar trailer to yours and I am definitely doing the spring assist idea ! That gate gets heavy after a long day ! And the pockets along the sides and front great idea 💡 already made a tool box , but haven't mounted it yet. I will put a pocket in the middle for electric wench. Excellent video my friend and thanks !
Some very good ideas and good work, everything is explained well also, I love the idea of using a ramp from the trailer to load something into the truck, I have never seen that before.
Using ramps from the trailer into the truck works very well. It has much less of an angle when loading mowers so the deck doesn’t catch at the top. Thanks for watching. 😁👍
nice video, quick thought, if you mounted the cable to the gate using eye bolts they wouldnt stick out far enough to interfere with laying it flat on the deck and would probably be plenty strong.
Great video. Question, how did you figure the spring ie. How long and how strong etc. You said you got a good price for them .Where did you buy. Thanks
I showed it in the video. It was a Facebook Market Place find. $1 each. I actually bought two different spring strengths and settled on the yellow tip springs. You should be able to google it for strength. You can also lengthen or shorten the cable to get a little more or less tension.
They come in very handy. Something else I didn't think to mention in the video but it makes it very easy to keep everything to use on a second trailer or future trailer. Thanks for watching. 😁👍
Great video! Thanks for sharing. On the spring assist gate looks like you could’ve just hooked the shackles to the angle iron on the gate itself. Easy to remove for laying the gate flat into the trailer.
I had planned to bolt the eyebolts directly into the gate originally but the cable angle had to be spot on or the cable would walk to the edge of the roller and rub on the sharp edge of the rail. If you could find a tiny box roller with 4 rollers that wouldn’t matter but from what I could find something like that would have been more costly than the entire setup I used.
Instead of taping the cut ends of the cables, I’d suggest using shrink wrap. Much cleaner look. If it’s a high wear area you could put it over the electrical tape.
![Tee Grizzley - Blow for Blow (feat. J. Cole) [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/wNLN5xsx5dc/mqdefault.jpg)
I’ll be honest I rolled my eyes when I saw the title and the start of the video……… but as you got going I saw where you were going with things. Owning a trailer for many years, I could say every single thing you did is useful at one point or another! Good job
Thank you. I wasn’t really sure what to call this video. 😁👍
@@baldeagle242 you hit the nail on the head, for once it wasn’t clickbait
I agree 💯
Impressed
Thank you.
90% of the time you see a RUclips video with "xx ideas for whatever" it's one or two ideas and the rest total bs. Just about every idea on this video is solid. Good stuff.
Thank you. 😁👍
I agree… but they require welding, I don’t need another piece of equipment to store.
@@thatguy7085 On the plus side, they make some tiny 120v welders now.
Everyone needs to produce videos like this! No nonsense, pure straight forward information without any fluff. You are a smart guy! Some great tips for all us trailer owners.
Thank you! 🦅🇺🇸
WoW! Amazing! I’m 67 and miss the days when my grandfather, my father or uncles wanted something they just made it . This video is old school engineering. I’m very impressed.
Thank you, Vincent. My father just turned 80 this year and we still work together on stuff like this. It's all I've ever known.
Thanks for watching. 🦅🇺🇸
This was the best mod video I have watched in some time! Practical and definitely mods that would be helpful for us trailer users. Great Job and excellent ideas!
Thank you. 🦅🇺🇸
@@baldeagle242 that list of mods would of been 15 separate 12 minute videos on any other channel.
👍
@@jaxturner7288 You sir are 100% correct. I try to keep my videos as short as possible and pack as much information as I can. 😁👍
I've watched a ton of trailer mod videos. This one is straight to the point, creative, and no annoying music. I enjoyed the information provided. The dual purpose jack usage really stood out for me. I "liked". Thanks.
Thank you. 😁👍
I was disappointed that his pets and/or kids were not “ his helpers” like most of these type of videos😬
I hate when people think they're doing good about adding stupid music
Great modifications! You remind me of how "American know-how" became a phrase to be proud of.
My fav is the mounts for the 2 jacks on the sides toward the rear. Several times I've had to get the truck out of the garage just so I could hook it to the trailer in order to load my mower. By doubling as a flat tire jack makes it well worth the effort of the installation.
Neither of my trailers had anywhere to tie a rope that didn't have sharp edges so I mounted a 1" galvanized pipe 2" above and full length along both side walls and the front - all of which were 2 x 8's. Now I have unlimited tie-down places.
Your gate lift assist save you quite a bit of money because the "Gorilla-Lift" is about $ 225 and the "Kuafu" kit is around $ 137 (plus tax on both). For those without the time, welder or H.D. drills the extra hundred bucks for the Kuafu might be the route to take.
Thank you for watching. I have a couple links below the video for the systems you've mentioned. 🦅🇺🇸
The jack stand idea is absolutely genuine!
Thank you. 😁👍
This video is trailer genius bro! My 14 ft trailer is getting modded thanks to this video! Don't have tube rails but I'm thinking on putting a piece of pipe under the angle iron rail instead of on top as you suggested. Love it all especially the jacks on the rear sides.
Thanks for watching! Let me know how yours turns out.
His video was great! Agreed.
I would love to see some pictures of how you pull this off.. I have a 12' trailer with square stock hand rails.. The locks for the ramp attach right on the end of the rails.. I tried putting pipes on top of the rails and bolting them on on but when I lowered the gate the steel cable just raked across the steel because of the 45ﾟ angle and there's no way to get the cable up off of the steel.. I have been given suggestions like go to a welding shop and have them cut the locks off and lower them.. Another said just use 30-30 6" long all thread and put your eyeballs level with the top of the trailer so the cable never has to go in a downward angle.. I look forward to seeing pictures of how yours went.. Definitely don't want to cut the locks off if I can help it
Have you made your gate-asist yet? I've got the angle iron top rail as well, but I'm planning on boxing mine by putting angle iron underneath instead of pipe.
Hands down!!! this was definitely one of the best explained and improvement video..Heck we need the Best of RUclips videos award shows...I nominate this video....and I will come on stage and slap anyone who disagrees😂😂
I laughed a lot at this video. These are all great ideas, it's so rapid fire, there were tips inside of tips. No BS, just right into it. Wish more people made videos like this.
Thank you!
Yeah, it is refreshing when someone is to the point instead of adding life story to every topic.
You are 100% correct with everything you said sir!
These were some outstanding tips!]
I wasn't looking for this vid, but im glad I found it!
@@jupitercyclops6521 Thanks for watching! 🦅🇺🇸
I always depended on my older brothers for suggestions and advice like this. Now that they are gone, I've missed having access to their ideas. You sir, are a treasure. You have a new subscriber. Thank you!
Thank you, Carol. It sounds like they were great people. I'm glad to have you here.
I did the spring lift mod on my trailer (I have the same trailer or damn close to it. 6x10') - I am not disappointed. Works very well. I also painted/treated the bed with a sealant and added grit to it for traction. Ended up painting the whole trailer after and used truck bed liner on the wheel fenders. Huge improvement.
That’s so awesome! It’s amazing how much a little effort makes to enhance these trailers and extend their life beyond expectations. Thanks for sharing your ideas. 😁👍
@@baldeagle242Also, gives them a needed refresh. Mine has peeling paint and multipel colors - I like to air spray paint projects in the bed of the trailer. Putting a new coat on everything make it look more up to date.
Great mods, one thing I like to do is put a cage over the tail lights, nothing fancy just a couple pieces of rebar or whatever. Those lights break so easy and gets expensive replacing them all the time!
+A C I have to agree with that. I was afraid this video was getting to long and may make a second one showing additional mods. Thanks for watching! 🦅🇺🇸
I just bought a new trailer today. I drove it from the dealer to my home. Backing it in the driveway I backed into a rock and bent the snot out of my tail light. I'd like to know more about the "cage" you made....
@@hipairbrush1053 There are a few options to protect the taillights. If you have the tools and a welder you can bend up rebar as A C mentioned above or cut steel plates to surround the lights. On some trailers, you can also relocate the lights to the back of the fenders so they are less likely to hit something. If you want to do it the easy way you can buy a housing from Amazon like the one below and weld or bolt it on to protect the lights. amzn.to/351mADx
Let us know how it works out and thanks for watching.
A couple coils of a car front spring is what protects my lights.
LOVE the winch idea! You could double your capacity/ make it easier on your, and pull straight onto the trailer, instead of an angle if you changed out the strap for a cable, used a snatch block, then anchored the other end to the other side.
Great idea. Thank you. 😁👍
I really like that snatch block comment
I have a 16' long x 6' wide boat trailer that I've turned into a generic hauling trailer. I used 2" x 8" boards to build the floor, then put galvanized sheet metal on top of the boards (screwed down) so things slide. I have chain/strap tie down points that attach to the trailer frame. On the sides I put the 2x4 metal brackets then built a 43" (width of sheet metal) wall around the trailer perimeter. Rear of trailer also has a loading ramp similar to the one on this video only heavier duty, and I used springs like he did. On the front pointed section I put an aluminum box, the kind you see in truck beds. I also attached a crank up wheel on the front trailer bar and added a bracket to hold the spare tire. I got the trailer free from a friend so this whole project cost me around $100 for wood, sheet metal and screws to hold it all together. The trailer was designed to hold a 2500 Lb Boat so it's pretty tough for big loads. I intend to use it to haul brush, move all kinds of items, and pick up landscape materials, mulch, rocks etc. My next task is to add the jacks on the rear so I can load without being hooked up to the truck.
I got tired of backing up and braking tail lights, so I moved mine to the lower sides of my gate. Works very well
I 've been lucky with tail lights so far. I will probably change their location if I do break them. The reflective white tape on the front side of the gate also helps tremendously with seeing your trailer when you're backing up after dark. Thanks for watching.
@@baldeagle242 I found LED taillights at O'reilleys that have a built in back up light. Just have to run a blue wire from the tow vehicle to the light. I suppose you could wire it to come on with the stop lights, don't know if that is legal in all states, LOL.
@@unclemikeb Thanks for the reply. That's one thing I've always wanted to do but never taken the time to make it happen. I think I need a part two to this video for all the extra suggestions people have left.
Thanks for watching! 🦅🇺🇸
@@baldeagle242 magnetic flashlight that you can position on a fender or frame makes backing in the dark much easier.
Of the ten best mechanical tips / inventions I have learned on RUclips, at least 5 were from this single video!
That's fantastic! Thanks for watching! 🦅🇺🇸
Very impressive & well thought out. I liked the attention to reflectors and using some to judge your distance backing up. A couple of thoughts while watching: recycle used motor oil to stain the wood deck. For your purposes there will probably be oil leaks on the wood anyway. As long as you’re doing custom brackets-mounting a shovel and farm jack somewhere on there would be cool. And maybe an LED light bar for nighttime use. Nice work. Really enjoyed watching it.
Thanks for the suggestions. And thanks for watching. 😁👍
Lots of great ideas for me to work on here in AZ, thanks
Great ideas! I subscribed! I think a video regarding attaching an axle hub with spare tire attached to your trailer would be very helpful. I like the idea but can’t put together the actual construction in my mind’s eye. Also one of my trailers has rear jack stands that has 2” square tubing vertically welded to the frame (only about two or three inch piece).Then smaller sq.tubing about 18” long slides inside the 2” tubing. Holes are drilled in the smaller tubing and through the 2” tubing with the holes in the smaller tubing being located when you want to support the deck so it does not tip down or to hold up the tubing in position for traveling. You’ll need a plate welded to bottom of the small tubing. This is relatively inexpensive as opposed to using two tongue jacks, but certainly not as helpful as the tongue jacks might be for changing a tire. Thanks for your great suggestions!!!
Thanks for the info and thanks for watching.
Awesome upgrades , very useful.. I have the 5 X 8 trailer and I mounted a bed box for a small truck to the front over an extended tongue. Loads of storage and water proof.
The jack and strap things you welded on are pretty smart I’m going to do this on my trailer I’m fixing up👌🏻
Very clever adaptions to an existing trailer. Makes it so much more useful. Look forward to your further modifications.
Thanks, Greg, and thanks for watching.
@@baldeagle242 i have been subscribed to your channel for a while now. Watching from Queensland Australia.
@@gregmaxfield4405 That's awesome! I have always wanted to take a trip to Australia.
@@baldeagle242 i have a couple of favourite channels, including yours, Chickanic, Mustie1, Cutting Edge Engineering here in Australia.
@Chickanic is on fire! I have been a sub on her channel since she was at 300'ish subs and didn't post for over a year! She has the skills and personality to explode on RUclips! (Far beyond what she already has!) I have the skills and I'm working on my personality. ;-) LOL
This DIY had good mods, good engineering, and quick and informative execution! I immediately subscribed! How could I not, and miss something valuable? Thanks!
Thank you, Brian. I appreciate your support. 😁👍
E-Track is DA BOMB!!! That gives a person soooo many hook point options. I love that stuff on the floors of my trainers.
Great video, thanks for some great ideas!
Thanks for watching. I purchased the E-track last fall and still haven’t gotten around to installing it on this trailer. I have it in my box trailer and agree 100%! It’s great for odd sized loads or loads that may not always be in the same place.
I love the gate helper idea
It comes in handy. Thanks for watching.
Going to have to watch this one several times. You went really fast on what you were going to do with gate. Good ideas!
So you could put a riding mower on your trailer with no problem? I’m looking to get a trailer and wasn’t sure of the size I needed. Great ideas you have here👍👍
If you're looking for a trailer for a single riding mower up to about a 48" deck a 5'x8' trailer is a good size. You will have to fold the plastic chute up on the side but it will fit with room to spare. A 5.5' or 6' x10' would be overkill for a single mower unless you plan to have other stuff on the trailer with it.
@@baldeagle242 ...I like overkill 😂🤣. Never can tell when you may need it😄
I'm the same way. I used a 5x8’ for many years but always ran into issues with things that wouldn't fit. The 5.5x10’ foot trailer is a good size and pulls well with my Jeep.
COOL video !! The only thing I would change is : Instead of electrical tape on the cables, I would use Heat Shrink in two (or more) layers. I love the Lift Assist !!
great video. very helpful trailer mods and upgrades.
Thank you.
As the video progresses im saying to myself, "damn, look at that, yep, good idea, geez, I like that!" Good job man.
@Heath Weeks Thank you for taking the time to share your comment! I hope to see you around on future videos. 😊👍
Thanks for the video. I have a 5x8 trailer just for hauling my lawn tractors and brush that I cut. Works great but I am definitely using some of your ideas to make her more efficient
Awesome! Let me know how to turns out. 😁👍
Like the relocating of the spare tire with the use of the pockets.
Spring setup is pretty cool as well.
+Eric Nay Thank you!
This is an hours worth of material in less than 15 minutes. Great job! Great camera angles and efficient editing.
Thank you! 🦅🇺🇸
took a shot today..running into this problem.. my gate lock moves up-and-down vertically.. When I lift the lock up and lower the gate to the ground the flange with the 3/8 hole in it is parallel to the ground and extends 2" beyond the square stock.. I can't figure out how to overcome the sharp angle from the end of the Spring and pipe down to the eye which I have at the very top of the gate as high as I can bolt it.. The steel cable is still scraping the flange where the gate lock goes into the gate.. when it is parallel to the ground, then the cable is level.. Not sure how to send pictures to you but they say a picture is more than a 1000 words lol
That’s impressive. I’m at the beginning of restoring my grandfather’s small utility/dump trailer which I inherited then kept sitting for almost ten years in the bushes. You really make me want to buy a welder and modify it along the way, sick fabrication skills.
Wow!!! I have hit the jackpot when I found this treasure-trove of useful information that I have been needing for several decades. Thank You... Salute
Thank you for watching, Bob!
Those were some really clever mods. Especially like the tailgate lift idea.
I have been longing for a trailer I found in TN. It is 5 x12 with the gate assist. I like it because a 6 footer is too wide for some curvy, narrow roads I have to travel. The 12 foot length is nice for the added space and I'm sure it would not even noticed since it is only five wide.
With 15 inch tires and a 3500 pound axle, It is rated to handle 2600 pounds of cargo. I was wanting it because it is the only trailer offered in 5 x 12 with the lift assist.
Now, thanks to your suggestion, I could opt for any 5 x 12 I can find.
Let us know how it works out for you and thanks for watching. 🦅🇺🇸
@@baldeagle242 I subscribed so I could find you later. I double checked and learned the 3500 pound axle will accept electric brake kits. That is a big plus to me as I often have a full load of gear in the Jeep Liberty so the trailer brakes would add a high degree of safety.
@@unclemikeb that's awesome. Thank you and thanks for watching. 🦅🇺🇸
I like adding D Rings so you can use tie downs at various points and they take up such little space and are easy to weld on.
+Dan Schilling Thanks for the tip. I have a few that I purchased to add on but haven’t gotten around to putting them on yet. Thanks for watching. 😁👍
Those jacks also stabilize well enough that I can use a swing out trck bed crane w/o issue. Comes in handy for transferring auto engines from truck to truck or wherever.
Love your ingenuity.
Thanks for sharing.
Thank you!
Add ons weigh so much a tricycle will overload the trailer. Kidding. 👍
The good thing is most all of them are removable so I can take them off when I load my big trike. 😁👍
I just now discovered this video , great upgrades on your trailer , I plan on doing some of these on mine , I am a new subscriber , Thankyou for sharing
Thank you, I sincerely appreciate the support! 👍
I've ran #12-4 aluminum armored cable underneath for the trailer wiring...looked pretty darn cool and held up well driving and scraping through thick brush-stalky fields. Other than that you've encompassed everything I've ever done and a lot more in 15 minutes.
Thanks for the info, and thanks for watching. 😁👍
Those tube frame trailers are super rigid and really strong. I had one from Tractor Supply a 6x8, wish I never sold it. I'd put my Can Am 650 back there and it trailered it like nothing. Really smart ideas, subbed and enjoy the channel.
Thank you
Jam packed full of content. Very well done 👍👍 You just earned another subscriber!
+Working Man🛠️Ron Doyle Thank you! 😁👍
I really like your ideas I'm definitely gonna do so upgrades to my 16' my old ass is getting tired of lifting my double gate.... ya gotta new sub here my friend
Thank you! I hope to see you around on future videos! 🦅
I sure appreciate this video. Thanks for great tips and ideas on how to make trailers better.
My Harley-Davidson Trike needs some things for securing that you showed me.
I'm glad you found it helpful. Thanks for watching. 😁👍
Great ideas. Not one was just filler to pad out the video. I love it when people make improvements based on their real-world experience. Thanks!
Thank you. I appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment. 😁👍
2x2 stakes at the front is a great idea, I use a 2x2 or 2x4 as the front stop and a 1x4 as the rear, the ratchet contraption mounted on the bar to utilize the frame pockets definitely a thing to do !
Thank you! They come in handy when others borrow or help load a trailer as well. Not everyone understands how to properly balance a trailer and having a dedicated stopping point makes it foolproof for most items I use a trailer for. Thanks for watching, I hope to see you around on future videos. 🦅
I have a very similar trailer and that open security box always bugged me. I cut mine off, used 2 inch aluminum angle to fabricate a tray for a small ATV toolbox. It sits in the factory location, is water tight, and more securable. I don't have and am not proficient with a welder to fabricate stake pockets and ratchets to my rig. I did buy some decent braided rope, made loops I can slip knot around the top tubes and use ratchet straps or Tie Boss tie downs to secure my load. I used 3/4 marine grade plywood for the flooring in mine and its starting to show its age. Trailer sits outside in all weather so when I replace the plywood I'm probably going to use 2x8 pressure treated. I did add recessed tiedowns to the floor. I drilled two mounting holes into the trailer frame and the other two I went thru the plywood and cut 1 foot sections of shelving angle to spread out the load.
That sounds like great additions. So many options when it comes to these little trailers. Thanks for sharing your experience. 😁👍
You are pretty amazing to come up with practical solutions yo what would have been problematical issues. You are creative and can think outside the box. Your video is very educational as well as entertaining.
Thank you for the kind words, and thanks for watching. 🦅🇺🇸
Man, you did a fantastic job on that trailer. I'm going to build one for hauling my dirt bike and will be using some of your ideas for sure.
Thank you! Let me know how yours turns out. 😁👍
You have engineered the swiss army knife of utility trailers. Thanks for making this video. Very useful.
Thank you! Hopefully, you will find a couple ideas that work well for you.
Awesome video! I have an old 4 X 8 I'm preparing to rebuild... decking, rails, lights and wiring harness. Thanks for the ideas!
You're welcome. Thanks for watching.
Wow, very clever and versatile mods. That's the first time I remember seeing vanity plates on a trailer, lol. All of that green looks awesome right now with almost ten inches of snow on the ground here in southwest Ohio on February 5, 2022.
It's funny you are the first person to comment on the plates. 😁👍
And, yes I miss the green but not the cicadas that were swimming when I made this video. Thanks for watching. 🦅🇺🇸
Well done. When and where can I drop my trailer off?
Great ideas, great video.
Thank you for watching. I wish I had time to do this for others. I've had a lot of requests since this video was uploaded. 🦅🇺🇸😁👍
Great ideas and very well made video. Straight to the point
Thank you, Jimmy.
With the treated boards over the mesh how did you secure them?
I used stainless 1/4”-20 nuts and bolts with a large washer on the underside and a small washer on the top.
I'm definitely impressed. Great upgrades. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for watching.
Nice job on tailgate lift. Gonna have to try it on two trailers I have👍
Thanks for watching. Let me know how it works out. 😁👍
Every one of these ideas is well thought out and very helpful. Nice work editing, thanks for posting this.
Thanks for watching.
Absolutely amazing setup, lots of great ideas. I'll be stealing some of these mods.
Thanks for the kind words. Let us know how they turn out. 🦅🇺🇸😁👍
Great video. I'm definitely going to add stake loops to my trailer.
Awesome. They come in handy.
Thanks for watching. 😁👍
Great video! Let's see, my favorite improvements: winch, reflective tape, springs to lift tailgate, extra removable jack, removable spare tire mount, led lights, wood deck, and any other items i may have missed! Very informative! Thanks for giving us these ideas and your time!
Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment. 😁👍
These were all great, but the spring counter balance system is freaking awesome!
Thank you, Bizzell!
The jacks on the back is a great idea. Great video, thanks.👍
Thank you
I like the idea of the spring assist on the end gate. My trailer has angle sides. I suspect that eyebolts along the top edge would work and also do away with the need for the rollers.
Very nice work. Good job explaining things 👍
Thank you, Daniel.
I really like these videos! Very good production quality and no gimmicks or goofing around.
Thank you Scott. 😁👍
You may want to look at doing some deck recessed tie down points. And I would agree an enclosed box at the front would be ideal.
Thank you for the video a lot of good ideas.
Thanks for watching. 😁👍
This man is a genius.
Nothing short of genius! Love all of your upgrades.
Thank you, Chris. 😁👍
I like your improvised Tanya Harding for the lift gate assist assembly lol
I have got to say that’s a real fine job you did on this video and the trailer man. Some real great ideas there. I do have a question if you get a chance to respond that would be great. On the rollers you made for the spring assist is there a reason not to reverse them where the top roller is further back and the bottom one further forward? I thought it might make it to where you wouldn’t have to cut off so much for cable clearance. I for sure want to do that upgrade because I’m disabled and that would be a huge help! And maybe some kind of a handle I could grab without having to bend over to get it. Thanks! Take care!
The main reason for the offset was for clearance between the rollers. I was worried that if the top roller were further back it would increase the cable bend when the gate is closed without offering enough pull to hold the gate upright. It would probably work either way but when I compared it to the commercially available systems the top roller was always offset this way. I hope this helps to answer your question. Thanks for watching. 😁👍
@@baldeagle242 wow thank you for the super fast response, I figured I’d be lucky if you responded at all and it would be a couple days at least! Also thank you so much for the info I see what you mean about the curve of the wire. Btw. I watched several other videos about this topic and I have to say yours is hands down the very best!! Great job! Thank you for all the great info! Take care!
This guy is a serious inventor! Very impressive.
Thank you, and thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. 😁👍
If you every have to drive around at night having some backup lights on the rear of the trailer is very handy as well.
Also, because the ground for your lights is through the trailer hitch which can bounce around and lose contact periodically and make the trailer lights flash when the ground is made and lost on bumpy surfaces, having a ground wire run through the light plug to endure a positive ground is a good idea.
So for a ground circuit, a backup light circuit, left turn/brake circuit, right turn/brake circuit, tail/marker light circuit would require a five circuit plug. If you want some work lights for loading and unloading at night you could run a fused wire from the battery to the plug then have a switch on the trailer to turn them on and off. That would require a six circuit plug.
Thanks for the tips. 😁👍
You have some mad fabrication skills!!! Thanks for the video, the way you avoid all the unnecessary narrative is very much appreciated.
Thank you. 😁👍
"drilling the hole in the front trailer jack wheel" for a locking pin to keep it from rolling : I can not even guess how many times I could have used this little trick! I had two pcs of 2 x 4 mounted on a piece of plywood to act as a anti roll block for a camper trailer
Simple but effective. Thanks for watching.
Very ingenious!
All very useful items.
It's fun to do these jobs.
I bought an old RV trailer chassis
and a MIG welder from Eastwood
and some metal and built myself a nice long
flatbed to haul all the large items I've purchased
after moving up to Idaho from Commifornia 23 years ago.
Loved welding but not crawling around on the ground. I'm 78 and damaged goods
after a lifetime of traumatic accidents on motorcycles and hot parachute landings.
Next time use a ROCK to pound that stubborn bolt in
instead of damaging your tire iron (ha ha!)
Great videos. If I lived closer to you, we'd be buddies.
Sounds like we would be. I think you’d get along with my 82 year old father also. He’s still doing smaller stuff like this himself. John Deere 345 18HP Kawasaki Running After Sitting For Years!
ruclips.net/user/shortsrxPOCLDNXVI?feature=share
Very good video with useful mods and clear demos for most levels of DIYers. Plenty of good content and none of the useless stuff.
Thank you
A suggestion for the winch. Attach pulleys to the vertical post to get the proper pull angle needed. Thus, keeping the winch free to comfortably use.
Thanks for the tip. 😁👍
Great ideas here.
A tip, though…
The rule “never saddle a dead horse”, in regards to the saddle clamps on your wire rope.
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for the tip! I was not aware of this when I made the video. I'll keep this in mind for next time. 😁👍
You beat me to it. Those cable clips are "backards".
Those are some good ideas. I'll be utilizing some of them.
Good use of 'warshers' .LOL
@@busterland1805 My wife told me i’d catch heck over woooorshers when I was editing this video. You're not the first one to point it out. 🤦🏻♂️ 🤣🤣
The springs for the gate is awesome idea. Nice job !!!!
I have the similar trailer to yours and I am definitely doing the spring assist idea ! That gate gets heavy after a long day ! And the pockets along the sides and front great idea 💡 already made a tool box , but haven't mounted it yet. I will put a pocket in the middle for electric wench. Excellent video my friend and thanks !
I'm glad you found it helpful. Thanks for watching and let me know how yours turns out. 🦅🇺🇸
I definitely will . And thanks again
I had no idea what you were making the whole video, but I had a good time watching.
I had no idea either. LOL 🤣
Really appreciated your spring gate design
Thanks for watching. If you try it on your trailer let me know how it works out. 😁👍
Genius with the jacks for changing tires.
Some very good ideas and good work, everything is explained well also, I love the idea of using a ramp from the trailer to load something into the truck, I have never seen that before.
Using ramps from the trailer into the truck works very well. It has much less of an angle when loading mowers so the deck doesn’t catch at the top.
Thanks for watching. 😁👍
Subscribed. Great video. Great tips.
Thank you!
Wow! Great video! Such great ideas!
Thanks, Scott I appreciate you watching and taking the time to comment.
Those are really great upgrades. Very well done . 👍.
Thank you, Lloyd.
nice video, quick thought, if you mounted the cable to the gate using eye bolts they wouldnt stick out far enough to interfere with laying it flat on the deck and would probably be plenty strong.
Great video. Question, how did you figure the spring ie. How long and how strong etc. You said you got a good price for them .Where did you buy. Thanks
I showed it in the video. It was a Facebook Market Place find. $1 each. I actually bought two different spring strengths and settled on the yellow tip springs. You should be able to google it for strength. You can also lengthen or shorten the cable to get a little more or less tension.
I am definitely stealing the idea for the stake pocket strap winches!! Great mods!!
Thank you! I use them all the time. 😁👍
great upgrades. only thing extra I might do with this setup is put some low grade thread locker on (mainly to prevent water from getting in there).
Thank you.
Damn do want to sell it ? just kidding LOL, another GREAT video thanks for all the great ideas.
+michael, Everything I own is always for sale for the right price. 😉
Thanks for watching. 🦅🇺🇸
what a great video brother great job!!
Thank you, FollowLalooo! I hope to see you around on future videos. 🦅
This is a great video, great content and editing. I really liked the modular attachments using the stake pockets.
They come in very handy. Something else I didn't think to mention in the video but it makes it very easy to keep everything to use on a second trailer or future trailer. Thanks for watching. 😁👍
Great video! Thanks for sharing.
On the spring assist gate looks like you could’ve just hooked the shackles to the angle iron on the gate itself. Easy to remove for laying the gate flat into the trailer.
I had planned to bolt the eyebolts directly into the gate originally but the cable angle had to be spot on or the cable would walk to the edge of the roller and rub on the sharp edge of the rail. If you could find a tiny box roller with 4 rollers that wouldn’t matter but from what I could find something like that would have been more costly than the entire setup I used.
Wow, I consider myself very detail oriented, however, your ideas in this video are outstanding. Thx!
Thank you. 😁👍
Great adds…nice job👍🏽
Thank you, Sec One! I hope to see you around on future videos! 🦅
Instead of taping the cut ends of the cables, I’d suggest using shrink wrap. Much cleaner look. If it’s a high wear area you could put it over the electrical tape.