5.5x10 Utility Trailer For My Cj-6

Well, I have been deciding for quite a while on a trailer to go behind my CJ-6. At first I wanted to copy a Bantam, but I need to haul bulkier items once in a while and I just think the Bantam style wouldn't be as practical as a lifted 5 and a half foot by 10 foot utility trailer. The Bantam just isn't wide enough, but would be better on the trail. I don't think I'd take it on any extreme trails, but for hunting season and moving stuff like a lawn tractor and firewood it would be useful. I think I will build it out of 3 inch channel, boxed where the tongue passes under the front of the trailer. I think one foot tall sides and probably a diamond deck steel floor. Removeable tailgate to interchange with a full mesh ramp. 31 inch tires on stock Jeep wheels. Id like to buy the same size tires as I have on the Jeep now, but I will probably just scrounge up some used 31s.

 

I think the 3" channel is overkill for what you're describing. You can probably get away with building it out of 2" angle if you're only towing 1000 lbs or so.

 

I bought a 4x8 from HF in kit form and it cost me $200. That was a few years ago, don't know what they go for now. A nice feature is that it folds in half and has casters so it takes up almost no room if you don't have a place to store it.

 

I am shooting for a weight of around 1000lb, empty trailer. I am going to title it for 3000# for a 2000# payload. I've hauled my equipment trailer around at 2600# empty, not any issue at all. I looked at the Tractor Supply trailers, and some others, and I think they are all built to a price point, not for the long haul, and I'd like to only build one of these. The Harbor Freight ones I've seen are convenient, and really reasonably priced, but I know that with firewood or things like that, If I have room, I will fill it. That's where I get myself in trouble if they aren't built bull-strong. lol

 

My buddy has a single axle aluminum trailer he uses for hauling 2 atvs. He got it for under a grand; I saw one FS on the DC Craigslist for 700. You may be better off just buying a used one. It's really light and sturdy as hell.

 

CL tip: Search for boat trailers.

I came across an ad a few weeks ago: "Boat trailer, $100. FREE BOAT" with 2 really bad pictures.

I showed up expecting to pull it home with my car, took a look, paid him, went home and got the truck. The 18'(!) boat was a total loss with rotted and waterlogged hull, no drive, and all the controls were sawzall'd out, but the trailer is beautiful. The main rails are 25' runs of 4" channel with 3" channel crossmembers. I will be able to make a 6' wide platform up to 15' long, but I will probably shorten it to around 12'. The axle has bearing buddies, good springs snd fenders and the tires hold air. It has a tongue jack too. All painted black, not galvanized.

I had to cut up the boat and haul it off, but I came out way ahead in trailer parts.

 

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This is what I came up with, and had galvanized. 3 inch channel frame, 5x5.5 lug pattern, 14ga decking. Still need to buy or build a Bantam look a like. I need a little trailer, this one's too wide for the woods.

 

I can't seem to find my build pics during construction. I file things, then promptly forget where they are. Obviously, they look pretty similar, just not shiny galvanized.

 

every time I see your jeep it makes we want to paint my tub

 

I like the trailer...........it's that White stuff on the ground that bothers me...............

 

That's funny, every time I see the blue on your Jeep I wish I used that color. lol

 

I like the snow, but hate the salt. I park the CJ-6 right after deer season. From then until spring, it gets relegated to farm work, or wherever I can go by power line or trail only.

 

When I was installing the lights, I was cursing myself on the left taillight, as I welded the license plate bracket so close to the fender I had to have my little Anastasia put the nuts on. I just couldn't get my hands in there. I also wish I built the sides about 4 inches taller. As you can see, I didn't build it tall, as putting the quad on or 8N Ford on would be a pain, or I'd have a gate 6 feet long.

 

wish my "6" looked that good