I'm contemplating making a small overland off-road utility trailer for camping and general use. I'm going to go with a conventional 3500lb axle and springs but modified to sit over the axle instead of hanging on it for a bit of lift. Dimensions roughly 5 feet wide x 7 feet long, about 3 foot tall closed box with a carrying/tent deck on top on a 6 or so foot axle, so the track width is close to that of my Nissan. I'd build a swappable tongue with one long one with a kayak carry crossbar on it and a short one with an articulating hitch.
I'm thinking of 2"x3" rectangular steel frame, with smaller steel for the box. I want it sturdy but not too heavy. I'm estimating 11 gauge would be plenty, as that's the same amount of cross sectional steel as 2x3 angle of 1/4" thickness. My big dilemma would be how to construct the panels to enclose the bottom? I could use ~20 gauge sheet steel and Tig weld the seams but that would take a long long time. The thing would be really solid though. I can't think of another good paneling material besides sheet steel or a good grade of plywood. Anything else would be very difficult to work with.
I was going to use hubs that match my Nissan bolt pattern so in theory the trailer and tow vehicle could share tires and wheels.
I'm thinking of 2"x3" rectangular steel frame, with smaller steel for the box. I want it sturdy but not too heavy. I'm estimating 11 gauge would be plenty, as that's the same amount of cross sectional steel as 2x3 angle of 1/4" thickness. My big dilemma would be how to construct the panels to enclose the bottom? I could use ~20 gauge sheet steel and Tig weld the seams but that would take a long long time. The thing would be really solid though. I can't think of another good paneling material besides sheet steel or a good grade of plywood. Anything else would be very difficult to work with.
I was going to use hubs that match my Nissan bolt pattern so in theory the trailer and tow vehicle could share tires and wheels.
