Joined
·
122 Posts
I need some trailer advice on putting together a trailer for my 14ft raft for <$1000. I'd like to be able to use it as a utility trailer with removable sides as well. I searched around on the forums a bit, but didn't find the info I was looking for. Here are a couple options I am kicking around:
1) Modify my existing harbor freight trailer into something like below. I could pretty easily and cheaply add a deck which would fit my boat. But, I question its ability to make it through a Deso shuttle safely, tow at highway speeds, and generally hold up.
2) Buy the deck-over tilting snowmobile trailer, below (~$600). It looks like it would work well for towing a raft. But, the smaller 18.5 x 8.5 x 8 tires seem like they might lack clearance at rougher put-ins and would be spinning awfully fast on the highway. Also, the deck-centered axle seems like it might be problematic for loading/towing. And, I'd have to rig up a way to add side walls for it's utility purposes. Does anyone have experience with a trailer like this? Thoughts?
3) Buy a larger utility trailer ~ 5'x10' and modify to add a removable deck on top, like below. Looks like I can get one locally for about $1250 with 15" wheels. Then adding rails for the boat + sides for the utility trailer would be beyond that. More than I want to spend, but seems like a solid option.
What are your 2c?
1) Modify my existing harbor freight trailer into something like below. I could pretty easily and cheaply add a deck which would fit my boat. But, I question its ability to make it through a Deso shuttle safely, tow at highway speeds, and generally hold up.
2) Buy the deck-over tilting snowmobile trailer, below (~$600). It looks like it would work well for towing a raft. But, the smaller 18.5 x 8.5 x 8 tires seem like they might lack clearance at rougher put-ins and would be spinning awfully fast on the highway. Also, the deck-centered axle seems like it might be problematic for loading/towing. And, I'd have to rig up a way to add side walls for it's utility purposes. Does anyone have experience with a trailer like this? Thoughts?

3) Buy a larger utility trailer ~ 5'x10' and modify to add a removable deck on top, like below. Looks like I can get one locally for about $1250 with 15" wheels. Then adding rails for the boat + sides for the utility trailer would be beyond that. More than I want to spend, but seems like a solid option.

What are your 2c?