atv pull behind trailers

sportsman550 · #1 (**permalink**) 12-08-2011, 07:11 PM

Hey guys I'm thinking of building another trailer to pull behind my sportsman. I bought one from the co-op store here and it was junk, wreked in no time. Anyways what should I do? Has anyone done this before? It wont be for any super off roading just some trails maybe and my back yard. I'm thinking 3X4 or 4X5 or or or. What is a good size? And what materials can I use? Can I build it out of wood? Or do I have to use steel and weld it together?
Thanks guys!

starpuss · #2 (**permalink**) 12-08-2011, 08:31 PM

i see your in canada, my local Princess auto (Winnipeg MB)had a nice "kit" onsale for $299.00 Witch has full suspension maybe 4x5?? not too sure.

sgtpatiolantern · #3 (**permalink**) 12-09-2011, 05:27 AM

One idea you may want to look into, is installing shock absorbers onto whatever you build. I worked in an alignment shop and the owner had ATVs, dirtbikes, snowmobiles etc, and was constantly changing out springs or wheel bearings and the like.

Having a stock of gas shocks in stock, he simply matched up an appropriate size shock set to the trailer. This made the trailer much more towable, especially empty. Plus it was a cheap fix.

This may be something you'd like to engineer into your build.

phil · #4 (**permalink**) 12-09-2011, 07:03 AM

Here's one a made many years ago. 4'X6' 3: channel iron frame, an old front axel from some "older" pickup truck, had leaf springs and shocks. Rack made from grade 1 pressure treated southern pine decking. Tows like a dream and is a tough piece of equipment. I found a pair of 13" rims that fit the hubs and went with 13" tires and tubes with tire sealant within. Been going for something like 36 years! Fenders are the cut up bottoms from plastic 55 gal. barrels.

Winterules · #5 (**permalink**) 12-09-2011, 08:56 AM

I picked up one of these love it and it even floats

The Bush Burro

cwlongshot · #6 (**permalink**) 12-09-2011, 02:12 PM

Here is a thread about the build of mine!

Small ATV trailer

I have built 6 trailers now, this was my first for behind the ATV. Shocks are EXCELLENT for an on the road trailer, but I would not think it worth the effort on such a lite off road trailer. I mean how fast will you be going when towing? IMHO, ATV tires offer plenty of flex.

Like I say I have built a couple I'm happy to offer any help I can form this side of the puter screen. :

Merry Christmas,
CW

shui5612 · #7 (**permalink**) 12-09-2011, 03:39 PM

i have 2 atv trailers, 1 is really heavy duty. i staked about 50 cinder blocks on it, for each level and maybe 2-3 levels...
its maybe 4 1/2 by 5 1/2 feet, i welded some reenforcements to it, 2x2 square tubigs, 1/4'' thick. ( what supports the deck)
the deck is 1/2'' plywood with roof sheet metal ontop of it.
its my trailer for anything heavy really or extremly offroad. it has car tires( i think truck) i got it for free from a friend.

the second trailer used to be a motorcycle trailer, i reenforced it by changing out the design, and 2x4 pieces of wood. made it a jetski trailer for now, but it used to have 14'' tall sides and it had also a roof metal flooring. when it was a dumping trailer ( didnt dump, lmao) but it was 5 feet by 9 i believe ( and it was filled with gravel all the way and still was going strong...)

ill post pics tomorrow.

but closer to the thread. if your going to build something id go with metal as wood is ALOT heavyer even if you dont expect it to be. for the same strength, plus wood is more maintenance, it becomes wet, and rots.
size wise... go with the best size for you. depending on what your going to use it for. if you carry light things yet take alot of space, go for a bigger trailer, or heavyer then go smaller.

the best would be the biggest and strongest trailer as possible, but its going to be VERY heavy. which isnt good for an offroad trailler.

id suggest 3-1/2 maybe 4 feet wide and about 5 feet long as the best size for everything IMHO.
go for the biggest tires as possible. as it wont sink into mud and so on.

hope i helped.

shui5612 · #8 (**permalink**) 12-12-2011, 02:39 PM

well as i promiced ... pics! still better late than never...... anyways, you cant really see the second trailer.... but the first one also has a hitch in the rear...

IMG_0306.jpg picture by shui5612 - Photobucket
IMG_0307.jpg picture by shui5612 - Photobucket
IMG_0308.jpg picture by shui5612 - Photobucket welded these in to put 4x4's in there and makeing sides for things like carrying wood around.......
IMG_0311.jpg picture by shui5612 - Photobucket heres the other, smaller trailer... when i had the sides on, i also had the metal roof on there.....

IMG_0314.jpg picture by shui5612 - Photobucket heres another project, it connects into the trailers hitch and makes a crane, although it can (and was) on the rear of the trailer, with 8 bolts on the red base......