28 foot utility trailer build from a camper

This is the trailer build from the camper frame that I tore down in the previous video it is 28 feet long and 6 foot wide I use 2x6 treated lumber for the decking
Hers the link to the camper tear down that this frame came from
• 29 Foot Camper Trailer...

[@tomahawksteak6672]

Old camper frames make great atv trailers. If u have the knowledge and tools you can save alot over buying a new trailer.

[@jlistdiy]

They sure do

[@zacharyohare2118]

Definitely the budget way to get a long bumper pull that can do what you want/need. Perfect for painters/roofers/light construction where you don't want to run a huge HD truck all the time but need to move longer material and ladders. Heck, I'm looking at one almost just to pick up some old chicken house trusses for a big carport/pole barn sorta deal. That one job it will save enough money being able to use utility poles and used trusses alone to be worth buying one. Having brakes/low deck are just bonuses. I want to build one of these like this with a little "shed" (maybe a shortened military connex?) tool storage area up front. Would be nice, just have to get the tonge balance right. Since I get so many ideas from comments, I thought I might make some suggestions/ideas for the ultra thrifty myself: 0?: Always keep in mind what gives the beams and sections their strength- learn a little bit about the profiles of materials, (I beam, c section etc) and sheer loads. There's some great short videos out there- This is especially key if you're going to be modifying the existing frame or hitch in anyway. Never remove and of the "flat" material on the top/bottom of a beam, like notching for railing or something. Remember, if there was a way to save weight on these things safely and cheaply by removing some material the original mfr probably would have done it already. Especially important if you plan to move tractors/equipment/cars 1: using pallets for the flooring- in particular -the HD plastic ones (probably polyethylene?) 2: Don't just slap long boards down unless you need a drive-on type setup- consider adding some sort of "grid" between flooring sections with ways/places to mount/ties things down. I have contemplated some UniStrut pieces, also allows use of smaller things (like pallets) or something, reduces the strength requirements of your decking material, potentially the "synthetic plywood" or something similar. HDPE sheets are great, but remember how slick those surfaces can be too, which is nice at times since they don't mar stuff up, and you can drag things on them easily, low friction. Big thing is no moisture. 3: Inline with prior item- use sections of something like HDPE for "ribs" like you see in a truck bed or something specifically FOR sliding things on. 4: a track/trolley system that allows loading of something with a fixed position. 5: Mount a 12v ATV winch hidden under the front of the trailer, and use pulleys/tackle to be able to pull from both front and back depending on your configuration. A loop system with an electric chain hoist may actually work better here- IE there's a large loop with a "drive" on one end, and you can hook to it anywhere and drive it both directions- this also allows you to use the hoist motor to tension straps and such as well IE attach rear strap- pull forward- attach front, release winch. 6: If you need steel/the wire grate route, look for old pallets/crate boxes made of metal, usually a cheap source for shorter sections of angle iron.

[@MCsCreations]

Awesome work, Jamie! 😃 It turned out fantastic! Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@jlistdiy]

Thanks 😊 when I was putting the wood on it kept raining off and on all day lol

[@MCsCreations]

@@jlistdiy Yeah, the weather isn't that different here right now. 😬 It should be the end of summer/beginning of autumn there, right? Here it's end of winter/begging of spring...

[@jlistdiy]

@@MCsCreations yes we just started autumn here and not really looking forward to winter 😕

[@MCsCreations]

@@jlistdiy Yeah, I feel the same way. Although here the winter isn't that bad. 😕

[@HealthSupercharger]

looks nice i would weld more cross members at the begging there was a big space or 2 where you had no cross members. Instead of angle iron i would use 3 inch C channel or at least double up the angle irons to make a C channel. Angle iron is weak for cross members unless you use giant one.

[@jlistdiy]

Thank you and those are some great tips thank you

[@darryladams519]

We have a 33 foot bumper pull camper that we don't use any more and it leaks on one corner. I want to do this to it. Camper loaded weight is 19,000 so would make a decent trailer. Although I would leave the side pieces and make it a drive over.

[@jlistdiy]

Sounds like you have a plan and a good idea with the drive over

[@yassinaden4300]

Thank you sharing. Great job! I wish you all the best.

[@jlistdiy]

Thank you

[@tomdavid4348]

I think you did a fine job .

[@jlistdiy]

Thank you

[@coryhalling1614]

You need a border around edge of Deckung Boards and a headache rack or pipe ect. across the front edge of decking.

[@jlistdiy]

That's what I would have done also but this is how the buyer wanted it built

[@stevenwoods5090]

What is the Emperor on your welding? Machine I’m learning how to stick well

[@WhatsCookinToday]

I just bought something similar. It was shortened to 15’ but the side rails don’t seem as heavy duty as yours. I’m hoping to haul a car with it…..

[@jlistdiy]

Just make sure you put enough reinforcement and it should be able to haul a car ,normally a car weighs 2 to 3000 lbs on average a tandem axle trailer should be able to haul 6,000 lbs and up depending on the axles

[@jeep2nv92]

Awesome trailer! I have a small camper trailer that I’m building into a utility trailer. I just don’t know where to find cheap square tubing for the tongue.

[@jlistdiy]

You can check out the local scrap yard you can also use C channel and weld it into a tube

[@jayshaunpatty5329]

Thank you for sharing and great details!

[@jlistdiy]

Thank you and your welcome

[@johnfoster2155]

Looks nice really good job, I plan on doing the same thing

[@jlistdiy]

Thank you and good luck with your project

[@elcomandante9299]

Just don't weld down hill.

[@visualaddictions906]

And.. clean up the metal Before welding.. but anyways

[@jaxflRealtor]

I think you should put some fenders on and some end caps on the bumper to give it a finish look

[@metelgodful]

The trailer looks good but you should have capped off the square tubing

[@mriguy3202]

In many states you need a safety inspection to get a license plate. The state will require you to replace old tires, even if they have little wear on them, which of course is a good idea, so the owner may need to buy 4 tires.

[@larrycassidy1702]

Good job thanks for the video

[@jlistdiy]

@@larrycassidy1702 thank you

[@chad8061]

Uh... Where would you brace your straps at?

[@larrycassidy1702]

Great job hanks for the video

[@jlistdiy]

Thank you

[@gerlandkent6377]

Thank, you for sharing

[@jlistdiy]

Your welcome

[@gerlandkent6377]

Nice looking trailer

[@jlistdiy]

Thank you

[@amystoffregen4716]

Dude i love the music u made at the end sny more i can liston to

[@jlistdiy]

Yeah I have another channel I uploaded some to here is the link youtube.com/@TheJrl1982?si=Hep5MkIpZjqwk1aX

[@leonreid5665]

I just brought one exactly like yours thank you for the info and the knowledge you're awesome

[@jlistdiy]

Thank you and your welcome

[@jtl215731]

Looks great 👍

[@jlistdiy]

Thank you

[@Roars270]

I’m about to tackle this same project. Anything you would have done differently now? Was wondering if I should leave the ears on the sides of the C-channel or cut them off. How did you get the rating for your axels?

[@jlistdiy]

The rating tag was still on the axles and I wouldn't do anything different

[@censoredeveryday3320]

Did you have to apply for a new VIN with the state since it's no longer a travel trailer?

[@jlistdiy]

@@censoredeveryday3320 no not in michigan at least

[@censoredeveryday3320]

@@jlistdiy Very interesting. I'm wondering what happens if a cop runs the VIN an expects to see a trailer trailer ? lol.

[@LF12468]

​@@censoredeveryday3320FTP

[@toddstarr3505]

Looks good but... Down hill welding 🤢 penetration wasn't really there🤷🏼‍♂️ overall nice trailer tho

[@chuebello1]

What is the process for getting it registered?

[@jlistdiy]

Here in michigan you need to get it weighed and then with that go to the secretary of state

[@MerrittFlims]

It’s awesome!

[@jlistdiy]

Thank you

[@gerlandkent6377]

Nice build

[@jlistdiy]

Thank you

[@gearjammer7087]

When I put the wood on trailer floors I do 1 board on each side and keep switching from side to side until I get to the last board. That way if the last board needs to be ripped down because it’s too wide the most narrow board will be in the middle of the trailer. If I know all the boards will fit perfectly I don’t do that. That trailer looks real good but what are you gonna haul on it? It’s super long. 🤷‍♂️

[@jlistdiy]

The person I sold it to hauls 2 utv's and a couple of quads

[@gearjammer7087]

@@jlistdiy 👍

[@HURRY-UP-N-BUY]

What kind of wood did you use? Pine,Oak or something else

[@jlistdiy]

@@HURRY-UP-N-BUY pressure treated pine like deckwood or for this trailer I used 2x6 boards that was pressure treated

[@HURRY-UP-N-BUY]

@@jlistdiy appreciate it 💪

[@lancerekve2914]

How heavy pulling weight when it was completed? Awesome job BTW 👍

[@jlistdiy]

I never did get it weighed so I wouldn't have a clue but my truck had no issue pulling it I have a toyota tundra

[@lancerekve2914]

@@jlistdiy thanks for the reply, I was hoping my 1/2ton GMC truck could pull it, I have the same camper I guess I could always try!

[@jlistdiy]

@@lancerekve2914 you shouldn't have a problem the tundra is only a half ton

[@Chestnut0923]

Need fenders and more lights. I’d also add trailer brakes if there isn’t any.

[@jlistdiy]

It does have brakes and the person I built it for didn't want fenders

[@cognac8297]

Thsts pretty nice man

[@jlistdiy]

Thank you

[@edgarrobles2910]

Whats the size of the main frame ? I have a camper trailer that i want to convert in to a car hauler, my fame is 4in and people tell me that its not going to hold the weight? Can i get your opinion?

[@jlistdiy]

This frame was a 2x6 if you have a frame that's 2x4 I don't think it would be a issue as long as you add the proper reinforcement and you have a tandem axle

[@HURRY-UP-N-BUY]

Hey I have a question how many feet across were the c channel in the ribs? Was it 6ft across or? Thx for the answer in advance

[@jlistdiy]

If I remember right 6 and a half feet

[@HURRY-UP-N-BUY]

@@jlistdiy I figured between 5-7 ,Man I appreciate it you don't know how much this video helped... Appreciate you again for answering man Big time 💪

[@jlistdiy]

@@HURRY-UP-N-BUY yeah no problem I'm glad the video helps

[@ekurdesov]

Thank you for sharing, this is incredible. How many days did this project take?

[@jlistdiy]

It took me 3 days to tear the camper itself down to the frame then a day to weld everything up and paint it then a Day to attach the wood and lights

[@ekurdesov]

Haha) I thought it was a one day for you 😂 I‘ll be starting the same project in month or two

[@jlistdiy]

@@ekurdesov awsome I wish you good luck with your project

[@ekurdesov]

Just started tearing mine down yesterday, what bolts did you use to attach the wood to the frame

[@sheilamclaughlin963]

U might want tot put fenders on it along with a front rack of sort, dot could mess with u

[@gerlandkent6377]

I, like that trailer

[@soldierscraft9213]

How is it holding up any update video on it

[@jlistdiy]

Not sure since I sold it a few days after building it

[@tonyjennaslayder2930]

Why did you shorten it like a foot?

[@jlistdiy]

Because of the cost of the wood

[@tonyjennaslayder2930]

@@jlistdiy makes sense.

[@Scottysyoutube]

Where’s the wheel covering ?

[@jlistdiy]

I ordered pre-made fenders but didn't come in until late

[@robinnorman1170]

Wow bare hand grinding with no handle or wheel guard. Brave or . 😳

[@jlistdiy]

👋

[@ferrisbeuller8980]

Strange how many osha wannabe inspectors watch these diy vids .. ((Facepalm))....

[@deanomatic5129]

@@ferrisbeuller8980 Its just an observation he made. Good to mention it.

[@HURRY-UP-N-BUY]

Hey I'm wondering can you tell me what's the weight of that trailer redone with Camper gone & wood finished ?

[@jlistdiy]

It was 1500 lbs when I had it weighed

[@HURRY-UP-N-BUY]

@@jlistdiy Appreciate the info I have one I want to convert and use just like yours to haul cars, definitely gonna look into it..so I guess all that trailer housing added all the weight before.. interesting....what's the heaviest thing you hauled before?

[@jlistdiy]

@@HURRY-UP-N-BUY the heaviest would have been 10,500 lbs of fill dirt

[@antonioflores391]

Great build but, should’ve left it 8” wide, or even 7’6” . Six feet kinda thin

[@jlistdiy]

True but it does fit a couple of small cars but mainly hauls utv's , quads , and 3 wheelers

[@gilsongallego2328]

Awesome

[@metelgodful]

That wasn't a foot that was more like 2 feet

[@gerlandkent6377]

✌

[@emmanuelrikard1100]

Think it can haul 2 cars

[@jlistdiy]

Yes definitely can haul 2 cars

[@emmanuelrikard1100]

@@jlistdiy that’s all I need to know

[@emmanuelrikard1100]

Question the one I’m looking at was a single wide mobile home

[@jlistdiy]

@@emmanuelrikard1100 a mobile home frame can haul alot of weight

[@mtmonesf]

We’re your leg red the net day lol

[@jlistdiy]

No surprisingly I don't burn

[@philchigges2955]

Kinda narrow eh?can't put a car on it.

[@jlistdiy]

Was able to fit 2 cars on it

[@solexxx8588]

Good job. Did you hook up the electric brakes?

[@jlistdiy]

Thank you and yes I did and they worked great

[@Bassslayer0]

Looks awesome. Would be cool if their was a rail around it.

[@Winnipeg_Jets_Fan]

I'm looking to do this. I am interested in a $500 travel trailer 36 feet long and tearing it down to the frame, rewire it and turn it into a toy hauler for my bikes. Maybe put a small pop up camper on the front and make a toy hauler camper. Great job and looks great!

[@jlistdiy]

That sounds like a great plan and thank you

[@chriscunningham4096]

Just steps away from hauling several commercial mowers and all the essential equipment involved. There is even room for a box for debris. Your living my dream. Cunningham's Lawn Care

[@Kali4nication84]

How do you find the axel weight?

[@jlistdiy]

Their should be a tag on the axle somewhere

[@HealthSupercharger]

usually 4 lug is a 2000lb axel, 5 lug is a 3500lb axel, 6 lug is 5200 usually and 8 lug is the 7k axel.

[@damienmielcarek356]

Needs fenders be good to go

[@jlistdiy]

Yes fenders would have made it complete but are not required in my area, thanks for the comment

[@ezequielhernandez5335]

How did you register it?

[@jlistdiy]

@@ezequielhernandez5335 just have to get it weighed and take that info into the secretary of state, at least that's the way it is here in michigan

[@larrychambers9540]

I just bought an old camper for 300 and am starting to gut it, i think i just want to erase it down to the frame now. lol. Im in deep in gutting and renovating it

[@jmrowland68]

also on my to do list

[@jlistdiy]

👍

[@tommycoates1978]

Remember always add more steel bracing and metal channel of some sorts close or on two frame rails. Trailer frame originally designed to couple the camper body frame for strengthening. You should see the before hand shaking flopping of a camper frame after the removal of all camper body. Just take a short pull before project starts and notice the difference. Camper steel frames are usually minimal effort welds and questionable steel at times. Decent job on this one posted .

[@jackmehoff9819]

No tiny home builds I guess.

[@gerlandkent6377]

I've got a old house trailer at 14x80 I want to tear down and build a equipment trailer out of

[@jlistdiy]

That's a good idea I'm actually in the process of tearing down a 14x60

[@310EMT]

what type of welding machine are you using?

[@jlistdiy]

Arc welder or also called stick welding

[@bryantnash1069]

How much did you spend in materials?

[@jlistdiy]

Nuts bolts and wood cost about $350

[@gerlandkent6377]

Thank, you for sharing

[@jlistdiy]

My pleasure

[@tangomangothethird3589]

Made it look too easy ++10

[@jlistdiy]

Thank you

[@ronduck2812]

Good 👍 job

[@jlistdiy]

Thank you

[@jasonmidkiff4326]

👍👍

[@jlistdiy]

👍

[@MaxDamage-bh2os]

What about title? How to register it?

[@jlistdiy]

Here in michigan you just get the weight of the trailer and take that to the secretary of state

[@MaxDamage-bh2os]

@@jlistdiy Wow! No title, no stamping some number on frame, no technical state inspection, no insurance, no plates ??? WOW!!!!

[@jlistdiy]

@@MaxDamage-bh2os they will issue you a plate