7x12 Enclosed Trailer Custom Mods

(I've done an updated video: • 7x12 Enclosed Trailer ... )
A video showing most of the custom mods done to an extra tall 7x12 enclosed trailer...others might find a mod or two useful for their own trailer....

[@co.dconfidential5395]

I can tell you had fun with this build. God Bless America!

[@SteveSmith-wl8yq]

I'm not sure I had any real fun! It was a pain to accomplish during the heat of the summer ... I had to keep myself focused and just get it done. I'm extremely happy I took the time to plan and tackle the project ... it has been well worth the time and money. I just wish I had more free time to actually use the trailer more!! 😉

[@paulanderson388]

Beautiful job. You have given me some great ideas for my 6x12 Loadrunner trailer mods. Thank You.

[@SteveSmith-wl8yq]

Thank you for the kind feedback. I hope you find some of the info useful. If interested, I've done an updated video with a little more detail & mods: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p3XSo3usib2Xra8 Happy Holidays!

[@MrAaronBahner]

Lots of great ideas on this video, thanks for doing it. Very well thought out! I'd like to see how you use the vertical strips in the 4 corners

[@SteveSmith-wl8yq]

Thank you for the comments/feedback...

[@thesuccesseffect7969]

This is amazing, thanks for making the video, you have given me a lot of ideas thanks

[@SteveSmith-wl8yq]

Thank you for the feedback...and your comment is exactly why I posted the video (might help others). I'll most likely post an update video seeing that I done several more mods since posting the video.

[@mrrrrr1rob590]

Thanks for some great ideas. Very well done.

[@SteveSmith-wl8yq]

Thank you...I've done a few more mods so I'll be doing an update video.

[@timgreen5673]

Thanks again. I brought some steel tubing and about to buy a welder from harbor freight. Thanks again awesome idea

[@SteveSmith-wl8yq]

I'm glad you found some of the info useful...thank you for the comment.

[@sethnelson92]

Hi Steve, nice work. Gave me some great ideas. Question, you fab up your canopy holder brackets or find them online. I’d love to find something like that for the same purpose. Please let me know.

[@SteveSmith-wl8yq]

I'm glad you found some of the info useful. Regarding the canopy mounts...I custom designed them and also did the fab work. I just used some spare steel and hardware (springs) I had sitting around to test the design out first...it worked so well, I just decided to keep using the prototype units.

[@ericlaudenslager3222]

Your right side spring is spring bound... you need to crack the set screws loose and stretch it out.

[@SteveSmith-wl8yq]

Thank you....I noticed the same thing while making the video: I corrected it a few days later. You are the first one to say anything about it....

[@tonyengland9744]

Super job.

[@SteveSmith-wl8yq]

Thank you for the kind feedback. It was a pain doing all the work, but it was well worth it all...I've been extremely happy with the setup every time I use the trailer. Note: there is an updated video with a few more mods...see video description comment section for link).

[@wildcatcombo169]

Nice job! Where did you find the in-floor motorcycle mounts?

[@SteveSmith-wl8yq]

Sorry for the delay...I haven't been getting new comment notifications for some reason. Here's the info on the in-floor motorcycle chocks. They are manufactured by Pit Posse (www.pitposse.com/pit-posse-recessed-wheel-chock.html)...but I think I ordered them off Amazon. The fold-away chocks work well. I'm going to redesign them to better hold narrower front tires, but even without the improvement I've never had an issue with the bike being secure. They do not state what the weight capacity is rated at, but they are pretty stout. Sorry again for the delay.

[@anthonya8412]

Great job super slick set up

[@SteveSmith-wl8yq]

Thank you...it has worked out extremely well.

[@runngun49]

Have you noticed any extra wear on the rear trailer tires with the SidexSide in the trailer nose first. Do you get any sway issues with the extra weight from the engine and trans sitting behind the rear wheels of the trailer?

[@SteveSmith-wl8yq]

No and no. With the trailer being a 7x12 the part behind the last axle is where the length is cut from...so the trailer naturally has extra tongue weight...say over a 7x14 design. Uneven tire wear from front to rear (dual axle setups) can easily be caused by having the hitch/ball at the wrong height...i.e., trailer not be level when towing. I'm lucky because my truck has auto leveling airbags in the rear so my trailer/bed height do not change from loaded vs unloaded...I set the hitch/ball with the trailer level with no load and it is always level no matter what I have in the trailer.

[@John-vf9py]

Thanks for sharing your ideas and designs. For the drive on trailer jack, where did you get the wall hanger for it? Did you make that? I need mine off the floor. Great setup you have.

[@SteveSmith-wl8yq]

Thank you for the feedback. I do not remember where I got the holder from...I did purchase it but it can be made pretty easily. I did find one just like it on Amazon "JEGS 80391 Trailer-Aid Ramp Holder"...hopefully this helps out.

[@berniebutler6899]

Nice trailer setup. I really like the brackets you made to hold the canopy. how did they attach to the wall? Thanks got some good ideas for my build.

[@SteveSmith-wl8yq]

Thank you. WRT your question: The backside (against the trailer wall) is 1" square tube mounted/screwed (machine screws) into the vertical frame supports. I drilled a two holes completely through each tube (mount uses two tubes)...drilling from front-side to back-side. I drilled the holes just big enough for the screw threads to pass through so the screw head would have a good contact patch. I drilled the top holes about 1" down from the top of each tube and the other holes at the bottom of the tubes. Then I enlarged the front-side hole to allow the screw head to pass though...this way I could have the machine screws screwed into the trailer frame while having the screws (sort of countersunk) inside the square tube. Hopefully the text makes sense...let me know if you need more info...if so l can make a short video of the mounts. Have a nice one...

[@timgreen5673]

Thanks for making the video, you have given me a lot of ideas. If you don't mind me asking, how did you make those medal mounts for your canopy & chairs? Again thanks for the video...

[@SteveSmith-wl8yq]

Thank you for your comments. WRT your question: I used 1" square tubing welded into L-Brackets. The backside of the 1” square tubing (against the trailer wall) is mounted via machine screws into the vertical frame supports (trail metal frame behind plywood walls). On the vertical 1” tube I drilled two holes completely through each tube where I wanted the mounting screws to grab the trail frame. Each hole was drilled big enough to allow the mounting screw (threaded section only) to pass through. I drilled the top holes about 1" down from the top of each vertical mount tube and an other hole at the bottom of each tube. I then enlarged the front-side holes to allow the screw head to pass though...this way I could have the machine screws screwed into the trailer frame while having the screws (sort of countersunk) inside the square tube. For the holding braces, I used springs inside the bottom tube of the L-bracket…this holds the brace inside the tube. Hopefully the text makes sense...let me know if you need more info...if so l maybe can make a short video of just the mounts. Have a nice one...

[@j.h.adventure2748]

Thanks, well done video.

[@SteveSmith-wl8yq]

Thank you for the feedback...

[@stillrumone]

NICE... REAL NICE...

[@SteveSmith-wl8yq]

Thank you for the feedback...the trailer mods have been extremely useful over the past few years...the work & money invested was worth every second and penny! I've done a few more mods since making the video, so I'm going to be uploading a newer version before the end of this month (most likely).

[@JP1970]

Great video...thank you. I just am curious how you mounted the spare tire in the rear of your trailer. Thanks!

[@SteveSmith-wl8yq]

Thank you for the feedback...regarding the tire mount. It is nothing more than a flat piece of metal screwed to the vertical frame (metal is running vertical as well)...and I've welded two long bolts centered and lug hole spaced so I can use to lug nuts to hold the tire on (welded bolts poke out two of the lugs holes. There are single bolts vertical mounts on the market...search "Extreme Max 3005.3732 Wall Mount Spare Tire Carrier for Enclosed Trailers" (this title is listed on Amazon and gives you a visual on the actual mount design I explained). Hope this helps...

[@davidtobin9007]

Great mods! Where did you get the pass through for electrical?

[@SteveSmith-wl8yq]

Either Amazon or E-Trailer...I cannot remember. This is the one on Amazon and E-Trailer.com: NOCO GCP1 13 Amp 125V AC Port Plug with 16-Inch Integrated Extension Cord (etrailer item number 329-GCP1). Amazon has four versions listed (longer cords and dual/split options).

[@tomwilliamson8699]

where did you get the side strap rails?? Those are amazing!!

[@SteveSmith-wl8yq]

They are from "Pit Posse"--Strap Rack Tie Down Rail System. I purchased the 36 Inch Rail from Amazon (you can also get them from Pit Posse website PP80436SR), but it was cheaper via Amazon.

[@zx9green791]

Great job looks awesome

[@SteveSmith-wl8yq]

Thank you...it sure has made the outings a lot smoother...

[@johncrowder7650]

Great video! Getting ready to outfit a new trailer and really like your mods. Would like to know where you got the v-track on the sides and the tiedown racks in the back. Have a lot of the other stuff already spotted. Plan on using those fold down floor chocks too. How do you like those? I am hauling heavy street bikes street bikes. Are they sturdy enough in your opinion?

[@SteveSmith-wl8yq]

Thank you for the feedback...glad you found some of the info useful. All of the items you asked about are manufactured by Pit Posse (see links below)...but I think I ordered them off Amazon. The fold-away chocks work well. I'm going to redesign them to better hold narrower front tires, but even without the improvement I've never had an issue with the bike being secure. They do not state what the weight capacity is rated at, but they are pretty stout...so I do not believe you will have any problems holding a heavy street bike...just make sure the back end (farthest from the chock end when folded open) is bolted into the sub-frame/rails. I wouldn’t trust them to hold under emer braking if you just bolt them into a plywood floor. Also, the chocks and tiedown racks come in two sizes. Once last thing...I'm not promoting Pit Posse...it just happened that the things you asked about are from the same company. I've included the foldaway tray as well...also from PP! :-) Pit Posse Stuff 36” V-Tracks www.pitposse.com/pit-posse-36-inch-strap-rack.html 32” Fold Out Tray www.pitposse.com/pit-posse-flip-out-work-tray-32-inch.html 17” Strap Holder www.pitposse.com/pit-posse-junior-ratchet-strap-hanger.html Fold-Away Bike Chocks www.pitposse.com/pit-posse-recessed-wheel-chock.html

[@johncrowder7650]

@@SteveSmith-wl8yq Thanks, Man! I found Pit Posse on line. They have many great products. Like their trailer starter kit. Good advise on anchoring the rear part of the wheel chocks into the frame. Will do!! Greatly appreciate you reply.

[@SteveSmith-wl8yq]

@@johncrowder7650 or if you cannot place them for frame pickup points...id at least do some custom reinforcements.

[@juvenioguerra6714]

Great Ideas, I would really like to know where I could find those tables

[@SteveSmith-wl8yq]

Steve Smith 1 week ago (edited) The smaller fold-down table is from Pitposse.com -- Pit Posse Flip out work tray 32 Inch (SKU: PPFOWT32). Larger fold-up table is from Etrailer.com -- Tow-Rax Wall Mounted Folding Table - Aluminum - 45-1/2" Long x 18-1/2" Wide (Item # TWSP45HFTA).

[@juvenioguerra6714]

@@SteveSmith-wl8yq thank you, very much appreciated

[@jasonbentley3185]

Nice setup

[@SteveSmith-wl8yq]

Thank you...it sure has been working out extremely well.

[@ups3357]

Great trailer, where did you find the diamond plate storage box? Thanks

[@SteveSmith-wl8yq]

Thank you for the feedback...wrt the cabinets...they are from Pit Posse www.pitposse.com/pit-posse-48-inch-overhead-cabinet.html. You can also get the same cabinet on Amazon...just search Pit Posse Cabinet.

[@675striple]

Nicely done

[@SteveSmith-wl8yq]

Thank you...I hope things are well on your end...

[@powertripmatt9392]

What was the paint you used and how is it holding up? Thanks for your video.

[@SteveSmith-wl8yq]

I used SW Armorseal Rexthane I for the floor and Armorseal Tread-Plex for the walls. It has been holding up extremely well....worth every penny (IMHO). Here is a link for an updated video on the same trailer...several years later...you can see the floor condition as well as hear additional info on the paint. kzbin.info/www/bejne/p3XSo3usib2Xra8

[@jacksonuriah]

Where did you get the flash motorcycle mounts in the floor?

[@SteveSmith-wl8yq]

They are a Pit Posse product..."Pit Posse Recessed Motorcycle Trailer (S-16 Inch)"....S = SMALL unit. I believe I purchased them via Amazon, but of course Pit Posse website is also an option.

[@chrisrowe9663]

I see you painted the inside, i just bought a 18 foot enclosed to haul ATVs an im debating between painting an not painting. Were gonna do mostly trail riding. I dont foresee much muding. The dealer said the wood is treated. Whats your opinion. Thanks for posting the video..

[@SteveSmith-wl8yq]

Id paint the inside, but with the same type paint I used. It is a little expensive but it sure keeps the wood from getting trashed (the paint I used is made for wood and is sort of like a garage floor epoxy covering--very tough). It also makes spills and leaks a breezy to wipe up...where the wood would just get stained. This is the paint I used: SW Armorseal Rexthane I for the floor and Armorseal Tread-Plex for the walls. It has been holding up extremely well....worth every penny (IMHO). Both of my enclosed trailers have the insides paint with this paint. Thank you for the back...glad people are finding usual info from the video...

[@chrisrowe9663]

Well i used the stuff you suggested for the floor. I loke the wood look so i opted for the clear. Expensive an the smell was super strong but im pretty happy with the results so far. Next im putting in the e tracks for securing my ATV's.

[@SteveSmith-wl8yq]

@@chrisrowe9663 I'm extremely happy with how tough it is with metal scraping across it. As long as the wood under doesn't compress to much you just end up with scuff marks.

[@forno999]

Thanks for sharing, Stealing some of these ideas for sure

[@SteveSmith-wl8yq]

Glad you might have found something useful. I'll be uploading an updated trailer mod video within the next few weeks...a few more useful mods have been added since I made the first video.

[@smitho2e510]

Holy shit, 116°?? How have you not died of heat stroke!?

[@SteveSmith-wl8yq]

I lived in Phoenix AZ area for a few years before, so 116 feels a little on the Cold Side! :-)

[@ziddi2603]

What product (name) did you use to paint the floor?

[@SteveSmith-wl8yq]

I used SW Armorseal Rexthane I for the floor and Armorseal Tread-Plex for the walls. It has been holding up extremely well....worth every penny (IMHO).

[@ve9mj]

nice job

[@SteveSmith-wl8yq]

Thank you ... it has worked out very well ... I've done a few more upgrades since making the video so I need to create a new video one of these days.

[@johncrowder7650]

Also, where did you find the pop-up tables?

[@SteveSmith-wl8yq]

See your first question/comment for the fold-down table (it is more of a tray design)...the fold up table I found at etrailer.com (www.etrailer.com/s.aspx?qry=Tow+Rax+Wall+Mounted+Folding+Table). They both make it extremely quick and easy to use--I use them almost every outing.

[@Rdubss]

Where did you get your metal cabinets?

[@SteveSmith-wl8yq]

From Pit Posse.. but I think I purchased them off of amazon. Here's a link to the manufacture webiste. www.pitposse.com/transporting/trailer-organizers/shelves-cabinets.html?m-layered=1

[@lanceabreu9777]

Where did you get the folding tables?

[@SteveSmith-wl8yq]

Both tables fold out & put away very quickly. Larger table is from Etrailer.com -- Tow-Rax Wall Mounted Folding Table - Aluminum - 45-1/2" Long x 18-1/2" Wide (Item # TWSP45HFTA). This table is good for sitting at (i.e., eating, writing, etc..)-it’s pretty sturdy. The smaller table is from Pitposse.com -- Pit Posse Flip out work tray 32 Inch (SKU: PPFOWT32). This table is good for temporarily putting things (i.e., helmet, drinks, helmet cam, etc..)-not as strong as the RAX, but it has a raised lip to prevent things from sliding off. Let me know if you want some better pics/video of just the tables…

[@Calebsfilm]

What was with the issue with Can Am RS Model? Too wide or tall?

[@SteveSmith-wl8yq]

I had a MAX width limitation of 70"...height was pretty much the same between both models. Also, when you do the math the RS usable suspension isn't that much more than the DS (for most trail riding--bottoming resistance more critical). So, the better option for me was to buy the FOX DS Racing Shocks...giving me slightly better all around suspension than a RS...and a 66"(ish) width (with aftermarket wheels). So far I haven't regretted going the DS path...and I'm not so sure I would have opted for the RS even if I didn't have the width LIMFAC. But who am I kidding...I would have purchased the RS! :-)

[@forcefedstang6431]

That’s because it’s not a 7x12.... it’s a 6x12 trailer... 7’ trailers are 80-82” interior width...

[@SteveSmith-wl8yq]

@@forcefedstang6431 Nope, it is "not" a 6x12...it is just under a normal sized 7x12...it is sort of a 6.9 x 12...door opening is 75" and wall to wall (sides) is 79". It is extra tall (7 ft inside) as well. It is an abnormal sized trailer. Regarding RS fitting -- aftermarket wheels push a RS to about 76" width because my DS is at ~68" with the DWT beadlock wheels with the tightest offset they manufactured at the time (two yrs ago).

[@arboyprepper4616]

Awesome video thank you . I’d like to get cabinets like yours , where did you get them

[@SteveSmith-wl8yq]

Thank you for the feedback...wrt the cabinets...they are from Pit Posse www.pitposse.com/pit-posse-48-inch-overhead-cabinet.html. You can also get the same cabinet on Amazon...just search Pit Posse Cabinet.

[@gypsyxxx]

very cool how wide is your sxs?

[@SteveSmith-wl8yq]

Stock is 64", but I have aftermarket wheels and tires which puts it right at 68"

[@dillenchaniceursuabelt9845]

How much for tent holders?

[@SteveSmith-wl8yq]

Are you talking about the canopy mounts...i don't have a tent in my trailer.

[@dillenchaniceursuabelt9845]

Yeah the mounts how much for them shipped to Oregon

[@SteveSmith-wl8yq]

@@dillenchaniceursuabelt9845 They are one-off...I do not have any to sell...sorry....

[@Kolsch221]

Where did you buy the clock from?

[@SteveSmith-wl8yq]

Where I think half the world shops...Amazon...it's a little pricey now (I think I only paid 29.99 when I bought it 2.5 yrs ago). Here is the link: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01KKCHA28/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@Kolsch221]

Awesome, thank you. I’m kind of doing the same to my 6x12 enclosed trailer. Maden voyage at the frostbite/whiteknuckle Hare scrambles 3/30&31.

[@SteveSmith-wl8yq]

I also added a NOSE CONE to reduce drag (it works big time)....but my trailer is an extra tall version.

[@Kolsch221]

It’s a sweet set up.

[@SteveSmith-wl8yq]

Thank you...I'm going to add the additional mods to the video and re-post it as an update (updates first--then rest of old video).

[@cheeseburger347]

sounds like he's from Utah

[@SteveSmith-wl8yq]

Spent some time there, but I grew up in 8 diifferent states and 4 different countries...so I'm a mixture of a lot of places. Sort of a human social mutt! :-)

[@cheeseburger347]

Nice

[@brianmeyer6549]

Where did you get the in floor motorcycle tie downs

[@SteveSmith-wl8yq]

They are a Pit Posse product..."Pit Posse Recessed Motorcycle Trailer (S-16 Inch)"....S = SMALL unit. I believe I purchased them via Amazon, but of course Pit Posse website is also an option.

[@brianmeyer6549]

Thanks I’ll take a look

[@law_merica]

Steve Smith how do you like these? Do they work well?

[@SteveSmith-wl8yq]

@@law_merica Sorry for the delay reply...I didn't get a notification that you had left a comment. To answer you question: they have worked well for me. I think they are sort-of-a universal one size fits all (i.e., they would work with a fat street bike tire just as much with a small MX bike tire). I wish they sold a narrow pair...it would hold MX front tires better for side-to-side movement, but it hasn't been an issue if the tiedowns are installed smartly. Hope the info helps...once again sorry for the delay with my reply.

[@Essa_AT4X]

if you dont mind me asking how you made the brackets for the canopy?

[@SteveSmith-wl8yq]

1" square tube welded into an L-Bracket...mounted (machine screwed) to the wall into the metal frame (uprights). See the reply to Bernie Butler for more details on the mounting brackets. Let me know if you would like additional info/details...

[@Essa_AT4X]

@@SteveSmith-wl8yq My main question is the tube that comes out and moves with the spring. That what I want to know what you used and how you did it. Thank you

[@SteveSmith-wl8yq]

I'll try and get something made for you...I'm pretty busy this month, so it might be awhile before I can get back with you.

[@Essa_AT4X]

@@SteveSmith-wl8yq take your time ty

[@dillenchaniceursuabelt9845]

Steve Smith any possible way I can get some made to???

[@tasjenkins7743]

That's a 6x12

[@SteveSmith-wl8yq]

Thank you for the excellent insight! ... and you are the second person to point this out (incorrectly though--so time to put on a different hat). Yes, 6' = 72"; however, the inside of the trailer I own is 79" wide inside wall-to-wall...and there is ~3" width lost due to installation of walls...so it is a lot closer to 7' than 6'....just saying. FYSA - inside width of enclosed trailers are almost always less than the actual frame width. Here are some examples pulled from trailer manufactures: 7x14 only 78" wide inside (my 7x12 is 1" wider inside!..WOW!!!), 6x10 only 68" wide inside (my 7x12 is 11" wider inside yet you state it is only a 6x12 trailer!), 4x6 only 41" wide inside (7" off 48" so it must be a 3x6 trailer!). So, based on your expert knowledge I guess my 8.5x20 enclosed trailer is also marketed wrong because it is only 8' 2" wide. I guess I got suckered into buying trailers not as wide as what is stated on the titles!

[@tasjenkins7743]

@@SteveSmith-wl8yq Got ya. I have a 7x12 and it's a bit wider than yours. Thanks for the reply.

[@SteveSmith-wl8yq]

@@tasjenkins7743 sounds like you got a good find ... I wish mine was about 4 inches wider on the inside as well as the door opening. Have a nice one...

[@runngun49]

I tried to do a 7x14 but i was just to fat to get in or out of our X3 Max Xds while it was in the trailer, so we went with a 8.5x16.

[@SteveSmith-wl8yq]

@@runngun49 Yes, not much room to get in and out with 7' width. I have to pull in keeping to the drivers side and even then I still have to squeeze between the x3 door and x3 frame. I think next time I'll got an 8x16 V nose trailer. :-)