Easy Money Flipping Trailers: 20ft Car Hauler

Today I worked on a 20ft dovetail car hauler. It got new paint, lights, center caps and replaced the trailer lumber. Pretty easy process with basic tools. Flipping trailers is a good side hustle for anyone that likes work like this.

[@RAJsWork]

For future repairs; May I suggest you place a jack on the floor then a upright log on top of floor to gain extension and use that as leverage then arching the board into place. That way you lower the jack and never have to pound out the additional short pieces of stud. It will automatically be lowered and you out of harm's way. You'll save your back and be a lot safer.

[@charliefarms1]

That’s really smart! Thanks for the tip. Definitely will do that next time

[@Freddy-bx6sf]

For clarification your recommendation is: “Bent” board Upright Log Jack Earth And then just lowering the jack?

[@RAJsWork]

@@Freddy-bx6sf Correct, if the earth is just dirt, rocks, gravel then I suggest placing a flat sheet of wood under floor jack for stability & to avoid floor jack sinking in ground.

[@Freddy-bx6sf]

@@RAJsWork got it, thank you!

[@fpsfrankthetank7074]

Great result! I would suggest cutting the metal and bending it out of the way that way you don't have to bend the board at all. Then just bend it back and weld it once the board is in place.

[@patrickbrown9527]

I feel like someone got a great deal for $2,500. I was fully expecting this to go over $3,500. Very satisfying video to watch - good stuff

[@charliefarms1]

Thank you!

[@PumpkinDog33]

I think they knew what they were getting. $1500 trailer with a $500 facelift and they didn't have to put the work into it.

[@RealEstateRehab]

Yea I can't even find clapped out 16ft landscape trailers for $2,500 around me....

[@FWACATA]

SAME!

[@claire001savefile5]

I found a couple from 900 - 1500 might get into flipping these tbh

[@mickeysuede2219]

This is what honest work looks like. Showcasing costs and labor at the end tops it off.

[@wing3737]

Lip stick on a pig just saying.

[@mickeysuede2219]

@@wing3737 Loll that's true but I'm sure the buyer was aware of the damages when purchasing. Those car haulers can cost 5-10K new.

[@HelperBot5000_]

Painted over the rust, not exactly what I'd call honest work. The rest of it was pretty good work tho. Should have sanded it all the rust out when he was stripping the boards.

[@moistcu]

@@wing3737sold for $2500 obviously there’s something wrong with the trailer if it’s that cheap

[@charliefarms1]

Nah brother nothing was wrong with it. That’s what they go for around here and I was trying to move it quick. Probably would have sold as high as 2900-3000 if I wanted to wait.

[@gregpierquet5818]

Someone get this man a sawsall.

[@joerolex2705]

that boy pulled out the chainsaw on us haha. great video

[@minniesmomma6374]

Really nice job. For a second there I read the breakdown and thought you only made $43 profit. That’s a lot of work for $43. But then I finally read it right. $42 an hour is at bad. Especially since your outside, no boss, work when you want and no one tormenting you. Good job man!

[@billythygoat]

I mean that doesn't count his own tools, his truck getting it, time buying or selling it, prep work, the spot it needs take on the property and general tool wear and tear.

[@battles151]

Well worth $2,500 for a steal. I have been hunting for s trailer for a while now and one of this condition would be "cheap" if listed for $3,500. Great work! Never undervalue your skills and labor. Thanks for the video!

[@gamesforyoutwo]

If you do this pretty often might want to invest in a airless sprayer. You'll get the job done with the same quality, but you'll save money on paint if you buy 5 gallons at a time. Cleaning the machine takes about 15 min. I'm a painter so I'm inclined to this thinking. Solid job brother.

[@charliefarms1]

Just bought one! Literally painted a trailer a couple days ago with it. Really worked awesome and saved a bunch of money on paint. A video is coming soon for that one too. Still getting used to everything

[@BrandanDavies]

I’m liking these trailer build series. Quick and to the point.

[@nmartin5551]

Appreciate both your trailer work and your video edit skills! Both are great!!

[@bananaboy444]

Working a ~$20/hr restaurant job in southern california. This kind of do-it-yourself moneymaking work is inspiring. I can't wait to be able to get my own place somewhere out of suburbia to even just have the opportunity to work for myself doing things like this.

[@MrSagerific95]

We moved from the inland empire (upland) to Connecticut during Covid to start a homestead. We bought a busted house on a big chunk of land, now we have goats for dairy and chickens for eggs, we grow vegetables every year. The move and the first year was definitely a struggle, at times we were scared we made the wrong choice, but that’s what “change” does to you I suppose. We’ve never been happier… plan for it, start researching what you want to get into, and as soon as the opportunity presents itself go for it!

[@bananaboy444]

@@MrSagerific95 that sounds like exactly what i want to do :) it feels great to hear about others pulling it off, im happy for you. I'll make it happen myself soon

[@wiggityp]

Just move the fuck out. Get a job doing real man's work somewhere and go from there. Shit go down to work in the oil industry and you'll have enough for land, shop, trailers galore. FUCK WORKING IN A RESTAURANT IN SO CAL. That shit cannot be good for your soul. Just up and leave. You won't die. Don't bother saving...just GET THE FUCK OUT. you'll be totally fine. Better actually.

[@countryhunter2002]

Nice to see these videos keep coming, keep it up man! Love the effort that has gone into the editing and all the price breakdowns

[@BeachesMobileAL]

I could watch this all day long! Great video!

[@turbodave47]

Oh she's a beaut Clark! Good job man looking forward for more flips. 👍

[@charliefarms1]

Thanks! More coming for sure

[@Blasterer]

@@charliefarms1I’ve been looking for a side hobby to make extra cash and this video shows up. Thanks for the inspiration, keep up the work. That trailer looks amazing

[@Handirifle]

Nice job on the trailer. I agree a sprayer and bulk paint would save money, if you are going to do this regularly. Enjoyed the video.

[@Yamswiggin]

The cost breakdown at the end was excellent! Thanks for including that

[@try44]

He didn't include taxes which would at least be $175. Dropping his hourly rate down to $30. And with video evidence online now you better believe the IRS will take note of it. It's far easier for them to audit people who can't afford lawyers than people who can afford lawyers. Remember that.

[@charliefarms1]

@try44 I pay my taxes, relax lol

[@try44]

@@charliefarms1 okay? I never claimed you didn't pay taxes. I said you did not Include it in your cost/profit breakdown. So why exactly are you telling me to relax?

[@charliefarms1]

@@try44 because you’re freaking out about taxes lol. It will be okay. I handle my finances and I’m sure other people understand that they would have to manage theirs if they did the same.

[@try44]

@@charliefarms1 noting a cost that was not mentioned in the video is freaking out? Furthermore if you want to claim I'm freaking out about something it's overwhelmingly obvious that it would be the length the government will go to gather a small amount of money from citizens. In case you need another reminder, I never mentioned your finances or if you pay taxes or not. My comment is just as truthful and relevant now that you've shared that you pay your taxes. How you connected my comment to you paying your taxes is still a mystery to me.

[@kaileykupka5463]

Wow! What a big difference, keep up the good work!!

[@charliefarms1]

Thank you!

[@motorsportsenthusiasts]

I love the cost breakdown and profit breakdown at the end. Good to know that it wouldn't be worth my time if I was doing it to make money, but I'm in the process of doing this with a trailer I own, so it was fun to watch 🤘🏼

[@christopherhernandez2409]

Great job sir. I agree with some of the others. I expected this trailer to sell for more. Adding the red and white reflective stickers would add a nice touch to your already stellar work. Thanks for the video.

[@stefanzlatanovic7521]

Please more! I have no use for trailers, but this is so nice to watch. Keep it up man!

[@charliefarms1]

Thanks!! I really appreciate it. More to come

[@RAJsWork]

Same here, I couldn't agree more!

[@floatingaxtechnologies2656]

Could you imagine telling a TV executive 20 years ago you were going to have millions of people watching a dude restoring a trailer? KZbin is awesome 😂

[@charliefarms1]

@@floatingaxtechnologies2656 that made me laugh out loud haha thanks!

[@adrielmartinez46]

Great work. Easy to understand and no bs straight to the work. Keep up the work. Def learning alot and staring my own thing soon.

[@coache1nine]

I'd mount a battery and winch on that and keep it! Great job!!

[@FWACATA]

DUDE! Good work! Loved how cut and dry you did it, and the plank trick is awesome!

[@charliefarms1]

Thanks!!

[@tomoneill373]

That was bloody great to watch

[@Michael-ig8ne]

Hell yeah, man. Good job!

[@Solidstatedude]

Nice job man!

[@corey6393]

One more way to cut the cost a little is to use old motor oil for the wood deck sealer. Thin it a little with paint thinner and roll it on heavy (or spray with a pump sprayer with a fence staining tip). It looks good, lasts a long time, and is virtually free. The smell is strong at first but fades quickly with sun and time.

[@thetrudrewwilson]

Can attest to this. Works great

[@crodoutdoors]

We use diesel fuel to thin it out.

[@tywarren4704]

Yep. Used motor oil with diesel fuel is excellent for coating wood.

[@GTiGLiTN]

Very nice transformation! If you do enough of these, I feel like you could save a little money or at least have a better product for the same money if you got a harbor freight HVLP gun and sprayed with a 2k high build primer that you can buy by the gallon on the internet and then run to john deere and get some blitz black implement paint. Just a thought, and it'd save your fingertips. Keep the videos coming!

[@charliefarms1]

Thanks! Yeah I plan on getting one in the spring. Had a hard time with the first one I bought so I have been hesitant to try it again lol

[@Art-uz3fk]

​@@charliefarms1rattle cans are less hassle tho. The Rust-Oleum pro grade cans go a long way too.

[@a.e.4156]

Love this channel

[@meanbeaux]

Great work

[@creatd]

Can we talk about the semi rolling down the highway backwards in the background at about 8:35? lol! Seriously though, good job!

[@user-yf9in9hb3o]

Used to do this for a living, new custom trailers and rebuilds , lots of money, hard work, but you get to take pride in a quality finished product, except when a bum pays you with a bad check.

[@makintrailersnew3469]

I do this for a living. Taking old trailers and making them new again. I used to be able to find them dirt cheap and rebuild them and make a profit. Now days you cant make a profit on them. People want too much money for a piece of junk, and the prices for parts went up. Hard to make a profit. I stay busy rebuilding others trailers for them. Its not as easy as one would think.

[@IMCLind]

Just found your channel and you have got yourself a new subscriber mate! :) great videos and great work my friend, please keep it up :)

[@BarnStangz]

I'd say that turned out pretty nice.

[@RededicateYrLife]

Nice side hustle

[@houstonwarren859]

Awesome. Give us some tire shine on the next one. Possibly a little more negotiating on both sides and that’s a real good gig

[@jonathantaylor6926]

Don’t feel too bad about the welds on the fenders… welding thin steel to much thicker steel is always hard. Ends up being too hot for the thin metal but too cold for the thick.

[@HaidonMatteson-pf2oc]

Fantastic job wow. I took lots of notes lol. Hard work I can see. I am surprised you didn’t sell it for more, maybe your area and more details but I also don’t know much about trailer prices lol. Either way you did amazing and I hope others can learn from you.

[@charliefarms1]

Thanks! I appreciate it! Yeah in my area most people won’t pay more than 3k for something unless they can make payments. It works for me and I enjoy the work

[@teleportrobin]

Great job, I definitely think you could sell this for much more!

[@anthonypolidora]

Have you ever used tractor implement paint? I buy fix and flip trailers down in FL, I usually use a wire brush on a grinder to knock off any surface rust then use the Majic or Rust-Oleum High gloss black Implement paint. The paint is like tar but looks amazing when its done and lasts for about 5-7 years before it needs to be repainted.

[@desertadventures4221]

Nice job

[@dougephresh]

Looks great! hopefully you cleaned the underside as well.

[@gardendwellerTX]

What I did to make it easier to replace the boards is just cut out a notch, put the boards in and slight them over, and then tack weld the piece that was cut out. Can be recut and rewelded for future board replacements

[@walkerandrews8892]

How many cans of primer and paint? And is the paint gloss or semi gloss? Also I could suggest adding the reflective tape, i just flipped my first trailer and it adds a nice pop to the sides

[@natenate2280]

one thing that is important with stick welding is to wear good gloves at least for your support hand because that hand will get exposed to alot more radiation(heat, mostly). and the tacking method you did works fine for something like sheet metal but in the future if you ever did this in a shop it can be alot easier to tig weld the sheet metal on a really low amperage maybe 30-35 or so. normally tacking would be no bueno but sheet metal has bit different of rules because it isnt weight bearing. nice video btw - nate, a welder mostly

[@charliefarms1]

Been wanting to get a wire welder. I used one back in college and I could weld really well with it. Any recommendations on an affordable wire welder that can do this type of work? It’s been over 7 years since I’ve used one though

[@natenate2280]

@@charliefarms1 tons of options but to be honest when it comes to mig and tig equipment it's mostly a "you get what you paid for" situation. for tig I like Miller's for mig and stick/fluxcore I like lincoln's but ive used both and just feels like miller's are constantly needing maintenence in comparison. There are so many types of welders out there I would just say search based on your budget's price point. Also it depends alot on the situation. Gasless fluxcore ran off of a generator can be real cheap but you need to handle and store that flux wire carefully. It doesnt need the carbon dioxide gas that DS fluxcore does (but can sometimes be added to the machine with a hose I believe) and with a gasless fluxcore wire you can weld outdoors with out the need for a gas tank. Personally im gonna be building a mobile rig soon with an inverter generator from Harbor Freight called the Predator 9500 with a Titanium 225 stick welder (also from HF) to start out my side hussle after work along with all the common hand and power tools.

[@natenate2280]

@@charliefarms1 but for this kind of sheet metal work if you cant get an oxy welding setup id recommend getting a gasless fluxcore welder than can run 1/16" fluxcore wire and a set of copper backing pieces to absorb some of the heat when you are welding very thin metals and large gaps or both

[@E82djc]

The typical “garage kept it’s whole life” trailer 😂 zero rust

[@jasonwest3283]

None too shabby! Well, sorta shabby, but no longer beat to shit. Nice flip!

[@RAULHERNANDEZ-um5fm]

Great video i just picked up a 18ft trailer. I'd like to do what you did. What kind of welding product you used and what brand degreser?

[@hugolessard4462]

I miss my old Ford Ranger 4x4 😢 I sold it and bought a F150 for better tow capacity (i do landscaping)... Now im always paying to fix this big piece of crap at the garage.

[@Me_and_ewes]

Nice!

[@nickadamson6053]

Awesome job! It can be tremendously satisfying. Have you tried tractor/implement paint? It's what I've used on trailers, holds up very well.

[@08CButt]

Great video. Around here in TX people want 2500.00 for the way the trailer was in the beginning.

[@charliefarms1]

Thanks! I know I’ve been thinking I should take the finished trailer to a bigger city and get more for it

[@uncledan7010]

Good job

[@suzannasymonds8982]

Wuushdyh5dgisnhmkhjjjopomjdhddhchcchcnd8 I ehuwheudihewu2jppo m m

[@bamtoday]

Strongly encourage you to charge more for this level of quality, the profit should double the initial cost, so you can start the next project without having to dip into your savings.

[@charliefarms1]

Thanks I appreciate that. Will be doing that in the future

[@minimonkeyplay]

Damn that welding shop is extremely affordable where you are at for all that work the welders here would have charged me 200$

[@Alpacabowl98]

8:00 your ranger sounds like a beast, mine didnt sound like that lol

[@tsmall07]

Man, you ought to get one of those handles for spray cans. Save your fingers. Great side hussle though .

[@Fentertainment]

Those truck drivers drive backwards in Kentucky! Thats almost more impressive as this trailer flip!

[@charliefarms1]

Hahahah 😂 didn’t think anyone would notice

[@mge7053]

gracias por compartir

[@fr33for3]

Should have sold it for more. New those go for 6k depending on axles.

[@hurtinalbertan3844]

good video, I'd do this in a heartbeat but where I live trailers in the rough shape it was in when you got it are still going from $3k-$4500 lol

[@ashleighelizabeth5916]

Wow, I may have stumbled into the one category of things in my area that are not insanely overpriced because I thought $1600 was overpaying for it in that condition and was surprised he only got $2500 on the back end if he had to pay that amount to start.

[@jjarredondo6130]

Nice little profit but how many beat up cheap trailers arr you going to find for sale?

[@nicholascroft520]

I’m confused as to how you even see the indicator. Would it not make more sense to get a light on the back with indicator, tail/brake and reverse all in one? Other than that it’s pretty good. The mismatched boards would drive me nuts. Is a wooden floor trailer normal in America?

[@SomeGuyOutside]

A lot of people can/would do most of that in a flip. I think the small thing that really made this a quality flip is that you went through and did the lighting! Looks really good, got a sub from me!

[@charliefarms1]

Thanks!

[@gamingbigfats3934]

Would look nicer with reflective tape on the sides. Nice flip.

[@chrism-qk8jm]

May I suggest a Wagner sprayer and a no spray can of primer. Will save u much time and alot of money

[@darrellmilburn7827]

This guy gets a good work ethic

[@stevenbruce2436]

Lol the pickaxe took me out.

[@robertlandry8693]

Nice work. Do you usually get titles with the trailers? Do you have to have title to sell it?

[@charliefarms1]

I’m in Kentucky, so trailers don’t have to be registered or plated unless they are used for businesses. So typically I don’t have to worry about titles

[@NorthernChris1]

Great video! I would love to find a $1600 dual axle trailer! What about the wheel bearings and trailer brakes?

[@charliefarms1]

Thanks! This one had brakes on the front axle, but honestly I had never wired brakes or used them so I didn’t wire them up to work. Most people around here don’t use brakes on trailers anyway, so I knew it wouldn’t make much of a difference in value. For wheel bearings I get the wheels in the air and see if there’s any movement and that can typically tell you if they need to be done. I always pull the dust cap off to see what the grease is looking like too. I spend the extra time to check the bearings before buying the trailer too because that can usually get a discount.

[@NorthernChris1]

@@charliefarms1 awesome! thanks for the detailed reply! I subscribed, loved the video! In Canada where I am from trailer brakes are always a good selling feature, that trailer would cost at least $4000+ CDN here

[@ashleighelizabeth5916]

@@charliefarms1 makes me shudder to hear "people around here don't use brakes on their trailer". For an empty trailer that's all well and good but with a vehicle on it??? Well let me put it this way, even with working trailer brakes and an adjustable brake controller installed in my truck I make sure to give a lot of runoff room in front of me when pulling a heavy trailer. That don't even account for fear of getting jack knifed by a trailer with no brakes in stopping conditions that are less than ideal.

[@gwot]

That is not easy money, you put some work into it, turned out great!

[@Flyhighsp.7]

I think the trailer was slightly overpaid since it was in pretty rough shape but overall great work and repairs!

[@sweetlou2000]

I think the one side bracket is for the license plate witch is why its only on the one side

[@omarpadilla7674]

Nice!!

[@charliefarms1]

Thanks!

[@YooooouKnowwwww]

great vid, would be awesome if you could post links to the hardware you purchased for us.

[@charliefarms1]

Will do on the next one

[@BeasoreBilly]

Being your own boss: priceless

[@allenrosa3486]

Did you use deck boards?

[@hdwoodshop]

Great video, man. Proof that a man can earn an honest wage with an honest day’s work. What do you do for the undercarriage? I would imagine it’s corroded some.

[@charliefarms1]

The undercarriage gets the same treatment as the rest of the trailer, I just didn’t film it since I had to raise it up in my barn and the lighting is too dark to video.

[@UHOH3300]

Did you repack the wheel bearings?

[@2blkSSs]

Have you tried spraying bleach on the old original wood? Sometimes that gets rid of the black and makes the stain/ seal look more uniform.

[@charliefarms1]

Good idea. I’ll try it next time

[@hexrah2669]

What kind of welder do you use?

[@altosset11]

What degreaser do you like to use

[@lcurtsinger4313]

Caulkthat seam you welded on the fender seams with a polyurethane caulk and you probably wont see those welds

[@oniteprompt2976]

Might i suggest for quicker and safer work, to cut the metal lip section, bend out of place, install board with ease, then bend lip back, tack and smooth. 👍

[@Ironicallyferm]

Coolest part of this video was you peeling the plastic off the lights

[@jc_wesson]

never even considered flipping a trailer. ty

[@2.cylinders]

Interested in the overpants you're wearing, what are they?

[@charliefarms1]

They are Carhartt insulated bibs. They are awesome

[@King_TuTT]

i would of used a beefer paint that that. like a 2 part epoxy or something much heavier duty

[@davidthebrave1627]

Heck yeah 🇺🇸

[@lordrichard8184]

Get the cheap Chicago electric welder from harbor freight for under $100. It’ll make welding thin steel much easier. Since it’s a mig and not stick. You’ll have an easier time starting the arc with less risk of burn through.

[@charliefarms1]

I definitely need another welder. I plan on getting one before spring for sure. I know that in the past I could weld much better with mig

[@leehall5447]

Lmao the pick axe made me laugh

[@donniecahill5243]

Welding steel is the easiest, practice on more scrap metal so you don't have to pay a welding shop. Then the money you save by doing it yourself could've went to replacing all the boards, that's my only complaint. Nice job overall

[@user-qu3er9vc9y]

Make a video on the v8 swap ranger

[@Alexanderbuilds2001]

How do you tie in the trailer brakes to the lights wiring?

[@ashleighelizabeth5916]

He didn't according to another answer he gave here. Said nobody in his area uses them anyway. Scary thought isn't it?

[@DeereX748]

What about the trailer brakes? In my state, they're required on at least one axle on trailers over 14'

[@ashleighelizabeth5916]

He said no trailer brakes elsewhere. I already expressed my feelings on the dubious nature of THAT idea. Having pulled a 6000lbs camper trailer (with working brakes and a control box in my truck) half way across the country I can tell you the idea of putting a vehicle on that thing without trailer brakes makes the hair stand up on the back of my neck.

[@DeereX748]

I can tell you for a fact that towing that kind of weight with no trailer brakes will create an immediate jack knife if you have an emergency and have to hit the tow vehicle brakes hard enough to either lock them or activate the ABS. The momentum and inertia of the trailer will overpower the tow vehicle.@@ashleighelizabeth5916

[@steverone7623]

Curious of the state you are in? In NJ if the trailer is registered over 3500lbs it has to have brakes. Laws vary or course

[@a.e.4156]

Kentucky

[@ashleighelizabeth5916]

Laws or not putting a vehicle on that trailer and not having brakes on it is a BAD idea. I was very happy I paid the money to put a brake controller module in my truck when I hauled a camper trailer half way across the country a few years ago.

[@LowExpectationsO-G]

You chose the pickax cause it was closest or you knew where it was off top and it got the job done 😂

[@mitchellmaceachern4760]

Another suggestion: Dulux has a good stain called “Professional Wood Finishes 100% Oil”. Pick a dark colour and it looks very good on older woods. Thompsons water seal will peel and look like crap within a year. Dulux product will never peel as it is just an oil product. Also, I would angle grind off any serious rust before priming, even with a rust primer. Can never be too safe.

[@charliefarms1]

I’ll check it out. I’ve actually had really good results with Thompsons. I have an equipment hauler that I did it to almost 3 years ago that’s holding up decent. Will probably need another coat next year. It’s in my cattle hauler trailer too.

[@mitchellmaceachern4760]

@@charliefarms1you’re lucky. I’m a painting contractor and decks that use it all look like crap within a year. Could very well be the winter weathers around here, I don’t know how much snow you guys get.

[@Codeeez]

Taxes: Not reported 😂

[@viridian839]

I would’ve paid more for that!