Refurbishing a 3500 lbs Utility Trailer

[@mikebradford7780]

Looks great! The thing that put the biggest smile on my face, was the fact that your kids were helping you. As a parent myself, thats awesome 👍

[@VincesDIYs]

Thanks for the kind words :)

[@scottcates]

+1 :)

[@TheBassLizard]

As a non parent... well, I was still happy to see a Dad teaching his kids to be capable and not helpless... nice job on the trailer and the kids.

[@sheilamclaughlin963]

U need to weld the bottom of the srrap

[@sheilamclaughlin963]

Just as well teach those boys to weld, I wasn’t much older than the oldest

[@terryp12345]

Your light issue (polarity) was because you switched to an LED. LEDs will only work with a certain polarity. LED stands for Light Emitting Diode. A diode is an electrical device that only allows power through in one direction. Hence, an LED must be plugged in a certain way to work. Nice job on the trailer. It looks really great.

[@VincesDIYs]

Thanks for the info!

[@Adhdad1]

At last, a real video I relate to. I knew I was in good hands when the grinder combusted! Every single diy you tube tutorial I have tried to follow has resulted in something breaking, not fitting, needing replaced etc etc etc…you’re warts n all approach is greatly appreciated! Thanks heaps.

[@VincesDIYs]

Thanks for the kind words :)

[@MKrebs-kl7ud]

I enjoyed watching your kids grow up during the epic rebuild! Cackling when the boy had a cut and you said “it’ll stop” no need for a bandaid…I heard myself talking to my once little kids. Great job persevering through the issues! I’ll be subscribing.

[@VincesDIYs]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@de04609]

Love this video. It shows exactly how most every project goes. Yeah, I’m gonna just change out the hubs…. Nope, we’re buying new tools and building a whole new trailer.

[@VincesDIYs]

Yup, that’s how it goes….

[@Timr45_70]

Love the video, I had a grinder cutting wheel explode once , broke my nose and cut it for 10 stitches. Left a huge scratch on my safety glasses ( glad i was wearing them) and cut my forehead. About 2 months after I felt something at the scar on my nose, ended up pulling out a small fragment from the cutting wheel that was imbedded in my nose. Always be extra careful with them .

[@VincesDIYs]

Good to know! Hard to be too careful especially with grinders.

[@simpleagain1]

Lucky. Machines are dangerous and unforgiving

[@roystonstarling]

This is absolutely hilarious! I mean that in a good way - you've done such a great job of the trailer but the entertainment value of the way you produced the video as well as one thing after another needing work on the trailer made it a thoroughly enjoyable view - some fabulous comedy moments right there! Well done on your perseverance and resilience! Subscribed just for this one!

[@VincesDIYs]

Thanks for the kind words. Glad it was enjoyable!

[@djediguy2156]

I’m across the pond in Ireland & really enjoyed the project I’ve something similar to tackle & got a few nice tips & tricks from all the family 🙏

[@banger355tw]

Loved your video. Especially with the young helpers. I had the same amount around when I was younger. I remember getting the little guys involved. Just doing the dad thing.

[@VincesDIYs]

Glad you enjoyed! It’s busy but I’m sure looking back, you don’t regret time spend with the kids!

[@thomasjames8246]

The metal strap over the wood floor isn’t stupid. That’s intended to hold the boards down. Also, the screws are more then likely wood to metal Self tapping screws

[@VincesDIYs]

No, it is dumb. No other trailers have it. The previous owner added the extra metal AFTER installing the boards. It’s the screws that keep the boards on the trailer

[@surgicalshooter911]

Your next project could be a rollover safety bar for your backhoe.😉👍

[@VincesDIYs]

Yup…, except that I just sold the old tractor.

[@floyd6545]

Looks like you have the same luck i have. I had the same thing happen to my cheap grinder when I was working on my trailer. I wish it had happened before the price of everything went nuts!

[@VincesDIYs]

Ya, everything is twice as expensive now…..

[@RANDALLOLOGY]

Nice job on the trailer. FYI. White tyewraps will not hold up in a outdoor environment. They will degrade and fall apart. It happens quicker when exposed to direct sunlight. They should be replaced with black ones. LED's have a polarity that will only work one wat

[@VincesDIYs]

Good to know. Thanks!

[@andrewjohnson9449]

The reason those lights only worked one way is because LED's have polarity, standard filament type bulbs do not (which is what i'm assuming your old lights were.)

[@VincesDIYs]

Thanks, good to know!

[@nubcannon54]

Leds are ran on a motherboard, light emitting diode, if you run them backwards with polarity you can fry the motherboard for the leds

[@rogerroger5585]

Your boys are blessed to have you as a father. You are blessed to have those boys as sons. Very fortunate man you are.

[@chanceseiler]

Love the video. I must say your kids remind me of myself at their age. Your kids are very lucky to have an awesome father like you. A father who is willing to teach their kids Young. Keep raising them right the world needs more of them.

[@VincesDIYs]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@chanceseiler]

@@VincesDIYs At 10 years old. I was making money disking fields on a N8 Ford tractor.

[@deigo2629]

I'm only halfway through the video so far and my face and sides hurt from laughing 😂... Started out with a hub change 😂🤣... this is exactly how every project i do goes !!!!!

[@VincesDIYs]

Glad you enjoyed! It's like opening a can of worms.....

[@SpecialStealth]

Thank you for a great video, fantastic job. I would appreciate it, if you kindly list the place you purchased the Axle from. Kind regards....

[@VincesDIYs]

Thanks for the kind words! I bought the axle at Princess Auto.

[@jwickert3]

FYI they make axle riser blocks to give you more fender clearance. They come with leveling nuts and then you can weld them in permanently.

[@VincesDIYs]

Yes, that may be a good option as well. Thanks!

[@rdot980]

LEDs only work in 1 direction. They only light up in forward bias configuration. Running them in reverse is like putting 2 South (or 2 North) poles together on a magnet. They won't stick, but actively push each other apart. Something similar to that happens inside the diode in reverse bias. There are special diodes that are meant to be run in reverse bias (Zener diodes). Those make excellent voltage regulators in a circuit.

[@rdot980]

Another way to visualize it is like a check valve.

[@VincesDIYs]

Nice, thanks for sharing! - learn something new every day.

[@simpleagain1]

Great video but I don’t see how those little straps are improving the strength of the rear of the trailer. I would’ve installed another cross support to match the design layout in the front of the trailer.

[@VincesDIYs]

I think it made a difference. It’s 3/16 metal with a 90 degree edge.

[@Tom111060]

Tip: grinding through beefier metal in multiple passes instead of cutting it in one go makes your discs last three times as long ...

[@VincesDIYs]

Good to know, thanks! I evidently did not know that :)

[@chaseferguson5412]

Hey man enjoying the video i know this is 3 years old and idk if you'll see this but the reason you eat threw so many cut off wheels is because you bury them while your cutting thats called plunge cutting when i switched to gouge cutting (where you go back and fourth small depths at a time my wheels last easily 50x longer im doing a gooseneck trailer restoration right now and im almost to paint stage and I'm still on my first cut off wheel makes a huge difference!!!

[@VincesDIYs]

Good to know! Thanks. Will definitely apply this to my next project!

[@rhodonbrown81698]

Good job. Just did my trailer, 3 weeks because of weather. But I sandblast mine. And sprayed painted mine.

[@tombarlow6176]

Good job but the Grider's you used was to small for that big work

[@VincesDIYs]

Probably right. Will have to get a bigger one if I do something like this again.

[@lucifermorningstar8541]

With the grinder issue, that’s why I’ll buy 2. 3 or 4 or more when they’re on sale at Harbor freight because when one goes it’s only 10 bucks grab another few

[@ysisvbsjzv7532]

Or just buy 1 good one

[@lucifermorningstar8541]

@@ysisvbsjzv7532 why?

[@michaelleblanc4894]

how much space do you have between your tire and your frame?

[@VincesDIYs]

About 1-1.5”

[@Cityboy-cl4mt]

well done. my only critique is the welded on D rings

[@Onewithsausage]

Rabbit hole after rabbit hole! It's always like that. Nice video!

[@VincesDIYs]

Thanks!

[@MichaelMcGill_emtwo]

Running light polarity matters: Incandescent bulbs will light regardless, but LEDs require proper polarity

[@technicaltrucking8704]

You're like me, one issue and the next thing you know you're painting the frame. You're kids are cool. #1 dad. Nice work.

[@VincesDIYs]

That is how it often goes…. Thanks for the kind words :)

[@gordonverrall1477]

Should have put chain oil under the boards to stop them from rotting out due to the water splash from the tyres

[@VincesDIYs]

Good idea!

[@scottcates]

Thank you for making this video. I plan to refurbish a trailer with similar features and this helps!

[@ericjackson8371]

What kind of screws did you use for the deck boards? I’m doing the same job to my trailer and the old rusted screws appear to be self-sinking. I considered pre-drilling holes and using bolts with nuts for easier removal in the future if I replace the boards. Which do you suggest? Thanks!

[@VincesDIYs]

I was going to use self tapping screws but they were way more expensive than the metal screws I used with pre-drilling - www.homedepot.ca/product/paulin--10-x-1-inch-pan-head-square-drive-steel-metal-screws-zinc-plated-100pcs/1000139979 Bolts and nuts could work but are probably a lot of work and if they rust out (wood soaked with water) you are better off using something easier.

[@heartnsoullawncare]

I drilled holes and used galvanized bolts. Took longer but if I need to replace a board simple fix. Drilled every hole with one Snap-On bit.

[@tommystandridge3190]

Great Restore and Enjoyed seeing your boys getting involved. thanks

[@suzannerickard3380]

Looks easy, but without a backhoe, how do I flip my trailer over?

[@VincesDIYs]

Rope and come along? If it’s a lighter trailer you could do it by hand. Or use it as an excuse to buy a backhoe....

[@suzannerickard3380]

@@VincesDIYs Large dual axle car trailer.. I will employ the come-a-long and my buddies tractor with FEL.. no funds in the project piggybank to buy a backhoe.. fun watching you work , thanks for sharing

[@VincesDIYs]

I hear you.

[@Winnipeg_Jets_Fan]

It's good to see the kids wanting to learn and help.

[@jeremyflores9019]

Those 2 outer boards were more than likely put in first then filled in towards the middle.

[@VincesDIYs]

You are correct.

[@michaelsnow3113]

I'm not sure how long it took to complete the project, but the grass got cut several time during it. I enjoyed the video.

[@VincesDIYs]

Glad you enjoyed it! It took at least a month of working on it on Saturdays.

[@BillPezzullo]

I like that your kids enjoyed getting involved....

[@VincesDIYs]

Thanks! Best way to learn…

[@LifewithJames]

Is it just me or was the wheel on backwards when he started removing it and talking about the hub?

[@VincesDIYs]

Its not you.... I had them temporarily on backwards for a better offset. Was fine on the correct way but as soon as I loaded it above 1000 lbs they started rubbing.

[@bigdogcountrymusic7146]

Looks like as much as you spent on Grinders maybe you should look for a Plasma Cutter!

[@VincesDIYs]

May be a good idea :)

[@bigdogcountrymusic7146]

@@VincesDIYs Thank you, Check around there are some good used ones out there.

[@mitchsays1]

Are the wheels on backwards? My eyes aren't good.

[@VincesDIYs]

Was temporarily on backwards.

[@mitchsays1]

Awesome 👍

[@kennethscott9100]

If you want a good grinder get a 20 amp grinder and it'll last for a long long time

[@jefferyschirm4103]

You need a acedline torch ?

[@VincesDIYs]

Yes, that could make it easier next time. Or a plasma cutter.

[@vicpetrishak1077]

Everyone knows Garbage Freight grinders are one time use . It would be easier to place spacers under the axle to raise the fender height . Glad to see your son involved in the project . Make sure the extension cord is capacity rated , maybe low amperage ruined the grinders . Stay away from under the bucket .

[@VincesDIYs]

Thank for the pointers!

[@Reman1975]

Is it too late to suggest just drilling out the threads on the hubs and pulling wheel studs into them? :D

[@VincesDIYs]

Yup :)

[@macgyverm109r]

Ok LED (light emitting diode) a diode works like a check valve it only alows current to flow in 1 direction.

[@VincesDIYs]

Good to know!

[@BS.-.-]

You definitely made the right choice replacing that old axle. The hole for the leaf spring bolt is a major weak point and I bet would have broke with 3500lbs on that trailer.

[@kevinmoore1401]

Nice build. The coolest thing about your build is your kids helped you and they were outside playing instead of being on games

[@VincesDIYs]

Thanks!

[@bearvassar6690]

Did you ever oiled the grinder

[@VincesDIYs]

No

[@ralan350]

it is amazing how "little projects" snowball in big projects.... lol

[@VincesDIYs]

Yes, that is how it often goes… :)

[@oviedo2912]

I commend you for teaching your boys. I believe, first off, that not many boys still with with their father. Also, those that do live with them aren’t being taught. Great job!

[@VincesDIYs]

Thanks for the kind comment!

[@markmullins4222]

I see that you stayed with one actual the only problem I see with it is you may end up replacing the leaf springs when they break me personally I would have put another axle on it to help with the load so you would have ended up with two axles on that trailer where I live at you got to have two axles to haul any kind heavy load

[@VincesDIYs]

Yes, I may end up replacing the leaf springs.

[@davidwilker4795]

LED lamps?

[@charlesbrewer6552]

Wow, changing the wheel bearings turned into quite a project!

[@VincesDIYs]

I know, right?

[@pauldent3059]

Well done great job, not just with the trailer but teaching your kids too, not enough people do it, they would have just bought a new trailer.

[@VincesDIYs]

Thanks :)

[@andyboys5669]

The speed of the grinding disc should do the work, not the pressure you put on it. That's why grinders burn out.

[@VincesDIYs]

Sure, but the first two were cheap. The Bosch was a lot better. More amps as well…..

[@shyrlw]

Might have been faster to put a lift kit on your springs. Hehe

[@VincesDIYs]

You are probably right. But then it would be harder to load.

[@joeclark9042]

Hey buddy I know this is an old video but hey question for you where did you get that sandblaster thing at I like to get me one can you help me out thank you bro Nice job on the trailer

[@VincesDIYs]

I got it at princess auto.

[@joeclark9042]

@@VincesDIYs THANKS BUD U HAVE A MODEL NUMBER BY CHANCE

[@petefeyen2146]

should have sealed your new wood with used motor or transmission oil

[@STP-bc5cy]

Polarity matters with these new LED light.

[@VincesDIYs]

Yep, found that out here… :)

[@surgicalshooter911]

A Diablo Carbide blade in your skillsaw would have made quick work of cutting the angle iron off. 😉👍

[@VincesDIYs]

Have not heard about that. I’ll have to look into it. Thanks!

[@FernandoMartinez-hb1nr]

Good work. Small tip, shoulda treated them boards while they were off would’ve been a lot easier

[@VincesDIYs]

Thanks for the tip

[@johnnymack8442]

That's the first time I see a grinder catch fire like that!

[@VincesDIYs]

First time for me as well. I think I was working it too hard....

[@greggoett]

3500 lb trailer requires trailer brakes. You will notice commercially available trailers without brakes STOP at 2900 lbs. For legal reasons. For being smart, smart in front of your kids.. put brakes on that bad boy. Good video. Easy. If your tow rig is a smaller car.. ie a small SUV... trailer brakes can be required as far down to as much as a 1000 lbs trailer.. etc. It's just smart to use those wheels to help you stop.

[@VincesDIYs]

Where I live, brakes are needed for over 3000 lbs. but a 3500 axel does not mean I ever tow that much.

[@greggoett]

@@VincesDIYs there is "required" and "smart way to go" I saw the back of your tow rig, a mini van of some sort, already had a 7 pin plug. Great start. Just to make my math easy. Say 4000 lbs empty. ( under I know) . You tow 1000 lbs.. that's 1/4 the weight of the dog. (Tail wagging the dog.. ouch). But now this trip you go get 2000 lbs. That's easy to do on a trailer that size. NOW. Your tail is 1/2 the dog.. It would be very smart to put some brakes on that tail. It'll handle and STOP so much better. Plus another video. Bonus

[@VincesDIYs]

@@greggoett actually it’s a Toyota Land Cruiser that weight 5000 empty and can tow 6500 lbs. sorry, it’s not going to happen on this trailer. Maybe on a future trailer. Our 5500lbs travel trailer has brakes and there it is needed.

[@greggoett]

@@VincesDIYs should be settling a better example. But then.. you did start by showing you overloaded that poor little thing

[@jeffro221]

@@greggoett Sort of a Richard Cranium type, aren't you?

[@watahyahknow]

just get two cheap grinder , they last you longer than the one expensive one and you can fit a cutting disk on one and a flaperwheel or grinding disk on the other dunno wat youre doing with those grinders you must realy bog them down / using them extremely long / or cover the vents with youre hands to get them to burn out like that

[@aaronb3745]

Why didn’t you just cut the top of the fender off and just add material to the sides then weld the top back on? That’s what I would have done. You wouldn’t have had to take the wood out

[@VincesDIYs]

That would have worked as well. But i did not have more material and ended up flipping the boards as they were getting tired.

[@elmermason9685]

Nice job. Great helpers.

[@VincesDIYs]

Thanks!

[@stevehart7936]

Tough job but you have some really good boys there mate. Good job on both 👍

[@VincesDIYs]

Thanks 👍

[@vincentklotz5849]

Got to hand it to you! I am a union Ironworker and welder. You tacked a big job.

[@josephknowles9015]

Very Nice Daddy & Son project

[@VincesDIYs]

Thanks!

[@lukehaak5907]

That left side led don’t look as good as the right one it looks like some pixels are burnt out

[@VincesDIYs]

You are correct, some of the led's are not working - may have to replace.

[@bigshafe]

Intersting and entertaining video. I think you are being to hard with the grinder. Letting the wheel do the work without forcing it so much will make them both last longer. If a wheel explodes you are putting too much force and bending it.

[@VincesDIYs]

You could be right…. Less force and more finesse

[@wesleybrabant3595]

And you were going to change a what again ??

[@VincesDIYs]

Yup…. That is how it goes sometimes

[@danielpadgett2831]

It looked like the left tail light wasn't working properly

[@VincesDIYs]

Yes, only a few of the led’s were working. Had to replace it.

[@danielpadgett2831]

@@VincesDIYs understand that great video thank you for sharing

[@VincesDIYs]

@@danielpadgett2831 glad you enjoyed!

[@rosshannemann7772]

Cold weldthru zinc primer before paint

[@ericb3061]

Good job I really enjoy watching you work with your kids

[@VincesDIYs]

Thank-you!

[@sheepdogpack7590]

Treat boards with 50/50 diesel and old motor oil. Cheap weather resistance and ads nice color

[@VincesDIYs]

Thanks, great idea!

[@RaginEagle]

This is a great video. Thanks for sharing.

[@VincesDIYs]

Your welcome!

[@efxvlogs]

Please use a face shield when grinding, cut off wheels or wire wheel. Them wires shoot off and can pop your eye and your done. Make sure your kids are not close. Telling you from experience.

[@VincesDIYs]

I have glasses but you are probably right... :)

[@thigtsquare950]

I’m to poor to be cheap. I usually buy the regular grade tool when I know I’m going to use it sporadically. However my drill is Hilti since is the most used tool.

[@VincesDIYs]

Yes, I work the same way. Sometimes I'm too cheap and end up paying for it later.....

[@fruitinspector6111]

I think the reason you were going through so many cutting discs is because you were not letting the cutting disc do the cutting, rather you were pushing the disc into the steel and wearing them out.

[@kevinhitt719]

excellent job you did every thing right including getting the kids involved at a young age, not enough of that these days.

[@VincesDIYs]

Thankyou!

[@alfredesquer]

You can replace the brushes in those grinders. Only costs a few dollars and 5 mins of your time.

[@VincesDIYs]

I actually did have extra brushes but the ones in the grinder were fine. I think they are not made for the amount of continual grinding that I was doing. The first grinder I had for about 20 years. Just never used it this much.

[@jasonmanis8638]

I’m about ready to buy a plasma cutter or cutting torch because I’m tired of going through those dang cutting wheels 😅

[@VincesDIYs]

😁

[@vincentklotz5849]

You have a great helper son.

[@VincesDIYs]

Yes I do! Thanks!

[@terrylaw8776]

It's the difference of LEDs lights and incandescent lights

[@VincesDIYs]

Good to know! One of those thing that can be puzzling if you don’t.

[@elpidiogirtler1700]

Hey, friendly comment...you had the wheel placed backwards, probably why you bent the hub!!

[@VincesDIYs]

Good eye, but I had it on backwards after the issue of stripping out the wheel bolts. Since the tire was rubbing the side of the trailer when loaded down, I reversed it to get a better offset so I could get home. With the new axel, the spacing was fine.

[@CynicalDad81]

The deck is fine. Put some boiled linseed oil on it and go!

[@VincesDIYs]

I just may try that. Thanks!

[@twentysevenlitres]

So somebody converted a 7x5 trailer into a 6x12 trailer? Great job replacing the bearing btw 🤣

[@VincesDIYs]

More like a 6x8. It was snowmobile trailer before. Expensive bearing......

[@greglopez7345]

Great job n having your son’s too help

[@VincesDIYs]

Thanks!

[@thigtsquare950]

The new tail lights are probably LEDs and, as the name says, they are diodes; current only goes one way.

[@VincesDIYs]

Yes they are, thanks! Learning something new everyday!

[@motownlee3765]

the kid said get a $800 grinder lol last a life for sure. love that.

[@redzed40]

great job on the trailer

[@VincesDIYs]

Thanks!

[@popapoco]

You need a quality grinder the way your working them no wonder your killin them itsy bitsy grinders lol get a 5 inch makita that will last you 10 years at 16 hours a day if you dont lean on it to much

[@VincesDIYs]

You are right. I rarely used a grinder before and the cheap one lasted 15+ years until this project. I ended up with a Bosch so it should be better

[@amit2hotgun]

Great video overall but welding those latches directly to the frame was kinda dumb. :)

[@VincesDIYs]

Not sure why it was dumb. I use them all the time.

[@motownlee3765]

7000lb axle would work on that I think.

[@VincesDIYs]

Haha. Maybe a little overkill.. :)

[@trakyboy5128]

IMHO, the trailer was worth media blast n powder coating ✌️ Trailer s r not cheap these days.

[@VincesDIYs]

True. Everything is getting expensive….

[@robertdominiczak6523]

Let the tool do the work the reason you blow power tools is you put your weight behind them all you should do is guide the tool and let the tool do the work

[@VincesDIYs]

I was not pushing too hard. The first grinder was a cheap brand that I had for 10 years, and the 2nd one was a very cheap brand.