Refurbishing and upgrading an 18ft steel deck car trailer. massive transformation

[@ryanzhang4897]

Hey Taylor, I’m not sure if anyone else would like to see this but I would love an updated tool check video. It would be cool to see what has made the cut over the years since the last one.

[@cay378]

+1 for this

[@Taylordrifts]

Comment if you want this! It has been a while!

[@foolhardy190]

​@@TaylordriftsYes!!

[@badbadgerz]

Absolutely

[@nikhilrw]

@@Taylordrifts Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees

[@robertbisson964]

Make sure you repack the bearings and replace the dried up seals. It's tough to do on the side of the road.

[@mattmanyam]

Definitely.

[@drifter905]

yeah that's a good. seeing it look so nice, be worth doing.

[@billmadison2032]

I'd put new bearings, hub if needed. can't beat new parts as a good P M measure.

[@nickcaudill1526]

As for the trailer I agree with others for the reflective tape on the sides and even the back if there’s a spot. What I did with mine was also add small LED light bars at the very front shining down the deck. And if you have a 7 way plug anyways, I also wired in back up lights next to my taillights, such a game changer at night!

[@young11984]

Back up lights on a trailer at night and raining is undoubtably the best thing ever on a trailer, i have 2 on the front of the trailer shining out and 2 LED flood lights mounted behind the fenders flush with the trailer deck to see the whole rear of the trailer and about an 80’ wide spread behind it.

[@w0nderwallCS]

hey Taylor, I am a king ranch owner that uses leather honey. it is definitely the best for leather seats. However, for a much better effect for the leather conditioner you want to get a rubber glove and use your hand to wipe it in, not a towel, the microfiber towel is going to absorb most of that conditioner. also make sure to use a lot on the seams of the seats.

[@TravelingStacker]

King Ranch owner here too. I use the conditioner from the King Ranch saddle shop. Soaks in better in my opinion. I do agree with the glove though. I wear one and massage the conditioner in.

[@mrwhite7222]

Glove is a good tip I always just use my bare hands the towel is useless

[@Doubie.]

Leather honey is undoubtedly a good product Obenaufs is a better one though there customers absolutely beat the crap out of there leather (forestry service fire crews) between sunlight heat steam ash water chemicals dirt and mud those high end boots can last 20years or more when being as abused as leather can be so long as it’s cared for properly I’m going to stick with them I love king ranch trucks one of the only trucks that aren’t that bs engineered leather that flakes and peels

[@Hunterminez]

I use it in my Platinum to great effect.

[@JordanSimpsonTube]

Taking 29 minutes of my 15 minute break for Taylor makes my day every time

[@BrownyCakes1]

Honestly pretty stoked you're getting some useful sponsors! Some people don't like the ads but I'm honestly all for it. The amount of success and progress you've made in the last few years is crazy man, keep it up!

[@jasonnelson2744]

I am for the adds if they honestly use and believe in the product. I have watched some KZbin channels that promote sunglasses for 1 and then when the do a video outside they are squinting from the sun being in there face. Another one have seen is promoting headphones and then see the person wearing another name brand in other videos.If you truly believe in the product you have adds for it would be great to see them used in non add setting or atleast randomly laying around in videos.

[@BrownyCakes1]

@@jasonnelson2744 Couldn't agree more!

[@haydenk77]

Looks great! I built one for a customer a while back. Had the same tongue box and we scooted it flush to the trailer. Cut a hole and put the winch inside with the flush mount guide so that was the only hole in the box. Flush mount LED pods, inverter, outdoor plug box with cover, switch panel on the outside of box. Electric tongue jack and single battery inside that the truck would charge while running. But if you don’t do that then I would make a small cover plate to go over the winch for direct rain.

[@Bigeddysprings1953]

I’m sure it’s been suggested. I would definitely add safety reflecting tape on the whole gooseneck,sides, and rear. It looks good though, nice job. Done gibber jabbing.

[@Chattsteezy]

Came here to say this. He had two rolls laid out on the trailer at first so I think he may have just forgotten it? Really really helps with visibility for others when towing in early morning/night etc.

[@brandonpayne1207]

A triple goodbye? I think that's a first. That trailer looked so good, Taylor couldn't end the video.

[@Taylordrifts]

whoops. lol I was soooo hot and trying to finish the video and get it up same day. I didn't do a second review before uploading since I was out of time. lol

[@rodneywise6413]

Couple things: first, I’d service the wheel bearings. I’d also hook up a trickle charger in the box for the battery. Last, I’d have used a stronger winch. That’s pretty small, but I’m not sure what you might be loading up, so…. Great video! Now I need to go out and do my trailer…

[@beereadyyy9849]

4500lbs is fine for what hes doing with it, he also put solar panels on the battery to keep it charged so no need for a trickle charger.

[@pratt1bp]

Hi Taylor. Not sure if anyone has mentioned, but consider making a box to go over the winch to protect it from the weather. Seen too many fail from being left out in the elements

[@ryanhebron4287]

One suggestion I have is to have some terminal covers on the battery since you have to remove the top of the battery box to put the jack in. It would be bad for the jack to short that big battery.

[@lIVINOTAFRAID]

Should make a net for the underside of the lid of the tongue box. It can hold the small straps and what not and free up more space in the box

[@MrGuyBroDude]

I have a trailer that is damn near same as yours. I love it. What I ended up doing was rhino lining the top surface and then cutting 2 hatch style holes in the middle under where the engine would be in the front and rear depending if the car is pulled on forwards or backwards. It allows me to do some fluid changes using the trailer almost like a roll on lift of sorts.

[@Better_Car_Control]

I prefer rhino liner. Will hold up much better in the heat and won’t be slippery when wet. The Rustoleum enamel looks great when first coated but it doesn’t hold up well in the sun and fades pretty quick. Plus it’s super slippery when wet

[@MrGuyBroDude]

@@Better_Car_Control Yeah I found that out when loading up my car at the track and it was a wet day and I had slicks. Almost slid the car off the trailer that day lol

[@danielmcdowell6572]

Where did you wind up mounting the solar panel for the batteries? I'm looking to do a lot of similar things to my trailer soon. Mine is definitely in need of some love

[@young11984]

Tractor supply tractor paint is what i use on trailers, it doesnt fade out like standard enamel. I used a Wagner airless paint sprayer to cover a 24’ deck over trailer in about 30 minutes and only used 1/2 gallon. Im so glad you cleaned those wheels lol, some LED lights mounted in the back of the tool box and some on the back are the best additions to a trailer when backing up at night especially in the rain.

[@A.Miata.Enthusiast]

Another possible upgrade would be to mod the jack, to use a cordless drill, just like the big trailer. Keep up the excellent work.

[@johngibbs8345]

Trailer looks great! 👍I would definitely consider adding a couple of snatch blocks to the tool box, you don't want to over work your winch. 👍👍👍👍👍

[@yeahbuddygarage]

I did these upgrades to my 20ft car hauler when I first got it and still want to add some loading lights as well. lol. The only difference is I went with a wood deck. The wood doesn't last as long but it doesn't get as hot as a metal deck which is important for me since I'm usually laying on the deck when hooking up lowered vehicles. I'd also like to add rear trailer support jacks to take some lift load off of the ball when loading/ unloading.

[@richardbradfield7437]

I did a similar rehab to my sons open solid deck trailer years ago. Top and bottom. Used POR 15 paint. One suggestion I would make is to go buy a plastic tool box that the winch will fit in and use as an enclosure for the winch. Very easy installation. Great protection from the elements.

[@jasonnelson2744]

I was expecting you to put the reflection e tape on the sides since you have it. I think it makes a nice addition.

[@RiverHillsTraveler]

Also I run my drag up tank in junction with my trailer power. My aux battery and wench also has my extra truck battery all linked. It does draw a lot of power but having it looped together allows my truck alternator to charge my aux trailer battery while I’m driving. Camper forums helped ah bunch!

[@kneedeepinit]

One thing I added to my car hauler is a couple of rv stabilizer jacks on the rear. When I load something heavy, I put them down and the rear end of trailer no longer goes down lifting the rear end of truck

[@R2debo_]

Possible upgrade to the trailer would be an awning over the right hand side giving some more shade and cover from the elements over the door.

[@Jsmith9619]

That would be great if this wasn't an open trailer. Did you even watch the video or even look at the thumbnail?

[@dylanhalouska47]

@@Jsmith9619he says the same thing every trailer vid

[@Imugi007]

​@@dylanhalouska47gotta be a bot.

[@BCDriven]

24:18 Just a heads up that pdlock is about as useless as a air conditioner in Antarctica. There are several non destructive bypasses and it can be opened faster using any of them than dialing in the combination.

[@Radar8717]

Add a small solar panel on the tool box lid to trickle charge the winch battery. Deck lights would be cool

[@ConnorS1094]

Hey Taylor! Super cool this video came up, because long ago you refurbished this same trailer on here and THAT is the video that brought me to your channel. Ive been around since, through the Miata and beyond. Huge throwback for me, and a huge show of progress for you! Cheers man!

[@JeffSlover]

A double outro! The cool thing is each one was unique instead of some of the other 'tubers who just play the last 10 minutes over. I can't believe how good the trailer looked before you painted it! I remember when you first got it, I thought you were nuts for getting a trailer with so much rust on it! One thing you may consider doing is prop the trailer up on it's side, and pressure wash, and paint the bottom, or undercoat it.

[@centurion726]

If you want a cheap 3 wire enclosed loom for the side lights that you don't care if you splice every 2 feet a 25 foot 110 extension cord work well. I use to wire mower trailers for a municipality and keep the drop light cords we use to break just for this.

[@terryharbin591]

Glad to see this video I have a 16’ trailer just bought new tires and wheels and needs painting. I have heard rolling paint was the best now I know it is. Thanks for the video I’ll be starting on mine soon. Enjoy your videos all the time.

[@MrJrFish]

Always wondered if there was a way to get my flatbed hauler up on my 2-post lift safely. If you didn't do it or couldn't figure it out, I doubt I ever will. Thanks for the motivation to rework my trailer collection.

[@oneqkfodo]

Looks great but you need to add that solar panel to the trailer to keep the battery charged up for the winch

[@ectobluntus]

Only channel I know of where the sponsored segments are worth watching. Those leather seats are looking FRESH

[@leatherhoney3094]

FRESH! Thank you for watching and noticing! -Shawn

[@frankgeimer5952]

Great job, trailer looks real good! The upgrades will make life easier for you! Maybe some work lights and solar charger maintainer to keep it charged up could be the next upgrades?

[@jleete01]

Looked like a fun project. What did you end up doing with the solar panel?

[@SDSGarage89]

Such a satisfying video. Man oh man do i miss your duramax though. That year, that colour, that configuration is my hands down favourite truck. Can't beat old man beige with a cap

[@jblazeya2]

Maybe add some reflective tape to side of trailer like you had. I saw you pull it out in beginning of video but never applied it. Black trailer at night with just those ambers don’t think is enough. Also wondering if you painted the ramps because why not. Great job.

[@brandonm9975]

@Taylor Ray, if you wanna paint it you can look up por 15, por 15 is a rust preventative coating that look like paint that holds it color and real heavy duty stuff that won't flake off

[@painedinks]

I love the interior on that truck! It's a really great idea to keep that leather nice and conditioned too. I have a full leather interior also, and if you don't keep up on that stuff, she'll go south real quick! Maybe I'll have to try this leather honey stuff out instead of my usual stuff. It seems to be like they know their shit when it comes to leather.

[@leatherhoney3094]

Please do give our products a try! If you don't like them, we have a 100% no questions asked money back guarantee. We appreciate it! -Shawn

[@ricks5984]

Thought I saw, during your layout of upgrades, a solar panel for keeping your battery at full charge? Was I mistaken? Using such an item would surely help any future winch issues caused by a dead battery. Maybe I missed that you have it setup to be charged from the tow vehicle which would also be good??

[@CSMtv1320]

Just did similar upgrades to my trailer about a year ago, can’t believe I waited that long to install a winch. Also reminds me I need to get a fresh coat of paint on mine, used the same stuff and works great.

[@ALMX5DP]

Damn I need a shop. Tried painting mine last weekend in the sun and it was miserable. Only got maybe half of what I wanted done. The POR15 top coat also seems a bit finicky to apply as it dries super quick compared to the base stuff.

[@Notasheepleandneverwillbe]

You have a truck that sounds like a big cammed Corvette that could be the coolest vehicle you own , but we hardly ever see it much less listen to that beautiful rumble it makes . Full rebuild series complete with repaint would be awesome .

[@Stellashines17]

And btw, I’m not into drifting at all but I love his detail in his builds. I usually fast forward through comp stuff but I watch every video, if he does a no prep drag car I will be glued to every video!!!

[@mrbill8542]

Dont forget your reflective tape,and try putting your tag on the back of the fender--less chance of getting bent up !

[@krakhedd]

Re: hot Sun/drying quickly --> that blew me away during the sped-up part of you using the pressure washer, watching it dry out as you were still going!

[@bryanaguilar2626]

Hey Taylor let me know how that roll on paint lasts. I wanna paint the subframe on my truck but I can’t take it all apart to paint it don’t have the space

[@myurcek05]

Hey Taylor, You should fab up some mounts to attach the jack handles and hammer to the underside of the lid to make it more organized!

[@caseymiklosh5537]

Do yourself a huge favor. Buy one of the camco tire aid ramps. Huge life saver and time saver on the side of the road. Even at the house instead of lugging a Jack around. It will even work with the enclosed. I’ve used it with a 24ft car trailer loaded with a car and a 32ft camper.

[@mw2filmmaker]

I think the next project should be putting down some gravel and installing a car port on the side of the shop for the trailers. It would help keep them clean and somewhat out of the elements.

[@dmayse1000]

honestly surprised u didnt add a steel plate to the A-frame in front of the tool box and place the battery box there so u could keep all ur storage... i think a fabbed battery box that u can lock the plastic box into, would've been pretty cool

[@kyletice811]

Didn't want to paint the tongue jack to match? looks a little out of place now. Would it make sense to turn the battery around and run the wires out of the back so you aren't close to touching the posts when putting the jack in? Maybe cut the cover flush with the battery so it can stay on?

[@Fizzo20]

Depends what route you go for wheels but a set of AR172 Baja or Ion 171 wheels on the trailer would match the current RAM wheels as well as any semi/holey style dually wheels like Alcoas, DDC The Hole, American Force DB01, etc.

[@RiverHillsTraveler]

Love me a Taylor upgrading vid. These have become my favorite. Iv watched religiously for a years now. Iv gotten older and the drifting interests have subsided but I love watching the drift dude (in reference to THE DUDE from the big Lebowski, which my kid calls yah). Lol love yah man and once my son gets old enough I hope to see yah at an event.

[@hotrodtex2124]

Why not add the reflective tape you already had to make it safer? Also since you went to all of the trouble to built the jack extension why not add some gussets so the pad doesn't break off? I would have shift the battery to one side to maximize the usable room inside if the toolbox. Also on the junction box, did you run the truck tail off the back and the light tail off the front so each of them had to make a 90°bend to go the correct direction?

[@joshwebster8334]

Hey Taylor, go to Harbor Freight and pick up a couple of those magnetic tool holders and put them on the inside of the tool box. Could use it told some small hand tools you might need on the trailer

[@danvolkman1455]

What happened to the solar charger? Adding the load lights and possibly load lights at the rear for night backing or lighting up the ground for whatever.

[@roadlizardcu8664]

The trailer late at night is going to be hard to see from the sides (while turning) to other drivers. You really should replace the reflective tape on the sides of the trailer to increase visibility at night.

[@hellenberg1967]

A few things. 1. Did you paint under the winch? 2. Did you set it up so the tow vehicle will charge the trailer battery when towing? 3. Why not paint the trailer rims the same gloss black as the trailer?

[@TravisFabel]

I thought you were going to add a solar charger to keep that battery topped up and reflective stickers on the sides and back.

[@HP.Customs]

Did this to my trailer a couple years ago but for the deck I put a 1/2 a cup of sand in 2 quarts of separate paint to make it have more grip.

[@Koop2k]

What happened to the solar panel? Looked lit it would fit great on the tool box lid.

[@kevinhamling1963]

G'day, What an awesome transformation. The only thing i would add is some sort of protection for the winch. (Protect your investment.) So thanks for sharing ✌️ Peace from Melbourne Australia.

[@CaptainMcFartin]

For future reference, always buy optronics led trailer lights. Lifetime warranty!!! Also I would have gotten a new jack stand with the quick up / down settings. Good video!!

[@jank1215]

crazy I first found Taylor’s channel when he refurbished a trailer in a one car garage coming full circle.

[@andymiller1803]

What happened with the solar panel? I was wondering how you were going to set that up. I didn't see a charge controller.

[@Alpha_2814]

Another thing you can do is add a hook point on the bottom of the beams to store the safety chains when it’s not in use. See this on some PJ trailers.

[@MAJORAUTO]

Bro needs to sell some “done&dusted” merch! Some trucker style flat brim hats would be so choice!

[@Black9924v]

Ik this may be a long shot taylor but on the side of your shop where you park the trailers, why not put a lean-tube off the shop with some gravel to park the trailers and the tow rig under so they'd be out the weather?

[@jimmerriman6920]

Things to add to the trailer... 1st and most important, aren't you supposed to have the white and red reflective safety tape on the sides and rear of the trailer? We need to have that up here in the northeast. Secondly, I'd add a big set of LED backup lights on the rear of the trailer, they always come in handy backing up at night. And lastly, maybe a set of loading lights on both sides of the winch illuminating the deck of the trailer, and a couple of small LED lights for the inside of the box, so when you are loading at night, you have all the lights you need. LED lights draw so little power, that basically any draw on them from LEDs for 150-30 minutes isn't really going to have any effect on a good deep cell battery. Just my 2 cents...

[@SloppyMechanics]

we really needed that rain, i mean leather honey

[@matthewvaillancourt9503]

When you painted it and made the ramps was when I started watching your videos, keep up the good work 👍

[@joshstephens8648]

May have missed it but where did you mount the solar panel?

[@colby1610]

Off topic but do you know what size breaker and what size wire you used for your 36k mr cool mini split?

[@k3rupt_]

That double ending goodbye tho. Two goodbyes for one video, hell ya🙌🏼 See ya next video brotha💪🏼

[@siciliansoccer55]

Don't forget to put tire iron or socket and brkr bar for lugs on wheels - in the flatbed toolbox!!!!

[@Austinadcock]

You can buy those jack feet pre made at most trailer suppliers for like $15 I know I used to make them for my things also until I found that I could get them so cheap

[@HenryDarr]

Good stuff ! maybe add some red reflecting tape inside the c channel on the sides.

[@bagelbandit6076]

Could you put some low profile leds or rope lights along the side of the wheel well so you aren’t blinding yourself while loading? Just a thought.

[@jeffreysanders7392]

The only thing you are missing for the trailer is a no-prep drag car to go on it. Would be sick to see you roll up to an event in the turbo Silverado with the Monte Carlo in tow 🤔

[@SpencerQuimby]

Wow I remember the first upgrade video on this trailer. Definite upgrades from that tiny garage and driveway!

[@joeschannel1294]

Add a power jack that uses an 18 volt Milwaukee battery. I did this mine and it works awesome,

[@settytb1]

Initially you mentioned a solar panel, but I didn't see you add it in the finished project? I assume you were just going to put it on the lid of the tongue box?

[@herrburas]

You could fab a tire rack in the front where you also could mount your lights..

[@rcastillon1]

Not sure if I'm missing something but why do you need a separate "break away" battery? Couldn't you just piggy back off the winch battery?

[@tommyboy256]

That things still brand new my dad's car trailer is from the 80s all steal 2nd skin on it 3rd set of fenders and 3rd set of axels and need to get the old military deuce and a half winch fixed that's on it a few frame patches and a new box for the winch and strap

[@commonsenseisdeadin2024]

That winch is way too small. Should build out in between the bed and box mount the battery/batteries there and enclosure for the winch and lights. Another good idea is mounts for a adjustable drop supports in the rear.

[@spyrule]

Ever consider painting the trailer white? Would keep it less hot in the florida sun... also, put a net on the inside of the lid, and you can put your straps in there.

[@willhawkins284]

this is sick and I want to do the same thing. Im looking for a trailer but I cant find any good fixer uppers

[@thecannabiskidfortier6219]

Hey Taylor have you ever used the turbo spray cans from Rustoleum? I've seen a few people use them to make a quick project done.

[@dagnallsingstheblues1783]

I love it! I'm trying to build my own trailer and it's fun. I remember watching you work on this one way back

[@philbert006]

Only thing i can't see adding is a garage built co. Sticker or two on the battery box.

[@RickyRicardoMJF]

I just realized the first video I saw of urs was the one where u bought this trailer. I subbed maybe a couple vids after. Wow I've been following u for awhile man, you've come far

[@doug8076]

When are you installing the loft into the shop??

[@ChrisInIndy46221]

Fab Project maybe a cover for the winch to keep it out of the elements?

[@CMgraffix]

looks good, add reflectors on side too

[@matttdaking]

Hey taylor how did you get a hold of the guy who made the wiring harness for your seats in the 08 Ford ? Love your videos keeps me motivated to work on my projects.

[@matttdaking]

@taylordrifts

[@BigblackRN84]

I really hope you're not gonna just tease us ith the green truck. Please tell us you got some wheels and drag strip trip on the works. We wanna see what it can do!

[@djmccoy2011]

You could get your windshield tinted with ceramic tint and that would help the dash

[@GaryM-1985]

One thing I would recommend is if your spare tire is out in the open get a cover for it. Keep it from dry rotting in the Florida sun