Budget Overland Trailer Build Pt1 - DIY Tongue, Axle, and Wheels Install

[@davethewelder1]

Great videos. How did you determine the length of the axle. Thanks

[@jbates1463]

Do you know how much longer you made the tongue from factory? Sorry if you mentioned it in the video. This is exactly the project I am wanting to undertake. Thanks for sharing this!!

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

I think I do mention this in the next video, when I mounted the utility box. But I can’t totally remember.

[@teamcq9204]

You guys kill me with the super duper cheap price you bought the trailer for. That same trailer is now almost $900. I guess I am looking at the wrong time for a trailer. Thanks for the cool video. I wish I had them mad skills to pimp out a trailer like that.

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

🤣🤣wow this trailer was only 400 4 years ago . cost of steel has gone way up! that’s insane for interesting times. still think you can’t get a ready overland for even near that price either 🤷‍♂️ good luck and thanks for watching 🍻

[@jroddy1]

Price gouging at it's finest

[@SquareLyfe]

Sick build buddy! Those welds look great. Off-roading with a trailer adds another layer of challenge to any trail.

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Thanks buddy I appreciate, I definitely know what you mean there, I love a new challenge. I’ve seen some crazy trailer stunts on the trail! 🤣 I bet this trailer can do sourgrass tho! 🤣 thanks for watching

[@davidallsup2375]

Great videos! I bought a new Harbor Freight utility trailer to mod into an overlander, and have been watching other videos picking out pieces here and there to help me figure out how to complete the project. Yours have everything I need to answer all my questions. By the way, it's nice to see someone using proper PPE when grinding, welding, and painting.

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

That uti trailer is a good foundation to work off of , especially with the steel prices these days it makes sense to go that route. Thanks for watching buddy 🍻

[@davidallsup2375]

@@ATEMOFFROAD For sure! Keep up the good work.

[@BottleJackBuddy]

Great Video!

[@phennig2003]

Love the video and all the links you provided. Very indepth and sweet trailer.

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Thank me for watching I appreciate it🍻

[@lundysgarage]

Them some pretty welds.

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

I’m very happy with the welds on this trailer , still a few more to go and I can put the welder up! Flux is a good all around wire for structural steel builds. It’s some good stuff. Next video I’ll be switching over to solid wire and gas 70 -25 mix argon/ carbon deoxide! Thanks for watching buddy 🍻

[@MrCee-eq9fe]

Dude I just picked my Lowe’s trailer up today 😁😁 I have some plans for it I’m sure I’ll use some of ur ideas also 👍🏽💪🏽💪🏽

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

That’s awesome buddy 🍻 what are the trailers going for these days ?

[@stiofanm.4744]

That 4x5 trailer from Lowe's is at $750. Just got one myself last week. @@ATEMOFFROAD

[@Jakethepwasher]

Super cool! Love the idea

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Thanks buddy I appreciate it 🍻

[@TheStryderPrime]

I love this setup !! thanks for the info !!!!!!!!!!

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Thanks for watching I appreciate it 🍻

[@mcmuskie2563]

Nice job!

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Thank you🍻

[@OverlandSubaru]

Downhill (downhand) welds do NOT offer more penetration. Up hand does. Not that it matters with thin metals such as what you're working with, but if you are going to put info out there, put the right info. That said, awesome build, good job. Update, I see further down in the comments that you address this, you are correct that flat is preferred and uphill welds can induce too much heat into thinner materials. With downhill welds, where necessary, I recommend turning up the voltage a bit but lowering the wire speed, this will give you a good bead profile while increasing penetration and reducing the risk of having globs of molten metal forming ahead of the weld or at the end. (info for beginners mostly)

[@the_bencredible]

Looking good. Need to drag my trailer out and have a trail day when you get yours done. Sourgrass or Corral Hollow would be good for some practice if you’ve never pulled one off road before.

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

That would be awesome, I’m waiting for that day , first madden voyage will be pismo beach , take the family out and relax a couple days! But I’ll definitely be taking it to corral hollow and sourgrass as well ! Can’t wait. Thanks for watching 🍻

[@mandoent]

Looks good man, love the wheel selection on this thing!

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Thanks buddy, definitely wanted to make good use of our spare jku wheels, found another new one on the market place that was identical and never been used for cheap so I picked it up to have two matching! Worked out for sure! Thanks for watching

[@whedyramilla4854]

Hi. Just starting my build, and my selection was the same 3.5x5 from Lowe’s. Did the axle you replace have the same center bore hub as your Jeep wheels? I’m gonna have a lotta questions.

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Disclaimer: for those that may be new to welding : here are some tips and may answers to some of your questions regarding the welding processes type and weld positions. In this video, I use a Hobart 110v welder and I switch between gas and flux core welding processes, both .035 wire size but each to there own specific uses. Most of the important penetration needed for structural integrity I use flux core with flat position welding techniques. This is because the limitations of my welder (at the time) offers the best penetration based on material thickness. I’ve since bought a new welder that can GMAW up to 5/16” stock and would be the process of choice. All flux core welding positions are performed in the flat position. Down hill welding is a process that proves to be better when dealing with thin metals. This is because as you move down, you get a faster travel speed and the arc will penetrate the base metal less. Thus it has lower heat input thanks to the faster welding speed. This also helps to prevent the excess melting or damage to the material, so you should be able to deal with thin metals without a problem. For instance, in most trailer plants which manufacture small trailers that are made of light gauge metal or thin wall tubing, running a downhill weld can help achieve 100 percent fusion while preventing overheating or even warping of the components. Vertical MIG welding, whether welding uphill or downhill is a daunting task for beginners, trust me I know. Learning it requires patience and if you are not extra careful you will get a rough, uneven bead, possibly with undercuts on both sides of the bead, which as you can assume is a bad thing. Before you start taking on projects in your neighborhood to make a few extra bucks that require vertical welding, make sure that you know what you are doing. Practice, practice, practice! A good vertical MIG welding technique should enable you to fight against gravity as it pulls the puddle downward. If properly adopted and mastered, vertical welding position is the most effective base position after flat position to study and take on other positions in the future.

[@foxmulder7616]

Looking to build a harbor freight type folding trailer into one of these, question, what is the necessity of using different springs? If I'm not looking to add any more weight than the original? I just want to use a bigger axle to be able to use bigger tires, the same as in my Jeep so I could use them interchangeably of I need more than one spare tire.

[@foxmulder7616]

Could you skip using the spacers and just use a slightly longer axle that would accommodate the larger Jeep wheels? Say a 70" long axle with 46" spring seat spacing?

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

@@foxmulder7616 absolutely, but that’s not why I used the spacers. I used the spacers to adapter. 5x4.5 lug hubs to 5x5 wheel lug pattern. If you can find that length axle with 5x5 wheel lug pattern hubs should be golden. Thanks for watching 🍻

[@foxmulder7616]

@@ATEMOFFROAD sweet!! Lol looking to put some jeep wheels on my harbor freight trailer build! I'm just looking to put a bigger axle and jeep wheels, and an off-road hitch. Not gonna do a teardrop or rooftop tent etc, just want a trailer to haul gear with.

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

@@foxmulder7616 that’s would be nice , sound like an awesome project you have going on there . New trailer build video coming out soon 🍻

[@neotranz]

Today I learned that the tongue you used actually seems to be 2x3 and not 2x4. Doing my own build following yours as a guide, ended up purchasing 2x4 after getting it prep'd/painted it looked too big once set in. Not sure if I should just use the 2x4 or scrap it and get a 2x3 piece. Thanks for the build videos!

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Sorry Doug you are correct good catch! I used a 2x3 steel tongue. I will correct that right now in the description thank you for sharing this typo. The one you have I don’t see any reason why it wouldn’t work, the only downsides are that it costs more, will be heavier and if you plan to bolt an off-road hitch like I did you will need longer bolts to compensate. One design change I wish I could have done during this build was to run the tongue along the entire length of the trailer all the way to the back that way I could attach a 2” hitch receiver to the back. I still ended up adding a receiver but not that final design I would have liked. Just thought I’d mention that in case you decided to add something back there later. 🍻

[@rogercanady6227]

I'm doing close to the same thing and I just discovered today that my new trailer axle hub is to large of a diameter to fit the hub hole on my Jeep JLUR rims I'm using? It looks like I will have to have my hub centric spacers machined to a larger hole. Great video!

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Thanks for watching , are you talking about the axles hub center caps not fitting through the wheel? Mine just barely fit through the hole on the wheel. If I would have went with a more wider spacer I could have probably been able to clear the axle and put the center caps on the wheel too! 🤣

[@garretthackett4313]

Do you think you will make for the public ?

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

That’s would be really cool

[@DaysSpentWell]

I'm picking up the same trailer from Lowes in a week or two. I wish I can do the things you did to your trailer. I'll just keep mine basic.

[@jroddy1]

It's overpriced now. Almost $800. That's insane

[@DaysSpentWell]

@@jroddy1 I know! I saw the price for it. I'm still searching on Craigslist and FB Marketplace for a used one that's still decent.

[@mack_titan]

Hi, what Axle and springs did you buy? I'm working on a similar project and I too need a little more lift out of my suspension. Did you do spring over axle?

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Yes spring over axle and the link to the spring pack in the description box. 🍻

[@warrenalbano1621]

Thanks for sharing God bless 🙏

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Thanks for watching 🍻

[@luajpoj]

Hi ilike your set up. Can you share the part number for the new axle you purchased? And from where.

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Yes the axle is from northern tool and there’s a link in the description box to order it. 🍻

[@mustanggun]

You might as well have left this little trailer whole, and started a fresh new build.

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Yes and no, yes because I will still probably do a scratch build trailer. And no because there is a large following with the lowes utility trailers and they do make a perfect canvas for a lil budget built camping trailer. You can do a lot with less and they are found all over. Great little starter trailer imo. Saved a ton on steel too. Thanks for watching 🍻

[@raychurcher4349]

Try to understand, most of us use trailers already built and with clean titles so it's easier to get them legal.

[@WindyCityJeepForce]

Can you please share the hub face and spring center of the new axle you put on?

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

60in. Hubface, 48in. Spring Center, 5-Stud Pattern, 4.5in. Hubs also specs on the axle in the description box below. Thanks for watching 🍻

[@ChristopherAchilles]

Any thoughts towards connecting the spring mounts to more solid metal that is directly connected to the tongue, rather than being connected via that relatively lightweight angle of the original trailer?

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

If I were to go a different route I’d definitely not use angle as the bottom frame support and spring mounts. square is definitely going to be much stronger as the angle is the weak point IMO but I’m just working with what I have. I could add gussets to the mounts and get more strength across more surface area but I figured it’s not worth doing at this point. rather to just obey the max loading capacity for the original trailer requirements. I know I have added weight since then but my essentials are not very heavy. Good point you make as I’ve definitely considered this, the trailer won’t be rock bouncing. just used for getting to the camp spots and some slow crawling , fire roads. Thank you for sharing and watching 🍻

[@mikebrown788]

How did you come up with that tongue length? Great video.

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

The original plan was to have a dirtbike on there , and also to have clearance for the Jeeps rear spare tire , I’ve since shorted the tounge 16” I talk about that in the hitch install video just after this one thanks for watching 🍻

[@OverlandingOurWay]

At first glance it looks like you are in Pleasanton or Livermore on your driveway? I could be wrong. Anywho I'm up here in Sac and I'm getting a rig together to get out there up in the Sierras

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Ive been told this before, I am from that area and know it well , but I’m actually in the Central Valley closer to the sierras near hwy 108 . Thanks for watching 🍻

[@jgoot]

Need a lift kit and axle flip done on a pop up camper.. do you do this?

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

I think I spoke to you on IG , let’s work something out 🍻

[@claytonmichaud7368]

Where did you purchase the spring purchase 1.75 please let me know!!!!!!

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

The extra set of perches i welded in I picked up at a local welding supply store , but you should be able to get some on Amazon or eBay.

[@dreys555garage]

Question can you weld for someone else 😊 same trailer need to add same what you have just the lid lifter let me know im in cali by sixflag how far are you

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

I appreciate the inquiry, but I only work on my personal stuff at the moment. I’d totally do you a disservice as I’m super booked at the moment. 🍻

[@number4777.]

Hi much space would you say is required between trailer frame and tires. My build only has 1” and wondering if that is enough.

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

The springs will compress under load, I would think maybe 2-3” is on the safer side if offroad . Maybe just keep an eye on it and see what happens.

[@Lady8580]

I have the same build going on and never saw this video until now. What length did you go with on the tongue?

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Very cool , it’s been a fun build so far. From the end box to the end of the max coupler I have 40”. You can see that in part 3 of the build. Thanks for watching 🍻

[@phennig2003]

Could you have gone with a thicker spacer on axles instead of cutting them?

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Yes and a different wheel that allows more numerically lower number in back space! My axle was bent so I needed a better axle , if possible go heavier to 3.5k lbs axle. Thanks for watching 🍻

[@presario4444]

I am curious why the tongue is longer than the trailer?

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Keep watching, I mount a box there and explain everything in the series. 🍻

[@WhateverWithWheels]

i have to ask. if you were getting a new axle, why did you not just get one that was a few inches wider so you didnt have to use spacers?

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

That length in 5x4.5 was perfect for a 15” wheel and 31” tiress that I have , but I came across some jeep 32” bfgs with a 5x5 wheel pattern that I later decided to go with , those spacers are really just adapters for the two different wheel patterns, additional flexibility

[@WhateverWithWheels]

@@ATEMOFFROAD gotcha! Makes sense! Cool build man! I’ve got a back half of a 70s Toyota pickup I’m currently working on turning into a off-road trailer. 🤘🏼 should have a video up of it soon

[@chineseempanada420]

Do you think the stock axles would hold up ?

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

The one I have is the same as the stock just wider to accommodate the larger wheels for frame width

[@chineseempanada420]

@@ATEMOFFROAD ohh I gotcha I thought it was stronger or something. Could you have used wheel adapters?

[@jonathanhungpedroza5322]

Hii!!! What is the model of those tires???

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

BFG Bajas thanks for watching 🍻

[@paulbennett4148]

Great video but the axle perches need to be cut off and flipped

[@mikeleeclutch]

Do you have an email I can send you a link to? I’m building a similar set up and want to see if this axle I’m going to purchase will work.

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Email: [e-mail] If I were to replace my axle, I would go with a min of 3500 lbs

[@mikeleeclutch]

@@ATEMOFFROAD awesome thank you! Email sent.

[@haydendenard2693]

You should never weld downhill with a stick or flux core welding wire the rule is if there's slag then you drag meaning instead of pushing the puddle you pull the puddle the reason for that is flux can run into your puddle instead of over the top and that creates porosity if you're new to welding I highly suggest you start with mig it's easiest to learn if you don't have anyone to teach you if any of this broke you could easily injure or kill someone on the highway do things like it's your family riding in the vehicle behind you don't go in half cocked

[@haydendenard2693]

And I'm not knocking you for trying it's just things to keep in mind flux core is already not strong as is much less full of porosity

[@SmokedBlack16v]

That's an interesting statement. I agree porosity is never good though.

[@toddhowell7700]

? Ｐｒⓞм???

[@rosswoolley2854]

Unbelievable, bought a bent axle and it was to short so he had to add spacers which puts more stress on the bearings. Measure twice buy the correct axle once!

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Are you saying this happened to you? Because that’s not what I said

[@jalexb915]

Great video, so thank you for this info, but hopefully you've learned to "normalize" your audio. The intro music is way louder than when you talk and wow that's a explosion of noise to the ears. Can't wait to see more of your build and please just take my comment as constructive! Thanks

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Thanks and yes my new editor has this feature thank god. 🍻