Trailer Build, Manufacturing, Welding Up a Utility Trailer

At Smok't Trailer doing a trailer build from start to finish. Brad built us a trailer from angle iron and square tubing to show us how it is done. We ask Brad what sets him apart from other trailer manufacturers.
Support me on my Patreon Page:
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Check out Brad's Website: smokt.org/
Hobart Handler 210 MVP MIG Welder
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DEWALT DCF887M2 20V MAX XR Li-Ion 4.0 Ah Brushless 0.25" 3-Speed Impact Driver Kit
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Lincoln Electric Roll Cage Welding/Rigging Gloves | Impact Resistant | Black Grain Leather |
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DEWALT DCG413R2 20V MAX XR 4.5" Brushless Paddle Switch Small Angle Grinder Kit with Kickback Brake
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DEWALT D28710 14-Inch Abrasive Chop Saw
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Neiko 02474A 1/2” Drive Deep Impact Socket Set, Cr-V Steel, 6-Point | 15-Piece Set | Metric 10-24mm
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Camera Tripod
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Rode Compact On-Camera Microphone with Rycote Lyre Shock Mount
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Apple iPhone X, GSM Unlocked, 256GB - Space Gray (Refurbished)
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Apple MacBook Air (13", 1.8GHz dual-core Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD) - Silver
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Edited with iMovie
Music
Tobu Sound of Goodbye
DISCLAIMER: This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission.

[@charliebravo5562]

This was just what I was looking for. Thanks gentlemen.

[@TheImprovementChannel]

Our pleasure!

[@hayden8415]

Just got into welding in High school and am hoping I can get started in trailers pretty soon

[@TheImprovementChannel]

Awesome! I bet you will find some work. Where do you live?

[@cjyt6491]

No nonsense video Best I’ve seen yet👌👌👌

[@TheImprovementChannel]

Thank you that is quiet the complement!!

[@cjyt6491]

The Improvement Channel credit where it’s due, respect from Ireland 🇮🇪👌

[@dfrank5182]

Sweet video. Thank you.

[@TheImprovementChannel]

Thank you!

[@johndferfr8450]

Welding is the most important skill to learn I swear

[@TheImprovementChannel]

It is certainly useful!

[@Fwixi]

Thx for the vid!!!

[@TheImprovementChannel]

Thank you.

[@joeblow182383883]

A few things I forgot to mention: we usually wrap the tongue back to the front hanger which is a true wrap unlike just wrapping it to the fender. Also, we do a load calculation for exact axle placement if we know the load details ahead of time rather than use the lazy 60/40 rule. Thank for the help and the video Jim- Ed!

[@TheImprovementChannel]

Thank you Brad, we need to do a part 2 and get some plastic lumber for the trailer bed real soon!

[@malachiraymond485]

pro tip: you can watch series at KaldroStream. Me and my gf have been using it for watching lots of of movies these days.

[@solomonbowie5185]

@Malachi Raymond yea, been using kaldrostream for months myself :)

[@juliusjaxxon4411]

@Malachi Raymond Definitely, I have been using KaldroStream for since november myself :D

[@iveneverdonethisbefore8390]

Thanks for posting. It looks like the crossmembers are just barely welded to the frame, would this not be a terrible weak point??

[@TheImprovementChannel]

All area were completely welded.

[@slytex1952]

4 minutes, not 24. This is how you do it!

[@TheImprovementChannel]

How do you do it?

[@fatboyinskinnyjeans]

I was thinking of doing a build myself but I was wanting to use c channel and make it a flatbed it's going to be a single axle no more than for a side by side two-seater maybe a 10-footer what kind of material do you recommend like I said want a flatbed

[@TheImprovementChannel]

I am not the trailer maker. Look up Smokt Trailers. He is Brad in the video. He could tell you better.

[@evansautomotive307]

Do you use 2x2 1/8th in thick angle iron? Is that strong enough to hold 3500lbs?

[@TheImprovementChannel]

I think it is 3/16, yes it will hold 3,500 the way it is built.

[@Marek-xx6ot]

Dobra robota

[@TheImprovementChannel]

Thank you!

[@embededfabrication4482]

I need to build a narrow lightweight trailer that's 24' long to carry an ultralight airplane. What minimum dimension of angle would work? I was thinking of maybe making a rectangular box instead of just a flat bed to keep it from sagging but if I put the axle half way then it's only 12' hanging off the back. The plane only weighs 400 lbs but the trailer needs to be enclosed, I was going to make pipe arches and rivet aluminum to it. Nobody is building long lightweight trailers on youtube to look at.

[@TheImprovementChannel]

Sorry, that is beyond what I can help you with here. Do you live in north Texas by chance?

[@DylanOdom-tt1dn]

Is it preferred to use a mig welder when building a trailer or will a flux welder work with angle iron?

[@TheImprovementChannel]

Yes flux core will absolutely work.

[@buffordevans6942]

Hey Dudes I’m gonna convert a 23 foot dual axle boat trailer to a material hauler . What size steel should I get for the frame work . What should I lay out ? 15 on ctr ? 16 ? Etc etc also . I have a multi process welder . Should I stick , mig or tig ? Shhhhhthanks 🤞🏻🙌🏻

[@TheImprovementChannel]

We use mig option for the trailer welding. It is up to you on what Metal you use and how close you put them together. I like 16” centers but it really depends on what you are going to be using it for, it sounds like you are in the right track.

[@buffordevans6942]

@@TheImprovementChannel Pulling up stake and doing a move from Washington state to Arkansas . Something like 2,300 miles and white the cost of freight and movers these days . I’m making a trailer lol 😂. Any hoot anything I should be aware of when titling her once done . Anything you can think of to help me dodge boo boos would be awesome

[@prortiz101]

Great video, Is the angle iron 2” or 3”?

[@TheImprovementChannel]

2”

[@isaacsieberts9567]

thx how do i get hold off brad regarding the dimensions ,will really appreciate it from southafrica

[@TheImprovementChannel]

NorthTexastrailer.com

[@josh22784lori30]

Have you found a good place to get axle and springs?

[@TheImprovementChannel]

I have not.

[@isaacsieberts9567]

nice work whats the distance for our axles pls iam from southafrica

[@TheImprovementChannel]

I am sorry I cannot say for sure.

[@cognac8297]

Yes

[@TheImprovementChannel]

Yes sir!

[@hansillbuntin4095]

can you cut and ship the material to be assembled overseas?

[@TheImprovementChannel]

Sorry no.

[@codycoxworth7291]

What size cross members and would 1/8 inch angle be too small?

[@TheImprovementChannel]

Sorry, I do not remember.

[@germanm4142]

Hi do you have any idea where I can the materials?the angle iron or pipe?please.

[@TheImprovementChannel]

Google metal supply.

[@tigtime1763]

Good garage workmanship. That's not actually manufacturing a trailer. But you have the right idea. That angle iron is not as strong as you think.

[@TheImprovementChannel]

Yep.

[@engan7417]

Wow​

[@TheImprovementChannel]

?

[@hopped1435]

Hi, great project and good job. Just a question-how you decide where to put an axle, did you make some hard math or?

[@TheImprovementChannel]

There is a measurement rule my buddy uses that you can google.

[@hopped1435]

@@TheImprovementChannel Hi. Can you give me a link here?

[@TheImprovementChannel]

@@hopped1435 itstillruns.com/trailer-axle-placement-tips-5278394.html

[@hopped1435]

@@TheImprovementChannel Thanks.

[@josephbowman87]

Me personally, I would have made a 45 cut to where the tongue of the trailer was welded to the frame for more solid fitting, I understand this is for humor.

[@TheImprovementChannel]

I’m all about the humor, thank you for noticing!

[@peacerobertozitha3008]

if I may ask how long it took to build the trailer and what is the name of the machine?

[@TheImprovementChannel]

About 4 hours. Hobart 210 MVP.

[@pullbarworkout]

how thick is the angle iron that you are using?

[@TheImprovementChannel]

3/16

[@pullbarworkout]

@@TheImprovementChannel thank you, liked an sub'd

[@TheImprovementChannel]

@@pullbarworkout You are awesome!

[@hbchohan4518]

What are the dimensions and thickness of the metal bars ?

[@TheImprovementChannel]

Sorry I do not know that, that build was a while back.

[@ItsBarnabyJones]

Is that the Hobart handler 140?

[@TheImprovementChannel]

It is my buddy’s welder. I think it is a Handler 210MVP.

[@directedbydmc]

What type of welding do you call this

[@TheImprovementChannel]

MiG

[@dalehughes388]

How much did it cost and how much can you sell for?

[@TheImprovementChannel]

I am out of it and do not know.

[@mrfajita1542]

Where did you get the axle?

[@TheImprovementChannel]

I am not sure where Brad gets the axles, he has a supplier.

[@ADDTV-nz9gy]

What kind of license do you have to have to build and sell those kind of trailers

[@TheImprovementChannel]

None

[@blackfaceturdo9122]

007 Licence

[@KizzieWizzie]

How high amperage did y’all use

[@TheImprovementChannel]

The Hobart does not tell the amps. It was turned all the way up on the 120 setting so about half way on the 240 volt machine.

[@HealthSupercharger]

How is it possible that the angle iron frame can support 3500 lb. 2 x 3 angle and 3/16 inch can hold that much weight?? I thought a 4 inch C channel is needed to do that. I have a 7ft x 4.5 ft trailer made from angle iron and it only has a 2000 lb axel so i thought that frames made of angle iron are 2000 lb rated. I thought i would have to add 2 x 2 heavy tubing under the angle iron to support 3500 lb weight.

[@TheImprovementChannel]

When everything is connected together the weight is distributed in such a way it works.

[@joshua1auhsoj]

How much did it cost you to build?

[@TheImprovementChannel]

Tricky question that I do not know the answer to, it costs a lot more that it did when we built this one.

[@dkm1883]

Are you using MIG or TIG?

[@TheImprovementChannel]

MiG

[@bluemoonpanther6337]

What is the name of the ending music

[@TheImprovementChannel]

If it is not in the description idk.

[@younghong5248]

Can I ask you about a trailer that I bought?

[@TheImprovementChannel]

Sure

[@palmvilla35]

Where is your safety glases Brad,

[@TheImprovementChannel]

Brad is not real big on safety.

[@HealthSupercharger]

Why don't you believe in Liberty, let people choose how much or how little safety wear they want to use. Don't be a communist or dictator please. Freedom

[@gatekeeper88]

0:34 - NO EYE and EAR PPE.. really?!?!?! - on a cut-off saw.

[@TheImprovementChannel]

Brad is crazy!

[@jeffreyhilbourn209]

Why does he not wear safety glasses

[@TheImprovementChannel]

He is not big on safety.

[@user-il8qn8qk8d]

I saw good quality safety squints☺️

[@poundaloudsound3447]

don need no stinkin safety glasses

[@TheImprovementChannel]

Lol

[@sivaforutube]

From Calgary Canada, = 0:38 no safety glasses, no gloves, sparks flying towards electric cord, eh?

[@TheImprovementChannel]

Definitely room for improvement.

[@amirsoliman198]

Jesus is the son of god believe in his gospel and repent

[@TheImprovementChannel]

Indeed

[@Fwixi]

God bless u all. It would be great to accept Jesus now before its too late. He cares for our souls and so do I. He died and rose so that we may spend eternity with Him. He gave us His Holy Spirit to help us. We are not alone. The choice is yours. Jesus loves us.

[@TheImprovementChannel]

All true!

[@JohnJohnson-vu7xj]

Not all will come to him.

[@craigo7235]

Go away with your rubbish

[@harbertmoore2663]

How come Jesus doesn't conform to Revelation 1:14-15?! His name is Yahusha Ha Machiach or Immanuel.

[@nmartin5551]

Yes. Loving god in your definition is essential to building a trailer. Thanks for sharing….

[@davidbeevers6726]

No

[@TheImprovementChannel]

Why not?

[@poutairewha6682]

What a joke, jockey wheel is taking the load 😆 🤣 😂

[@TheImprovementChannel]

No idea what you are referring to.

[@poutairewha6682]

Cause you wouldn't, your so unbalanced 🤪🤣

[@poutairewha6682]

Sorry, I was referring to the positioning of the wheels for a better load distribution and drag on the towing vehicle.

[@TheImprovementChannel]

@@poutairewha6682 Brad uses the 40/60 rule. Which direction are you thinking the axle need to go? More towards the tongue or the back?

[@poutairewha6682]

Forward, cause the weight is carried by where the tyres are positioned and the length of the A frame still holds that weight to the Towing vehicle.

[@DeVoN420zz]

looks like a weak trailer you cant put more than 1000lbs in

[@TheImprovementChannel]

It is a light duty trailer but a lot heavier duty that you buy in front yard f box stores.

[@als8518]

assuming hes going to add some more verticals to the upper bar, the sides are really trusses. light, but wicked strong.

[@JimEdWright]

@@als8518 a lot of strength is added when the flooring is bolted down.

[@HealthSupercharger]

@@als8518 Do you think 3500 lb axel is justified with just an angle iron frame? I have a trailer like this just 7ft long and 4.5 feet and it has main beams make of angle iron probably 2x3 angle and 3/16 inch and a sidewall sheet metal 14 or 16 inches high. I would like to know if i can load it up to 3500 lbs? It has a 2000 lb axel so that i would swap and add 2 more leaf springs to each side.

[@HealthSupercharger]

So what you are saying is an angle iron frame made of 2x3 inch angle 3/16 can only hold 1000 lb of weight. Maybe 1500 max max right. So to make it more stronger and logical the horizontal main beams need to be 2x as strong as the cross members. Like 4 inch C channel right? I do not know why he would use the same material for the horizontal cross members. That needs to be at least 3.5 inch C channel to hold 3500lb trailer and load.

[@roberthogan621]

I always cringe when I see someone cutting steel or most jobs without safety glasses. One bad event,blind.

[@TheImprovementChannel]

We should be more careful

[@ranranpoopants]

How much did this cost?

[@TheImprovementChannel]

It was some time ago with different metal prices at that time. I have no idea the cost. Brad makes custom trailers so the cost varies on what you want.

[@RobWillKill87]

You guys are def wet behind the ears still. Get some good welding time in and that heat won't bother you, those arms and armpits getting toasted 1 good time will change it all haha.

[@TheImprovementChannel]

You are probably sending this sitting under your window unit AC. Do you even live in a hot climate?

[@RobWillKill87]

@@TheImprovementChannel haha I actually weld for a living climate means nothing

[@JimEdWright]

@@RobWillKill87 especially me, I’m am wet behind the ears. Being hot matters to me, lol.

[@RobWillKill87]

@@JimEdWright I stretch Ford and Chevy chassis all day. 1 day doing my job and you will spend the following day wencing from everything exposed being burnt to a crisp... If I'm fab welding on lighter gauge lower settings yes. .045 wire on 1/4 gauge all day is a different beast. But what do I know haha.

[@DylanOdom-tt1dn]

Is it preferred to use a mig welder when building a trailer or will a flux welder work with angle iron?

[@TheImprovementChannel]

MiG if you are welding inside unless you have VERY little wind. It is always windy here in Texas so I use flux core outside. We did this one inside of course.