DIY Kayak Trailer - Lots o storage

If you wanted to swap out the rims for something bigger without changing the axle, you could reference this chart:

https://www.roadkillcustoms.com/wheel-bolt-pattern-cross-reference/

for vehicles that use the same pattern but have larger rims and hit your local pick n pull.

If you wanted to swap out the rims for something bigger without changing the axle, you could reference this chart:

https://www.roadkillcustoms.com/wheel-bolt-pattern-cross-reference/

for vehicles that use the same pattern but have larger rims and hit your local pick n pull.

Bigger rims would require shorter tires, there’s not much room between the tires he has and the bottom of the trailer.   

Appreciating all the feedback!

Any changes I make as relates to the axle will have to consider that the doors swings down.  I'm assuming these trailers, loaded with camping gear, hauled around more weight than I will ever put on them.  Adding the rack obviously moves the center of gravity up, so that's different than the design intent but it's nowhere near tipy.

For now I'm thinking I'll do the following:

Check and replace, if needed, the bearings and any other suspect suspension components.

Extend the tongue and set up the hitch point sot that the trailer sits level or slightly forward (depending on forward weight).

Balance the trailer weight to the suggested 60/40.

Once I've got that done I'll give her a road shakedown.

When I get a chance I'll post some build pictures I've taken along the way.

Looking at the frame and axle mounts gave me an idea square tube that fits snug in between the shackle mounts and extends about 1-2 inches past the front and back spring seats ... x2 of these, bolt and weld them where the springs currently are and put new spring seats on those, it would give more clearance for the existing axle and tires and ever inch you go up is a taller tire, without too much concern for tires rubbing.

If you wanted to swap out the rims for something bigger without changing the axle, you could reference this chart:

https://www.roadkillcustoms.com/wheel-bolt-pattern-cross-reference/

for vehicles that use the same pattern but have larger rims and hit your local pick n pull.

Bigger rims would require shorter tires, there’s not much room between the tires he has and the bottom of the trailer.

d'oh! didn't even consider that.

If you wanted to swap out the rims for something bigger without changing the axle, you could reference this chart:

https://www.roadkillcustoms.com/wheel-bolt-pattern-cross-reference/

for vehicles that use the same pattern but have larger rims and hit your local pick n pull.

Bigger rims would require shorter tires, there’s not much room between the tires he has and the bottom of the trailer.

d'oh! didn't even consider that.

Now we’re back to a longer axe and fenders.

May as well buy yourself some piece of mind and replace the bearings and oil seals so you know you’re good. 

Best thing I did for my trailer was add shocks. Most of the expedition type trailers run them and it really helps to smooth out the ride when using leaf springs. Less damage to the gear you’re carrying around

Add 2" shackle spacers
Replace tires with 12" 6ply.
This will result in ...
Lower wheel/tire rpm … saving wear on bearings … raise trailer to level … increase load capacity
simple fix that will result in piece of mind when traveling

Add 2" shackle spacers
Replace tires with 12" 6ply.
This will result in ...
Lower wheel/tire rpm … saving wear on bearings … raise trailer to level … increase load capacity
simple fix that will result in piece of mind when traveling

Gotta be careful doing that as it will move the angle of rear shackles and could potentially cause the shackle to over travel and invert themselves. The angle of those are measured exact to application ( frame mounts need to be exactly XX.X inches apart based on spring configuration) seen way too many people modify and lift shit to find out the hard way why it is as it is.

Sweet trailer! I bought a used trailer and spend a couple of days redoing it.a little  cut, weild and paint. There is more I wanna do. But I feel like we got a good start

Here's what I started with.

Gave it a good scrubbing and framed in the upper area with lumber.  Glued some pieces of aluminum composite material over the wood to protect it in addition to paint and primer.

Mounted the truck racks to some uni-strut and made to panel doors for the top from aluminum composite with a living hinge.  I plan on storing nets, paddles, and other such items in here and will be adding a way to lock them.

Changed out the handles to a recessed style locking handle.
Designed and printed some translucent 3d "retro" style tail-light lenses.

That's kind of where I'm at now.  I'll post more updates as I go.