Trailer modification....FYI

[trip]

As many of you know, I have a 5' X 8' utility trailer that I bought about 3 years ago. I originally bought it to haul around a 1998 Honda Magna that I used to own. But, since buying my Nomad, I haven't been able to use the trailer because of it's lack of length.

After thinking about it for a while, I came up with this idea to lengthen the trailer without a lot of modification. I originally tried to figure out a way to lengthen the rear, but everything I came up with was too invasive and required too much welding and cost.

So, one day it hit me.....modify the front, not the rear. Here is what I came up with.....


BEFORE
http://www.kawanow.org/misc/trailer/trailer1.JPG


AFTER
http://www.kawanow.org/misc/trailer/trailer2.JPG

http://www.kawanow.org/misc/trailer/trailer3.JPG

http://www.kawanow.org/misc/trailer/trailer4.JPG

http://www.kawanow.org/misc/trailer/trailer5.JPG

http://www.kawanow.org/misc/trailer/trailer6.JPG

The front modification gives me an additional 6 inches to the overall length. Nomad fits like a glove. Just thought I'd pass this along in case anyone finds themselves in the same predicament with their trailers.

Trip

[audiogooroo]

Nicely done! Did you do the welding yourself? If not, what was the cost to have it done?

[trip]

audiogooroo,
I didn't do the welding myself, don't have a rig, but I had a friend of mine do it that owns a welding shop. Cost was $100.00.

Trip

[ringadingh]

Wow! it just goes to show that if you look at something long enough you can usually find a solution that works. That is certainly a lot easier than adding length to the frame, which is the first thing that comes to mind. Nice job Trip!

looks really nice. I picked up a 5X10 - has a tilt bed so it doesn't bottom out during loading and unloading. Loaded it once just to see how my car would pull it. Probably won't use it very often but nice to know I have it just in case.

[Top Cat]

Looks real sharp Trip. Great idea. If i saw that on the street I would think it came that way from the factory.

[biscuitsngravy]

Excellent idea, Trip! Your tie-downs look good too.
BnG

[trip]

looks really nice. I picked up a 5X10 - has a tilt bed so it doesn't bottom out during loading and unloading. Loaded it once just to see how my car would pull it. Probably won't use it very often but nice to know I have it just in case.

Well ya never know when you might need a trailer, even for hauling your bike. Plus, it comes in real handy to help those KawaNOW members that might break down in my area.

[jussmatt]

Good job Trip. Looks sharp, not to mention, a shorter length for the tie down on the front wheel if you want to go that way.

[dantama]

Trip, if you have a welder friend, you might consider welding in a wheel chock.

That way you could pull onto the trailer and guide the front wheel in and step off to tie it down with the bike still fully upright.

[trip]

I thought about that Dan....but decided against it. Mainly because you never really know what size front tire I'll need to slip in there. Guess I could have installed an adjustable chock, but didn't want to go to the expense.

[vroc13091]

Hey Trip,

Looks Great!!

As for a wheel chock. I have the first one on my lift and it work great for my Nomad.

Bolt in and can be removed later.

This one is a snug fit for a 150 but works OK. Bike will stay upright.

$39.99

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=96349

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/photos/96300-96399/96349.GIF

OR

Try this one

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=97145

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/photos/97100-97199/97145.gif

[oldbiker]

Trip,
I've got the same trailer and I modified the front using a split 20 gal. aluminum gas tank. No welding just SS bolts. It works great except for the increase in tongue weight. The trailer still tracks straight.

[donguer]

Trip,
Looks great! you're my Hero.
When I grow up I wanna be just like you.

[beezer]

Great job Trip. I have a friend in Florida that did basically the same but his extention was shaped like a V so any size tire would be locked into the V when strapped in without side slap.

[dogdoc]

if you guys buy a 5X10 flat bed trailer and add a wheel chock from dennis kirk for $150 bolt it on it will fit any size front tire the Nomad might wear and you can drive it on one person right into the chock. works like a dream. My brother did all this for maybe $650 and doubles as a trash trailer or anything you might need. Dont have to cut, weld, etc. :-)

[beezer]

I have a 6x10 that comes in very handy.

[mrfuni]

Very nice!