Enclosed Car Hauler Trailer Build Thread

[TrailSnail]

I decided to build an enclosed car hauler for my SCX10 Rubicon to be pulled behind a high lift F350. The goal is to complete this using hand tools and handheld power tools. No welding or brazing on this project.

Here is what I started with:
1/2 aluminum angle
1/2 aluminum C channel
Pop rivets/tool
Angle grinder with metal cutting wheel
Dremel
Drill



Here is the box portion of the trailer starting to take shape.



I am using continuous pieces of aluminum angle to make the top and bottom of the box portion of the trailer. I mark where I want the bend at corners to be, then cut a 90 degree section out and bend using vise grips at each of the corners.

[TrailSnail]

The main portion of the trailer box frame completed. Will easily fit my SCX10 or similar vehicle.

Dimensions:
Length: 22 1/2"
Width: 12"
Height: 12"



The rear door was made to fold down and will also serve as the loading ramp. I made a square using the 1/2" angle slightly larger than the dimension of the rear opening so the the door would close around the opening. More to come later.

[TrailSnail]

This is just sitting on the axles for now, so I can get an idea of the ride height I need to match up with my pulling truck.

[greenjk]

Nice start, but I think it looks to wide behind the ford, can you narrow it at all and maybee have the axles the same width as the trailer for a more scale appearance.

[TrailSnail]

Originally Posted by greenjk

Nice start, but I think it looks to wide behind the ford, can you narrow it at all and maybee have the axles the same width as the trailer for a more scale appearance.

It doesn't have much room to be narrower for it to actually hold a vehicle, but I probably should have at least tucked the wheels in now that you mention it. I may save that for version 2...thanks for the feedback, good thoughts.

[TrailSnail]

I bought some 12" x 24" black styrene on eBay, arrived in 2 days. I am considering a Monster Energy themed trailer and have a new F350 body set ordered from RPP to paint to match. The black styrene actually looks pretty good without paint, so not sure if I will paint it or not. I started by drilling out the pop rivets on one side so I can attach the styrene using the existing holes.

[Johnnysplits]

What thickness is the styrene?

[TrailSnail]

Originally Posted by Johnnysplits

What thickness is the styrene?

I'm using .060 thickess styrene. The 12" x 24" styrene fits nicely with only a couple inches to be cut off the long length.

[Johnnysplits]

Cool thanks!! Looking forward to see this completed. Adding lights to it? Powered tailgate?

[TrailSnail]

Originally Posted by Johnnysplits

Cool thanks!! Looking forward to see this completed. Adding lights to it? Powered tailgate?

I'm planning to run a couple overhead interior lights and at least tail lights, possibly exterior lights around the top. Haven't thought about a powered tailgate, that may be out of my league, lol!

[TrailSnail]

I am bracing the top and side styrene panels using 1/2 aluminum angle on the inside. Using one vertical piece on each side attached at the top and bottom with rivets. The top is being braced with two pieces of angle for added strength.

View from inside the trailer at the side panel brace, pop riveted from the outside:

[TrailSnail]

Here is another picture of how the side panel bracing looks from the exterior:

[Johnnysplits]

Originally Posted by TrailSnail

Haven't thought about a powered tailgate, that may be out of my league, lol!

Never!!

[TrailSnail]

Here is the trailer enclosure with front, sides and top attached and braced:

[Tio Loco]

Aside from the joy and challenge of building it, I'm not sure I understand the logic of an enclosed hauler for a hobby that thrives on showing off our creations. Nice job on the construction tho...

[TrailSnail]

Originally Posted by Tio Loco

Aside from the joy and challenge of building it, I'm not sure I understand the logic of an enclosed hauler for a hobby that thrives on showing off our creations. Nice job on the construction tho...

I built an open car hauler and sold it, so this was the next logical challenge for me I guess. I suppose this one can hide the basher while you tow with the shelf queen

[Johnnysplits]

This is making me want to build an enclosed trailer for my sprint 2 flux!! Keep the detailed pics coming.

[TrailSnail]

Working on the lower frame supports using 1/2 C channel.



Trailer tongue and supports securely fastened to the lower frame. I used a nut and bolt to secure the front and back to ensure a long-lasting tight fit.

[TrailSnail]

A couple shots of the tongue.

[Fumbles]

Creative build. I like it.