Aside from a general visual inspection, testing the trailer lights, and making sure my hitch ball will fit, what important thing(s) should I be looking for when checking out a homemade utility trailer? I looked at one recently and though it looked o.k., the axle looked pretty narrow. I‘m worried that a narrow axle would mean that the trailer can‘t handle very much weight. I could be wrong so please advise. Thanks!
Homemade Utility Trailers
The tires, suspension system and the floor determines how much weight it can carry. The lowest rated part determines the max gross weight. So if your trailer can carry 2 tons, but you have passenger car tires on it, you probably can't carry more than 800 lbs of cargo - allowing for the weight of the trailer itself. Wheel spacing doesn't have a effect on carrying capacity. But a narrow wheelbase trailer, by design, can't carry too much cargo anyway. One of the more important things to check for on a home-built trailer is how square is the axle to the trailer. If the axle isn't square, the trailer can track to the side of your car. Have someone follow you as you tow the trailer to see if the trailer tracks directly behind your vehicle. Or tow the trailer and stop your car straight ahead. Then position yourself about 150 ft behind the trailer and observe that the trailer is directly behind your car (laterally left to right).
