My $445 Trailer Build

[markyodo]

I took some of the best information from around the forums (here & elsewhere) and decided to try my hand at building a reliable trailer for our Spyder. The build started on Saturday and I finished this afternoon. I have been working on it a few hours each day as I get the supplies. When we return from our weekend trip I will be adding an LED light to the inside of the trailer and connect it to a pressure switch on the lid.
I apologize in advance if this post is long winded.

First here's a break down of my costs not including registration and plates.
$13.90 Cargo Net http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00K73QBKS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
$3.99 Split Loom http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006301MS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
$5.81 4 Pole Connector http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004BE60ZU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
$7.40 Heat Shrink http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EXLLXK8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
$7.41 Grease http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0077K8WJC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
$5.64 Paint http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003CT4AQQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
$6.57 Eyebolts and nuts from Local Hardware Store
$9.36 Liquid Nails from Local Hardware Store
$16.07 6x8 Area Rug from the Bargain Outlet (next to Harbor Freight)
$40.00 LED Trailer lights http://www.harborfreight.com/one-pair-submersible-trailer-led-lights-94137.html
$329.00 Trailer from Harbor Freight http://www.harborfreight.com/600-lb-capacity-78-inch-tag-along-trailer-66771.html

Unboxing
We picked up the trailer on Thursday and I took some photos of the un-boxing for those not familiar with the HF Tag Along trailer. The packaging was "ok" the box was visibly damaged but everything was inside and in good condition.
https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/share/659yQ3Y8UAFSmQ63URTMrDUE52zTbAHHzXGK0hBXo2C?v=grid&ref_=cd_ph_share_link_copy https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/share/ORN2oLs8oBmWuGst0u09wM0Emzneyi0fv2GuFRnlRtF?v=grid&ref_=cd_ph_share_link_copy https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/share/no9SQjwiqbubA4FECtajW7Biyu1Ggs38qQfghAnNH8G?v=grid&ref_=cd_ph_share_link_copy https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/share/h3bmS6uwuHldvTfbdQi9700horIzwib5qeNkWQANW0N?v=grid&ref_=cd_ph_share_link_copy

Wheel Bearings
The first thing recommended by many was to repack the wheel bearings. The original state was pretty dismal and the "vasoline" they used was scarce.
I took it apart and cleaned them before applying the new grease and reassembling.
https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/share/G2nWCvM9reKd4vnvl93TPvqaemO99KCtRRYBWCxJ5oL?v=grid&ref_=cd_ph_share_link_copy https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/share/Oc6BqRL0d2cmca6nGXACO3omGXx7E2JYYQMzF06xwHs?v=grid&ref_=cd_ph_share_link_copy https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/share/dmHmnykjlcuQze39QG9OCnKn0P0IPnLfs7tM0SFwB37?v=grid&ref_=cd_ph_share_link_copy https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/share/KuQi0ngH5A542rBLQKv39GDbUH0BJs1aTbi7IOpCWBK?v=grid&ref_=cd_ph_share_link_copy

Paint the Wheels
Next I wanted to paint my rims black to match the trailer and Spyder. I lightly sanded the existing paint and wiped everything clean. I prepped the area with some tape and a plastic trash bag.
https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/share/jRLDmdcs7KkXz3g6OiLVoYfPEZzzxXHccFE84kuq286?v=grid&ref_=cd_ph_share_link_copy https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/share/LM0ArKG7gPQM2O9ontO2Y5gDYi5nnBPB4OarKbgnhtq?v=grid&ref_=cd_ph_share_link_copy https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/share/LRfu7V4ujyjHy0Yn09pwdRHp2RxREv73zE5l5t9afJD?v=grid&ref_=cd_ph_share_link_copy https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/share/E9zCQewjkODDiN7jBLR5r3wJhNW8BuUlshpvAc01lpL?v=grid&ref_=cd_ph_share_link_copy

Carpet Installation
When we purchased the trailer I had an idea that I wanted to try carpeting the inside. We stopped by the Bargain Outlet to see if they had any remnants but what we found was a nice roll of indoor outdoor area rug. I wanted a permanent carpet mounted to the roof of the trailer and removable carpet in the bed of the trailer. I prepped the surface with a good wash before gluing the carpet to the roof of the trailer. Then weighted it with a few small items till dry. I then used smaller strips to complete the wrap around effect on the roof.
Total weight added is maybe 4-5 lbs total. The carpet was really light.
https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/share/OhJe6Kf4npBgAvcxVh22MvGTi1UrSf12HyXpB2HJ0vF?v=grid&ref_=cd_ph_share_link_copy https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/share/x4pNmuGSJSE0SbmvguCKIxzPg3dYyUWyZPXTsO4aHLb?v=grid&ref_=cd_ph_share_link_copy

The bottom carpet is held on with the eye bolts, and a second piece was added which has slits in it that just slide over the eye bolts. Easy to remove and clean.
https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/share/7y9zrjCGt79ge7jMXQerPTTTtjIS7BMfG5gFz7Enw4v?v=grid&ref_=cd_ph_share_link_copy
https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/share/JLFY4Sapiwrw06Du31itwTF7o8THv7dni9KRmPwKEb6?v=grid&ref_=cd_ph_share_link_copy

LED Lights
I wanted to upgrade the light kit that comes with the trailer and simply based on suggestions and convenience I decided to go with the Harbor Freight LED trailer light kit. The installation was easy and the lights are very effective.
All wires were cut, soldered, and shrink wrapped. Each light's ground is attached to the trailer.
https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/share/2smzUXdrNHQS09UuBA5GRsQcClmA1BJndAW46vIq3L8?v=grid&ref_=cd_ph_share_link_copy

4 Pole Connector
I had to do some research to find this. I found the part on Amazon and it was a simple install. I cut the standard connector off, stripped the wires, soldered the new connectors wires, and added the shrink wrap.
https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/share/aDfq6jBt9Rigrmr8iEJKGxLusE1XGNbIt3wrCowhXae?v=grid&ref_=cd_ph_share_link_copy

Split Loom
To give all the wiring a finishing touch I added split loom. Covering the entire length of the main wire run to the bike, and small sections on each tail light which go into the frame for a short length.
https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/share/blwdMfQrgGgoe3rfEkUCPe3z8c01wHeJh3JkK3bZGPW?v=grid&ref_=cd_ph_share_link_copy https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/share/aJESDj4Ua9VMEXDFM6DlXnj2dHcyAwQkDnaTT6oG6M?v=grid&ref_=cd_ph_share_link_copy https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/share/bkY5Iz8UKIYKXf4Rm2arp9BoHZn0Gp1LAq0CmbVbL1o?v=grid&ref_=cd_ph_share_link_copy

Rubber between springs and frame
One part of the install I forgot to take photos of was my placement of high density impact resistant rubber strips between the support springs and the frame. There was quite a gap, I guess by design, and I had read about some others placing scraps of automotive belts in there to help with vibration and sound.

Final Look
Overall I am very pleased with this build. I have taken the trailer out for a few miles and it tows so quiet I had to keep checking my mirrors.
I think it will add huge value to our extended trips this summer.

https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/share/cSVD617MZBd98Qh4lMz8oG1QGehzPR77USjFGOIRKrX?v=grid&ref_=cd_ph_share_link_copy https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/share/Jy9E60zjcx5h6jV94wgYhqxo5hPgczyGSojxx4VlnDb?v=grid&ref_=cd_ph_share_link_copy

To do - I will be installing the LED light after the first trip, and I am coating the under side of the trailer with some Rustoleum rubber coating to protect the frame and trailer.
Thanks for looking! :f_spider: :ohyea:

[Chupaca]

looks like a great build. Congrats on a job well done..:2thumbs: now your all ready and nowhere to go..:roflblack::roflblack:enjoy all that extra space...:thumbup:

[CanAmChris]

That is some good work. If you are going really long distance, you could probably find larger diameter wheels, but that might make it bounce more. I am not trailer literate.

Well done.

[markyodo]

looks like a great build. Congrats on a job well done..:2thumbs: now your all ready and nowhere to go..:roflblack::roflblack:enjoy all that extra space...:thumbup:

Leaving Friday morning for a 6 hour scenic trip to Pittsburgh. We will be there for the weekend and the trailer is going with us. ;)

[grumpybob]

very NICE.

[zuni]

Great Job and very nice write up. I did almost the same thing shortly after getting our RT. In place of the two layers of carpet you used I cut a 1/4" piece of plywood and covered it with the indoor outdoor carpet. I like you idea about carpeting the top. I did change out the wheels to 12" and cut an led light into the lid which is on the brake circuit. I added a battery box with a dual usb charging port and a standard 12v outlet. The battery can run the internal and external LED lighting when the bike isn't running. When I ran the wiring I added a connector to charge the battery when the bike is running. Diodes prevent feedback to the bike when it is off. Since my RT is white I also painted the lid of the trailer in the pearl white to match. The photo shows the external at full brightness which is a lot! I added a dimmer to make it more usable on the road. The internal LEDs run the perimeter of the lid and are on a tilt switch to automatically come on when the lid is opened. Great job (and I plan on borrowing your carpeting on the lid idea).

CJ JAX

[markyodo]

The internal LEDs run the perimeter of the lid and are on a tilt switch to automatically come on when the lid is opened. Great job (and I plan on borrowing your carpeting on the lid idea).

You can have the carpet idea, and I am borrowing your LED perimeter idea. I really like that. LOL
Do you have a link or store name where you got your light strips?

Thanks.

[Vader]

That is one great DIY and write up.
I do have only one suggestion..a spare trailer tire. I am sure you can fab a mount to the trailer or the tongue.

[SPYD1]

Nice job!!! :clap::clap:

[markyodo]

That is one great DIY and write up.
I do have only one suggestion..a spare trailer tire. I am sure you can fab a mount to the trailer or the tongue.
I forgot all about that. Yes, it's a must have and I already have the parts available to put one together. Thanks for the reminder!

[zuni]

I forgot all about that. Yes, it's a must have and I already have the parts available to put one together. Thanks for the reminder!


This is what I used. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Trailer-spare-tire-mount-U-bolt-style-WITH-LOCK-/291145372580 I mounted under the trailer back toward the axle to limit the weight on the tongue.

CJ JAX

[easysuper]

Great looking trailer , I have been planing on building a cargo trailer for when we travel and plan on Hoteling it , In the summer season we use a tent trailer and she pulls a dog trailer , but there are times when we take a weekend trip to the coast and rough it in a hotel or cabin and the extra room in a cargo trailer just cant be beat . Guess I'll have to get started !
http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=106535&stc=1

[markyodo]

In the summer season we use a tent trailer and she pulls a dog trailer
Next year I would like to get a camping trailer. Still weighing my options. ;)

[retread]

The first thing I had to do with my Tag Along was strip the original wiring and replace all the Scotch Locks with solder and heat shrink connections, it was eating fuses due to bare wires.
If you go to 12 inch wheels, the 4.80 X 12 will fit, the 5.30 X 12 are too wide to clear the frame.
I like my Tag Along well enough I'm thinking of going with a 500 pound torsion suspension, it'll ride better, and I'll still have less than $700 invested.

john

[happyspyder2039]

Great Job and very nice write up. I did almost the same thing shortly after getting our RT. In place of the two layers of carpet you used I cut a 1/4" piece of plywood and covered it with the indoor outdoor carpet. I like you idea about carpeting the top. I did change out the wheels to 12" and cut an led light into the lid which is on the brake circuit. I added a battery box with a dual usb charging port and a standard 12v outlet. The battery can run the internal and external LED lighting when the bike isn't running. When I ran the wiring I added a connector to charge the battery when the bike is running. Diodes prevent feedback to the bike when it is off. Since my RT is white I also painted the lid of the trailer in the pearl white to match. The photo shows the external at full brightness which is a lot! I added a dimmer to make it more usable on the road. The internal LEDs run the perimeter of the lid and are on a tilt switch to automatically come on when the lid is opened. Great job (and I plan on borrowing your carpeting on the lid idea).

CJ JAXNice Job! The trailer looks like a UFO in the Pic.