Custom buggy hauler

Waffle · Apr 12, 2021

I prefer driving straight on and over the fenders rather than coming in at an angle & trying to center the rig so inner fender ramps are next. I had rampovers on the enclosed so I'll probably do something similar, but..... I just found out what all the fuss is about regarding wood prices. Holy Jesus!
Looks like I'll have to give this some more thought & see if I can put these 2x8's that I just removed to good use.

Waffle · Apr 24, 2021

My first attempt building inner fender ramps using the removed 2x8"s was an overcomplicated disaster followed up with some uncured epoxy.
Take 2 is much simpler using 4x6 pt & cut to match the contours of the fender. This also lets me keep & use my inner fender chain grab plate. I'll have to let these dry a bit more before I continue, but I plan on using pt deck fasteners combined with Loctite PL max adhesive to make everything solid. On the face of each ramp I'll screw in a few stainless lag bolts to aid in traction, just in case for those wet days ahead.
Once enough time has passed I'll give it all a coat of penetrating deck stain

paradisepwoffrd · Apr 26, 2021

I built something very similar for my old car hauler. The only real difference is I extended them past the fender so I could secure them in the stake pockets. I also hauled a number of other vehicles, so I wanted them to be easily removable.

Waffle · Apr 28, 2021

paradisepwoffrd said:
I built something very similar for my old car hauler. The only real difference is I extended them past the fender so I could secure them in the stake pockets. I also hauled a number of other vehicles, so I wanted them to be easily removable.

I had a few ideas including something similar to what you're describing, but the first hack idea was so bad I built these out of frustration more than anything. I probably should have just done this.

Today I finished fastening & gluing all the pieces together. Next is bolting them directly to the fender, then stain. Real stain at that & none of this modern garbage that peels.....hopefully. I'll weigh them soon so I can update the estimated trailer weight.

Waffle · Apr 28, 2021

Futue mods will be a winch hidden underneath the header panel, hidden battery/box/solar, underneath spare tire mount towards the back, deck stained, custom trailer/wheel lock, mesh basket behind the toolbox to hold firewood, backup lights on the fender, cargo lights hidden underneath the ramps, trailer aid, spare outer hub/brake assembly, side mount hitch vise.

Waffle · Jun 26, 2021

Well, the wood inner fender ramp idea turned into quite a mess. Timbers checked/split/warped so severely that they're unusable. What a waste.
Now the plan is to get some 8" x 8.5# jr channel and fab to match the contour of my existing fender. With this method I can add a hinged door later on and turn this into additional locked storage space.

Beerj · Jun 26, 2021

My fenders are pretty much shot from driving over them for a few years. Eventually, I'm just going to build new ones out of 1¾ tubing with 3/16 plate. For now, the threat of tetanus keeps people from getting too close

crawler 129 · Jun 26, 2021

My old trailer . Built 10 inch channel fenders to drive over .

Waffle · Jun 27, 2021

Damn man.
1 stick of 8 x 8.5# jr channel is $382. Weird since their 8 x 11.5# is $248. Still shopping around but this is the best so far by a long shot. Alro wants over $500!

Beerj · Jun 27, 2021

Maybe take a trip over to your local recycling center. You'd be surprised what kind of material you can find at scrap steel prices. Might not be the exact dimensions you're looking for but can likely find something that'll work.

Waffle · Jun 28, 2021

Beerj said:
Maybe take a trip over to your local recycling center. You'd be surprised what kind of material you can find at scrap steel prices. Might not be the exact dimensions you're looking for but can likely find something that'll work.

There's only one place left around here that does that and they don't have any. They do however have the best price for both weights to buy new so I'm glad I called around.

MC8x11.5# $199
MC8x8.5# $275

ridered3 · Oct 19, 2021

Got any updates on the trailer?

Waffle · Oct 20, 2021

ridered3 said:
Got any updates on the trailer?

Finished the inner fender ramps but I haven't yet faced it with 6061 aluminum sheet to turn them into locked storage boxes. I had to settle on 10"×8.4# jr channel since the lighter stuff appears to be discontinued. The difference in height you see was done on purpose for that rare occasion when I have to load/unload on uneven ground and it's wet out. That raised lip will help with lateral traction and keep the front from sliding.

Extra keys suck, so I've started to convert over to Bolt brand locks. Now my ignition key works for the receiver and the toolbox lock.

Had a chance to get it weighed too and I was surprised when I saw 2700 lbs. That's with nothing extra on it, but still about 200 less than what I was expecting. Yes the trailer was completely disconnected. No cheating!

Waffle · Oct 20, 2021

Keep in mind this is purely a buggy hauler and will never be used for anything else.

ridered3 · Oct 20, 2021

Waffle said:
Keep in mind this is purely a buggy hauler and will never be used for anything else.

Cool to see some updates as well as weights on the trailer. I'm a numbers/weight nerd so this is right in my wheelhouse.

Waffle · Oct 21, 2021

That $5200 price I paid isn't looking too bad now, lol.

Screenshot_20211021-013830_Samsung Internet.jpg

ridered3 · Mar 19, 2022

@Waffle got any updates for the trailer?

Kubotaorange76 · Apr 6, 2022

I've always used an old school trailer built in the early 80's with no fenders, used to have mobile home axles but I changed them about 15 years ago and repainted trailer etc. I've never been stopped with it and have pulled it all over the southeast., what sort of laws are there for trailer fenders?

ridered3 · Apr 6, 2022

Kubotaorange76 said:
I've always used an old school trailer built in the early 80's with no fenders, used to have mobile home axles but I changed them about 15 years ago and repainted trailer etc. I've never been stopped with it and have pulled it all over the southeast., what sort of laws are there for trailer fenders?

My last trailer has a single tube built as a fender but for the most part the tires weren't covered. Never had an issue.

Here's Tennessee's laws about trailers.

paradisepwoffrd · Apr 6, 2022

Only state I have heard give tickets for no fenders, is VA. Could have been the only thing they found wrong after pulling them over, idk, but I know of a few people that have gotten them.