How to Make Custom ATV Trailers

All-terrain vehicles are compact machines with powerful engines. Building a trailer for such a vehicle isn't much different from a motorcycle trailer as far as the frame goes. Since you'll likely drive the ATV over rougher terrain, however, it's good to have a storage unit attached full-time to the trailer. It will keep anything you're transporting safe and secure.

Things You'll Need

• 1/8-inch-thick steel
• Welding/cutting torch
• Drill with bit
• Bolts and nuts
• Carpenter square
• Tape measure
• Trailer tongue
• Wheel and axle
• Plywood
• Storage container

Instructions

1. Construct the trailer's frame with pieces of 1/8-inch-thick steel cut into pieces two inches wide. You need two pieces 48 inches long to make the frame's sides and three 25-inch-long pieces for the front and back with a supporting crossbar in the middle. Bolt or weld the pieces together, making sure the frame is level and square.

2. Weld or bolt a trailer tongue to your frame. You can get one from a trailer or boat supply parts store. The tongue must run straight down the middle of the frame, running perpendicular to the front, back and crossbar, forming a perfect T with all three bars.

3. Lay the trailer frame upside down so the tongue is positioned on top. Bolt two more 48-inch-long steel pieces onto the frame next to the tongue on each side. There should be an equal distance between these support beams, the side each one is closest to and the tongue.

4. Measure the entire trailer's length, including the tongue, and mark the very center of this length. Measure another eight inches from the center toward the trailer frame and mark that spot. You will attach the axle at this location.

5. Connect a 40-inch-long trailer axle to the frame. You may need to shorten the axle you have if it is longer. The axle assembly should have parentheses-shaped brackets that you bolt or weld to the side edges. Make sure you have wheels and tires that fit the axle you install.

6. Flip the trailer back over so it is right side up. Lay a sheet of plywood or expansion steel on top of the frame and bolt it on to make a deck. Expansion steel will hold more weight than plywood.

7. Add a storage unit to the frame's deck. You can bolt a large plastic tub or other container to the deck. Or you can build your own box-like storage unit from plywood, aluminum or other material and attach it. Using a unit with a lid will help keep anything you store secure while driving the vehicle.