I have access to an old (mid '70's) 13 foot box travel trailer which suffered heavy water damage and I would call well beyond repair. I was considering taking it and tearing it down to the bare frame, and making a flatbed utility out of it. It's a single axle with 13 inch rims and brakes. Gvw 2,700 lbs and I'm guessing Bare frame with just fresh plywood on it would bring the empty weight to the 800 to 1000 pound range. Of course I would scrap all the copper and aluminum bits. Is there anything I am overlooking that would make this a bad idea?

Nope, I did the same thing with a big boat trailer. Worked great!

I've seen several refurbished TT's and PUP's turned into all sorts of things. Yes, you can do it. The only thing you might consider is getting the trailer re-titled as a utility trailer instead of an RV (at least in Indiana they are different). The tags for a utility trailer (in Indiana) is much less than an RV (trailer). You might have to get it re-inspected by law enforcement to verify the VIN is the same trailer, but used for a different purpose and titled different. Anyway, before ripping it apart, you should check your state DMV first, just so you're prepared. Other than that, you should be fine doing this project.

Lot's of people do just what you are thinking of. I did it myself years ago with an oldie that was too far gone to repair and I did not want to do a complete rebuild. Made a nice little trailer.

A TT frame on its own is not very strong at all. TT frames are part of a system that draws strength from all of the components in assembly. The capacity will be much less that the original TT. MM49

MM49 wrote:A TT frame on its own is not very strong at all. TT frames are part of a system that draws strength from all of the components in assembly. The capacity will be much less that the original TT. MM49Correct answer.While folks have done what your thinking about the net result will be a much weaker trailer since the walls create a "truss" system. Taking away the walls would have the effect of cutting notches in the frame of a properly built utility trailer..My suggestion is to sell the trailer, you should have no problem getting at least $400-$500 for it as is.There are folks who are looking for vintage trailers and are not afraid to put some work and money in it.Put in on Craigslist, it is free to do so..Take the sale proceeds and buy a ready made purpose built utility trailer.. You should have no problem finding a new 12-13ft utility trailer for around $1000-$1200.. In the end you WILL be happier with a properly built trailer.

Retiring an old travel trailer into utility trailer

18 Replies

Nvr2loud
Explorer II
Nov 12, 2014
I used 2 x 6 pressure treat to make the floor boards on mine, now it is plenty strong.
Doug33
Explorer
Nov 12, 2014
check to make sure the axle is straight
Oaklevel
Explorer
Nov 12, 2014
A mid 70s trailer will probably have a strong frame & work well if done correctly.

I know a guy that took a fifth wheel camper & made an equipment trailer out of it. Reinforced the front & pin box. If you did not know it started out a camper you could not tell it much. He hauls a tractor on it all over & been doing it for years.
Caveman_Charlie
Explorer II
Nov 12, 2014
I've done it. I just removed the original tag and relicensed the trailer as a home made utility trailer. I did add a little angle iron for support but, the 2x6's I used for flooring added a lot of strength.
rbturner
Explorer
Nov 11, 2014
Westend; I was told that those pallets of block weigh 5000 pounds.
westend
Explorer
Nov 11, 2014
I have and use a converted pop-up trailer frame as a utility trailer. I decked it with 5//8" treated plywood. The trailer has hauled all sorts of stuff over the years and does a good job of it. It is a single axle with spring suspension.

The only problem I've had with it was when I loaded a full pallet of landscape block on it. The weight pushed the deck down onto the wheels. Oops!
BobsYourUncle
Nomad
Nov 11, 2014
I owned one many years ago that was exactly like you are planning. A friends father rolled the TT and wrecked it so he stripped it to the frame and made a flat deck out of it.

After buying it from him I redid the deck and bolted a series of 2X6's to it for a new deck. I worked very well and I used it as a small car trailer. I hauled scores of small cars on it all over the place. Small cars like Austin Minis, MG's, Morris Minors etc. I once hauled my fathers Mazda GLC from Cranbrook BC to Penticton BC over 2 steep mountain passes. And with no brakes.

It worked flawlessly and never had any issues with it.
I say go for it and use the thing.
JIMNLIN
Explorer III
Nov 11, 2014
I would recommend using treated 2x's for added strength over plywood.

A TT frame has very few cross members/out riggers and smaller main frame rails than a comparable utility trailer. Check out a 14' utility trailer. You may want to add some steel to the frames integrity.

However keep in mind the orig trailer has a 2700 lb GVWR for the whole unit. Your stripping the box away degrades the units strength.

If the unit weighs 1000 lbs on completion means a 1700 lb payload.

My older 14' tandem axle utility trailer has a 2900 lb GVWR with two 3500 lb axles/one axle braking and 14" tires/5" stacked channel frame with 24" on center cross members. I use P tires rated to 44 psi and have no speed restriction.
2112
Explorer II
Nov 11, 2014
I have converted a PUP into a flatbed and my neighbor stripped a 28' TT and mounted a saw mill onto its frame.
NanciL
Explorer II
Nov 11, 2014
Just check the wheel bearings and spindels first.

I did that many years ago with an old pop -up that was given to me, and on one trip with it a wheel came flying off on the interstate

Jack L