Retiring an old travel trailer into utility trailer

My hubby did that with an old tent trailer. Served us for 9 yrs loading wood. Not sure how many years before that (that's when I came on the scene). It's now up at a friend's place doing its work. :) :)

I really doubt the flimsy body on this trailer was adding much to it structural rigidity, but I do plan on welding in several crossmembers from left to right along the lines of the frame before laying down my plywood. The camper is about 7 feet wide but frame about 5 feet wide. So I will also need to fabricate some homemade fender mounts for both tires. Thank you all for the opinions

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.
MM49

Correct 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.

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

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.

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.

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