Serious trailer design questions

Ignoramus9726 · 2007-01-12T16:57:13+00:00

I am 100% committed to making a trailer. I am going to use this trailer bed: which I won on a GovLiquidation auction. This bed is 6' by 11" and is VERY sturdy, has sides, nice tiedown attachment points etc. It is a very serious bed. You can click on pictures Its weight is probably about 800 lbs. That's based on my trying to lift its one corner and their official weight listing. I have a few questions. 1. Ball vs. lunette coupler. I have a combo hitch that doubles as both ball as well as lunette. So, my question is what is better to put on trailer's tongue, ball or lunette coupler. Lunette couplers seem to be easier to hitch and unhitch, and more idiot proof. They might clang a little when I brake, etc. 2. Brakes. I have a full size Silverado 2500HD pickup. Up to what capacity can I, if ever, get away with not having brakes. Second related question, is that sensible to go with electric brakes. I believe that my truck has a proper adapter for electric brakes. 3. Axle capacity. Someone local is selling a nice condition (supposedly) axle with 3,500 lbs capacity. The price is $125. It comes with wheels and has no brakes, though the seller claims that brakes can be easily added. Would that he a sensible capacity for a trailer (based on your life experience) after subtracting 1,000 lbs of trailer weight. (2,500 or so hauling capacity). The alternative here is to buy a 5,000 or 6,000 lbs new trailer axle with electric brakes and no tires, for about $400. Then I would need to buy tires. 4. Trailer height. I want this to be a low trailer, not crazy low but easy to load and unload, add ramps, etc. Especially given that there is crosswise ribbing beneath the bed, which makes it a little thicker. What options to I have for mounting the axle a little closer to the bed, without compromising safety. 5. Framing (related to 4). The bed is quite sturdy. Underneath it, I want to weld on some 2x4 rectangular steel tubing pieces (1/16" thick?), lengthwise, at the...