Questions: Trailer made from truck bed

[DaveD912]

There's a trailer for sale nearby, it's made from an 8 foot ford truck bed. Unfortunately, the owner doesn't know much about it. He's towing it around with a full size van. Does anyone know how heavy this would be? I'd like to use this as a utlity trailer if it's not too heavy for the XJ. I've only go a description, no pics. But I'd go look at it if I thought I could use it.

[Matthew Currie]

Depends on how it's made and what you need it for. Trailers made from a chopped off pickup are pretty common, but how useful it is depends a little on how well they designed the tongue end. It requires a reconfiguration of the frame, and in some cases, lowering of the tongue. Well done it can work fine, but badly done it can flex and crack and generally be a mess. It will be heavier than a regular utility trailer, but of course it will also have a pretty good capacity if you can pull it safely. Pulling is not so much a problem as stopping. There is at least the potential for hooking up the existing brakes with a surge hitch, but if this isn't done it will be a pretty scary tow when loaded. I would not go for this unless it's quite cheap. A heavy trailer can really jerk around a light vehicle like an XJ unless the tongue weight and height are just right. If the tongue slopes up, it will lift up the rear end; on a steep bumpy downhill when you hit the brake, it can jack you right off the ground.

[DaveD912]

I've got a bit more info - it has a 1 7/8" coupler. I guess I've always thought bigger is better and expected this to use at least a 2" ball. He also thinks it's from a 2wd truck since it doesn't sit very high. It also had dual gas tanks - anyone know Ford trucks? Does that make it from a 2500 or better? He wants $200 for it and it has a cap and bedliner. I'd sell the cap to make maybe $50 back if it was in good shape. I've got a Ford Ranger (beater) for hauling stuff, so this would just be used on camping trips to hold bikes and kayaks.

[87manche]

I've got a bit more info - it has a 1 7/8" coupler. I guess I've always thought bigger is better and expected this to use at least a 2" ball. He also thinks it's from a 2wd truck since it doesn't sit very high. It also had dual gas tanks - anyone know Ford trucks? Does that make it from a 2500 or better? He wants $200 for it and it has a cap and bedliner. I'd sell the cap to make maybe $50 back if it was in good shape. I've got a Ford Ranger (beater) for hauling stuff, so this would just be used on camping trips to hold bikes and kayaks.
it could be from an f150, a friend had one with dual tanks.
honestly, if it's for hauling stuff like that.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=42709
find your local harbor freight and spend $200. Put a plywood deck on it and live well in the knowledge that it's not gonna come apart.

[Matthew Currie]

For a utility trailer, you're better off with an F100 or 150 than a 250. The 250 frame and springs are more than you'll ever need. If you already have a truck, and need this trailer for traveling with bikes and kayaks, I think it's going to be a disappointment. I'd get a proper light weight utility trailer. You can customize the sides, racks, etc. for your needs. It won't cost much more, and it will almost certainly be friendlier to tow.