7 Must Have Utility Trailer Modifications - DIY Trailer Sides and MORE!
Here are my must have top 7 simple modifications for my 6x10 Karavan utility trailer (DIY trailer sides and more!). In this video show you how to DIY trailer sides and some bonus tips on how I keep it from being stolen. Details & links below 👇🏽.
Links and Resources to everything seen in this Video 👇🏽:
Karavan 6 x 10 FT. Utility Trailer Specifications: www.karavantrailers.com/produ...
Sides Boards: www.homedepot.com/p/Outdoor-S...
2x4s for Verticals: www.homedepot.com/p/2-in-x-4-...
Deck Screws ( 1-5/8" and 2": www.homedepot.com/p/Deckmate-...
3/8" x 4" x 7" Square U-Bolt: amzn.to/3960hPC
Makita Impact Driver Set: amzn.to/3H1cjX7
Toggle Latch: amzn.to/33sTOru
8x10 Heavy Duty Tarp: amzn.to/3MyCCVJ
Wheel Chock: amzn.to/3aE7Cq6
Carabiner Bungee Cord 24": amzn.to/3muov9m
Steel Trailer Tongue Box: amzn.to/3MwFxOw
Swivel Trailer Tongue Jack: amzn.to/3xcKPcA
Stabilizer Jacks: amzn.to/3xwqQH2
Reflective Strips: amzn.to/39b8v9h
Trailer Coupler Lock: amzn.to/3x87gzu
Alternative Coupler Lock: amzn.to/3NBuLYA
Padlock Chain: amzn.to/391GLnc
Wheel Dock: amzn.to/3xuOoMo
Rubber Feet Bumper: amzn.to/3H5V6eR
X-Track Rails: amzn.to/3H4sra3
Spare Tire Mount (also fits Karavan Round Side Rails) : amzn.to/3MELmty
Custom Heavy Duty Canvas Covers: www.heavydutytarps.com/
Remackel Trailer: www.remackeltrailers.com/
If you're reading this, drop a ☕️ emoji in the comments
Video Chapters
0:00 - Introduction
1:17 - How to build sides for my Utility Trailer
5:37 - DIY Easy to carry Wheel Chocks
6:19 - How to install a Trailer Tongue Box
7:01 - How to install Stabilizer Jacks
8:35 - Adding Reflective Strips for Trailer Safety
9:06 - Ideas for covers for utility trailer waterproofing
9:35 - Keeping my trailer from being stolen
10:39 - How I dock my trailer when not attached to car
10:55 - Future Plans, upgrades, modifications
Read more about my PC Setup that I use for SolidWorks and video editing: rathasochenda.com/pc-build-2019/
Do you like the music in this video? It's all from the Epidemic Sound library. Use my link to get your first 30 days for free: www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
Follow my projects on Instagram: / ratha.soche. .
Instagram: / ratha.sochenda
Kit: kit.co/ratha.sochenda
LinkedIn: / rathasoch. .
Behance: www.behance.net/rathasochenda
DISCLAIMER:
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
By using some of the affiliate links above, I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. This is the easiest way to support me and helps me continue making content like this for you. Thank you 🙏
Due to factors out of my control, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. I assume no liability or responsibility for property damages or injury incurred as a result of any information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. I recommend safe practices when working on vehicles and/or with tools seen in this video. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not me. Be safe!
#utilitytrailer #trailer #trailermods #rathasochenda
You are very much like myself. We completely over engineer and over plan everything down to every last little detail. Then we go all out and build everything to a point of complete overkill to make it far more durable than it needs to be, far more detailed than it needs to be, far more secure than it needs to be, try to make everything as convenient as possible to use, and in the end exactly like we want it. It also unfortunately quite offten ends up being far more expensive than it needs to be, but nobody said happiness and satisfaction was cheap. 😉
Yessir I guess you do your best to make it the best you can with the resources you have. You said it on 🎯!
Please send me easy street! I invested in that also! Awesome trailer!
There are a lot of us out there like that. Dad always taught me to measure twice and cut once and to over build so that it can grow with your needs. If you can’t afford to build/buy it once, how can you afford to build/buy it again? I miss my Dad…
My wife: I thought you just fixed that last month Me: I did. H: Then what are you doing to it now? M: I'm fixing it better.
😂
The best part was how you were showing your kids how to work with their hands. OUTSTANDING!!!
Appreciate it
Agreed, nice work and very clean install but your kids participating and learning is the best part
The only thing more admirable than your skills is you teaching your kids practical skills. I salute you.
🙏🏽. Hopefully they pick up a few things here and there
Rear screw-jack mod is unique ! Solid addition !
you’re good at making videos, good at editing, good at welding, good at woodworking, good at involving the kiddos. good at CAD, Good all around!
Appreciate it!
I LOVE that your kids help you with your projects
Appreciate it!
Dude, your fabrication skills are awesome. All of your improvements are spot on! Glad to see your helpers taking interest, it's always a positive influence on kids to introduce them and teach them. I treasure the time I spent with my dad and the things he taught me, I'm sure you are making some quality memories!!!!
Thanks! Your absolutely right always good to get the kids involved and build memories.
Thanks for the upgrades. I have an 8 foot trailer with a single tongue (like your boat trailer) rather than many V types. I have attached a hand crank cable winch to the tongue exactly like your boat trailer. This not only helps with loading, but after loading I use it to hold the tarp down.
As a dad myself, i can confirm that this is one of the most dad things i have seen in a while. When you know you know.
💯
Dude you turned your trailer , into a “Git R Done MACHINE” !
Yessir! It’s been getting stuff done for sure!
Old farm boy here. I currently own three different size trailers with some mods. Your parts list is gold. Thanks.
That’s quite a collection 👍. Glad the video helped!
You are fantastic. Love your attention to detail. Wish we were neighbors to share ideas. I appreciate your can do attitude and ability to fabricate details. Nice work.
Thanks!
You are an inspiration to many energetic people. Unfortunately I'm lazy. Maybe I can muster up some strength and make my trailer a little bit like yours. Thanks for the vid. Keep up the good work.
Thanks.
@@RathaSochenda Really a very nice job, and a couple of ideas for mine when I get one.
Awesome!
Projects like these give you useful skills as you learn things along the way and also will give you a great sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. Just give it a shot. Pick something you already own or maybe something you have thought about doing at some point. Make a little list for parts and tools and see what you can do. It doesn't have to be fancy or intricate. If it's really bad for you, start super simple. Change filters, light bulbs or the oil in your vehicle. Make a little box or shelf out of wood. Replace the hardware on some cabinets. There are virtually an infinite number of ways to occupy your time in a productive way, it just takes one little moment of action over thought to give you a new sense of direction. A few minutes or hours well spent during the week working out or building something can offer huge benefits mentally and physically. You got this man, just go for it.
I love the steading jacks, that's a game changer. I've seen crazy stuff happen with heavy loads moving off the trailer or the trailer tips, or rolls. Awesome Idea, great execution once again!
Yeah such a simple upgrade but effective one for those heavy loads. 🙏🏽🤙🏾
Yeah, I'm with you on THAT one J H. I almost dropped a fridge off the back while loading it because the hitch was not attached and I got a sea salt effect by it not having anything to secure it. First lesson in trailer loading. So that idea Ratha came up with is something that should be automatically incorporated or offered for purchase. Hey Ratha, a business venture opportunity ( *hint-hint 😉 ).
Oops.. typo..sea-saw effect
That happened first day too when I got the trailer. Definitely learn that day 😂
👍👍👍
Good job Dad on the trailer and the kids! Those kids will be just fine growing up with the attention and skills you are handing down to them. You should be proud. Great job!
Appreciate its
You are very talented and are an excellent example of what a good father is all about.
Appreciate it!
Love the modifications, the attention to detail and your incorporation of your kids in the process! Great job!
Appreciate it
Extremely well done. Also fun to see your helpers in action. Definitely some ideas to consider.
Thanks! Helpers got to love them 😍
I love how you involve the kids.
Me too!
Love the mods, but especially the tongue jacks !! They are a great idea !! Not just for support when loading as you said an ATV, but if you have a larger trailer version say, with a rooftop tent for camping, you can use these for leveling on sloped ground !! Fantastic.
Thanks
Impressive and well thought out. I built my trailer years ago and use it extensively for general yard work, hauling miscellaneous items. More importantly it’s used for primitive hunting and camping trips. Your build gives me some great options in my future modifications. Thanks for sharing! Outstanding!
Glad it helped
I've had a 7 x 10 trailer for 20 years one of the best things I've ever purchased. Allows me to have SUV's instead of a pick up truck. I've never modified it because I never wanted to make it heavy. With the big gate it's counter balanced and I can push it any where when empty. It's the best $900 I've ever spent and is probably due for some new tires and some new boards.
I totally agree. One of the best things I have paid for. I didn’t realize how useful it was to have one until I finally got one.
900?!? From where. I can only find them as cheap as 1500
😂 this was 20 years ago bro
@@RathaSochenda oh right I forgot that part lmfaooo
@@StevenTheGreat_ $1500? It’s over $3000 for trailer with beds that is longer than 10ft here.
Good Job Ratha, I too have a 6x12 ft utility trailer I am Overlanding. Love how you tackled everything to your needs. With mine I bought brand new and had it LineX to protect from future rust and chips.
That’s awesome! Good protection
Fantastic! Unfortunately English is not my mother tongue so I didn't understand you (I use a translation program) but it was fun to watch you. Thanks very much.
As a 15 year SolidWorks user I can appreciate you drawing up the trailer and all the hardware. I do the same thing with my larger home projects 👍👍👍
Got to love SW
Nice job, looks real good! I've modified a couple of utility trailers myself, and something I've found that comes in handy is changing the light fixtures to LEDs. They last a lot longer than incandescent bulbs and have far less current draw off your tow vehicle.
Good tip
Always appreciate your videos man. Love seeing how you engineer your projects. Great content, thanks for sharing!
Thank you. Appreciate the kinds words
Kudos to your helpers. Good help is hard to find. 😊 Good idea regarding the jacks on the rear for stabilizing, I might do that.
Nice add ons and attention to detail. My only concern is the lack of legal weight it can now haul for a single axle.
I would recommend using vinyl fencing for the material for the side boards to cut down weight and long term life. Moving your stabilizer jacks forward to nearer to the wheel will keep from destroying them because of clearance and won’t effect function. Do not use them to lift the trailer to change a tire many RV owners have made this mistake .Also would make removal and storage much easier. Very cool helpers by the way.
I considered vinyl fencing but was concerned with it warping. Plus im not a fan of when the plastic gets hot especially when sitting in the ☀️. With the wood i don’t think it’s that much heavier. So far I haven’t had an issue with clearance on the stabilizer jacks but I understand the concern. Also I didn’t put them in closer to the wheel bc you lose access to adjusting them at the bolt with a cordless drill. Lifting was just a thought but if I had a RV i definitely I wouldn’t do. Especially when comparing the different in weight. Luckily I have light duty trailer that I easily move and lift by hand compare to a fully on “heavy” RV. I appreciate your thoughts and feedback. 🙏🏽
Always good to include your kids in life skill activities. What a great dad you are!
Thank you! 🙏🏽
Great video! I was impressed with the care you took on all of the modifications. Video was fantastic in the way you've mixed drawings into your presentation.
Thanks I’m glad you liked the video!
Just a PSA, every pound you add in modifications is that much less capacity you have for whatever items you're hauling. So choose wisely...... Also modify your chains to remove them while your trailer isn't in use. The chains can be used to wrap around the tow hitch by someone that is desperate.
Excellent work sir! Love seeing your helpers! I made similar mods to a trailer I had. Loved the canvas cover but with no bows it was tor. In the wi d at freeway speed so your contractor find looks awesome. One thing to consider is the addition of tie downs in the floor and sides. When I made my wood sides it prevents me from using the outside rails but there are plenty of hardware options including flush to wood surface mounted tie downs for low on the sides. These did t fill u0 with mulch or gravel or water like the floor mounted tie downs.
Thanks for the suggestion. I’m thinking about adding a few vertical x tracks on the inside to allow for multiple options when it comes to tie down accessories.
Love the way you involve your children in the work , bonding , education and fun all at once .
Thanks
You did a fantastic job perfecting your trailer. The best part of the modifications is having your children help during the process.
Got love those little helpers
I'm really glad the algorithm found this video for me. Someday in the near future I need to finally make a decision on buying a trailer and this really helped. It is reassuring to see the versatility possible with a utility trailer when I was debating a much more expensive type. The U-bolt idea is great for someone like me that hasn't learned to weld yet.
I’m glad you found this video too! I’m glad the video is helping.
i don’t own a trailer but i’m still watching this
Great video...just picked a 5x10 Karavan ....like new. I appreciate you documenting the mods...nice job!
Awesome!
My parents have had our current trailer since '94, it's so useful, my cousins use it too, going to be replacing the floor boards for the first time in it's life time this week.
Yeah trailers are so useful. I realized it completely once I owned my own
Love how well you thought out function and clean design to add on items! Great video.
Thanks!
I have built many trailers but it good to see ideas and updates. Did not know about the trailer pods, here on the farm those will be a good find.
Glad this video helped
You do great work. Opportunity for people like you is endless. I'll take some of these pointers when I get a house and can have my own trailer. Unfortunate how many thieves there are, here in Houston, never seen so many thieves in my life.
Yeah I know what you mean. Tough times
Very nice work man! You took an already great little utility trailer and made it just about perfect! A couple of great little helpers you've got there too! Thanks for sharing!
Appreciate it 🙏🏽
One of the best HOW TO videos I've seen in a long time. Glad you got your children involved with tools. thanks for sharing, RT
Thanks!
Just purchased and 18' trailer and this video is exactly what I needed, Thank you sir. PS, looks like you are a Great Dad, keep up the good work.
That’s awesome! Congratulations on the new trailer. Glad this video helps
Great tips!! I'm going to add wood sides to mine as well. I'm going to coat all the wood with boiled linseed oil as well to prevent rot.
Your welcome!
I’m impressed by your vision and skill! And I thought my utility trailer was decked out, but not to your level. Good job!
Thanks appreciate it!
Nice! I mounted my spare underneath towards the back to alleviate some of the tongue weight. I also flipped the axles to gain ground clearance as i use it to haul brush on my mountain property. I will be using some of your ideas like the sides to help hold the brush and debris in. thanks for the video
Sweet!
Your energy level and attention to detail is impressive...
🙏🏽
Well done sir. Love that you included the little helpers. I will borrow some of your ideas.
Love that mentality of doing our part even though something is insured. Of course, insurance will cover but the process is a pain in the butt and not to mention all the time lost on projects due to waiting for settlement. New sub earned.
Yessir!
Great Modifications! We started out with a 5 Ft. X 8 Ft. Trailer, and over the Years it turned into a 5 Ft X 12 Ft. Nice Work, and Nice that the Little Ones Helped Out!
That’s awesome. How did you add more length? Did you end up moving the axle location?
@@RathaSochenda The First add on was to the Front, added 1Ft. Then the last add on was to the rear, adding 3 Ft. And Yes, after Doing the Additional 3Ft. to the Rear, the Axle had to be moved.
That’s awesome might have to looking into doing this too
Well done, your a true perfectionist, love the way you engaged your little ones to help you.
Thanks!
😁 Ratha ~ I just joined your site and love the fact that you added 2 small helpers to your project. They're precious, and it's excellent that you're giving them some trade knowledge for their future. For the longest time I was looking at different ways to build up the sides made of wood but couldn't find a suitable way to accomplish this task. Since then, I have sold that trailer and purchased a tandem wheel dump trailer. I could always use this information to build up the sides on the dump trailer as well. Keep up the good work ~ I'll be watching out for future videos.
Thank you! It’s always fun to have my little helpers help out when they can. Hopefully they stay interested for awhile. Congratulations on the dump trailer. Those things are a beast.
Good work, that looks awsome. Very clean install and I love the idea of not drilling or welding into your new trailer. That is exactly what I would have tried doing.
Thanks. Glad I wasn’t the only one thinking that way
Some of my basic changes were front tongue swivel jack, toolbox @ front also, but I used a treated sheet of plywood for trailer bed as I don't haul small loose items or dirt. My spare tire goes in bed of truck or trailer as no room on front tongue. I like the wheel dock and will probably buy one. ( Just bought one from Amazon as Tractor Supply didn't carry any - this is where I bought my trailer) Great video and ideas.
Some great ideas here. I used those corner connectors you didn't use on my trailer sides and they work well however they can be very tricky to align and I have to lift the sides all the way up and out of the slots. I used MDO plywood for my sides and they have held up over many years. Anyway, on my next trailer I think I will use your clamp method. Thanks for sharing.
Nice!!
Very nice work, I love the way you made the extended height walls and attached them.
Thanks
Absolutely phenomenal job on this trailer! Top notch!! Really enjoyed watching and getting some excellent ideas. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you so much for the kind words. I’m glad the video helped!
I was a pipefitter and my sons are welder/fabricators. That was journeyman quality work. A job done right is a thing of beauty.
Thanks!
Great video! Very informative and thorough. I also liked that you included the babies in the build!
🙏🏽
So glad you got it, it’s so useful for the family!
I know right!
Great job. The leveling Jacks were a nice touch. Congrats on 20k subs.💪
Thanks 🙏🏽
I enjoyed your presentation, I like the way you fixed up your trailer.
🙏🏽
Interesting and practical mods. You did a few things I haven't yet thought of. Nice work and thanks for sharing.
Glad it help 👍
Thanks for making this vid. Just ordered the jacks and front utility box. My trailers licesne plate thanks you.
Your welcome 🤗
Definitely will incorporate those stabilizing jacks to my rig, neat setup! Cheers.
They will work great for you. Thanks
I'm so glad I came across this video just now literally yes I went to tractor supply looking at this very exact trailer will be picking one up next week.
That’s awesome. I still have my trailer and I love this thing it’s paid for itself over and over.
Those rear stabilizers are awesome 😎
I know right!
Your video is exactly what I was hoping to find in searching out or considering side / box options. Thank you!
Glad it helped
Good job buddy. Congratulations. I admire such handy people. You seem to have all your toys to be a happy man.
Thansk
Great Video! Love the multifunctionality of what u have achieved.very inspiring
Thanks! It’s help out a lot and has given me so much flexibility
OUTSTANDING. Really well done. I like the cad application. Great job dude!!
Thansk
Absolutely killer mod! Thanks for sharing this!
Appreciate it!! And your welcome!
Absolutely great additions! You really thought this thru so well. Ty vm for posting.
Thank you!
A great video, one thing I would suggest is some cross members etc. on the ramp, rolling anything heavy up on there over and over will "puddle" it in.
Thank you for sharing your vision , knowledge an ideas; Happy New Years to you and your family.
Glad it helped
Great work, I love what you've done with it.
Thank you!
We have the same trailer, one thing we found necessary was fixing the loading gate. The space between supports was large enough that loading things such as lawn mowers and four wheels cause the grating on it to bend a lot. So we welded in 2 more supports in. That gave it all the strength it needed.
Makes a lot of sense especially if your rolling heavier stuff onto the ramp.
Nice job on the trailer. A few things I did to mine you might consider: A rubber mat. I got one that looks like diamond plate because the extra traction really helps if the deck is slick. I have seen great results with a bedliner paint as well, but have never used it myself. I am looking for a mat to protect the bottom of my gate when rolling stuff up it. Best I have found so far is something from Matte for $10 called a coil pad. A flag or antenna is also nice for backing up if you can't see it behind you very well. If you center it, it will also help you on hookup. You could also use rubber bumpers around your U bolts if you want to protect the rails and your cargo.
Nice!
Great job. Excellent ideas. Thanks for sharing this video
You welcome!
Bravo, young man, you have skills and a mind for detail. Excellent video. Well done!
Thank you 🙏🏽
Ratha, Thank you for making this video. I’m going to Home Depot today to buy one of these trailers. I know I need wood sides for it, but I was not sure where to begin. I appreciate your instructions and attention to detail. Also, I will be towing my trailer with my 4 Runner. I’ll be looking for more of your videos
That’s awesome. Glad the video helped
Nice work! I plan on adding some of these mods to my little trailer. Thank you for the video!
Awesome!
love the video and the brackets are mad crazy I absolutely love fabrication and also when that side feel you little one gave you a look like I didn't do it Lol
Thanks. It’s always a fun one when the littles ones are there to help. 🤙🏾
great video - super helpful!
Thanks! Glad it helped
You just increased the value of that trailer by about 4-6K . I love all the updates and improvements.
Thanks
Nice video, well done!!! Watching your and your kiddos brought a tear to my eye :)
Man appreciate it!
Just got one of these 5.5x9 for my business. Solid so far….bolted some D-Rings to the floor for strapping down cargo
Very nice!
Nothing like a trailer. You made it more useable.
👌🏾. Makes it so much more useful for wide range of applications
LOVE the kids helping!!! That is Great 👍
Thanks Richard
Love that the kids are helping
Me too!
My 5x8 Karavan is a workhorse I use it as tree debris haul trailer on my land, love these trailers
I know I love mines too
Dang…you city folks!! Name the trailer Alcatraz!! 😎
I know right
Involving your boy and girl in these types of things is so great for them. My 17 yo daughter is in her jr year and has been in woosshop all 3 years so far. Her experience working with tools set her apart, and she has basicallyy been the teachers asisrsnt the whole time. Teaching the boys jow to SAFELY operate the shp tools. Have fun
🙏🏽
Truly awesome vision and craftsmanship' along with great narrating and editing! Thank You! and Blessings and Safety to your family🇺🇸👍✌️
Appreciate it🙏🏽
alot of work on that trailer. good stuff, all upgrades are well thought out and help the versatility of the trailer. will pass this video along to trailer owners i know.
Nice I really like the welding table you made and this trailer modifications is awesome thank you
Awesome retro fit! I’ve been contemplating just such a move.
You should!