Quick-Crate Collapsible Utility Trailer

This is a great mod for anyone who owns a utility trailer. Basically all you need is a Quick-Crate,a trailer, and a little sweat. You can buy Quick-Crates at quickcrate.com they have a large selection of stock crates that you can get shipped in about 24 hrs.

Step 1: The Damage

And this is what happens if you don't use high quality exterior grade plywood with the added protection of a premium outdoor stain.

Step 2: The Breakdown

First I needed to get all the old wood off the trailer. I did this with a hammer and a reciprocating saw.
Then I got the rust off with a wire brush, sand paper, and a right angle grinder with  a wire brush attachment.

Step 3: The Paint Job

I put 2 coats of primer and 2 coats of blue automotive paint.

Step 4: Wheels and Axle

I took the trailer to the professionals to have 2 new tires put on, and the axle's bearings repacked. It only cost about $45 per tire to have the bearings and races replaced, so I did that instead of just having them repacked. Then I went and got a weatherproof lighting kit and installed that per the directions included with the kit.

Step 5: Stain the Quick-Crate

As you can see in the pictures; I chose a natural coloured stain so the beauty of the wood wouldn't go unnoticed. The stain is going to make this last a lot longer;  I plan to get many years of use out of this trailer.

Step 6: The Coolest Thing Ever.

Well I wanted to have the most versatile trailer I could and sometimes you need it to be covered; I am taking a road trip in several weeks with luggage and cargo. Sometimes you just need a trailer with high walls; if you're wanting to get a load of mulch or taking scrap metal to the scrap-yard etc.



To do this I attached a Quick-Crate to the base of the trailer; the Quick-Crate can be assembled in less than 5 minutes and can be broken down and stored when not in use. Quick-Crates are constructed with 3/4" exterior grade plywood for all panels. Additionally the crate features stringers that are thru-bolted to the base, and have been tested to hold 4,000 pounds of live ammunition. I will not be carrying live ammunition or 4,000 pounds so I think I should be fine. Quick-Crates are practically water tight so I don't have to worry about any freak rain storms hitting us while we are driving down to Florida.

Quick-crates have not been wind tunnel tested, and are not designed for this purpose so if you want to do this; do it at your own risk.
That is what I am doing. :)