...will it work for a maverick? 5000lb gross weight... It has a short railing all the way around (except the back), would it be structurally safe to cut those off, at least off the sides?
The 1st trailer i got had rails on the side & someone told me that the rails are part of the frame. If They are cut off, the trailer is weaker. I just went back to they place & got a car hauler for a little more money. You may not want to cut those rails off.
I think you will better off to hold for a 16 footer. Twleve be cutting it close on getting the car stapped down properly so that it will not damage the suspension. Most trailer makers will use the outer rails (if the trailer has them) as part of the structural integrity of the trailer. They will use less metal in other places because they know that they have rails to rely on. I own a 16' trailer with high rails (I can other stuff besides a car). I put down another strip of 2x12 to drive the car on so that it would be high enough for the doors to open over the rails.
I agree with the advice given too. Both the minimum 16 foot recommendation and the "Do not cut the rails" advice. With a home built trailer for cars, please plan on tandem axles with brakes on at least one axle. Single axles would have too much tongue weight for most tow vehicles with a car on top. Most trailer axles are rated at #3500 each.
This one has tandem axles, but I was worried about the length and the side rails... I guess I will let this one go. But, I will figure out where they got it and try to find a car hauler from him...
