I just built a trailer out of the 8ft bed of my old 1986 F-150 that i wrecked. i got it finished the other day and i want to know if there is anything i should do to it to make it a better trailer. should i add any springs,should i put good shocks on it .What about a swaybar im not sure if it has one or not.How much weight can i put in my trailer safly. And one last thing How hard is it to get a homeade Trailer lisence for it i live in lincoln Co. MO.
Any commets are appriciated

 

depends on what you want to do with your trailer as far as making improvements... if your gonna use it within a couple miles of your house for hauling firewood and whatnot, then throw a slow moving vehicle sign on it and leave it like it is. if you plan on taking it on the highway, and making it pass inspection, then you will obviously need to have working brakes, running lights and brake lights and turn signals and a decent fabrication job if you want it to ride really smooth on the highway for long trips, you could certainly put springs in it and shocks and a swaybar as well. keep in mind if your gonna load it to the nuts then you will be able to put more in with no suspension and a ridgid setup. as far as how much weight, if you did a good job of making the frame and that's a strongpoint, and you have no suspension... then load it till the tires squat an inch or two that will give you a good estimate. the better the tires you have on it the more you will be able to carry. if you go with suspension on it, then the limit is obviously related to your suspension, once it squats so far down is when you have to stop loading it. in my opinion i would go with no suspension and a higher ply truck tire, it would be alot easier and less to worry about breaking or maintaining. as far as what it can legally carry, that's something you'd probably have to ask the guy who inspects it if your planning on taking it on the road. i hope this helps!

chris