I finally road tested my trailer. I took it to the local dump, so I could drive across the scales, as I was there last week, to get a receipt showing weight of my van with full tank of gas and no trailer. So, the trailer weighs 750kgs. Here in Ontario, a trailer can be plated easily if it weighs less then 900kgs. Even though I didn't know the weight at time of plating, I told them it wasn't any more then 900kgs., and they told me if it was, to come back in. Not sure why, maybe different plate, or needing inspection for safety concerns. Anyways, it tows nice, didn't bottom out at all, but I think I will still bag the rear end as it does sag a little empty.
shelbydodgeimp
09-29-2005, 12:20 PM
Thats great. I have never seen this done with a minivan but I have seen some people at shows with trucks, grabed identical model-year beds to turn into trailers.
Makes me wanna go grab the back half of a Dynasty to play around with :D But I never have reason to tow anything.
Do you have the rear end tailer's lights wired to your van to work?
dodges 3
09-29-2005, 12:28 PM
But of course. Although the 3rd brake light doesn't work, but oh well. I'd like to find a 1996 or newer parts caravan, to make a trailer for wifes 2000. But, my money is rather tied up right now.
Rick99
09-30-2005, 12:14 PM
Just curious-- do you still have the seats in the trailer? What do you plan to use it for?
dodges 3
09-30-2005, 04:36 PM
The seats aren't in the van, but they could be. The interior is completely there, for now. I plan on removing the carpet, and underpad, cutting a new piece, so if we use it for camping theres a clean floor. Primarily, it will be used for dump runs, as I'm renovating my house.I'm also planning on removing the side glass, and replace with 1\4" plywood, still on the hinges though, for venting purposes. Eventually, I will paint it to match my van.
shelbydodgeimp
09-30-2005, 05:01 PM
Fiberglass or metal would be easier to use to make it look like there never were windows, with wood you have wood grain... just a thought.
You could always leave in the trailer's speakers and wire it into your van like the brake lights :D
dodges 3
10-01-2005, 04:42 PM
I will probably F/G over the wood to blend into the body and kill the woodgrain. I am at least going to wire the interior lights, into trailer harness, and maybe speakers too. I was just thinking, I could wire up a seperate independent harness for the speaker wires. That would b cool for camping purposes.
funrldirect
11-12-2005, 10:44 AM
Very nice idea. You make me jealous. I wish I had been the first one to think about this! Its a nice enclosed trailer, plenty of space, and is a perfect match for the van you drive. Rock on!!
dodges 3
11-13-2005, 04:26 PM
Thanks funrldirect. I definetly not first to think of this. I've seen an Astro van trailer, but I can't remember where I saw it. I had this parts van laying around and decided to try it.
funrldirect
11-19-2005, 08:49 AM
Well, it is very unique. I'll tell you I've never seen this before!!
