Canadian Nissan Truck Club

I'm trying to find info about building an off-road trailer. It's been a while since I've wanted to embark on this project, but after a call with a local (in Niagara) trailer builder, it seems to be almost a dead end in what I want to do

I understand that I can't modify the original frame, so ok, rather than just attach the tongue, get a frame made with it. Kinda something I did think could be a problem, so at least I've got confirmation on that.

He's telling me that I can't use the truck axle, which I had specific plans for. I can't find any info on that I'm not allowed to do this.

I can't even use tires. so if i wanted to get some nice matching MTR's, I'm not allowed to use any passenger or LT tires. The tires would need to be stamped ST. Tire Rack says LT's are legal, but I don't know, maybe not in Canada? I'm reading that all that matters is that as long as it's not a "NHS" (Not for Highway Service) tire and meets the weight requirements that it should be good. Some places even sell their trailers with LT's

Suspension, probably not, and its too wide to match a trailer axle.

I've tried to research this as best as I can but I can't any real information on the legal requirements on what I want to do.

Anyone have any ideas or resources on this? I would like to find legal documentation to confirm on what I can and can't do, cause I can't find any clear answers.

Assuming this is a personal use single axle, as far as I know you can build your one from scratch using whatever parts you want.

P tires are a bad idea, though lots of people use them. I recommend ST or LT due to the higher pressure they can take for managing load.

You do require proper lighting, hitch, chains of course.

Indeed. I want to equip the trailer with of-road tires, the same as on the truck, which are LT

Axle, is there any legal restriction against using a truck axle?

Not that I have heard of. Lot of people have removed the cab of a full size pickup, cut the frame rails and bent them together to make a tongue. My large utility trailer is just that, Full floating axle to boot.

And I am running LTs on it too.

Sent from my shoe phone.

Ya exactly. I even saw one in Kingston last weekend with a cap on top.

SO far I've found this for the tires:

http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/motorvehiclesaf ... 20-843.htm

(4) For the purpose of determining the sum referred to in subsection (3), where trailer or trailer converter dolly is equipped with a passenger car tire, the maximum load rating of that tire shall be divided by a factor of 1.10.

No info on the axle...

See? (Per Fb). There aren't really a lot of rules on utility trailers. There might be in a book. But not on the road.


Sent from my iThingy.

I would be willing to bet, that if it doesn't look, or work, like a POS, you'll never have to worry about the legalities. I tow a box trailer, which started life as a snowmobile trailer. Unloaded, it bounces around like crazy. I've never had any issues, and I've been followed by the police on a number of occasions.

I have a homemade utility trailer; I didn't build it myself, but as I understand it the guy who built it drew up plans, and submitted it to the MTO along with a signed form indicating it's a homemade trailer. On my ownership it reads something like "File 123456789" as the VIN.

I would start at the MTO or at least the website as they're the one you need the license from, not the trailer maker. They're likely just trying to fear-monger you into buying one of their trailers rather than provide guidance.

My trailer is smaller, a 4x6 with the solid rear 'axle' out of a FWD ... ford? welded underneath. It has P tires but for the size/duty of the trailer, they're fine 95% of the time. But like Ron said, go with LT tires on what it sounds like you're building.

Because it's welded my trailer has no suspension, which I absolutely hate (I have plans to change over, when time permits, so in 2035). I would say try to incorporate springs into the design somehow (if you're going with a truck axle, try to obtain and re-use the truck springs). Having towed Ron's trailer, the nice beefy springs make a world of difference.

Little bit of info to go on here...

http://www.ott-motorcycles.ca/index.php?topic=47355.0

Cool, Mostly talking about the weight, which shouldn't be an issue

I sent Transport Canada an email in regards to that exact question and any official documentation. Then a second email after I called them and the lady saw but now can't find my email. She was great to deal with, but said it'll take from 10-15 business days for a reply. I guess that's what they consider a "'timely manner "

Keep the GVWR under 6,000lbs or you will run into real regulations.

I'd say go to the MTO and ask about a plate for a "home built". I have two of them(plates) and have swapped them around my all my trailers for almost 30 years and the cOPPers have never asked about them as long as the plate say's "trailer". The one I normally use is made from an old boat trailer with a platform on top(4x12). The boat axle has been extended about a foot and it has a Tempo tire and rim on side and a Corrola and rim on the other. But yeah ask the MTO about "Homebuilt trailers"