Upgrading a landscape trailer to haul a one ton mini excavator home from the auction

We bought a one ton mini excavator, sight unseen, through an online auction. It is a seven hour drive from home, across three states. I considered also buying a two axle trailer at the same auction, but decided against it. We have a single axle landscape trailer that has enough weight capacity to do the job, but it does need some significant upgrades before the trip. This video shows the process of inspecting the condition of the trailer, and repairing, maintaining, and upgrading the equipment as needed.

Some of the items featured in the video are available on Amazon.com. We purchased all of the equipment and gear seen in this video with our own funds. This is not a paid promotion, but we are an Amazon affiliate. We’ve added links in the description for your convenience. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. There is no added cost to you.

High Visibility Safety Vest
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FVP White Lithium Grease Spray
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Paint Markers Pens
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150W Plastic Welding Tool Kit
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Rust-Oleum 280123 Farm & Implement Spray Paint, 12 oz, Gloss Black
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2 Pack 2 Inch Ratchet Straps Heavy Duty 20ft
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Ratcheting Chain Binders
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Heavy Duty Clevis Grab Hook for 5/16 Inch Grade 70 Chain
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Reese Towpower 74177 Wheel Bearing Protector
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Thanks to @RiverForged on IG for help with the thumbnails!

00:00 - Assess the trailer's condition
00:22 - The tires are rotten
00:58 - Inspect the suspension and hubs
01:19 - Grease the Hubs
01:42 - Planning how to reinforce the ramps
04:39 - Cutting Cross Bars
06:34 - Weld Prep
06:51 - Slight of hand?
07:33 - Paint Marker
08:16 - More Weld Prep
09:27 - Welding the Ramp Cross Bars
09:39 - Broken welding helmet -Quick Fix
10:07 - Welding Plastic
10:47 - Back to Welding Steel
13:38 - Protecting the Fresh Welds
14:10 - Tie-downs
16:14 - New Tires are here
17:11 - Torquing the lug nuts
18:07 - Secret weapon for checking the lights