Trailer Modifications and Upfits from Your Own Workshop

Landscapers, tradespeople, small farms, hobbyists and owners of used trailers who need them adapted for a specific job.

A quoted price per job covering parts and labor, often with a markup on materials. Repeat work comes from the same contractors and farms.

• Welding and basic metalwork
• Measuring and fitting parts
• Estimating jobs honestly

• Check whether your city or county needs a home occupation permit for workshop work, and whether noise and sparks are allowed
• General liability insurance, and check how a home policy treats business activity
• Major changes to a trailer's frame, axles or brakes may affect its safety rating or registration, so check state DMV rules
• Welding and grinding fire and eye safety, and storing customers' trailers on your property
• Check your state's rules on sales tax for parts and labor

Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on the tools and workshop setup you already have. This is an estimate, and it is a lower-cost way into trailer work than building complete trailers.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on how many jobs you take on and how you price them. These are estimates, and results will vary with your local demand and your hours.

Check whether your city or county needs a home occupation permit and whether noise and sparks are allowed. Major changes to a trailer's frame, axles or brakes may affect its safety rating or registration, so check state DMV rules and insurance.