45 Year OLD Range Trailer!

Published on July 13, 2020
Duration: 7:38

This video details Jerry Miculek's process of building a custom shooting range trailer from salvaged materials. Key modifications include adapting an old boat trailer axle for larger tires and fabricating a fan system for improved air quality and temperature control on the range. The trailer is designed to carry rifle-rated steel targets, enhancing the shooting experience.

Quick Summary

Jerry Miculek's custom shooting range trailer is built from salvaged materials, including galvanized pipe and an old boat trailer axle. Key modifications include adapting the axle for 15-inch tires and installing a fan system for lead mitigation and temperature control, enhancing the shooting experience and safety on the range.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Old Trailer
  2. 00:31Building the Trailer Frame from Scrap
  3. 01:01Evolution from Mud Boat to Target Trailer
  4. 01:38Fabricating Fenders from Salvaged Metal
  5. 01:49Modifying Axle for 15-inch Tires
  6. 02:31Incorporating Rifle Rated Steel
  7. 02:40The Importance of the Fan System
  8. 03:03Fan for Lead Mitigation and Air Quality
  9. 03:20Exhaust System Design
  10. 03:52Custom Fan Cage and Pivot Stand
  11. 04:07Fan Airflow Demonstration
  12. 04:53Fan Performance at Idle
  13. 05:42Increasing Fan Speed
  14. 06:42Fan Airflow at a Distance
  15. 07:07Trailer Walkaround and Cost Breakdown
  16. 07:20Trailer's Longevity and Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

How can a shooting range trailer improve the shooting experience?

A shooting range trailer, like the one built by Jerry Miculek, can significantly enhance the shooting experience by providing a mobile platform for targets and essential equipment. A key feature is a fan system that offers crucial lead mitigation by directing airborne lead particles away from the shooter and also provides temperature control in hot weather, making extended range sessions more comfortable.

What materials were used to build Jerry Miculek's custom shooting range trailer?

Jerry Miculek's custom shooting range trailer was primarily constructed from salvaged materials. This includes galvanized pipe from chain-link fences for the frame, an axle assembly from an old 1960s boat trailer, and scrap metal from bleachers for the cage and fenders. The fan system was adapted from an industrial fan, powered by a small engine.

How was the trailer modified to accommodate larger tires?

To fit larger 15-inch tires instead of the original 12-inch ones, the trailer's wheel hubs were modified. This involved cutting off the original 5-lug Ford rim faces and welding custom flat plates with the correct bolt pattern and spindle hole onto the existing 4-lug axle spindles. This modification increases ground clearance and improves the trailer's ability to navigate rough terrain.

What are the benefits of a fan system on a shooting range trailer?

A fan system on a shooting range trailer serves two primary purposes. Firstly, it provides essential lead mitigation by creating airflow that directs airborne lead particles away from the shooter's breathing zone. Secondly, it offers significant comfort by circulating air and reducing the perceived temperature, making it more bearable to practice in hot and humid conditions.

More Gunsmithing & DIY Videos You Might Like

More from Lena Miculek - Trigger Tribe

View all →