Can't say I've seen very many 'homemade' modifications that have worked very well outside of specific one time uses (trailers excluded). Usually the level of input/engineering just doesn't make the grade, either in the aesthetic department, functionality, or sometimes both combined. Although 45ACPKING, if you painted up your waterproof can, it'd probably defy what I just said
I've used a variety of aftermarket items with great success. Saw holders, metal baskets, hitch mounted carry all's, to name a few. While they all did cost a few bucks, the low cash investment (to me) was worth it for the time I saved for design, trial, rework (if needed), paint, etc. Example being the saw holder. I'm certain I've the ability to build one. I've the tools, capacity and will to do it, but I'd likely have a full weekend of work into it to arrive at the same product functionality, fitment, and appearance wise. I'd also bet I'd have half the investment ($25-30 vs the $60 I paid for it) into it for materials, and I'd be out a weekend of my time. It can be done, but for the little cost these can be had for, I'd rather pay a little more, modify it if I have to, and get on enjoying it. Not all things are like that, but sometimes you just don't have the time to frig with it, you just want it to work.
I've seen a variety of home-made trailers, some working better than others. One I've come to be a fan of is the tilt/dump trailers with the ABS buckets, usually at Canadian tire or the like for about $600. They tilt, have nice big fat low pressure tires for weight distribution, good ground clearance, will take a good load (maybe not a whole moose at once, but half of it), are easy to tow, good tongue length for tight turns and are a fairly light weight.
This is what I work with. Great for fun, for work, for camp, or towing kido's about.
