Build Your Own Trailer Kit Uk? Top 107 Best Answers

Most people with reasonable mechanical aptitude, access to a welder, some basic tools, and a sense of adventure would have no problem building a trailer. You must of course be able to work your way through drawings, measure and cut steel and most importantly be able to make solid welds with good penetration. If you can do these things and have access to a suitable workspace (shed/garage would be great) then it’s a great project and very satisfying to complete. We’re always available to answer your questions along the way.

Have you ever wondered how to set up and build a trailer frame? look no more. We’ll cover you.

Trailers can be expensive. So it’s not really surprising that there are so many people out there considering the idea of ​​building their own trailer frames.

On this page we want to walk you through some of the things you need to know about building your own trailer frame.

So how to set up and build a trailer frame? To set up and build your own trailer frame, you need to follow the steps below:

– Structure of the perimeter

– Add the support beams

– Cutting the trailer tongue supports

– Attaching the Trailer Tongue Beams

– Attachment of the trailer hitch connector

– Weld the Trailer Tongue Beams to the Trailer Support

– Structure of the trailer cage

– Structure of the tailgate

– Cover the trailer with metal paneling

– Fastening of the axles

Keep in mind that on this page we can only give you an overview of how you should set up and build a trailer frame.

When you receive a plan for your trailer frame, you should always read the plan’s detailed instructions. So you can be sure that everything is done correctly.

How to set up and build a trailer frame

First and foremost, you should never build a trailer frame without a plan. You can do it later once you know what you’re doing.

However, if you are new to trailer frame design then this is a massive no. You will do things wrong.

So before proceeding, you need to make sure you have a decent plan for your follower. You can think of this as “step one”.

Step 1: Building the Perimeter

The first step in any trailer build is to build the perimeter. These are the four outer parts of the pendant. These are often fairly hefty pieces of metal.

Again, make sure you check the trailer schedule.

Cut a 45 degree angle at the end of each of the perimeter pieces of metal. This allows you to plug everything together.

When everything is snapped together, weld everything together. Make sure there is no slippage here. You don’t want your trailer chassis to be misaligned.

Step 2: Add the support beams

You can now cut some support beams that span the width of the trailer.

In theory, you can use as many support beams as you like. However, this will only add extra weight to the trailer. We suggest you cut up two of these instead.

The support beams should fit fairly snugly, so make sure you measure them accurately.

The best placement for the support beams is about a quarter of the way up from each side of the trailer. Again, measure carefully here.

Once you’ve slotted the support beams in place you can weld them.

Step 3: Cutting the Trailer Tongue Supports

You need two pieces of metal for the trailer drawbar. Again, this should be the same metal you used for the rest of the pendant.

Each piece of metal should be 4.5 feet long. Do not shorten it, otherwise the trailer will not have enough clearance when turning the vehicle.

Frame & Tongue Layout – Urban Logging Trailer Build >> Check out the video below:

Step 4: Attaching the Trailer Tongue Beams

This is where you need to consult the plans you will use to build your trailer. Because the way you attach the trailer drawbar to the support beams of your trailer is different.

In most cases you will need to cut out various notches on the support beams and tongue beams. The plans should give you the exact pattern for doing this.

The plans should also go into great detail about the best places to attach the trailer tongue to the trailer chassis mount.

Step 5: Attaching the hitch connector

This is something you have to buy yourself. You cannot make a trailer hitch connection.

The trailer tongue, of course, needs to fit between the two pieces of metal you cut to support the tongue.

You’ll need to cut more notches on these to accommodate the trailer tongue. Again, you’ll need to consult the plans for your trailer to know exactly what to cut here.

The trailer drawbar must be screwed on. You shouldn’t weld it. If you do this it will weaken the steel.

Since the tongue will bounce up and down quite a bit, your pendant just won’t work properly if the steel is weakened.

Also read: Trailer Wiring Diagrams: 19 Tips for Towing Electrical Wiring

Step 6: Weld the Trailer Tongue Beams onto the Trailer Support

You now need to go back and weld the trailer tongue onto the trailer support. It is important that this is a solid weld.

If this is not the case, the tongue can fall off while riding.

Step 7: Building the Trailer Cage

This part should be easy as pie. You are about to build a metal box onto the trailer frame.

You need to start with four support beams that are the desired height of the trailer. These must be attached to the corners of the trailer support and face up.

You then need to build a metal frame to attach them to. This should be the same size as the base of the pendant.

However, you don’t need to add support beams in the middle. If so, then you really couldn’t add anything to your trailer.

Weld everything together.

Step 8: Tailgate Assembly

You now need to build a door for the back of the vehicle. This is your tailgate.

You need to build a metal rectangle that will fit in the back joists.

Don’t weld this in though. Instead, you must connect one side with strong door hinges. The opposite side should be a lock of any description.

Step 9: Cover the Trailer with Metal Cladding

Now you need to get metal sheets (sometimes called metal mesh) and cut them to size. You should make sure that each open side of the trailer is covered with this metal trim.

You can use plywood to line the bottom of the trailer. However, we do not recommend doing this. The problem with plywood is that it’s weak.

This means your trailer will have a fairly low towing capacity.

You should use bolts or screws to hold the fairing in place. You shouldn’t weld it in place. This weakens the frame even more.

Step 10: Attaching the Axles

The final step is to attach the axles and wheels to your vehicle.

Again, you won’t be able to build your own axles. Well, at least not if you’re new to trailer building. You can buy quality axles online.

It’s important that you check the maximum weight for any axle you buy to ensure it’s up to the task. You should also make sure that the axles are road legal.

With the axes you get some clasps. Use these brackets to attach the axles to the frame. Follow the instructions in your axes manual if you are not sure what to do.

The final task is to attach the wheels to the axles. Once that’s done, you’re ready to roll.

We recommend that you road test the trailer frame before loading it with weights. That way you can be sure it won’t just fall apart.

How do you build a trailer frame without welding?

It is recommended that you build a trailer frame without using a welder. However, if you absolutely do not want to weld to your trailer frame, there is an option available to you.

This consists of using a combination of bolts and angled metal brackets to join the trailer together.

Surprisingly, this will be a lot more hassle than just using a welder to connect everything. This is because you have to drill multiple holes for each mount you attach.

These holes have to be just the right size for the screws or everything will shake.

If you’re trying to build a trailer frame without welding, make sure you check the bolts on the trailer regularly.

They can become loose over time, which of course can cause your pendant to fall apart. We’re sure you wouldn’t want this to happen right down the street, would you?

How To Build A Trailer Frame Without Welding >> Check Out The Video Below:

Trailer frame steel thickness

Any trailer plans you follow should tell you exactly the width of trailer frame steel you need to use. In most cases it is 2″ x 4″ x 1/8″ rectangular steel.

We wouldn’t really go below that.

If you do this chances are your trailer frame won’t be able to support the weight you want, which of course will never be a good thing!

Remember, steel is tough, but it’s only tough if it has a decent thickness behind it.

trailer frame material

First and foremost, you should never use wood when building a trailer frame chassis. We know there are some people who use wood. After all, it’s cheap.

The problem is that wood is not that strong at all. It will break sooner rather than later.

This means if you are looking for material for a trailer frame chassis it should always be metal.

aluminum

Most people these days build their trailers out of aluminum. This is because the trailer will be outside quite a bit and aluminum is pretty good at keeping rust at bay.

However, you must ensure that the aluminum is treated properly. Never use “raw” aluminum without a protective coating.

Aluminum also has the benefit of being incredibly light while being fairly strong. This means it can carry a fairly significant amount of weight.

The only major downside to aluminum is the fact that it’s very, very expensive to buy.

aluminum alloy

Aluminum alloy is similar to aluminum. However, it’s a bit harder and more rust-resistant because it contains a few extra metals.

However, remember that aluminum alloys will be more expensive than aluminum.

steel

Steel will be the cheapest metal you can buy for your trailer. It will also be the toughest and strongest material you can buy for your trailer.

So if you want to build a durable trailer chassis, then steel is the way down.

The main disadvantage is that steel will be much heavier than all other materials. It will also rust if you don’t treat it properly.

If you are purchasing steel, we strongly recommend that you use galvanized steel for your project.

Trailer frame chassis

As we have said before, it is important that you use a chassis plan if you plan to build a trailer frame chassis.

You should never plan to build your own chassis as there is a chance you will not reinforce the trailer frame in the right places.

If you’re looking for a chassis plan for a trailer frame, you need to make sure you get the frame plan from a reputable source.

Don’t just get a random plan online. Make sure the product you choose has been extensively tested.

If there are pictures of the plan in action or under construction then you know that the trailer frame plan went beyond the theoretical side of things.

Don’t forget to also consider the weight you want to carry when building your trailer frame chassis.

Plans should tell you roughly how much weight the chassis can support. Note, however, that this number may vary a bit depending on the materials you plan to use.

DIY trailer plans and blueprints

Below are some trailer schematics and blueprints:

Build your own trailer kit

Homemade Utility Trailer (Build Your Own Trailer Kit) >> Watch the video below:

Frequently asked questions about adjusting the trailer frame

Let’s close this page on setting up and building a trailer frame with answers to some of your most frequently asked questions about it!

How do you stiffen a trailer frame?

A sistering process call is the best option for stiffening a trailer frame. With this method, you essentially bolt more steel onto the trailer frame. They double the metal.

This will help stiffen the trailer a lot. If you built the trailer out of wood you can use the same process by doubling over the wood.

What kind of welder do I need to build a trailer?

Most people prefer to use a stick welder when building a trailer. However, you shouldn’t have any problems if you decide to use a MIG welder instead.

The main reason people prefer stick welders is that they are a bit easier to use.

Where is it forbidden to weld on a trailer?

You should not weld in places on the trailer that are heavily stressed by the weight.

The one area you absolutely shouldn’t weld on a trailer is the trailer tongue.

If you weld here, the steel will be weakened. This means that sooner or later the trailer drawbar will fail.

Also Read: Does Welding A Vehicle or Truck Frame Weaken? Is it safe?

How do you certify a homebuilt trailer?

When you build your trailer, you must keep receipts for the materials and components used in construction.

To certify a homebuilt trailer, you must then take the trailer to a certified weigh station for weighing. Once you have this information at hand, you need to go to the DMV and fill out some forms. You will then get the title for your trailer.

It is now fully certified.

How can I increase the capacity of my trailer?

In order to increase the capacity of your trailer, you need to strengthen each area of ​​the trailer.

Pay special attention to the axles and wheels of the trailer. You can also add additional beams to the trailer’s frame for added strength.

How can I make my trailer higher?

Placing the hangers above the axles is probably the best way to increase the height of your trailer.

Alternatively, you can just buy larger wheels. These add a couple of inches to the height.

Conclusion

Keep in mind that this is just an overview of how you should set up and build a trailer frame.

We suggest you do a little more research if you plan to tackle the project yourself.

This includes trying to come up with some blueprints for your trailer frame. This will help ensure everything is built perfectly.

Don’t forget that you will need to keep the receipts for your materials if you plan to register the trailer with the DMV!

references

http://www.instructables.com/A-Homemade-Trailer-That-Is-Bolted-Together/

https://www.wikihow.com/Build-Trailers

Where is it forbidden to weld on a trailer?

You should not weld in places on the trailer that are heavily stressed by the weight. The one area you absolutely shouldn’t weld on a trailer is the trailer tongue.

Continue reading

Related

What should be included in a game trailer? There is an announcement trailer which is short, has more cutscenes than gameplay, little text and minimal call to action. Aims to inspire people. For more of the game, positive reviews, and strong calls-to-action, check out the launch trailer. Depending on how many animated scenes there are.

Is a welder a good investment?

If you want to experience life in unique cultures while earning an income, welding is an ideal career for you. Since welding processes are similar around the world and there is a need for qualified welders in most countries, it is easy to get jobs abroad. In this context, what parts do I need to build a trailer? Most designs consist of a bed, hitch, “tongue” (the wedge shape extending from the front), an axle with wheels, taillights, and a license plate frame. Many of the multi-purpose trailer components (drawbar, hitch, axle, jack and taillights) can be purchased fully assembled, making construction easier.

Can you TIG weld a trailer?

How do you turn it into a self-made utility trailer?

Related

What can I weld and sell? 55 welding project ideas can be used to build or sell a home. There is a rustic plant vase. The project included welded portraits. There is a wine bottle holder. There is a corner desk. There are welding projects. The idea is for a flower project. Firewood Storage Cart. There is a set of stairs. Welding is one of the highest-paying trades in the country, with a median starting salary of over $40,000 per year. It is an accessible career as you need a high school degree to start learning the trade.

So how much does a welding truck cost?

On average, you will need between 10,000 and 30,000 US dollars, depending on the initial situation. However, the tools can be incredibly expensive, and the truck just piles thousands of dollars on top. Not great if you don’t have a lot of savings. Regardless, you need to know how much it will cost you. Is a dual necessary for a welding system?

If you have a smartphone, download the Craigs Lists app. It will notify you when an ad matching your search criteria is posted. That’s how I bought my mig welder, acetylene torch, M416, jeep and damn nearly every aftermarket part on my jeep. The key is to be the first to react and show up with cash in hand. I paid $350 for a near new Lincoln 220v MIG welder. It was still in the box with all the papers and extras that originally came with it. I always run about 10 searches and reply to those that are good offers. My goal is always to either buy cheap enough to sell immediately if needed, or buy good quality used stuff for the price of cheaper new stuff. Just a suggestion. ETA…. Christmas time is a good time to find things on Craig’s list. Many people sell their expensive toys that they rarely use to fund the children’s Christmas. Now if only I could find a good deal on a plasma cutter. Sooner or later I will

I have a great trailer, but it feels a little pliable, maybe even rickety. . . How can I reinforce a trailer frame? how can i fix it

It’s not uncommon to repurpose a trailer or find a reason for a trailer frame that needs a new lease of life. And some trailers just feel a little wobbly, so let’s look at ways to stiffen and strengthen a trailer frame.

Where to start

First, let’s make sure we’re in the right place. There are two distinct needs for greater strength or stiffness. The most common is a pendant that is flexible or feels a little wobbly. On the other hand, the loading capacity should be increased. Both are required to reinforce a trailer frame, but the approaches are different.

A trailer that feels flexible can be a frame that’s being repurposed or a bolted-together design that’s seen hard miles. Or it could be an inexpensive trailer that folds up. Whatever the source, it now feels underdesigned. In this article we look at aspects of stiffening to reinforce a trailer frame. A trailer that needs more cargo capacity might be tough for its current capacity, but now you want more. If you require more capacity, please see Increasing Trailer Load Capacity.

Please note: sometimes the two buff needs get mixed up, so we recommend reading both articles.

Two related reinforcement requirements are to make a trailer longer or wider. Changing the existing configuration is different than just reinforcing or stiffening, but they are related. Follow the links to the respective articles.

Reinforcement for reinforcing a trailer frame

Rickety and Wangly are some fun words to describe something that doesn’t feel solid all things considered. These words don’t mean falling apart, although something falling apart certainly feels wobbly or wobbly. The solution to trailers falling apart is to put them back together – tightening bolts and/or repairing broken welds.

On the other hand, it’s a reason to reinforce a trailer frame, just to make something feel more solid. After fixing the broken or loose things, we examine other areas to reinforce and strengthen them. This article is about making the pendant feel stronger or more solid when it’s all together. A good background read is the article on using the right materials for different parts of the trailer frame. Also, read about the safety factor when choosing trailer frame materials.

By the way: If you are building a new trailer, install generous reinforcements. It pays for itself later when you use it. Our trailer plans contain several stiffening elements to strengthen a trailer frame and we encourage you to think about this when building a trailer frame. This is especially true if your trailer will be transporting something really important like a tiny house.

corners and intersections

Typically, the bolted joints are the most flexible part of the trailer frame. Next come the corners or intersections of the beams. If the bend is in the beams themselves, change direction and read about increasing capacity.

The trailer can be bent to determine which areas need reinforcement. Test it out by jumping up and down on a corner of the trailer and see if ONE corner moves a lot more than the others. Or, maybe, if you jump on one, the opposite corner moves a lot. This is a trailer that needs stiffening.

Reinforcement of the trailer frame corners is the first step to a more rigid trailer. And as shown in the picture, one corner may not be a real sharp corner. This image shows a gusset plate installation on a beveled corner. This gusset mounts to the underside of the frame (it is shown upside down) as it also serves to support the recessed deck.

The next place to look is at the intersection of beams such as cross beams. The addition of supports on key cross members significantly strengthens and strengthens a trailer frame. Another intersection is where the tongue mounts into the frame. You don’t have to reinforce everyone, but definitely those that bring extra pressure or stress.

Gusset plates and angle braces to reinforce a trailer frame

If you like building, gussets and angle braces are great friends. They come in hundreds of varieties, and they all reinforce and stiffen corners and intersections. They are excellent for trailer frames and are also necessary to avoid gantry crane failures. Use them to stiffen things and reinforce corners.

Here are some styles with some info on where they work best.

Flat plate

The first incarnation is the simple flat steel plate stiffening the corners. These are “horizontal flat gussets” that add lateral strength to the frame.

Normally they are cut with 45° ends to weld in, but adjust the angle to suit your needs.

Best Use: Short spans and tight spaces.

Flanged flat gusset

The flat horizontal gusset is great when your trailer is bolted together but requires strength in the connection. Choose this because you can easily make a gusset with screw-in flanges. These stiffen a corner drastically.

Best Use: Bolt-Together Pendant.

Flat vertical gusset

This second flat option is similar but places the gusset vertically. This gives more ‘torsional’ rigidity to the trailer frame connection. “Vertical gussets” like these provide much of the lateral stiffness of a horizontal gusset, but also add a little more torsional stiffness.

It’s also easy to make such a bolt-on mount by adding bolt tabs at each end, but bolting negates some of the extra stiffening by twisting.

Best Use: Short span and welded constructions.

L angle gusset

A third type uses “L-Bar” (commonly “angle iron”) to achieve rigidity with a combination of the above two options. The big benefit is that the L-shape makes the gusset itself stiffer, allowing for a longer gusset or slightly thinner material. However, it is not that easy to screw on.

Best Use: Longer spans, stiffer than flat.

pipe gusset

And a fourth type is a closed cross-section beam that imparts rigidity in two directions as well as in torsion. This is a combination of all of the above plus some.

If you have a choice and want a lot of money to stiffen and strengthen a trailer frame, weld in such gussets. Use square, rectangular, or round tubing.

Best Use: Longer spans and maximum added rigidity. Also thinner tube material for the same strength.

crossbeams and beams

The beams of the frame also add to the rigidity. Not only the main beams, but also the cross beams. They carry vertical loads and they carry a torque load when the forces are uneven. That’s one aspect of how stiff a trailer is when bouncing up and down in a turn. All frames flex a little, and that’s okay, but it shouldn’t be much.

Each beam shape (profile) has a purpose. To increase torque capacity, add tubes as cross members – rectangular or round. These are sometimes called torque tubes because they transfer torque from one main side beam to the other.

Note that round tube cross members are not as easy to connect – such as bolting down the bed material. Similar sized squares give nearly the same torsional stiffening effect.

Finally, continuous sides (especially when welded) reinforce a trailer frame.

Welding vs Screwing

It may be obvious, but the greatest stiffening effect for a trailer frame comes from welding rather than bolting – especially when reinforced with some gusset plates. Screwing is good for disassembling and it is easier to assemble. However, often the only reason for bolting is shipping prior to assembly. If the only reason for the bolts is to get it to you, then weld it.

Yes, welding means removing paint and then repainting. The decision to do this comes down to how much you want stiffness and strength. However, as mentioned above, welding is not the only way.

Bolt-on gussets increase both strength and rigidity. So if you don’t want to weld, add some bolt-on reinforcements. See above for some easy bolting gusset ideas. A great example of a strong bolted gusset is also the picture from this blog about his project.

Bolting requires some extra thought and common sense to get it right. Sometimes it’s best to weld some areas and bolt others.

fold trailer

The folding trailers, sold through retailers like Harbor Freight, have been popular for years. They fill a slight niche in the market with an inexpensive, functional product. As much as people love them, they’re also the target of many complaints about stiffness.

With these collapsible trailers, there is often a need to reinforce a trailer frame. Harbor Freight type trailers aren’t bad when they’re new, but after a little use they usually get a bit rickety. See above about bolting and welding.

Note: According to someone on Bogleheads.org, Harbor Freight folding trailers are no longer available. Interestingly, at the time of writing, Northern Tool folding trailers also do not appear to be available. If you have inside information, let us know why. That seems to be a niche that needs to be filled.

Reinforce the collapsible trailer

To get the most bang for the buck to reinforce a collapsible trailer frame like the one above, do these things. Follow or skip the steps that make sense for the feature you want:

1st and Easiest – Install a new plywood plank and tighten all the screws. The rubber is a very effective gusset when it is firm and secure. Thicker plywood gives more rigidity. Use washers on the plywood for better clamping (so the screw head isn’t just pulled into the wood).

2. Add gussets. If you bolt them, use the second type of gusset as above. When you are ready to weld, do the fourth type.

3. When you are ready to weld, weld all the joints – except the fold joints (if you want to keep the fold function). Welds not involved in folding do not affect the folding function, but stiffen and strengthen the trailer. When you’re done, you can still fold it, you just can’t take it apart.

3. If you do NOT want to weld, tighten the screws. If they don’t already have them, use Nylock or other locking fasteners. Maybe even add some screws if you see good places for them.

4. If you don’t need the folding feature, weld stiffeners (like metal strips) above and below the seams, extending at least 16 inches on either side of the seam. The folding hinges are a major source of “rattle” on these collapsible trailers. The other possibility is to screw the joints better.

5. Permanently attach the sides and make them continuous from front to back. This strengthens both the trailer frame and the sides.

Good luck strengthening your trailer frame!

Do you see the whole asphalt surface? In a typical year you see a lot less of it. But as we’ve all seen since last March, nothing is typical anymore.

A lot has changed in the past year and the trailer industry is no different. When buying a trailer, chances are you’ll have trouble finding exactly what you’re looking for, have to wait longer than you’d like, or pay more for it.

We can assure you; we don’t like it either!

Apparently every month we get notifications from our manufacturers that their prices are going up. Again. It’s not because they want to raise prices, but they have no choice. The increases come from their suppliers of steel, wood, and other commonly used parts like air conditioners, awnings, generators, and more. It’s a chain reaction of the 2020 Covid-19 shutdowns and China tariffs.

US Steel closed many of its blast furnaces last April, and while some reopened later that summer, others — like the one in Gary, Indiana, which is right in the heart of trailer country — didn’t reopen until December. The result was a full-year net loss of $920 million for U.S. Steel

The US forest industry shut down sawmills as furniture sales plummeted 66 percent last April, and tariffs imposed by the US-China trade war have both pushed up prices and reduced timber harvesting and production.

Given the shortage of steel and lumber, trailer sales haven’t slowed. Couple this with a booming RV industry, with cooped-up families looking for safe travel options, and a skyrocketing housing market — new homes cost an average of $4,600 more in October than they did when the pandemic began — and the picture is getting clearer as to why prices are rising given so many Industries compete for limited supply and limited labor.

That was a quick and generalized overview of the current reality, but it all depends on supply and demand. We absolutely hate turning down potential customers or telling them we can’t get them what they want, when they want it, at the price they want. We’ve always been known as the custom trailer dealer who could turn our customers’ dreams – no matter how wild – into a reality.

Now manufacturer delivery times are double, triple or more what they used to be! Some manufacturers don’t even make specific types of trailers right now, and most prioritize off-the-shelf models that they can make and ship quickly, simply to meet demand. That means custom options are even harder to come by. So if you can get by with a basic trailer with standard features, you have a much better chance of getting it sooner. If you need an adjustment, be prepared to wait even longer.

While our property looks painfully bare, we currently have more trailers on order than we have ever had at one time. They’ll be arriving in waves over the next few months, so give us a call even if you can’t find what you’re looking for in our online inventory. If we’ve ordered it, we’re happy to pre-sell it to you, so it’s yours as soon as it arrives.

We also look for used trailers and accept trade-ins. So if you are looking to sell or upgrade a trailer please do not hesitate to contact us.

Like everyone, we are adapting during the pandemic and working to address the challenges our industry is facing. It’s not just limited to our dealers or the trailer industry, but we continue to remain competitive without overwhelming our customers. When suppliers raise their prices, manufacturers have to raise theirs, which means we have to raise ours too or we won’t be in business for long.

We will never take advantage of the customer, but we want you to know what’s going on in the industry so you can make an informed decision. As supply chain issues result in product shortages and longer lead times, there is more buyer competition for the limited product.

We’re working on a plan that will allow you to be put on a waiting list to be the first to know when the trailer you’re looking for arrives. In the meantime, we invite you to review our real-time inventory or give us a call at 630-524-2029 to see if we have what you need.

FAQ

How hard is it to build your own trailer?

To build your own trailer, you must be able to accurately measure, cut, and weld steel. Our trailer plans are very easy to follow; however, some experience reading manufacturing drawings is preferred but not essential.

Please note that every country and city has different (and sometimes conflicting) road rules and trailer registration requirements. Please ensure you follow the road and registration regulations in your area. Also note that some regions have regulations that require trailers of a certain load capacity to be inspected prior to registration. Please see below for more information.

How do I get my trailer approved?

The licensing process is slightly different in every state in Australia but is usually a straightforward and painless process.

You must affix a manufacturer’s plate giving general information about the trailer including capacity, manufacturer, date of manufacture and wheel size etc. and request a VIN number from your local registration department. In some states you can do this online.

Additional information relevant to your state can be found in the following sources.

Western Australia

South Australia

Victoria

NSW

Queensland

Australian Capital Territory

Northern Territory

What is included in the plans?

All of our trailer plans include a series of “General Arrangement” drawings that outline the main assembly and each sub-assembly it contains. For example, our hydraulic tipping trailer plans include a lower chassis with its own set of drawings and general layout, an upper chassis with its own set of drawings and general layout, etc. for everything to be made within this set of trailer plans, including the toolbox!

The “General Arrangement” also catalogs and labels all the parts you will need. Each of the parts of the build has a separate drawing that includes all the cut dimensions, hole details and all other relevant information you need for a successful build. Our plans also include a bill of materials detailing all cut lengths and material quantities, which is useful for inventorying and ordering parts.

Most importantly, all of our plans come with a helpful teaching aid. This help provides a comprehensive explanation of the terminology, abbreviations and symbols you will see on our plans. We are providing this document to enable and train the fabricator to read and navigate the plans at their own pace.

Standard on all our plans is the inclusion of .DXF files for each sheet metal and sheet metal part. These come in handy if you plan to have your parts cut at a fabrication shop. We accompany you every step of the way. Everyone who buys our plans gets helpful email support at every stage of your build if you need it. We’ll even help you source the parts and materials you need.

What do I use the .DXF files for?

The .DXF files included with each sheet set can be used by fabricators to laser cut, profile cut, or waterjet cut the sheet metal and plate parts for your build. If you’re not ready (or don’t have the time) to cut your own parts, a fabrication shop can be very helpful. Having them manufacture your parts can be both cost and time effective. Plus, you have the luxury of working with precision, machine-cut parts, which can really boost the quality of a homemade trailer.

You can view the .DXF files using free software such as DXF Viewer or Autodesk Design Review.

What axis do I need?

Your choice of axle is determined by the capacity of your trailer and the type of wheel you choose. You can use your wheel dimensions and hub offset to determine axle size, length, and brake specs. Once you’ve selected your wheels, use the axle selection chart below to get the exact axle dimensions you need.

Our axle selection table is included with all trailer plans and can also be downloaded here free of charge as a PDF.

Do I need to install brakes on my trailer?

If your trailer weighs less than 750kg ATM (total mass including load), most countries do not require brakes on your trailer. However, if you need to (or simply decide to fit) brakes on your trailer, it’s a good idea to check with your local road or motor vehicle authority in your area. You can help ensure that your brakes comply with their standards and regulations.

How much does it cost to build a trailer?

The cost of specific constructions can vary widely depending on local steel prices. If you’re building for the first time, you also need to consider the tools you already have and the new tools you need to buy.

Each of our plans includes a detailed Bill of Materials (BoM) that is used to price and order the material needed. However, before you order any material, it’s a good idea to shop around and show your bill of materials to different suppliers to see where you can get the best deal.

What tools do I need?

A set of general metalworking tools, reliable safety gear and a welder are generally all that is required to build most of our trailer plans. Below are some typical workshop tools that you will also need.

✗ 8m tape measure

✗ Protective gear and welding helmet

✗ 5 inch angle grinder

✗ Cordless drill or pistol drill

✗ A collection of F-clamps or G-clamps

✗ Combination square

✗ 2ft. square

✗ Engineering chalk

✗ Welding machine

Where can I get information or help during my build?

You can contact us at any time during your construction. We are happy to offer assistance with fabrication, welding and even reading our plans.

If you’re looking for the casual welding and fabrication tips, check out these great resources below. They’re great for learning new tricks or just brushing up on your existing skills.

Weldingtipsandtricks.com offers a wide range of welding instructional videos for all welding processes.

Some very handy general fabrication and welding tips on Advantagefabricatedmetals.com

diymetalfabrication.com has a good selection of useful fabrication tips and resources

How do I download the DXF files for my plans?

If you have purchased our plans and need the DXF files, you can download them from our DXF files page.

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If you no longer wish to see our advertising on Facebook, please visit our opt-out page.

An exterior of a home from Clayton Homes

One of the biggest advantages of buying a prefab home is the short construction and delivery process. Manufacturers can build a prefab house in their factories in two to seven days. New homeowners can move into their newly delivered home just four months after placing the order with their client.

“There are many factors that affect the timeframe from a customer signing a purchase agreement to having a manufactured home ready to move into – permitting, financing and site preparation to name a few,” said Mark Bowersox, EVP, Industry Relations at the Manufactured Housing Institute ( MHI).

Delivery time may also vary depending on the level of complexity and customization of the home, the home builder’s backlog, and weather conditions at the job site. It usually takes about four months from ordering the house to moving in. “But the actual build time to build a prefab house at the factory is just a few days,” says Bowersox.

“Design efficiency is a major benefit of the factory building process,” Bowersox continues. “In prefab factories, the house moves along a planned path while specialized craftsmen carry out each step. There are no delays in finding suitable subcontractors or craftsmen prioritizing other jobs.

“Craftsmen, tools and materials are provided where appropriate to maximize efficiency,” adds Bowersox. “There are no scattered tools and random piles of materials that often slow down site construction. Unlike traditional on-site construction methods, building materials are stored indoors until needed. This eliminates waste from sun fading, mold, rot and material theft. It also allows a prefab builder to inventory consumables and materials, so if materials or equipment are damaged, replacements are available right on site.”

In addition, Bowersox says, “All prefab homes are built to a federal building code, eliminating design and construction variances required when building to state and local building codes. Eliminating these variances and adjustments saves time and money on every home build.”

Construction times for prefabricated houses

Step one: choice

Time: As long as you need

Your first step is to find a piece of land on which to build your home. Be sure to check zoning and state restrictions regarding manufactured homes before purchasing land. Have a property survey and soil analysis carried out.

Next you need to choose a manufacturer. The manufacturer can help you with site selection and site preparation, and will likely inspect the site to ensure it is a safe place to build your home. You then have to choose the model and floor plan you want to live in. Discuss any upgrades and customizations you would like to include with your builder.

Of course, you also have to arrange the financing. Manufactured homes are likely to qualify for similar financing terms as traditional site-built homes.

Step Two: The Manufacturing Process

Duration: Two days to five weeks

First, the base frame, floor or deck of the prefab house is constructed on a horizontal bed using steel girders and joists. Typically, floor joists are 16 feet long and I-beams are located at 2 feet and 14 feet rather than at the perimeter of the unit.

HVAC, electrical, and plumbing lines are then routed through the joists, and batting or spray insulation is placed between the members. Subfloors and finished laminate, tile, or hardwood floors are installed, and the furnace and water heater are installed.

External and internal walls are mounted in separate areas. Exterior walls are constructed on a flat surface using 2×4 or 2×6 timber studs spaced 16 inches on center with conventional top and bottom panels, window and door headers, and siding. The walls are then raised using a crane, nailed to the floor joists and secured with metal hurricane straps. Insulation and interior drywall are added. Non-structural interior walls mounted in a different area often use 2×3 studs placed on 24-inch centers.

The roof is assembled with trusses 24 inches on center and outer skin. Interior ceiling drywall is attached and painted. Moisture barriers are added and insulation is blown into the cavity.

Cladding and siding are applied to exterior walls, tile or asphalt roofing is added, and windows and doors are installed. Finally, appliances, plumbing fixtures, electrical connections, TV/telephone jacks and lighting fixtures are assembled. The carpet is laid and the interior work is completed.

Step Three: Site Preparation

Duration: A few days to a few months

While your prefab home is being built at the factory, you or your fabricator will need to obtain building permits and have the site and foundation inspected. The site must be cleared and leveled, drainage must be considered, a foundation system must be installed, and utility lines must be brought to the site.

Step 4: Home delivery and installation

Time: Three weeks to four weeks

After completion, the house is transported to the site by truck and fixed to the foundation. For double width (or larger) homes, the sections are joined together on site. The utilities are then connected to city services and the interior work is completed, including drywall tape and paint touch-up, floor and carpet joints. Finally, a customer tour is conducted, items on the “dunning list” are identified and corrected, and a final city or county inspection is conducted.

The delivery and erection of the house on its foundation will take place in a day or two. The connection to the municipal utility and a final inspection takes about three weeks and you can move into your brand new home!

Do you see the whole asphalt surface? In a typical year you see a lot less of it. But as we’ve all seen since last March, nothing is typical anymore.

A lot has changed in the past year and the trailer industry is no different. When buying a trailer, chances are you’ll have trouble finding exactly what you’re looking for, have to wait longer than you’d like, or pay more for it.

We can assure you; we don’t like it either!

Apparently every month we get notifications from our manufacturers that their prices are going up. Again. It’s not because they want to raise prices, but they have no choice. The increases come from their suppliers of steel, wood, and other commonly used parts like air conditioners, awnings, generators, and more. It’s a chain reaction of the 2020 Covid-19 shutdowns and China tariffs.

US Steel closed many of its blast furnaces last April, and while some reopened later that summer, others — like the one in Gary, Indiana, which is right in the heart of trailer country — didn’t reopen until December. The result was a full-year net loss of $920 million for U.S. Steel

The US forest industry shut down sawmills as furniture sales plummeted 66 percent last April, and tariffs imposed by the US-China trade war have both pushed up prices and reduced timber harvesting and production.

Given the shortage of steel and lumber, trailer sales haven’t slowed. Couple this with a booming RV industry, with cooped-up families looking for safe travel options, and a skyrocketing housing market — new homes cost an average of $4,600 more in October than they did when the pandemic began — and the picture is getting clearer as to why prices are rising given so many Industries compete for limited supply and limited labor.

That was a quick and generalized overview of the current reality, but it all depends on supply and demand. We absolutely hate turning down potential customers or telling them we can’t get them what they want, when they want it, at the price they want. We’ve always been known as the custom trailer dealer who could turn our customers’ dreams – no matter how wild – into a reality.

Now manufacturer delivery times are double, triple or more what they used to be! Some manufacturers don’t even make specific types of trailers right now, and most prioritize off-the-shelf models that they can make and ship quickly, simply to meet demand. That means custom options are even harder to come by. So if you can get by with a basic trailer with standard features, you have a much better chance of getting it sooner. If you need an adjustment, be prepared to wait even longer.

While our property looks painfully bare, we currently have more trailers on order than we have ever had at one time. They’ll be arriving in waves over the next few months, so give us a call even if you can’t find what you’re looking for in our online inventory. If we’ve ordered it, we’re happy to pre-sell it to you, so it’s yours as soon as it arrives.

We also look for used trailers and accept trade-ins. So if you are looking to sell or upgrade a trailer please do not hesitate to contact us.

Like everyone, we are adapting during the pandemic and working to address the challenges our industry is facing. It’s not just limited to our dealers or the trailer industry, but we continue to remain competitive without overwhelming our customers. When suppliers raise their prices, manufacturers have to raise theirs, which means we have to raise ours too or we won’t be in business for long.

We will never take advantage of the customer, but we want you to know what’s going on in the industry so you can make an informed decision. As supply chain issues result in product shortages and longer lead times, there is more buyer competition for the limited product.

We’re working on a plan that will allow you to be put on a waiting list to be the first to know when the trailer you’re looking for arrives. In the meantime, we invite you to review our real-time inventory or give us a call at 630-524-2029 to see if we have what you need.