subject: How to Build a Trailer [print this page] How to Build a Trailer How to Build a Trailer
It is necessary to have a good plan before you start building a trailer. The very important thing in making a trailer is to choose a best suitable axle kit according to your need. For instance, needs in terms of weight and hauling capacity. Besides that a good suspension frame, weight capacity and height must be considered according to your requirement. Another important thing in this regard is to collect important information about the licensing and legal size and length of the trailer you are going to make according to the states rules.
Things/Tools Required
- Blueprint of the plan/detailed plan
- Axle kit
- Measuring tape
- Angle iron
- Welding torch
- Cutting saw or metal saw
- Required paperwork regarding legal obligations
Steps
1. The main frame pieces would be cut on the very first place according to the required lengths specified in the plan. You can use cutting or metal saw for this purpose.
2. Make sure that the pieces should be flat as well as square. It is important to test the shape and flatness of the pieces before moving on to the next steps.
3. The next step is to fix the axle. The position of the axle mainly depends upon the type of trailer you want to make. For example, in case of tilting trailer, the axle would be positioned towards the gravity center.
4. The next point is to calculate the tongue weight (weight pressing down on the hitch ball by the trailer), which is about 5 percent of the total trailer's weight. Tongue weight is sometimes also referred to as tongue load.
5. The position of the axle is also very critical, it must be in line with the center line of the frame. To make certain that the tracking is straight, the distance between the wheels to the hitch must be equal.
6. Having the frame in inverted position, the tongue could be mounted to a cross bar.
7. Attach a latch (kind of lock) to the trailers, to prevent the trailer from tilting.
8. Make use of small rods for fenders and weld them in the system on low heat. Angle iron can further be used to strengthen/support the fenders. Besides that angle iron can also be used to make rails.
9. To make a gate at the back, you need two pieces of angle iron, which are welded together. It is optional depends on your requirements.
10. Make sure that you have installed lights on the back of the trailer. And to make that lights work properly a good ground connection is necessary.
11. The last step is to paint the trailer. But be sure to scrape off all the rust in order to keep paint intact for long time.
Buying a new trailer is quite an expensive job, but with the help of these steps you can save a lot of money. The self made trailer would cost much less than the newer one.
