In the previous articles in our Bolts 101 series, we spoke briefly about Stainless Steel Bolts, but we did not discuss specifics. With typical alloy steel bolts, there are grades (like Grade 5, Grade 8, etc.), but with Stainless Steel
Mechanics Tips
Articles > Mechanics Tips
We can all use Tips for Building, Planning and Fabricating with DIY Projects. Below is a list of articles with insights for success with our plans, details for expediting construction, and general items for success when you do it yourself. If you have something to contribute, please let us know. If you want to see tips on a certain topic, let us know that too. This is the Do-It-Yourself portal, and these tips are for you! Enjoy! – See all the Mechanic’s Posts here.
Where Is The Weight In Your Trailer?
What’s the big deal with Weight in my Trailer? Isn’t Weight just Weight? Yes, I know about tongue weight, but the trailer is made to carry weight. So, if I’m below the specified weight ratings, what does it matter? If you’ve ever felt this way,
Bolting vs. Welding for Trailer Frames
How should I connect things as I build my trailer? Welding is the typical practice for most structural frame members, but bolting also has some good benefits. So, this makes me wonder. How do I decide? Since it is usually not an all or nothing proposition, let’s examine
Choosing Trailer Deck Material
“I’m building a new trailer and I’m wondering about what deck material to use? So many choices, all with various advantages and disadvantages. I probably don’t even know all the available choices. How do I decide?”
NATM Answers : Are You Trailer Safety Aware?
What do you see wrong with the way the safety chains and other trailer safety equipment are set-up in the image? That’s the question we asked in the previous article. The image is a screenshot of a YouTube video by NATM, the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers.
Improving Trailer Safety Chain Connections
We often joke about safety — Yup, Safety 3rd. While it’s fun to joke, there are a few things we do get quite serious about. How to attach trailer safety chains is one. Today we’re looking at connecting chains on the trailer tongue, so the chain is the right length.
Adjustable Ball Mount – Practical Considerations
While studying adjustable ball mount styles I noticed nearly all have a stationary rack and a floating attachment. Have you noticed that too? It’s a pretty important detail when we look at which one to choose.
Building A Trailer – Critical Things To Get Right
There are a lot of little details that go into a trailer building project. Some big, some small. Overall, it’s not hard, yet, when we think about the really important things that make a trailer perform well, the list is pretty short. Give just a little extra
How To Mount A Trailer Axle Straight
Of all the important things to do when building a trailer, getting axle(s) right is near the top of the list. It is the position on the trailer, yes, and proper alignment as well. In this article we look at “How to Mount a Trailer Axle(s) Straight and True.”
Tips To Set A Trailer Tongue At The Frame Center
When building a trailer, there are a bunch of things we want to get right. Here is one. “How To set a trailer tongue properly, and central on the frame“. Intrinsically this is easy to grasp, but maybe not as easy to accomplish. Here are some tricks
Trailer Suspension Equalizer Link Action
There are many different sizes and shapes of the suspension equalizer link. What are they for? Better yet, when should I choose one shape over another?
If you’ve read much on this website, then you know
When Does My Trailer Need Brakes?
There are laws that say when a trailer must have brakes. In most places within the USA, when the trailer total capacity is over 3000 lbs, trailer brakes are required. That’s all well and good, but we all know that laws are an ignorant way of covering the least
Trailer Hitch Class Ratings
As a convenient way to help with safety, trailer hitches, balls, and receivers have categories or load rating groups called classes. Each trailer hitch class has ratings for how much it will carry. A look at the ratings for each component
I-Beam Shape Choices: I, S, W, M or H?
When is an I-Beam not really an “I” Beam? While it’s common to use the generic term “I-Beam” for any beam with an I shape section, there are actually variations with different letter designations. And, there are advantages for the various shapes
How Often Should You Tighten Trailer Wheel Bolts?
A friend asked me this question, along with the companion of “How Tight?” The last thing we want is to lose a wheel — because it will not only delay our trip, but a wheel coming loose can do serious damage — to us, our stuff, or maybe
Who Says Welding Doesn’t Affect Strength?
I love seeing failures. Not that anyone wants things to fail, of course, we always try to make things that last. However, when a failure pops up, I love to look it over and understand the “how” and the “why”. It’s an excellent opportunity for learning, and I love to learn.
Good Ways To Shorten Trailer Safety Chain
In previous articles we discuss the importance of trailer safety chain length. If the chains are too long, what can you do? Yeah, odds are you won’t need them, but what if you do? Long chains can complicate things quickly, so how can we safely shorten a chain?
When To Replace Trailer Tires
Don’t mess around with your safety or unexpected trip interruptions. The Best Reason to replace old or worn trailer tires is personal sanity, because who wants to deal with it on the side of the road?
How Much Can I Tow With My Vehicle?
There are 3 main factors with how much you can tow. While it all seems simple, digging in makes it a little less clear. Yes, it’s easy to look at the simple rating numbers,
Are Aluminum Trailers Good or Bad?
I’ve heard different opinions, so let’s look again at the Engineering and clear up some facts. Maybe we can also debunk a few misconceptions.