Why choose a long or short leaf spring for your trailer? They come in different sizes, not only for strength, but also in trailer leaf spring length. So, why do I want long ones or short ones? Does it even matter?
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.
Choosing The Best Trailer Frame Material
What materials should I use for building my trailer frame? It’s a common question with strong biases for Rectangular Tube or I-Beam or C-Channel. Also, choices of Aluminum versus Steel.
Six Beam Shapes To Build With, +1
Whether you’re an experienced DIY builder or brand new to the party, there are often quandry’s about beam shapes. Well, I need to do this, but I only have material like that. I’ll just use it
Overslung or Underslung Trailer Springs?
Because you asked . . . What are the advantages of Overslung – OR – Underslung trailer springs? They both have a good purpose, so let’s discuss it. The concepts are pretty easy to see with some good graphics.
Trailer Frame Materials And Safety Factor
This post is a question from an engineering student wondering about trailer frame materials selection and safety factor. His analysis shows a material thickness that “does the job” is much less than his welder associates recommend. Wondering about why, he asks:
Trailer Axles 101 – What You Need To Know
I’ll just drop by the parts store and grab an axle . . . . Well, trailer axles are not quite that simple, but knowing a few important details, we can certainly get the right one. Here’s a quick guide to trailer axles
Aligning Misaligned Holes
Despite your best efforts, sometimes the holes you drill for a project will not quite align with those in the mating parts. It is maddening, and often you feel dumb because it is messed up, but there are ways to fix
Value & Pitfalls Of Low Trailer Deck Height
To some people a low trailer deck height really matters, to others not so much. Yet you read about it in trailer descriptions a lot. So, what are the trade-offs for a low deck? And how do you achieve it? Is it even worth it?
How To Make A Lower Trailer Deck
Many things contribute to a low trailer deck, and often they conflict with other needs for the trailer. Here is a list of ways to build a lower trailer deck — and some potential trade-offs
Axle-Less Trailer Suspension
Customer Question: “What do you think about the Axle-Less trailer suspension? Is it good?” Can I use it with the Mechanical Elements trailer plans? . . . You ask (actually a few of you are asking) and pointing to
Tips To Strengthen A Trailer Frame
I have a great trailer, but it feels a bit flexy, maybe even rickety . . . How can I strengthen a trailer frame? How can I stiffen it?
Trailer Lights and Wires
On new trailer builds, as well as on existing rigs, the trailer lights and wires must all function. Here are some tips on the subject. If you find the electrical a little confusing or intimidating, read on.
There’s More To It – Mounting Trailer Axle Springs
As with many things, there’s a lot more to mounting trailer axle springs than first meets the eye. Here are 2 tips to make your trailer frame stronger.
Increasing Trailer Load Capacity
Have a trailer that you want to repurpose? Or a lightweight trailer that needs a little beef? Is it practical to strengthen an existing trailer? Sure, there are several ways to increase trailer load capacity,
How To Stop Utility Trailer Bounce
If you pull an empty (or nearly empty) utility trailer, you probably know the feeling of utility trailer bounce. It’s that bumpy jolting extra bouncing you feel in the tow vehicle as you drive. Sometimes it feels like the trailer is just bouncing away
New – Smooth Action Tandem Torsion Axles
Over and over we recommend: “Don’t use torsion axles in tandem because they don’t load-share”. Well, What if we make them share? Here’s a new design that brings the benefits of a torsion axle to the tandem axle party
Building A Better Folding Trailer Tongue
Intrigued by the cool potential of saving storage space, increased security, and removal of a shin knocker to step over, this new folding trailer tongue adds greater utility to a trailer.
How To Setup A Trailer Frame Build
Just how do you setup for building a trailer frame? Seems simple enough, just layout all the frame members and start welding, Right? Well, mostly, but there are some additional steps that will help it turn out better.
Convenient Trailer Tongue Hinge For Storage
Need to store your trailer in a smaller space? Consider adding a trailer tongue hinge like these. It’s helpful, for sure, but has some definite things to consider.
Video – Why Do Some Trailers Tow Stable?
The way a trailer tows makes a big difference in the ownership experience. So, Why do some trailers tow stable, while others do not? Even a small trailer that does misbehaves by swaying is rather intimidating