Better Trailer Plans!

If you shop like me, then you are always looking for good quality at a fair price.  I look for Value.  So, that is what we provide – both in Engineering Services, and for Project Plans.  This is one way we create Better Trailer Plans.

Value is certainly reflected in our Trailer Plans.  We include more Information, more Tips, more Detail, more Images, and more Options – and that means more pages of great information to help you build a better trailer.

We include Full Blueprints, of course, with illustrated step-by-step instructions that discuss the build as well as the options.  Attention to detail all along.  We even include an Engineering Considerations section with most plans to discuss the features and to give you greater insight into the engineering of the trailer you will build.

The plans are designed by a trailer engineer with decades of experience in both design and in building.  Yes, when we say Better Trailer Plans, it is a lot of little things – all combined – to make them the Best Plans.

Are The ME Trailer Plans Better?

There are many sellers of trailer plans around the internet, and when you look, the quality varies quite a bit.  Some are pretty good, yet some are seriously lacking.

How do you know which plans to choose?

In the page below we have a checklist for comparison, then a lot more explanation farther down.  If you want to know why Trailer Plans from Mechanical Elements are better, you are on the right page.  Our goal is to deliver the best plans, for the best value.  Not the cheapest, the Best.  Read below, then you decide.

Our latest design is a Gooseneck Deck-Over.  To understand more about why we say our plans are better, please read this article explaining the engineering behind the gooseneck plans.

Comparison For Trailer Plans

When you shop for trailer plans, how do they compare?  We check the competition, and here are the differences.

At Mechanical Elements, we have the Best Plans at the Highest Quality, for Great Prices, with Immediate Delivery.  Our Competition Does Not Compare.  (Please Note:  We also design for JTP, so they are nearly on same.)

Shop The Best Trailer Plans

• *  Mechanical Elements Plans are designed at Synthesis Engineering Services – using years of Engineering Experience in Automotive, Trailers, Manufacturing & Machinery Design.
• **  We give options and provide explanations so you can build it the way you want it.
• *** We help you understand the build, the why, the limits, and where you can change things / where you should not.

Look At What That Really Means

All of our trailer plans include the full engineering with complete lists of both components and materials.  Also, a ton of great information, tips, and customizing options.  Read more about What the plans contain.

The Key Point:  We want to help you build a trailer the way YOU want it.  And help you understand both HOW and WHY for the trailer features.
After all, it is your project, for your unique reasons.  You should build it GREAT, and make it the way you want it.

Below are some more important things to consider, especially as you build your own trailer.  These are the details.

First, and Most Important – Function of the Trailer.

Buy plans for a trailer that will fit your individual needs.  It does not matter how good or bad the plans are if the end product will not do the job.  That is why we do full design and complete engineering on every set of plans.  You must first know that the plans you are working with have the fundamentals covered, and it will stand up to the job you need.

Then, to decide on the plans you need, ask yourself these questions:

1. What type of trailer?  (Utility trailer?  ATV trailer?  Jeep Trailer?  Open or enclosed?  Deck-Over, or some other style?)
2. What will it carry?  (Think about the load size, how much weight it must carry, and how tall.)
3. What size do you need?  (Trailer length?  And width?  Is the bed height, width or length a significant design factor?)
4. How long should it last?  (Do you want it built tough for a long life?  We think so!)
5. What accessories? (Does it need sides?  A top?  A tailgate?  Ramps?  Tie-down attachments?  Other options?)

Do the plans you are considering have all the configurations and options you want for your trailer?  If not, look a little further.  If ours do not, Let Us Know what you need.  (We cannot make everything, but we will certainly consider it, or give you some direction to hopefully get what you need.)

For more great insight on trailer design, please read the article on our parent site “What Makes A Good Trailer Design?”  Also, please visit the Mechanic’s Post for good ideas, tips, and tricks, on all sorts of Do-it-Yourself projects.  Especially on trailers and trailer building.

Second, What Do You Get for Your Money?

When you buy plans, what will you get?  Blueprints, yes,  but what do they include?  What else to you get?

1. Completeness – For Better Trailer Plans

   

   1. Just look, 2, 3, or 4 drawing sheets are not adequate to fully describe a trailer design.  (That is what one of our competitors offers.)  Our plans include many pages of drawings, as well as instructions with detailed illustrations, tips, and advice.  (16 to 30 drawing sheets plus 10 to 16 pages of instructions is typical).  Some even more.
   2. Some other plans include only the base trailer (very few variations or options).  However, some (like ours) include lots of options to customize and personalize your project.
   3. Some of our competitors trailer plans include only one version of a trailer, not several different configurations for you to choose from.  We know each customer has different needs, so we do not make a “one-size-fits-all” kind of plan.
   4. Some plans out there have a woefully inadequate list of materials.  Ours have detail by name, size and options for purchase components if applicable.  We even suggest places to get things.
   5. Want more?  See  What Is In The Plans,  including sample pages.  Also, visit the plans selection page for building a trailer perfect for you.

2. Accessibility –

   1. Many other plans come only in a paper format.  If you lose or damage the paper what do you do?  Our plans are available in a digital PDF format – to print in any size (8.5 x 11 up to 22 x 17) – or just use from your device.  If you lose a page, print it again.  So easy.
   2. Of course, you can print our plans so you have the paper format – which is exactly the point.
   3. And, we save your order, so if you accidentally delete the file, let us know, we are here to help.

3. Delivery –

   1. Some other plans are available only through the mail which can take weeks, while ours can download immediately after purchase, right from this website!  Just place your order, then download the blueprints.  What is easier?  What is faster?
   2. Almost everyone charges shipping and handling – it is part of doing business.  To avoid it, order the electronic version right here from Mechanical Elements, then download the plans right now and save!  This saves you both Time and Money.  You can start your project today.

What Is The Finished Trailer Like?

Here are several things to think about when selecting plans to buy.  Our plans have Full Engineering.  Not all others do, and some do not consider these factors.  While we think these are important, and we consider them with every trailer design, you may not.  That is OK, but think about what is important to you.

1. Trailer Strength –

   1. Many utility trailers have weak frames, requiring short sides to give adequate strength.  Without the sides, the frame would bend under load.  This is an OK design for some things, however, if the side members ever get damaged, then the full trailer strength is compromised.  These weak designs are often made of all angle iron.
   2. We have better trailer plans with full strength in the frame.  If you want a flat bed, you have it.  If you want sides, then that is a great option – for sides (or not) to meet your specific needs.  Sides are not required with Mechanical Elements trailers for full frame strength.
   3. Some trailers are wimpy – not even able to handle the load rating – especially when not evenly distributed.  While that works for some trailer designers, we believe trailer strength is much more than just holding weight.  Better trailer plans include safety in the design to handle the weight over potholes, speed bumps, and other unavoidable obstacles.  Our trailer designs are tough for long, faithful service.  It is part of providing better trailer plans.
   4. We could go on, but it is better to read the Article on Trailer Strength from the trailer Engineer.

2. Many Options – Because These Are Better Trailer Plans

   

   1. What options do you need?  Are there options in the plans?  Many other plans do not include options, while others have options at an additional cost.
   2. Our plans include lots of options like tailgate options, ramp options, tie-down options, sides options, axle options, bed options, and more . . . We understand that not everyone wants the same trailer, so we Encourage Customizing — with all the options that work for you.
   3. For more info on critical options, read these articles on Axle Types and Axle Choices, the many Tire Choices, and Material Choices.
   4. We also recommend reading about When Is it Safe to Modify? – to make them even Better Trailer Plans for you.

3. Trailer Weight –

   1. A lightweight trailer is certainly desirable.  Many are light – some by clever design, some use lightweight materials (like aluminum), however some are simply under designed.  Give care to choices of weight because 100 lbs less can cost a lot more to build, or it may mean a weak trailer.
   2. Our trailers may be a little heavier than some because we have chosen strength, dependability and long life as a worthy trade-off.  A little extra weight in the right places means a lot of extra strength.  We believe, it is worth the enhanced performance and worry free operation.  Build it well, treat it well, and it will last a lifetime.

Better Trailer Plans Prices:

1. Prices for plans around the web range from FREE, to cheap, to expensive.  Look at what you get (like how complete the plans are).  Free trailer plans don’t help if you are getting junk.
2. Not everyone wants to build the same trailer, so look at the options.  Our plans include a bunch of options that add value to the package.  You will not use them all, but options are great for customizing so you get exactly the trailer you want.
3. How quick can you get the plans?  Many of our competitors only do printed plans that require extra time and cost for shipping.  At Mechanical Elements, we focus on nearly instant delivery — electronic digital delivery.  We ship via download – so you can have the plans in just a few minutes.  The internet makes Shipping & Handling free.
4. Our prices are not the lowest, nor the most expensive.  Yet, our plans are the best.  If we offer a trailer that fits your need, this is the place to get Better Trailer Plans.
5. For those who really want free plans, we have that too.  It is not exactly “free”, but if you are willing to help us, we are willing to give you plans without an exchange of money.

The above price items are all part of why Mechanical Elements is the DIY Plans Portal for the web.

Yes, Better Trailer Plans – And More

Now you know.  From the items above you can see it is a lot of little things that add up for “Better Trailer Plans.”  We do not have plans for everything, but the plans we offer are a great value to you, our customer.  We will even call our plans the Best that are readily available.

Then, we support you in the build.  Please see the growing list of “How To’s” and Tips for building Trailers and so much more in the Mechanic’s Post area.  One example is the Trailer Wiring Page showing diagrams and giving the “Why?” explanations.  It is all there for you.

Shop now, and get better trailer plans in the Plans Store.  Enjoy!

>>>  See our Plans Sample Page for a peek at what our plans include.  >>>

We Wish You the Best of Luck in Building Your Next Project!