Better Trailer Plans

Why are Trailer Plans from Mechanical Elements 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, some are seriously lacking.  So, how do you choose which plans?

Here are several things to consider:

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 won’t 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 on 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 factor?)
4. How long should it last?  (Do you want it built tough for a long life of faithful service?  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 don’t, Let Us Know what you need.  (We can’t 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?

So you buy some 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’s what our biggest competitor gives.)  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 don’t make “one-size-fits-all” plans.
   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’s In The Plans,  including sample pages.  Also, visit the 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, because we’re 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’s part of doing business.  To avoid it, order the electronic version right here from Mechanical Elements, then download it now and save!  Save both Time and Money.

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 all these factors.  While we think these are important, and we consider them with each trailer design, you may not. That is OK, but think through 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, 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.  There are many out there that 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’re 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 won’t 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 — so you can have the plans now.  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’s not exactly “free”, but if you’re willing to help us, we’re willing to give you plans without an exchange of money.

Yes, Better Trailer Plans

Now you know.  From the lists above you can see it’s a lot of little things that add up for “Better Trailer Plans.”  We don’t have plans for everything, but the plans we offer are a great value to you, our customer.

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’s all there for you.

Shop now, and get better trailer plans Here.  Enjoy!

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