These are Mechanics Tips for Construction, Building, Planning and Fabricating DIY Projects – from The Mechanic. This is where you find insights on how to build many of the things shown in the plans, details for expediting construction and fabrication, and general items of interest for success when you do it yourself. If you have something to contribute, please let us know. Or, if you want to see tips on a certain topic, please let us know that too. This is the Do-It-Yourself portal, and these mechanics tips are for you. Let us know what you want! Enjoy! – See all the Mechanic’s Posts.
What about a trailer spare tire. Do you really need one? Some say yes, and we do see them on many trailers, but they are rarely used. What if you just go without? These are great questions — and we do see a lot of trailer “spare tires” that just dry-rot in place on their […]
Bolts are an amazingly simple yet complex fastening method. They’re used everywhere so mostly we take them for granted, but why are there so many different kinds? And what bolts should I use?
This is Page 2, a continuation of our Bolts 101 article. Here we discuss choices for bolts depending on the application. The previous post, Page 1 of Bolts 101, gives a ton of background information, so we recommend reading that first, then this one on making a good bolt choice. Both pages focus on the […]
(And finishing other DIY Projects.) Now you’ve invested all that time and effort into building an awesome trailer, how should you finish it? Of course we don’t want it to rust. And, we want it to last. So, here are some recommendations
There’s always more to it. Our previous post titled “Where Does The Axle Go?” has spawned a lot of great questions. Here is one in particular asking some very relevant info about calculating axle position.
Torsion axles are awesome, so Why not use torsion axles in tandem? It’s a frequent question, along with the corollary “Why shouldn’t I have torsion axles in triple?”
How long should a trailer tongue be? Is there a standard or is it totally arbitrary? Let’s get some answers on this fun trailer tongue length topic.
Nothing ruins a pleasant day quite like a goose egg on your head, or a throbbing finger pinch. Avoiding those things (and, of course, the much more disastrous potential events) is
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?
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.
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
Because you asked . . . Why do you want Overslung or Underslung trailer springs?
This post is a question from an engineering student wondering about trailer frame materials selection and safety factor. His analysis shows
Oh, I’ll just drop by the parts store and grab an axle. Well, that’s how it seems when we talk so simplistically about trailer axles. But actually, there is a lot we need to know to get the right one.
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, holes you drill for a project don’t quite align with those in the mating parts. It’s maddening, and sometimes you feel dumb because it’s messed up, but there are ways to fix
To some people it matters, to others not so much. Yet you read about it in trailer descriptions and axle descriptions a lot. So, what are the trade-offs with a low trailer deck height?
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
What Do You Think About Axle-Less Trailer Suspension? Is it good? . . . You ask (actually a few of you are asking), so here is an answer about the Timbren Axle-Less trailer suspension.
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?
On new trailer builds, and on existing rigs, the trailer lights and wires must all function. Here are some tips on the subject so if you find electrical a little confusing or intimidating, read on.