Customer Stories of Do-It-Yourself Projects

Submitted By:  Tom

Short Story:  “Last weekend I was at a big trail ride. As I rode by one group of riders, a guy called out, “Hey, you’re Tom aren’t you?  I said, Yes and how do you know my name?  Well, he says, “when I saw your trailer in the parking area, I knew you were here.  You and that trailer are iconic.”

Mechanic’s Note:  The Blue Mountain Flyer was designed specifically for Tom and his Horse.  It’s a lightweight trailer design to pull with a small truck.

Submitted By:  Johnson Trailer Parts

Short Story:  This image is actually a screen shot from near the end of their trailer build video.  We invite you to read more about the build and watch the video here.

While their business is really selling trailer parts, we also work with Johnson designing plans.  This is a trailer build from one set of those plans.

Submitted By:   AD Metal Works

Sales Description:  ATV, UTV, Compact Tractor utility trailer.  This trailer is 6ft x 11ft x 3500 lbs which makes it perfect for many jobs and it’s easy to maneuver in tight places.  The trailer has BRAKES and an Emergency breakaway braking system.  The deck has ramp access from 3 sides with the 6ft x 10 inch heavy duty ramps that store under the bed.  Lights are protected in custom enclosures.  Frame rails are 4″x 2″ steel tube and the ends are 4″ channel.  The tongue is 3″x 3″ tube which runs the length of the trailer as a backbone for the system.

Tires are 15inch and the fenders are ABS – virtually indestructible.  The design is slightly heavy, but it’s a perfect compromise between under built and over done.  Its flat deck makes it great for just about any purpose.  With no side rails to get in the way, the functions are endless.  This trailer was designed so it does not need side rails for strength – unlike many trailers sold today.  Trailer design and engineering by MechanicalElements.com.

Submitted By:   StanA

This teardrop camper is the result of project for StanA and daughter.  StanA says his daughter was looking for a new welding project, and this is the result.

The platform for their beautiful work is the Mechanical Elements 5 x 8 torsion axle utility trailer plans.  This photo shows the the finished chassis, and the final result, but there is more to see with the build process and customizing.  Read their story and see more photos of Building the Teardrop Camper.

Submitted By:   Adventure Marine

The quality of the drawing/design blew me away.  Everything I wanted was there.  I would say the value here is off the charts and I recommend it to anyone who wants to build something like this.

Things I did differently.  For one I broke all the rules and did the one thing you said not to do.  I built it out of aluminum.  For me, I mostly transport aluminum ramps and material rarely over 3000 lbs meaning the trailer unloaded is often more than the load on it.  Secondly, I’m an aluminum welder, how could I not make it out of aluminum?  Will it break?  Time will tell.  I went heavy where I thought it needed it.  The axles are still on steel.  I’m reasonably confident it will last.  It did pass commercial inspection and was certified by a 3rd party.

I get many compliments!  I couldn’t be happier.  The trailer has become a big part of my business now.

Keep up the great work!  Let’s see some aluminum designs in the future!!!  Cheers.

Submitted By:  Russ

Short Story:  “Thanks for all your help and I love the trailer plans.  I’m not done yet, but I thought I would e-mail you a picture of where I’m at so far.  This is the first time I’ve built a trailer.

Thanks again!

Russ”

Submitted By:  Alan

Short Story:  “Pretty simple story…  We needed a flatbed to haul our tractor as well as avocado bins.  Eldon was ‘on point’ in assisting us with our initial questions and provided excellent advice regarding strengthening the base trailer.  Despite the lack of fenders, I am please to report the trailer functions exactly as we hoped.

Thanks to Eldon for the great plans and advice.  Alan”

Submitted By:   DaveF

Was looking for info to build a trailer and found these affordable plans.  Pretty much followed the plans except for tongue bracing underneath.  I felt I had enough support by making the tongue a little longer for more weld.  Went with rectangle tubing for rail and 1″ white oak for decking.  Made custom latches for gate and a fold in hinge for gate.  Trailer weighed in at 1160 lbs.  Very happy with the way it turned out, should last many years, thanks for the great plans.

Submitted By:   Steve and JJ

We didn’t build exactly from the plan, but it was super for reference, and we referred to it repeatedly.  Attached are a few pics.

Great plans, we had limited resources, but we plan to make the next one from the plans.

Submitted By:  Frank

Short Story:  “The jacks are ONLY to move the Gantry Crane around the shop.  The Crane should be cranked down firmly on the floor before lifting any loads.

2″ X 4” (under) is to prevent the “C” channel from marring my shop floor paint when lifting loads.

Thanks for the detailed, easy to follow plans.”

Submitted By:  donjarsi

Short Story:  “My Dad taught me welding: Arc, Spot and Oxy Acetylene.  So, when retired, I decided to get my certificate at Trade College.  I made a crane, and was awarded Student of the Year!

I love working with metal.”

Mechanic’s Note:  With this submission (and random drawing), donjarsi won our 2017 Gift Card give-away.  Congratulations.

Submitted By:  Jeff

Short Story:  “I finished building the Gantry from plans and used it for the first time on a 1200 lbs boat section.

I works very well and I’m pleased with the product.  Thanks.”

Submitted By:  Craig

Short Story:  “Years ago, I bought the original gantry crane plans, built it and have been using it for years, couldn’t be happier.  Lately, I’ve had a need for a taller unit and couldn’t believe it when I noticed you guys expanded the original design.

“I purchased the larger gantry crane plans as well, looks like this one has all the sizing notes in it.

“I also made clamps so that I could raise and lower the legs by myself.  With 2 Harbor Freight Air over Hydraulic rams, the bottom clamp stays stationary and attaches to the bottom leg.  The top clamp is designed so that you tighten it with a knob so it can slide up and down the upper leg to get another “bite” to raise or lower it.  I need to refine the design a little but the first outing was a success and it makes it so much easier to adjust the height of the crane.”