5′ x 8′ – 3500# – Utility Trailer Plans

Description

A trailer from these 5×8 Trailer Plans is excellent for yard work, moving, motorcycles and many other chores.  It is designed strong with the right materials in the right places.  C-Channel and Rectangular Tube for a sealed frame with optimal strength, weight and corrosion resistance.  Plus, so many options for height, function, and features.  No wonder these plans are a best seller.

Plans include easy to follow, illustrated instructions, a materials list, a parts list, suggested places to purchase the parts, and a lot of options – even options within options.  The animation shows some choices in the 5×8 Trailer Plans like a landscape style hinged tailgate, a ramp, and various types of sides.

The trailer design is strong as a true flatbed.  Sides are an option to add utility, but are not required for strength.  Many other feature options too — like deck material choices, tie-down bars, jack types, a toolbox (or not), and many more.

It is your trailer.  We give the base and options, then You choose how it comes together.

Add To Cart

See below for Alternate Sizes.  Also, for Conversions like a Torsion Axle, or a Tilt Top.

Specifications

The details here are representative, and may change a little with choices in the build. The plans contain many options which modify the overall trailer design.

Details: 5′ x 8′ – 3500# – Utility Trailer Plans

• 5′ x 8′ nominal trailer deck size – but we don’t measure the cheap way.
• Actual trailer deck design is 62″ wide (2 inches more than 5 ft. wide), and 99″ long (3 inches more than 8 ft. long).  That means it will fit a full 5′ x 8′ payload without scraping the sides.
• Overall length including the tongue is ~146 inches.  (May vary some with options.)
• 5×8 trailer plans show a deck height that can range from 17 inches up, depend on design options chosen.  (Deck height in the images is ~19″.)
• Single axle, leaf spring design.  Your choice for a straight axle, or a drop axle.
  (See below for a Conversion to Torsion Axle.)
• Max capacity is 3500 lbs.* (which is set by the axle).  Maximum capacity includes both the trailer weight and the all cargo.
• Construction is Steel and Welding, using a mix of Rectangular Tube, C-Channel, L-Angle, and Flat stock for a strong, sealed frame.
• Plans include many functional options so you can choose, then make the trailer perfect for you.  Use the options we give, or add your own.
• Options like a Convertible Tailgate, a Removable Ramp that stores under the bed, and several possibilities for sides are all in the plans.
• Trailer weight will change with the options you choose.  A minimum flat bed is approximately 600 lbs, then adding options will go up from there.
• Plans include complete trailer blueprints, plus a second document of instructions – which includes the material list, parts list, engineering notes, tips, and more.
• For more information about building a trailer, please see the Mechanic’s Tips.

Add To Cart

More About The 5x8 Trailer Plans

At Mechanical Elements, we are changing the trailer design paradigm. We measure the trailer based on the cargo to carry rather than the outside dimensions. That means you can put a 5′ wide item in a 5′ trailer, even with sides. It is wide enough to handle 5′ wide furniture without scraping the sides. It also means the trailer is long enough to lay 8′ sheet goods down flat, then close the tailgate.

Old school thinking measures the trailer frame outside dimensions at 5′ x 8′ which means the actual size to carry is smaller. We don’t. To us, that is misleading, and frankly, cheap. We help you make it better!

Design options in the plans help customize the trailer to meet your particular needs. Things like a top, sides or tailgate add function if you want them. Extras like a motorcycle stand, a ramp, and toolbox mounting can also help to make the trailer perfect.

The options are up to you. Some of the many options are in the images around this page, while more are available in the plans. We also encourage adding your own. Make the trailer unique, and exactly yours.

Also read this article about customizing if you want to change the trailer size significantly.

Add To Cart

Alternate Sizes & Conversions

Not Quite The Perfect Size Trailer?  Check These Alternate Sizes Too.

• One size Narrower – 4×8 – 3500 lbs Utility Trailer
• Or, a size Longer – 5×10 – 3500 lbs Utility Trailer
• One size Wider – 6×8 – 3500 lbs Utility Trailer
• Both Wider and Longer – 6×10 – 3500 lbs Utility Trailer

More trailer sizes, and many variations are available.  See All Trailer Plans.  Your perfect trailer starts with the right size and the right available features.

Plans from Mechanical Elements are an awesome start to a great project.  Here are even more resources!

Reminder:

Maximizing Your 5x8 Trailer Plans