Description
Industrial heavy duty flatbed trailer plans with lots of options. Things like length, total capacity, various sides and gates and ramps are all options because the design is for you — to make a trailer that’s perfect for you. This is our biggest, strongest, beefiest utility trailer, and the design is very tough for continual heavy duty use.
Specifications:
- Tandem axle, leaf spring design — use eye-eye style or slippers.
- 6’10” x 16′ nominal bed size. (Actual size is a little longer.) Total width at the fenders is 102″.
- Instructions include options for narrowing the bed and for shortening it. Specifically, a 14′ bed length option is given.
- Options for capacity include 12,000 lb. or 14,000 lb. or 16,000 lb. full trailer capacity. These plans include specifications for each capacity option.
- Choose a folding Tailgate/Ramp combination, or a slide to store under the bed removable / hidden ramp.
- Multiple options for the trailer bed and for tie-down points.
- Build it as a flatbed, or choose one of the various options for building sides that are included.
- Plans include full drawings and illustrated instructions.
Related:
– Please see the 6’10″x 16′ Trailer plans with options of 7-10K for a lighter trailer in this same overall size.
– Learn about trailers with a design specifically for the needs of a Tiny House Foundation.
Flatbed Trailer Plans For Customizing:
Options, Options, Options. While these pages show the one flatbed trailer plans include options for many variations. Certainly the size and loading variations are similar, so why not make the plans super versatile so you can customize them exactly the way you want? Because we think customizing for the perfect trailer is cool, that’s the way to go. Get the plans, then build the trailer for your needs. Use the options within, or add your own. We encourage customizing.

While the base is the flatbed trailer plans, at Mechanical Elements the options rule. Build the trailer to meet your needs.
More About The Trailer Plans:
All our trailer designs include Strength and simplicity with standard beams, gusseting and triangulation for rigidity. They are strong, by engineering and design, starting at the frame, and they do not rely on sides to meet capacity. Yes, sides options are included, but they are not required. The frame is a solid foundation so the trailer will perform and last.
Towing Stability, comes from engineering design fundamentals to tow easily. Though the plans include adjustable options for various load types, you can choose. Equally important is Maneuverability, so the tongue is long enough to give proper vehicle spacing.
Design Versatility is in the plans — with axle and brake choices, load and deck height variations, sides (or not), a top (or not), and deck material choices. Options include ramps or tailgates like a fold down tailgate/ramp combination. — All are in the blueprints and instructions.
Finally, there are options for Flexibility like a hidden ramp, motorcycle stands, an aerodynamic-ish front, toolbox mounting, infinitely variable tie-down placement, and more. Pictures show some of the options. While we encourage customizing, we also suggest these guidelines to think about.
Plans include complete drawings and illustrations with the instructions — and construction tips. They also have a parts lists and a materials list along with suggestions for purchasing components.

Utility Trailer Technical Information:
- * Trailers built from these flatbed trailer plans have an actual bed width of 6 feet 10 inches, and bed length of 16 feet 3.5 inches including the steel frame.
- Overall length including the tongue is approximately 246 inches, though that will vary some with options chosen.
- While actual trailer bed height will depend on design options chosen, typical choices will range from 20″ up. (Bed height shown is ~22″ using drop axles.)
- Plans include options for max load capacity — 12,000 lbs or 14,000 lbs or 16,000 lbs — (combined axle rating)* which includes the trailer weight.
- Trailer weight will vary depending on design options. The 14K base flatbed trailer plans is ~1500+ lbs without the deck, something in the range of 1900-2000 lbs with decking. The heavier capacity trailer will weight more, then decking choices, sides and other options will change the weight too.
- Lots of options are in the plans. Things like sides, a tailgate, a mounted toolbox, ramps, motorcycle stands, etc. are there for optional functionality. Some options are mutually exclusive. Not all options are in the pictures here.
While the base design is the flatbed trailer plans, we know options rule. Build the trailer to meet your needs.
Reminder: Trailer construction requires metalworking skills and tools for things like cutting, drilling, accurate fixturing and set-up, as well as welding. Strength, durability, and enjoyment depend on how well the trailer is made. Build it well, then Enjoy the Finished Project !!
Trailer Plans & Information:
- Purchase these plans with the “ADD TO CART” button above. After payment confirmation, the Plans are immediately available for Download. Use the link on the return page, or in the email receipt, or login for access.
- For more information about the plans, check out these two articles: What’s In The Plans? and What Makes Our Trailer Plans Better?
- Then, for more on trailers, try these two articles from Synthesis Engineering: “What Makes A Good Trailer Design?” and “Choosing The Right Utility Trailer”.
* Trailer load capacity depends on all the parts — axle(s), components and materials — as well as the craftsmanship in building. All the Mechanical Elements trailers are engineered to perform as stated when built as defined, and when proper care is given in construction. Capacity for this trailer requires proper choices for parts such as the hitch, axle, wheels, tires, safety chain, decking, bolts, pins, etc. Please make sure component load capacities match or exceed the trailer total capacity, and Do not exceed manufacturers limits.
Success with the trailer — in building and for trouble-free trailer life — depends on materials, construction techniques, welding skill, assembly methods, finishing and proper loading. Proper frame set-up and weld integrity are critical, as are bolt torques, tire pressure, tire condition and the mechanics of towing. Always use proper safety and securing equipment when loading or towing a trailer.
Build It Better Than You Can Buy It!
And – Customize It – Exactly How You Want.
Return to the top to purchase the 6’10” x 16′ – 12K to 16K – Utility Flatbed Trailer Plans, then download them immediately after payment.
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