Description
20′ deck length for these Endurance Duty Deck-Over Trailer Plans. Read the specifications below all about this tough trailer. These are blueprints to build and customize an awesome work partner. Choose options like various sides, ramps, hitch style, deck style, and much more. Even the options have options — like choices for ramp length and strength. The design is for you, so make it the way you want it. And, while it’s tough for the work, the plans make it straightforward to build.
Quick Specifications:
- 8’6″ x 20′ nominal size Deck-Over Trailer.
- 7000 lbs capacity.
- Tandem axles with leaf springs.
- Deck-over design.
- Welded Steel Construction.
- Approximate base trailer weight ~ 1800 lbs (w/o Ramps, Decking, or Sides)
- While the main design is a traditional Deck-Over trailer, plans also include many options.
(Something you just don’t get with other trailer plans.) - Instructions explain the build, step by step, with hints to customize for specific needs.
- The download is a Zip file with drawings, illustrated instructions, and special part files.
Related Products & Information:
– Here is one size smaller: 8.5′ x 16′ – 7000 lbs Deck-Over Trailer Plans.
– And, one size heavier: 8.5′ x 20′ – 10000 lbs Deck-Over Trailer Plans.
– For a Lower Deck, 7000 lbs (not a Deck-Over), please see the 6’10″x 16′ Trailer Plans.
– Learn how we design plans specifically for a Deck-Over trailer.
Technical Details — 7000 lbs Deck-Over Trailer:
- * The trailer is 8 feet 6 inches wide (typical legal width limit), with a bed length of 20 feet 3.5 inches including the steel frame. 8’6″ width includes the rub rails.
- Overall length with the tongue is 301 inches (a little over 25 feet) — which will vary a little with some options.
- Trailer bed height will depend on design options. Typical is ~34 inches, but will vary with tire size, spring shape, shims, load and other options.
- 7000 lbs max capacity (combined axle rating)* using tandem axles rated at 3500 lbs each. Load capacity includes the trailer weight with all options.
- Suspension is leaf springs, double eye style, with equalizer. Slipper type springs are acceptable. Not for independent torsion axles (see this article).
- Trailer weight will vary depending on design options. The 7K base flatbed trailer is in the 1800+ lbs range, which includes the axles and wheels, but without decking, sides or ramps. Options like sides, decking choices, and all the other options will change the weight.
- Many options are in the plans. Here is a list, yet it does not include everything.
- Deck options — both material, connection options, with or without the wheel covers, etc..
- Build the standard flatbed, or choose on of the sides options — permanent or removable — also in the plans. Sides options have variations, including options for tie-downs, rub rails, stake pockets, etc..
- Ramps are an option — Choose ramps that slide in (and store) under the deck (or not), then choose the ramp length and capacity you need.
- Design includes options for a raised front rail (or not), and a tongue tray for special tools (or not).
- Choose a mounted toolbox, a tongue tray, spare tire, etc. which are there for optional functionality. Since some options are mutually exclusive, not all options are in the pictures here.
Some of the many options included in these Deck-Over Trailer Plans.
(20′ Deck-Over Trailer shown, others similar.)
- The download package includes the full set of drawings along with illustrated instructions and CAD files for laser or water jet cutting of the tail plate and other option parts.
- We provide the plans complete, the way we would want to receive them. We think they are much more complete and more detailed than any of our competitors.
Tandem Axle, 20′ Deck-Over Trailer Plans:
When you need the broad, full width deck, there’s not much else to substitute. This trailer spans the full legal limit of 8′ 6″ wide with a 20′ long deck. Tandem Axles give 7000 lbs capacity making this Deck-Over trailer one of the most popular sizes. Yet, the plans are more than just the trailer — they also include a lot of options, and variations in the options. For instance, our research shows many owners wish their ramps were just a little longer — so our plans give options for ramp length. Other trailer owners complained that their ramps are not strong enough — they bend! So, we design options for you to make them beefier. And, we include a chart with capacity by length so you can find your own sweet spot.
Giving you choices to build the trailer the way you want it is the Mechanical Elements way. Then, designing for robust action, is all included. In researching other 7000lb deck-over trailers we also found that many side rub rails had damage. Yes, the rub rails did their job, but many have damage. The more robust trailers have thicker rails, so this design includes a nice balance of thick and wide to give robust action. The same is true throughout the trailer. Again, it’s something to expect at Mechanical Elements.
Get the 20′ Deck-Over Trailer plans, then customize them to fit your specific needs.

More About The Trailer Plans At Mechanical Elements:
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.
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 buy these 20′ Deck-Over Tandem Axle Trailer Plans, then Download the Plans right after payment confirmation. Good luck with your project!
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