Folding Tailgate Plans – Conversion For Utility Trailers
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Choose a Folding Tailgate for your Utility Trailer Ramp Gate. These are conversion plans to help you convert the straight tailgate to one that folds, so it is not so high when driving, or storing the trailer.
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Description
Description
The long, tall, mesh, hinged tailgates are pretty common for small utility trailers. We have many. This now is a conversion as a folding tailgate so the ramp gate does not stick up as high when driving or storing the trailer.
Some of our customers prefer to have the tailgate a lot shorter when driving. They want it full length when in use as a ramp to access the back of the trailer, but not when driving. And, it can get in the way of long things on the trailer such as a canoe, or long lumber. So now you can have both.
The folding tailgate is more compact when up, yet full length when down. This image shows the standard optional tailgate, and the conversion to the folding gate.
These images show the tailgate with expanded metal, but other materials can substitute. Even with the holes through the expanded metal, the long tailgate has a lot of wind drag, so fold the gate, and improve both efficiency and stability.
Simple Folding Tailgate Plans
The folding tailgate of these drawings is an option for many of the Mechanical Elements utility trailer plans. This tailgate is a direct substitute for the non-fold tailgate that is given as an option in our trailer plans.
These drawing build on the existing designs, with dimensions from the trailer plans. That makes this one set of conversion plans fit all our other utility trailer plans that show the tall hinged tailgate – from 4’ wide to 6’10” wide. See the Utility Trailers Plans page for an easy visual confirmation.
Options in these plans discuss ways to make the build more efficient, and ways to make it stronger.
While the principles shown in these drawings may certainly be adapted for use with other trailers, or other trailer plans, the dimensions will require adjusting to fit your other trailer. With some adjustments, you can build it to fit most any utility trailer.
If you want a more compact back end, these folding tailgate plans will get you building. We wish you the best of luck with your project.
Specifications
Specifications
The folding trailer tailgate is hinged to become a ramp gate, using the same hinge design as with our standard tailgate option. Many of our utility trailer plans have the hinged tailgate, so these plans are a conversion.
A Folding Version Of Our Hinged Tailgate
- This design is NOT a trailer. It is a tailgate conversion to add to a trailer.
- Choose your tailgate length, width and strength.
- We recommend a length, when fully extended to be approximately the same as the tailgate defined as an option in the trailer plans. A few inches more than 48″ is a good size for most.
- Width is the same as defined in the trailer plans.
- Material choice to use L-Angle steel, or for more strength, rectangular tube.
- Plans for this folding tailgate use the same dimensions as in the trailer plans for the interface to the trailer frame.
- The design can adapt to other trailers also, by adjusting and assigning dimensions. Simply follow the plan concepts, then adjust the parts to fit your trailer.
- The design is relatively simple to build, with mostly straight cuts, some drilling, and welding.
- Plans include complete drawings with notes and instructions, all in a PDF file that you can easily print on whatever size paper you wish to use.
- Choose the utility trailer plans you want, then buy BOTH the trailer plans and these Conversion Plans. Download both, then start the project in just a few minutes.
Maximize Your Project
Plans from Mechanical Elements are an awesome start to a great project. Here are even more resources!
First: For more info, please read: What's In The Plans? and What Makes Our Trailer Plans Better?
Second: Purchase plans with the "Add to Cart" button, then right after payment, a digital copy is ready to save to your computer. Please see this article for answers about getting the plans.
Third: We have many articles to help with trailer building. Just type a question in the Show Me bar (top of this page), then press "GO". Or, for simple browsing, visit Articles from the Mechanic.
Reminder:
Trailer building requires metal working skill and tools for things like cutting, drilling, and accurate set-up, as well as welding skill. Strength, durability, and enjoyment depend on building the trailer well. Build it well, then Enjoy the Finished Project !!
Notes for Success
* Trailer load capacity depends on all the parts and materials, as well as the craftsmanship in building. All Mechanical Elements trailers are engineered to perform as stated when built as defined with proper care in construction – including parts, material, construction techniques, weld integrity, assembly methods, and finishing. Capacity for this trailer also requires proper choices for parts such as the hitch, axle(s), wheels, tires, safety chain, decking, bolts, pins, etc. Please make sure component load capacities match or exceed the trailer total capacity. Do not exceed manufacturers limits.
For trouble-free trailer life, think care and safety. Please select fastening methods to handle how and where the trailer will operate – including vibration, proper fastener types, bolt grades, torques, and nut types (like lock nuts). Then, be smart about loading the trailer, load distribution, tire pressure, tire condition and the mechanics of towing. We want you safe to enjoy your trailer for a long time ahead. Always use proper safety and securing equipment when loading and towing a trailer.
Thank You — The Mechanical Elements Team
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