Articles – From the Mechanic

Join the discussion with the Mechanic on all sorts of DIY Project topics, including news, tips and about building things. DIY is our specialty. Enjoy the articles, then comment when things catch your attention. To filter the posts, just select a category from the top line. If there is a topic you'd like to see, please request it. This site is for you.

National Association of Trailer Manufacturers – Oops?

March 18, 2023 by Mechanic

NATM Trailer Safety Answers

I really thought I was done with posts about safety chains. We have several of them on the site, but I found a video that begs for comment. I really like the video and subject matter – from the Compliance Director of the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers. This is a good organization because they … Read The Article

NATM Answers : Are You Trailer Safety Aware?

March 18, 2023 by Mechanic

NATM Trailer Safety Answers

What do you see wrong with the way the safety chains and other trailer safety equipment are set-up in the image? That’s the question we asked in the previous article. The image is a screenshot of a YouTube video by NATM, the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers.

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Trailer Aerodynamics

March 22, 2023March 10, 2023 by Mechanic

Aerodynamic Trailer Drag

What makes a vehicle slice through the wind easier? How does a trailer fit in the mix? The science is complex, but there are some good concepts of trailer aerodynamics that are important to know. Is there anything I can do to improve my rig?

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Trailer Frame Crack !! – Let’s Fix It

February 11, 2023 by Mechanic

Ouch, Cracked Frame

This is a Customer Story about a crack in a trailer frame. Finding these can be really scary, but finding them at this stage is a whole lot better than finding them after a catastrophic failure.

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What Is The Best Trailer Security?

January 14, 2023January 14, 2023 by Mechanic

Trailer Security

How many trailers are stolen each year? That’s a question worth pondering, because if you put a lot of sweat and love into building a great trailer . . . . if it disappears, it’s heartbreaking. We don’t like to think about such things, but it puts trailer security

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Customer Story – Teardrop Camper Build

January 13, 2023 by Mechanic

Building a Teardrop Camper

We see them around, on the highway heading for a weekend away. They always look so cool and just beg you to find your own adventure. Just a cute little teardrop camper set to take someone for a great vacation.

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Simple Chain Anchor System – Free Plans

December 31, 2022December 31, 2022 by Mechanic

Chain Anchor on Tongue

Free Plans for an adjustably permanent Trailer Safety Chain Anchor system. It’s easy to build, easy to install, absolutely solid, yet it allows chain length adjustments fairly easy. The goal is making the trailer safety chains very secure, while also

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Improving Trailer Safety Chain Connections

December 31, 2022December 22, 2022 by Mechanic

Attach Chains Free Plans

We often joke about safety — Yup, Safety 3rd. While it’s fun to joke, there are a few things we do get quite serious about. How to attach trailer safety chains is one. Today we’re looking at connecting chains on the trailer tongue, so the chain is the right length.

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Selecting A Crane Winch For Lifting

November 29, 2022 by Mechanic

Which Crane Winch?

There are dozens of ways to lift with a crane. Chain falls are popular. Come-alongs are another common method. There are also a variety of winches – from the hand crank to an electric crane winch for lifting. Is one better than another?

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Laser and Water Jet Cutting for DIY

November 24, 2022November 15, 2022 by Mechanic

DIY with Water Jet Cutting

When thinking about DIY, we normally don’t envision big or expensive machinery to do the job. There are times, however, when it’s really nice to have. There are some really good reasons for Water Jet cutting (or laser cutting), instead of the normal DIY methods.

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Link Lock Safety Chain Product Review

February 11, 2023October 17, 2022 by Mechanic

Link Lock Safety Chain System

A couple years ago in an article about trailer safety chains, I mentioned the “Link Lock” system. It looked pretty interesting, and I like creativity, especially when it solves real problems. So, I tried to connect with the company to learn more.

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Adjustable Ball Mount – Practical Considerations

November 29, 2022September 22, 2022 by Mechanic

Adjustable Ball Mount Search

While studying adjustable ball mount styles I noticed nearly all have a stationary rack and a floating attachment. Have you noticed that too? It’s a pretty important detail when we look at which one to choose.

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Trailer Design – Meeting Your Goals

November 29, 2022September 17, 2022 by Mechanic

Trailer Design Sketch

It looks easy. Trailer design is not like building a rocket, but it’s also not as easy as putting a few pieces of metal together. Good trailer design includes meeting goals and ending up with something that will tow well, and perform to your needs.

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Independent Trailer Suspension – Are You Being Taken For A Ride?

March 11, 2023August 17, 2022 by Mechanic

Independent Trailer Suspension?

I see a lot of comments on websites and hear references once in a while about the wonders of independent trailer suspension. What do you think? Does it deliver on the hype? Or is it a sales hoax? We will look at some video

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Building A Trailer – Critical Things To Get Right

February 11, 2023August 3, 2022 by Mechanic

Success List To Make A Trailer

There are a lot of little details that go into a trailer building project. Some big, some small. Overall, it’s not hard, yet, when we think about the really important things that make a trailer perform well, the list is pretty short. Give just a little extra

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Adjustable Hitch? Or, Adjustable Ball Mount?

September 26, 2022July 21, 2022 by Mechanic

Adjustable Hitch Options

Over the past few years the Adjustable Hitch and/or Adjustable Ball Mount have become quite popular. They are great for adapting to a wide variety of tow vehicle heights and trailer tongue heights. But, which should you use? Does it make any difference?

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How To Mount A Trailer Axle Straight

March 11, 2023July 4, 2022 by Mechanic

Mount A Trailer Axle

Of all the important things to do when building a trailer, getting the axle(s) right is near the top of the list. It is the position on the trailer, yes, and proper alignment as well. In this article we look at “How to Mount a Trailer Axle(s) Straight and True.”

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Tips To Set A Trailer Tongue At The Frame Center

July 4, 2022July 4, 2022 by Mechanic

How To Set A Trailer Tongue Central

When building a trailer, there are a bunch of things we want to get right. Here is one. “How To set a trailer tongue properly, and central on the frame“. Intrinsically this is easy to grasp, but maybe not as easy to accomplish. Here are some tricks

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Improve Fuel Economy When Towing

June 11, 2022 by Mechanic

Save Money at the Pump

Gas prices are up. Diesel prices are even higher. Since I don’t see those prices changing soon, maybe I can DIY some things to help. Is there any way to improve fuel economy when I’m pulling my trailer?

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Trailer Suspension Mounting – Misdirection !!

October 3, 2022May 14, 2022 by Mechanic

Suspension Mounting Too Close

Shopping online is both a boon and a bust. It’s great access to a wide variety of components, but it’s a bummer when misleading info causes extra work and frustration. That brings us to this Customer Story of misguided

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