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.
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.Link Lock Safety Chain Product Review
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.
Adjustable Ball Mount Practical Considerations
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.
Trailer Design – Meeting Your Goals
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. We see sketches fairly often, perhaps on graph paper with … Read The Article
Independent Trailer Suspension – Are You Being Taken For A Ride?
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? Let’s look at some video
Building A Trailer – Critical Things To Get Right
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
Adjustable Hitch? Or, Adjustable Ball Mount?
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?
How To Mount A Trailer Axle Straight
Of all the important things to do when building a trailer, getting the axle(s) right is near the top of the list. It’s 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.”
Tips To Set A Trailer Tongue At The Frame Center
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
Improve Fuel Economy When Towing
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?
Trailer Suspension Mounting – Misdirection !!
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
Trailer Towing Tips
As we plan and eventually set out for the many adventures this year, let’s plan for a great trip. Here are some good towing tips to make it all go much smoother.
For RV’s or any other trailer, the tips are
Dump Trailer Plans – And Build Video
Need Plans to build a better built Dump Trailer? How about a 7′ x 14′ dump bed with 14,000 lbs trailer capacity. I can tell you where to get them, and we know the plans are great, because Synthesis Engineering did them.
Car Hauler Trailers — New Trailer Plans
Where do you get plans for true, tough, Car Hauler trailers. After a ton of market and product study, we are stepping in and stepping up. Our niche is engineering better plans for DIY, so read on to learn about our approach to Equipment Transport
Car Hauler Design – Trailer Research
Prior to starting new plans, we do research to understand the landscape, then look for opportunity to improve and make a better product. That is certainly the case with our upcoming Car Hauler & Equipment Transport Trailer design. New plans are coming soon.
Torsion Axle Conversion Plans
By far, the most common trailer suspension is leaf springs. They’re cheap, straightforward, easy to repair and a bunch of other things. That said, there are definitely benefits in other suspension styles, too. Torsion is the 2nd most common
The Concept of “Strong Enough”
I’m not sure how to categorize this Article. It’s an answer, but more than that. We get questions once in a while something like “My trailer is X long and I want to haul a Y. Is 3 inch angle iron strong enough?”
Can I Use An Axle-Less Suspension
Axle-Less trailers. Yes, that’s a thing, and we get a lot of questions about this unique suspension. Some people ask if it’s any good? Other’s ask if it will work with our trailers? Still others ask about using them for tandems? We even get questions about using it
Easy Gantry Crane Lift Conversion
The beauty of a gantry crane is the beam overhead, and the clear access for lifting things. To make them more useful, telescoping legs put the top beam at a height appropriate for the job — in your garage, or outside, or wherever. One of the challenges
Tilt Top Trailer Conversion Plans
It’s time to welcome the tilt top trailer. You, as customers and readers, request this a lot, for a while. So, now we have it. Rather than revisiting the design for all our trailers in all the sizes, we now offer conversion plans. These are an added option