Update on building a new design specialty utility trailer. The trailer build is going well, and we thought you might have interest in following the progress. Especially for some of the experimental new concept features.
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.The Economics of DIY Projects
“I want to build a new trailer.” That’s an awesome thing to say, and it’s even better to do. Yet, many such adventures don’t launch because of project economics? What does it cost to build?
New Size – Homemade Crane Plans
A New Size? OK, MechanicalElements.com has Gantry Crane plans – for years. Interestingly, one of our very first plans. Now, we just released the Perfect Size Crane for your Garage.
Convenient Trailer Tongue Hinge For Storage
Need to store your trailer in a smaller space? Consider adding a trailer tongue hinge like these. It’s helpful, for sure, but has some definite things to consider.
Video – Why Do Some Trailers Tow Stable?
The way a trailer tows makes a big difference in the ownership experience. So, Why do some trailers tow stable, while others do not? Even a small trailer that does misbehaves by swaying is rather intimidating
How Do We Make The Plans?
What goes into the engineering of Do It Yourself Plans? How do we make them? When you purchase and download project plans from Mechanical Elements, you get a TON of work and information, much more than first meets the eye.
Trailer Build: Where Does The Axle Go?
Trailer axle position? This is a good question. Unfortunately, there is some popular, but misleading information around. So, how do you know proper trailer axle position? Here’s the whole answer,
The Low-Down On Twisting Safety Chains
Should you twist trailer safety chains to make them shorter? Certainly twisting them reduces the length so they don’t drag the ground. That part is good. However, there are big issues with twisting safety chains?
Trailer Safety Chains?
Do they accomplish the intended purpose? Or are trailer safety chains just a legal pain in the rear? Maybe the better question to ask, since we’re required to use them: “How do we make the chains more effective?“
What is Your DIY Legacy?
Who influenced your creativity and Do-it-Yourself enthusiasm? Was it your dad? A shop teacher? Or a neighbor that was into cool projects?
The Right Tools – Metalworking Files
Often misused and not very well understood — so goes the life of many metalworking files. Yet, they still do things other tools can’t. That makes them a tool worth knowing!
The Wise Man And The Tiny House
There’s an old song comparing the wise man and the foolish man. It might just be talking about a tiny house foundation! Goes something like this:
When is it Safe to Customize the Plans?
At Mechanical Elements, we encourage customers to modify and customize the plans. That’s how you build the perfect project. So, what things can you customize? And what shouldn’t?
Comparison: Steel or Aluminum – Part 2
In the debate about Steel or Aluminum for beams of trailer frames and gantry cranes, there is one big piece we hear less about. An important part of the equation, for sure, is the property of Elasticity . . . . What?
Compare: Steel vs. Aluminum Trailer Frames & Beams
Aluminum is such a great material. It’s light, strong, and looks sweet to boot. So, why is there a debate about Aluminum Trailer Frames comparing to others like steel? Or comparing for beams like with gantry cranes?
What’s Wrong With This Picture?
Learning good trailer construction by examining bad is a great way to focus on details. This photo shows 4 points of “less that careful thought” in the way the trailer is built. Can you pick them out?
Updates On Trailer Design Articles
The most popular pages on Synthesis are the Trailer Design Article that now has a fresh revision. May, 2017. They include more content, more pictures, and a mobile friendly web design.
Force, Displacement & Bloody Knuckles
Is there anything more annoying (painful and frustrating) than busting a knuckle when working on things in the shop? To many of us, blood sacrifices are just part of getting a project done, but it doesn’t have to be that way. This article is NOT about iron gloves or
When Should I Build? – When Should I Buy?
Do you want a new Utility Trailer? Or, an OHV Hauler? We have plans for those, but the big question is: When should you build your new trailer? versus When should you just go out and buy one?
Creativity in a DIY Pack Trailer
The coolest thing I saw last week was this guy with a very creative DIY approach to a pack trailer — and, of course, his tow vehicle!