How should I connect things as I build my trailer? Welding is the typical practice for most structural frame members, but bolting also has some good benefits. So, this makes me wonder. How do I decide? Since it is usually not an all or nothing proposition, let’s examine
Cost
Choosing Trailer Deck Material
“I’m building a new trailer and I’m wondering about what deck material to use? So many choices, all with various advantages and disadvantages. I probably don’t even know all the available choices. How do I decide?”
Laser and Water Jet Cutting for DIY
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.
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?
Small Trailer Instead Of A Truck?
That sounds like a good idea. Right? There are a million good reasons to need the capacity of a pickup truck, but actually, very few people use a Truck as a Truck that often. Can we get the function we need without all the weight and wasting fuel?
Why No Plans For Aluminum Trailers?
This question comes up often — because there are not many good plans for aluminum trailers out there. We have great trailer plans, but none for aluminum. Why? As one of our Frequently Asked Questions, this one deserves a good answer.
Is Custom Trailer Design Right For You?
Sometimes looking for the right plans for the trailer you need is a needle in a haystack. Every site has something, but not exact. What’s next? When you really need a particular trailer that others don’t offer,
A Tiny House Size Quandary
OK, so you want to Live Tiny. That’s awesome. What can you do without? What do you really want to have? And how about that claustrophobia?
How Much Will It Cost?
Before starting a project we always want to know — or at least have some idea — how much will it cost to build? If you’re like me, resources are limited, so knowing how much you’re going to sink into a project is smart.
Does My Trailer Need A Spare Tire?
What about that trailer spare tire? No, I don’t mean the one around my middle . . . for your trailer. Do you really need one? Some say yes, and we see them on many trailers, but they are rarely used. What if you just go without?
Why BUY Plans, If You Can Get FREE Plans?
It’s a big dilemma. Why buy trailer plans (or crane plans or whatever) when you can get Free Plans? Some websites have free plans, other places charge. So what’s the big deal?
Gantry Crane Failure Modes
There are a lot of ways to abuse a crane. We won’t go into those, but let’s do take a minute on crane failures and what they look like.
Do It Yourself _ Is Not _ All By Yourself
DIY is the common acronym for Do It Yourself, but there’s a misnomer in the expression. In some things doing it by yourself is awesome, for sure, yet DIY does not mean
Increasing Trailer Load Capacity
Have a trailer that you want to repurpose? Or a lightweight trailer that needs a little beef? Is it practical to strengthen an existing trailer? Sure, there are several ways to increase trailer load capacity,
New – Smooth Action Tandem Torsion Axles
Over and over we recommend: “Don’t use torsion axles in tandem because they don’t load-share”. Well, What if we make them share? Here’s a new design that brings the benefits of a torsion axle to the tandem axle party
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?