FB

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. Check out the new article versions of “What Makes A Good Trailer?” and “Choosing The Right Utility Trailer“.  While the article is for everyone with interest in trailer design, they are specifically here for you.  These articles are the foundation of Trailers including Strength, Stability and Usefulness.  They’re worth a read if you haven’t already.

“Good Trailer Design” Article

Article Screen Shot Trailer DesignWhat Makes A Good Trailer Design?  While that is a good question, the answer depends a lot on your expectations for using the trailer.  With that in mind, there are many fundamentals that are common to all “Good” trailers.  This article (4 short web chapters) looks at various aspects of trailer design, including  Trailer Strength (not just with the frame), Dynamic Stability while towing, and options for Versatility (think of it as usefulness).

Illustration within the articles include lots of pictures and real world examples.  It’s for building a trailer, yes, but it’s also for looking over a trailer you might want to buy — new or used.  These pages give suggestions about how to evaluate a trailer for each of the items in each category.  Think of it as a guide for ways that you can judge based on your needs.

The Genesis

Years ago, the first article was originally written to assist people in acquiring a trailer because it shows things to look for, as well as things to avoid.  Think of it as a guide in purchasing one (new or used).  For other people the articles serve as a help in building their own trailer by pointing out things to consider in the design.  Since the original publication, the article has expanded undergone several iterations with changes, expansions and revisions — including this latest complete revision in May 2017.  (Now it’s really 5 related articles.)

The articles briefly get into the whole gamut of trailer considerations.  But if you want more detail (or DIY Plans), read the articles here at Mechanical Elements.  How about the big things like Trailer Frames and Axles (both leaf type and Torsion Axles), as well as the little things like a spare tire and the ever important Safety Chains.

“Good Trailer Design” is not rocket science, rather it’s is a whole bunch of common sense and comparative analysis to meet your particular needs.  Engineering is obviously very important, and these articles give many examples with some added reasoning on things you may already know.  Ideas there may also debunk myths about Trailer Design and Function.  For those that like or use trailers, the articles are definitely recommended reading.

More Good Reading

In addition to Good Trailer Design, there are two companion articles which also have a fresh revision.  “Choosing the Right Utility Trailer is focused specifically on the needs of utility trailers.  Then, Trailer Towing Tips is a long list of things we’ve discovered, read about, or readers have shared over the years.  A great reminder on ways to keep things safe and trouble free when towing.

Couple these articles from Synthesis with some of the popular ones here on Mechanical Elements, and it’s a great collection.  Things like Choosing Tandem Axles (and Triples) then the article on Leaf Springs Or a Torsion Axle?

Want more detail?  Get into the nuts and bolts by reading about trailer design goals and about important components like Trailer Axles 101 – What You Need To Know.  Plus, there are many more in our growing library, so visit the Mechanic’s Post *Articles* from the Knowledge menu at the top of the page.

Finally, find inspiration in videos like building a Utility Trailer or building a Dump Trailer.

Great reading material, all of it.

We have this Article because Do-It-Yourself trailer builders need to know the things in these trailer design articles.  It’s the small details that make a trailer build a booming success, or a “Hmmm, maybe I’ll sell it” project.  Build it to Love it.  Build it yourself, and make it the Best!

Enjoy the Reading!

 

Note:  Synthesis Engineering Services is the parent company of Mechanical Elements.  At one time plans were all on the Synthx.com website, but now on this site specifically for DIY.  The plans, and many more articles to assist the DIY’er in reaching their goals.

All plans here at Mechanical Elements are with engineering from Synthesis, therefore the articles above are of particular importance if you want perspective on our Trailer Plans.  This is all part of Spiraling Up to bring you the best DIY information, tips and helps with your projects.

As always, the best way to get the exact trailer (or other project) you want is to build it.  Plans here at Mechanical Elements with great trailer design are a good place to start.  Check out the Plans Store section of this website.  Thank you for visiting.

Comments

Subscribe
Notify of
2 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View All Comments

We Found These For You . . .

Chain Anchor on Tongue

Free Plans for an adjustably permanent Trailer Safety Chain Anchor system.  It is 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

Trailer Hitch 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?“

Walking Beam Suspension Plans – 8K w/ Torsion Axles

Put a walking beam style tandem axle suspension under your 5000 - 8000 lbs capacity trailer. Plans are engineered for the benefits of torsion rubber axles in a load sharing combination for a better ride.

See The Details Add To Cart

Walking Beam Suspension Plans 8K
Ways to Make a Trailer Wider

So, I have this trailer, but it needs it to be bigger.  Is it possible to make a trailer wider?  Can I make it wider to carry more?  And, what are the limits or problems with making it wider?

6’10” x 12′ x 6000# / 7000# – Utility Trailer Plans

Heavy Duty 12 ft 7K Trailer Plans to build with the features you want, including a 5200 lb., 6000 lb., or 7000 lb. Axle capacity choice.  Choose from the many extras and options – All in the Plans.

See The Details Add To Cart

6'x12'-6000 lbs Trailer Blueprints

6′ x 14′ x 7000# – Utility Trailer Plans

DIY projects designed for you.  These plans show how to construct a 6 ft x 14 ft tandem axle utility trailer with 7000 lb total capacity.  Use the trailer for work or to haul your big toys.

See The Details Add To Cart

6 ft x 14 ft Trailer Plans
Plans In Metric

Virtually everything on the internet is by definition “World Wide”.   Even though Mechanical Elements (and Synthesis Engineering Services) is physically located in the USA, we have a world audience, so that is a fair question

Welding Pre-Stressed Steel Fabrication

The concepts of pre-stressed steel fabrication have been around for ages, but they are not often applied for simple welded structures like trailer frames or crane stands.

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

5′ x 10′ – 2000# – Lightweight Camper Chassis

Build your dream Teardrop or Mini camper on this awesome 5 x 10, 2000# torsion axle trailer.  The chassis is lightweight, yet sturdy for all the places you will go.  And, plans include a bunch of options for you to choose from to meet your needs.

See The Details Add To Cart

5x10 2000 lb. Mini Camper Chassis