Building your car hauler trailer provides many advantages, with customization being chief among them. For instance, you can choose how much side storage you require or make adjustments to its shape during assembly.
As your first step, construct the frame of your trailer. Check all corners are square before welding them together.
Materials
If you need to transport a car, consider using a car hauler trailer. There are various kinds of trailers on the market; flatbed utility trailers are especially well suited to car transport thanks to being easy and quick to construct, plus their hitch rings make attaching ropes simple for cargo security.
Commercial-sized car carrying trailers are used to transport new cars from factories to dealerships and are also utilized by consumers who purchase secondhand cars through auction sites or private sales. While more costly than their utility trailer counterparts, commercial-size car carrier trailers protect from damage during transport.
Your DIY car hauler trailer kit options include buying all the parts or sourcing individual components from home improvement stores. If you decide to purchase a complete kit, carefully follow its instructions to assemble your trailer correctly. Once assembled, first lay the trailer base of plywood or metal for stability before building your frame with square or rectangular profiles, which should support enough weight for vehicles for transporting purposes.
A trailer frame is often constructed of galvanized steel rods joined with brackets, though aluminum beams may also work if you're trying to save money. If welding isn't your forte, however, there may even be pre-welded frames available at salvage yards that you can find instead.
Once your frame is assembled, it's time to add the axle. Attaching it in an even, 60/40 ratio ensures a smooth ride - springs may also help provide added cushion.
Lastly, you must attach wheels, tires, brakes, and trailer lights. Most of these components can be found for sale at home improvement stores or online, however, you could also check scrap yards for older trailer parts.
Design
When transporting a car, you have several choices at your disposal for how best to move it. From purchasing an already-built trailer or opting for more labor-intensive DIY methods like building your own, building is a cost-cutting way that may also result in stronger vehicles that meet specific customer requirements more readily.
An affordable car hauler can be assembled using materials found at any hardware store. These may include stainless steel beams and an industrial metal chassis designed to carry heavy loads. A simple car hauler is perfect for beginners as its easy construction allows users to transport lumber, tools, and other items.
An enclosed trailer is another great choice for transporting cars. These trailers tend to be lower to the ground than open models, making loading low-clearance vehicles much simpler. Furthermore, enclosed models protect vehicles from weather elements and prying eyes during their transport process - an enclosed model may even be the optimal solution when shipping high-value cars!
In order to build a more complex trailer, welding steel rods together is key in creating the frame. While this may prove challenging, the resultant trailer should be strong and sturdy enough to haul a vehicle. To make loading and unloading safer for vehicles with limited access such as classic or luxury cars, ramp doors may come in handy and allow access without getting off of the trailer itself.
There are also flatbed trailers you can use to transport vehicles, typically featuring lower ground clearance than other forms. Flatbeds provide additional stability and safety features that may make hauling car over long distances easier.
Before beginning the assembly of a trailer, it's essential that you carefully plan out its transportation process. This involves making sure it is in good working condition and compatible with your vehicle, considering its weight capacity and how it will be secured on the road - you may also consult with professional car hauler companies about all available options.
Assembly
Car hauler trailers are used to transport multiple vehicles between locations. With low deck heights and designed to make driving onto their deck easy, car haulers provide manufacturers and dealerships with cost-cutting shipping solutions while still meeting delivery schedules on time. Individuals may rent these trailers when moving homes or selling off a car privately.
When selecting a car hauler trailer, be sure to consider its overall quality. Look for durable materials and fine craftsmanship in its frame and welds; additionally, make sure the trailer satisfies its maximum gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) to avoid overpaying for something unsuitable for your vehicle's weight needs.
Unless you are an experienced welder, it may be wise to enlist professional assistance when creating your car hauler. Doing so will ensure the trailer remains safe to drive without incurring damage during transportation and should also come equipped with proper lighting and safety features.
Your car hauler project requires gathering several supplies, from angle irons and boards for the trailer bed to angle irons with bracing support, wheels, and axles, tail light kits and tail light assemblies. Your trailer plans should guide as to which materials and sizes you require to put all these pieces together successfully.
Once you've amassed all of the required materials, assembly can commence. Construct the main frame of your trailer before checking to ensure it's level and making necessary adjustments such as wheel bearing lubrication if desired; additionally, it is highly advisable to install safety chains or straps as this can also make driving smoother.
Customization
No matter your reason for needing a trailer - from showing off your pride and joy at a car show to small business owners with delivery needs or individuals planning their move - having the appropriate trailer can make all the difference. While pre-built options might seem more cost-effective and fun, building your DIY vehicle hauler may often prove cheaper and more rewarding in the result being exactly what's needed for your journey.
Though many car trailer plans online provide basic blueprints, it's essential to consider how your finished product will be used before selecting an ideal design. For instance, utility trailers might work well for transporting lightweight equipment or recreational vehicles but will likely not meet most car transportation needs.
Add features that expand its versatility for maximum enjoyment of your trailer, whether that means simply installing roof racks to store additional cargo or going as far as constructing an enclosed trailer with taller ceiling height and door opening height requirements for showcasing vintage cars or vehicles with low clearance requirements.
Enhancing your trailer's aesthetics goes hand-in-hand with its functionality - select paint jobs and wheels or rims that complement the car you tow with, add extra colors as you wish, or upgrade with premium accessories such as side escape doors, air conditioning units, 110V lighting receptacles, generator doors or awnings for even further personalization.
Keep in mind that car hauler trailers must adhere to state and federal regulations for vehicular transportation, meaning running lights (yellow in front and red in back) must comply with state laws as well as reflectors mounted on both sides. If you need guidance regarding your specific local laws, talk with an experienced trailer builder who can advise on the most suitable solutions.