If you have a car, then you probably quite often come across the need to transport all kinds of cargo. In this case, you can not do without the use of a car trailer. It, of course, can be purchased in the store of the corresponding goods, however, such a design is possible to produce independently.
Frame work
A home-made trailer, like a factory-type model, must have a frame, which is the basis of the design. Its rigidity and strength will determine the durability of the trailer. In order to ensure greater reliability, it is recommended to use elements that will be interconnected by welding. It is necessary to start work by determining the dimensions of the described element, and more precisely, width and length. The size will be determined by the outer edges of the components of the frame. In order to determine the final width of the frame, the thickness of one wall multiplied by 2 must be added to the distance between the inner faces of the side walls. If the frame is located between the wheels and not above them, then the gap between the bolt and the tire should be taken into account.
If you decide to make a home-made trailer, then after determining the dimensions, you should try on the frame. To do this, the metal profile must be decomposed on the surface, observing the perpendicularity between the components. Elements should be combined by clamps. In parallel, it is necessary to control the shape, for this using the tape measure the diagonal of the resulting rectangle is measured. The values should be equal to each other, deviations can be from 2 to 5%. The design must have a stiffener, because the square and rectangle are unstable structures.
Trailer connection to a vehicle
A homemade trailer must have a chain ball. To perform this element, it must be remembered that the shorter length of the connecting part indicates a quick response when the car is moving. Even a slight lateral rotation of the drive wheels will cause the trailer to move sharply. This can cause damage to the cargo and its fall. When making a home-made trailer, you need to choose the optimal length - from 1.5 to 2.5 cm. When choosing a material, it is recommended to use square steel pipes that will form the basis of the frame and connection. For the last element you will need pipes in the amount of 3 pieces. You can connect the frames to the pipe by welding, and for higher strength it is recommended to reinforce by means of corners. Before welding, the master must try on the elements so that the hitch is made along the axis of the structure. When making homemade trailers for a passenger car, a safety cable should be installed at the same stage, which can be replaced by a chain. If there is a desire, then a folding wheel can be installed in the hitch area for comfortable transportation of the trailer without a vehicle.
Coupling Installation
Homemade trailers for a passenger car must have a coupling, the installation of which can be carried out by welding or bolts. Before final fixing of this component to the frame, it is necessary to check the coincidence of the dimensions of the frame pipes with the grooves of the gutter. The latter should not be larger than the width of the pipe, the excess in size can be a maximum of 5 millimeters. A welded joint can provide excellent strength, but if damaged, dismantling will involve the use of a gas burner. The strength of the connection with a bolt is less. Bolts that belong to the eighth strength class should be used. Less durable ones will not be able to withstand shear forces. To connect, you need to prepare two bolts, you should not use a larger amount, as this will help weaken the frame element, as well as the coupling due to the presence of holes for fasteners.
Axis Work
Before registering a homemade trailer, it must be fully prepared for use. There is a rule according to which the trailer axle is located at a distance of 40% of the length of the structure from the rear side. After you can measure the distance, you must indicate the location of the axis. You can install it by placing the frame on the surface. In this case, you need to use two 4x4 blocks, while the spindle should hang freely. In the intended place for mounting the axis, paint must be removed from the surface of the frame. The step between the bushings should be divided into two, the resulting mark is marked on the surface.
A home-made trailer for a walk-behind tractor can be made using the same technology, but the dimensions will be significantly smaller. In order to check the dimensions, you need to once again measure the width of the frame. After that, the wizard can proceed with the final installation. Elements are interconnected by welding. It is recommended to use a spring-shock-absorbing suspension for the reason that it guarantees more impressive softness, although it is notable for its low strength.
Work on stabilizing jacks
When making a home-made trailer with your own hands, it is important to ensure the horizontal position of the structure. The corners of the frame are the most suitable option. It is possible to install only on one side of the structure. If we consider the device from the point of view of lifting force, it is recommended to use a screw mechanism. It can also be used to replace the wheel.
Summarizing
A home- made trailer for a walk-behind tractor, as well as for a car, will be able to expand your capabilities. The latter option can be used to transport goods, whatever configuration they may have. There is absolutely no risk of damage to the machine. Despite the fact that the trailer may have its own specific features, the recommendations given above are common to all options. If you wish, a home-made trailer for a boat or for a car can be equipped with a brake system, as well as lighting. However, experts recommend trusting these issues to professionals.
Trailer Registration
If you are thinking about how to make a trailer, then you should be interested in the task of registering it. The design must undergo an examination of what the All-Russian Society of Motorists does, abbreviated SAI. Each region has its own society. To pass the examination, you need to make sure that the device complies with the existing GOST. You can familiarize yourself with state standards in GOST 37.001. 220-80. Before registering a homemade trailer, you should be aware that the above standard applies to all types of trailers that are designed to be towed by minibuses, as well as cars on public roads. The standard does not apply to devices whose design was carried out before the approval of the technical specifications of the mentioned standard.
Conclusion
Before starting to make a trailer, you should familiarize yourself with state standards so that later you do not have to redo the structure. The mass of the device must not be more than that authorized by the manufacturer. Weight must not exceed the curb weight of the vehicle. This figure is 1800 kilograms. The length of the device should not be more than 1.5 of the length of the car or a limit of 8 meters. These requirements must be taken into account at the design stage of the trailer, otherwise the use of the structure will be impossible.