If you have a car, then you probably quite often face the need to transport all kinds of goods. In this case, you can not do without the use of a light trailer. Of course, it can be purchased at the store of relevant goods, but it is possible to make such a design yourself.
Working on the frame
A self-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, or rather, the width and length. The size will be determined by the outer edges of the frame components. In order to determine the final width of the frame, to the distance between the inner edges of the sidewalls, you need to add the thickness of one wall, multiplied by 2. 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 homemade trailer, then after determining the dimensions, you should try on the frame. To do this, the metal profile must be laid out on the surface, observing the perpendicularity between the components. The elements must be joined together by clamps. In parallel, you should check the shape, for this, using a tape measure, the diagonal of the resulting rectangle is measured. The values must be equal to each other, deviations can be from 2 to 5%. The structure must have a stiffener, because a square and a rectangle are unstable structures.
Trailer to vehicle connection
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 vehicle is moving. Even a slight side turn of the drive wheels will cause the trailer to move sharply. This may cause damage to the load and cause it to fall. When making a homemade trailer, you need to choose the optimal length - in the range 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 inquantity of 3 pieces. It is possible to connect the frames with the pipe by welding, and for higher strength it is recommended to make reinforcement 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 homemade trailers for a car are made, at the same stage a safety cable should be installed, which can be replaced by a chain. If desired, a folding wheel can be installed in the hitch area for comfortable transport of a trailer without a vehicle.
Installing the coupler
Homemade trailers for a car must have a coupling, the installation of which can be done by welding or bolts. Before the final fixation 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, however, if damaged, dismantling will involve the use of a gas torch. The strength of the connection with a bolt is less. Bolts that belong to the eighth strength class should be used. Less durable will not be able to withstand shear forces. For connection, you need to prepare two bolts, you should not use more, as this will weaken the frame element, as well as the coupling due to the presence of holes for fasteners.
Work onaxis
Before registering a homemade trailer, it must be fully prepared for operation. There is a rule according to which the axle of the trailer is located at a distance of 40% of the length of the structure from the rear side. After you can measure the distance, you need to designate 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. Remove the paint from the surface of the frame at the intended location for mounting the axle. The step between the bushings must be divided by two, the resulting mark is marked on the surface.
A self-made trailer for a walk-behind tractor can be made using the same technology, but the dimensions will be much smaller. In order to check the dimensions, you need to measure the width of the frame again. After that, the wizard can proceed with the final installation. The elements are interconnected by welding. It is recommended to use a spring-damping suspension, because it guarantees more impressive softness, although it differs in little strength.
Working on stabilizing jacks
When a homemade trailer is made 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 in terms of lifting force, thenit is recommended to use a screw mechanism. It can also be used to change a wheel.
Summing up
A homemade 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, no matter what configuration they have. There is absolutely no risk of damaging the machine. Although the trailer may have its own specific features, the recommendations above are common to all options. If you wish, a homemade trailer for a boat or car can be equipped with a braking system, as well as lighting. However, experts recommend trusting professionals to resolve these issues.
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 pass an examination, which is what the All-Russian Society of Motorists, abbreviated VOA, does. Each region has its own society. To pass the examination, you must make sure that the device complies with the existing GOST. You can familiarize yourself with the state standards in the document GOST 37.001. 220-80. Before registering a homemade trailer, you should know that the above standard applies to all types of trailers that are intended for towing by minibuses, as well as cars on public roads. The standard does not apply tothose devices, the design of which was made before the approval of the technical specifications of the mentioned standard.
Conclusion
Before you start making a trailer, you should familiarize yourself with state standards so that you do not have to redesign the structure later. The mass of the device must not exceed the manufacturer's maximum weight. The weight must not exceed the curb weight of the vehicle. This figure is 1800 kilograms. The length of the device should not exceed 1.5 car lengths 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 not be possible.
