Support, FAQs & More...
General support
All of our trailer plans include a number of “General Arrangement” drawings, which outline the main assembly and every sub assembly within it.
All of our trailer plans include a number of “General Arrangement” drawings, which outline the main assembly and every sub assembly within it. For example, our hydraulic tipping trailer plans contain a bottom chassis with its own drawing set and general arrangement, a top chassis with its own drawing set and general arrangement and so on for everything to be fabricated within that set of trailer plans, including the toolbox!
The “General Arrangement” also catalogs and labels every part you’ll need. Every part within the plan set features a separate drawing detailing every cut dimension, hole detail, and any other relevant information you need for a successful build. Our plans also include cutting lists, which outline all cut lengths and stock quantities. This comes in handy when ordering stock.
Most important, all of our plans feature a helpful instructional aid. This aid provides a comprehensive explanation of the terminology, abbreviations, and symbols you’ll see throughout our plans. We provide this document in an effort to empower and educate the fabricator to read and navigate the plans at their own pace.
Standard with all of our plans is the inclusion of DXF files for each plate and sheet metal part. These come in handy if you’re looking to have a fabrication shop cut the parts for you.
You can contact us at anytime during your build. We’re happy to offer support for fabrication, welding, and reading our plans.
If you’re looking for some casual tips on welding and fabrication, take a look at these great resources below. They’re great for learning new tricks or even just brushing up on your existing skills.
- Weldingtipsandtricks.com has a great range of instructional welding videos for all welding processes.
- Great weld sequencing video by Jason over at Fireball Tool.
- diymetalfabrication.com has a good range of useful fabrication tips and resources.
The DXF files included with each set of plans can be used by fabrication shops to laser cut, profile cut, or water-jet cut the sheet metal and plate parts for your build.
If you’re not prepared (or you lack the time) to cut your own parts, a fabrication shop can be very helpful. Having them fabricate your parts can be both cost- and time-effective. Plus, you’ll also have the luxury of working with accurate, machine-cut parts, which can really boost the quality of a self-built trailer.
You can view the DXF files with free software like DXF Viewer or Autodesk Design Review, however you do not have to view them – simply provide them to whoever is cutting the parts and their software will do the rest.
Your account will automatically be created after checkout. Please check your inbox (or junk mail) for login details.
Once you have purchased plans, there are two ways to download.
- Download via the Purchase Summary page.
- Via your online Account – you can download your plans by logging into your account that was automatically created for you after checkout.
* Any future purchases should be done through your account to keep all your plans in the one place.
Your plans will be available for instant download via the Purchase Summary page (after checkout).
You should have also received an email about your new Account with Fabplans. You can log in and download your plans there.
If you still can’t find an email from us, please get in touch – be sure to provide the email you used when purchasing your plans.
Now it’s time to start building!
Frequently Asked Questions
In order to build your own trailer, you’ll need the ability to accurately measure, cut, and weld steel. Our trailer plans are very easy to follow. Read more about our recommended skill levels here>>>. We have also allocated a desired skill level to each of our plans.
Please note that each country and city has different (and sometimes conflicting) road rules and licensing regulations for trailers. Please ensure that you follow your particular region’s road and licensing rules. Also take note that some region’s rules require that trailers over a certain load capacity need to be inspected prior to licensing, you can find more information on this below.
In order to build your own trailer, you’ll need the ability to accurately measure, cut, and weld steel. Our trailer plans are very easy to follow; however, some experience reading fabrications drawings is preferred though not essential.
Please note that each country and city has different (and sometimes conflicting) road rules and licensing regulations for trailers. Please ensure that you follow your particular region’s road and licensing rules. Also take note that some region’s rules require that trailers over a certain load capacity need to be inspected prior to licensing, you can find more information on this below.
A new registration system was implemented in Australia on 1 July 2023. Follow the steps below to register your trailer.
- Create an account on the ROVER Portal.
- Start application for a ‘Concessional RAV Entry’.
- Work your way through the form.
- When you get to the VIN section, in the box ‘chassis number’ write ‘Please supply VIN’.
- We have been informed that this is a declaration-based application. Meaning that you the ‘builder’ of the trailer, are confirming that you have met the applicable criteria.
- If your application is accepted, you will be provided a VIN.
- Apply VIN placard.
- Then take your new trailer and VIN to your local place of registration, where they may conduct an inspection (checking welding, brakes, overall size etc.)
- All going well you will be provided with registration plates.
Job done.
This being said we don’t want to mislead anyone and thus we ask that you do your own due diligence prior to purchasing plans.
With a global customer base, it is important to us that we provide accurate information on how to get your newly built trailer registered.
Our team is currently working to provide quick registration informational links for all major countries. When this information is available, it will be provided here.
Prior to purchasing plans, we recommend that you contact your local vehicle registration agency for advice.
Your axle selection will be determined by your trailer’s ATM and the offset of the wheels that you choose. With this information, you can determine the axle size, length, and brake specifications. Use the ‘axle selection page’ provided with your plans to get the exact axle measurements you need, or get assistance from your parts supplier as they are often happy to calculate the correct axle size using their parts.
Each country and state will specify the braking requirements in order for your trailer to be registered. We recommend that you contact your local governing authority for more information prior to starting your build.
Here is a link to the braking requirements for Australia.
The cost of certain builds can vary greatly depending on your local steel and component prices. If you’re a first time builder, you’ll also need to consider the cost of any extra tools you may need to purchase. Check out our pricing guide for more information.
Each of our plans feature a detailed parts and cutting list, which can be used to price and order the material you need. However, before ordering any material, it’s a good idea to shop around and get quotes from different suppliers.
Most of our plans only require basic fabrication tools. Some designs will require sheet metal bending. For most people this means you will need to outsource the work to a local fabrication shop who has this capability.
Check out our basic tool guide.
Yes, you can increase the load rating, although it will be up to you to ensure that the manufacture process will support the desired load.
Our plans are engineered to support the load SPECIFIED. Any increase may require design alterations, which are often costly.
Our plans are designed for the everyday person with some handy-man and/or welding experience – you do NOT have to be a professional!
Applying a strong weld with good penetration is important. If you have any scrap off-cuts, you can always practice until you’ve built your confidence.
Still have a question that needs answering?
CUSTOM Trailer Designs
Fabplans is continually innovating to develop new trailer plans. At present, Fabplans does NOT offer a custom design service. Any changes or updates to our services will be announced here on our website, on our social accounts or via email. Sign up to our newsletter at the bottom of this page to stay up-to-date with any new trailer plan releases.