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FAQs
general
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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.
If the plans you purchase have more complex sheet metal/plate parts there will be DXF included. These come in handy if you’re looking to have a fabrication shop cut the parts for you.
After making a purchase, there are two options to download your plans.
1. Via the purchase summary page.
2. Log into your account.
– All our plans are digital download only.
– You will need to be able to open the following file types:
Plans (.pdf)
Information booklet (.pdf)
Master Cutting/Part list (.xlsx)
– Caution when downloading on mobile devices. Before downloading, confirm where the file will be stored on your device. It is best to download each product once. If you can’t find the file on your mobile device – download on your PC and go to your downloads folder.
– Plans remain available in your account for 12 months after purchase. We recommend that you save them to your computer for later reference.
Your account will be automatically created after checkout. Check your inbox (or junk mail) for login details.
*If you purchased plans prior to 2024 you will not have an account.
Some of our plans include DXF files for parts made from sheet/plate material. These files can be used by CNC machines like plasma/laser/waterjet, to accurately and effectively cut parts. You do not need them to build our designs – they are provided as a bonus. Should you choose to have your parts CNC cut, simply provide the files to your outsourcing facility and they can cut the parts for you.
DXF files do not contain any CAD information such as dimensions, they only display the outline of the individual part. To view these files, download a DXF viewer.
DXF files are not CAD files – CAD files are not provided.
Yes. Changes/custom work incur additional charges. See Custom Designs.
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.
No. If you are a confident DIYer you will not have any issues laying welds to build your own trailer. Our plans include information regarding weld type, size and critical weld locations.
Often keeping a project square after heat is induced through the welding process is where trouble strikes. Here are some helpful videos from seasoned fabricators/welders to assist your welding journey.
- Welding distortion video by Technoweld Training.
- Weld sequencing video by Jason over at fireball tool.
- Weldingtipsandtricks.com has a great range of instructional welding videos for all welding processes.
Trailer related
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Yes. Our trailer designs meet Australian Design Rule (ADR) 62/02 (mechanical drawbar connections), therefore simplifying and reducing the cost to get your new trailer registered. If you make changes to the design (drawbar/ATM) it is your responsibility to ensure that the trailer complies with all regulations.
There are additional ADR’s you need to comply with, these relate to components such as, coupling, chains, lights etc. Click here for further information.
Some structural parts should not be changed without consulting us or an engineer. These include: Drawbar, length/width of trailer, trailer weight ratings.
Checking registration requirements should be your first step. We recommend you consult your local registry to find out exactly what requirements need to be met. If there are any queries about whether the plans are suitable, please contact us to discuss prior to purchasing.
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.
Build costs 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.
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 is a good idea to shop around and get quotes from different suppliers.
Check out our pricing guide for more information.
