If a person’s car does not accommodate large cargo inside the cabin or does not want to dirty it with dirty things, then you should think about using a trailer that will easily relieve your task.
The cost of such a unit is at least half a thousand dollars. Not everyone will have the desire to buy an addition to their car, even if it will be used constantly, so you might want to think about the idea of how you can make a trailer yourself.
Trailers are divided into two types - ordinary and specialized, in which cargo of certain volumes and sizes can be transported.
In the first case, everything is clear - everyone uses it without exception, while the second is usually used in industry or business.
This article will only consider a conventional trailer for universal use.
Conventional trailers can be either on one axle or on two. Accordingly, they have two or more than two wheels. It is important to know that a biaxial trailer allows you to transport larger loads and also removes a significant part of the load from the rear of the car. In addition, the car’s power is not lost, as if a weak trailer was used.
Instructions on how to make a trailer
The first step, as always, is to think about designing the trailer. For this it is important to draw up detailed drawing, as well as a plan for assembling parts.
You shouldn’t think that you can do it by eye, as the slightest miscalculation will lead to the trailer being impossible to use.
Required minimum materials
- Square tube and channel
- Steel sheets for cladding
- Metal sheet for the bottom
- Chassis
- Several wheels
- Suspension and braking system
- Waterproof fabric
- Towbar
- Electrical equipment
- Corner Mounts and Brackets
- Grinder, screwdriver and other tools
- Welding
Trailer construction
Once you have all the components at your fingertips, you can begin building your first trailer. The first step is to make the frame - the base of the trailer, which should be the most durable product of the entire structure.
You can ask a welder you know or specialists to weld this structure for you if you don’t know how to do it yourself. Check the weld seams carefully, as they must be strong and not break.
The next step is to weld the ribs to the frame, which should be across the trailer. Brackets are installed along the edges that will hold the shock absorbers.
You can look at the types and sizes of DIY trailers to have a better idea of what is written here.
Prepare two channels that will be the connecting part so that it does not turn out to be too long, otherwise you may lose the maneuverability of the trailer when moving.
The channel is welded along the bottom of the frame along its entire length. To increase reliability, it is recommended to weld it together with other parts of the frame using metal triangles.
It is better to purchase the clutch mechanism ready-made in the store - this will simplify not only your work, but also the process of registering the trailer. The axial part of the “walker” should not be exactly in the middle of the frame, but slightly shifted towards the end of the trailer.
When the step-by-step production of trailer parts is ready, you can move on to the chassis. Now a passive braking system is installed, which will be very useful on the descent.
The next step is to equip the sides of the trailer and its bottom. Use secure bolts for fastening metal sheets. Complete the fastening with corners.
The tailgate must be equipped with reflectors, a license plate frame and all the necessary lights. Orange reflectors are installed on the sides, and orange and white on the front.
The trailer is now completely finished. If you allocate moderate time for production, it will take about three to four days. Don't forget to go through the mandatory registration process for your brand new trailer.
Using these instructions and advice you can do without drawings with diagrams of how to make a trailer. Also, for this it is not at all necessary to have any special skills. All that is required is a head and hands, as well as materials and tools. There is no need to rush, but it is important to do everything carefully and consider every detail.
A small trailer can be used if you have a category B license, however, if you do not have a category E license, your trailer must weigh less than 750kg. You should not load the trailer to its full capacity, even to its maximum load capacity, as the structure may not withstand movement and it will simply break.
If you are still thinking about the design of a trailer, then you can look at photos of trailers made by yourself and choose something for yourself.
DIY trailer photos
How to make a trailer for a car with your own hands and what tools are needed when creating this type of “accessory” for a car?
On this page you will learn how to make a trailer for your iron horse with your own hands. We will definitely tell you what you will need for this, looking ahead I will tell you that nothing supernatural is required, an ordinary tool such as an angle grinder, a screwdriver, electric jigsaw etc. Also pipes for the frame and much more that can be easily found at any construction base.
And upon completion of the manufacture of the trailer, you will learn how and where to register the trailer with the traffic police.
Sometimes, to solve the problem of lack of space in the trunk, the best option is to do. Even if the cargo you need to transport is not heavy, its dimensions may become an obstacle to normal placement in the trunk of your car. It is clear that there are different types of cars, and there are enough models with large and spacious luggage compartments, but now we are taking into account middle-class passenger cars, the percentage of which is the highest on our roads. For one-time transportation of such voluminous luggage around the city and beyond, you can use the services of a cargo taxi. If we are talking about multiple transportations, using a taxi may not be effective way solving the capacity problem. One possible way out of this situation would be to use a trailer. There are two ways: buy a ready-made trailer or make DIY trailer for a car with your own hands. The first option saves you time both on production and on subsequent paperwork. And the second is money and time to find a trailer that matches your car model. We will consider the second option.
In order to make a trailer for a car with your own hands, we will need certain tools and materials, the availability of which it is advisable to take care of in advance.
Necessary materials and components for a homemade trailer
The frame is the basis of the trailer; it is its strength and rigidity that determines the durability of the trailer as a whole. For greater reliability, it is recommended to use welded joint elements. You should start by determining the dimensions of the frame - length and width. The size is determined by the outer edges of the frame elements. To determine the full width of the future frame, it is necessary to add 2 wall thicknesses to the distance between the inner edges of the side walls. If the frame is located directly between the wheels, and not above them, then you also need to take into account the gaps between the tire and the bead.
After determining the dimensions, the frame is tried on. The metal profile is laid out on a flat surface, maintaining perpendicularity between the elements. The frame elements are combined with clamps. At this stage, the shape of the frame is controlled; for this, you need to measure two diagonals of the resulting rectangle with a tape measure. The obtained values must coincide; in extreme cases, a size deviation of 2-5% is allowed. It is advisable to provide a stiffening rib in the design; a rectangle or square itself is a rather unstable structure under load.
If other trailers are used, it is better to choose a tow ball of the same size as theirs.
When performing this element of the trailer, you need to remember that the shorter the length of the connecting part, the faster the trailer will respond to the movement of the car. This means that even with a slight lateral movement of the drive wheels, the trailer will immediately move sharply behind them. This may result in damage to the cargo in the trailer and its fall. The optimal length is 1.5-2.5 m, depending on the purpose of the trailer. It is better to choose the material, as for the frame, steel pipes square cross section in the amount of three pieces.
The connection of the pipes to the frame is welded; for greater strength, it is recommended to reinforce it with corners. Before welding, fitting is performed so that the coupling is carried out exactly along the axis of the trailer.
A safety rope or chain is also mounted here. When moving, it should not drag on the ground. If desired, it is possible to install a small folding wheel at the hitch point for easy transportation of the trailer without a car.
Installation of the coupling is possible using bolts or welding. Before finally attaching it to the trailer frame, you need to once again check that the dimensions of the frame pipes and the groove of the gutter itself match. The width of the groove should not exceed the width of the pipe by more than 5 mm.
When welded fastening The coupling ensures high connection strength, but if it is damaged, dismantling will require gas-burner. Strength bolted connection somewhat less. It is recommended to use bolts of the eighth strength class; less durable ones may not withstand shear forces. Two bolts are enough to connect, more of them will weaken the frame element and coupling due to the holes for the bolts.
There is a rule according to which the axle should be placed at a distance of 35-40% of the entire length of the trailer from the rear. Having measured the distance, you need to indicate the location of the future axis. You can install the axle by placing the frame upside down on the table (assembly from top to bottom). The axis in this case is mounted on a table, on a couple of 4x4 blocks, and the spindles hang freely. At the intended location for installing the axle, the paint is removed from the frame. The distance between the bushings is divided by two and this point on the axis is marked with a marker.
To control, the width of the frame is measured again, divided by two and the resulting distance is set aside from the middle of the axis, and its position is adjusted. After this, you can begin the final installation. The elements are combined spot welding along the entire length of the contact. It is better to use a spring-shock absorber suspension, as it provides greater softness, although it has low strength.
Stabilizing jacks
Necessary to ensure a horizontal position of the trailer. The best option for placement - the corners of the frame. The option of installation on only one side of the trailer is possible. From the point of view of lifting force, it is better to use a screw mechanism. It can even be used to change a wheel on a trailer.
The trailer is manufactured according to the design drawing, which must comply technical requirements, provided for by GOST 37.001.220-80, valid on the territory of the Russian Federation and Ukraine. It describes standards, if not met, it will be impossible to register a homemade trailer for a passenger car with the state traffic inspectorate, and all the time and money will be wasted.
Device boards
When making side walls, you can use wood boards, metal fragments, plywood panels or polycarbonate; the choice of the type of material depends on the purpose of the device. Due to its low weight and convenient form of processing, wood or plywood is most often used; initially, a flooring made of boards is attached to the base, it must be bolted, and the main box is also bolted to this base. But to add reliability, it is recommended to attach steel corners to the corners of the box.
Equipment and components
For the manufacture of a trailer weighing up to 750 kg, which does not require a driver's license with cat. BE will need the following equipment and components:
- A square pipe or steel channel for the manufacture of a frame and a coupling unit with a vehicle. His optimal cross section– 25x50 mm, and pipes 40x40 mm. The length is selected depending on the dimensions specified in the drawing.
- Sheet steel with a thickness of 0.6 mm. and above, from which the sides of the body will be cut and assembled. The number of sheets is calculated based on the height and length of the sides.
- Thick sheet of plywood, OSB boards, plastic, polycarbonate or tin for making the bottom. Selected according to the size corresponding to its area.
- Chassis. It is optimal to use the front axle removed from an old SZD (disabled) motorized wheelchair. An eight-leaf spring suspension is also often installed, which is mounted on rubber bushings. In appearance it is similar to the Volga car, but lighter. The springs are attached to the bridge beam with stepladders, and fillets are placed under them.
- The bridge is made of a ∅25 mm pipe, to the ends of which axle shafts are welded. The hubs rotate on them. The axle pipe, axle shaft, fillet and springs are assembled into a single unit, connected with M8 bolts.
- A pair of wheels. They are borrowed from a motorized stroller, in which case they will add minimal weight to the structure, or a VAZ car. The VAZ 2108 rear beam hubs are suitable for their installation.
- Suspension. The best option would be the spring-hydraulic units of the Ural motorcycle due to their low cost and reliability.
- Towing device (towbar) for coupling to the machine.
- Brakes.
- Electrical equipment (turning and parking lights, brake lights and the drive with which they will be connected to the vehicle).
- Awning or material for it (banner fabric, tarpaulin, etc.).
- Fastening devices (corners, brackets, etc.).
- Tools for working with metal (grinder, screwdriver, electric jigsaw, drill, hammer, tape measure).
- Welding machine.
- Manufacturing and assembly homemade trailer for passenger car
The assembly of a passenger trailer occurs in accordance with the drawing and consists of several stages:
- Frame assembly. This part of the product is a load-bearing part, and the durability of the trailer will depend on its strength. To do this, the pipe or profile is cut to size and welded together. The resulting rectangle is checked for accuracy and evenness of the assembly. Additionally, a stiffener is provided, since rectangular frame unstable under load.
- Connection point to the vehicle. When making it, you need to keep in mind that the shorter it is, the faster the trailer will respond to vehicle maneuvers. Optimal length the connecting part will be 1.5-2 m. The same material is used for its manufacture as for the frame. Before starting welding, the correct placement of the parts to be joined is checked so that the coupling is in the middle. To ensure that the connecting part does not break under load, safety cables are mounted and welded at the bottom of the structure.
- Coupling. Serves to attach the connecting part of the trailer to the vehicle. Can be mounted either with bolts or welding. The first method is less reliable, but can be easily dismantled. The welded assembly is durable, but may require a gas torch to remove it. For bolted connections, samples of the eighth strength class are selected.
- Axle assembly. According to general rules, the axle is mounted at a distance of 40% from the rear side of the trailer, that is, it is slightly shifted from the center to the rear. Fastening occurs using a bolted connection, a frame is installed on it, and also connected with bolts.
- Stabilizing jacks are a desirable but not required part of the structure. They ensure the trailer is level when driving. The best option for their placement is in the corners of the frame.
- Flooring on the side walls. It is made of metal, plastic, wood or other material, depending on the cargo that is planned to be transported. It is bolted, after which the sides are mounted on the frame. The corners are reinforced with metal corners.
- Finishing. They did it and the nodes are painted, after which the power connection route for electrical appliances is drawn. Headlights, lanterns and reflectors must be installed. Connection to a single network is made using the towbar socket. If necessary, a homemade trailer is equipped with a braking system.
Purpose and features of a passenger trailer for a car
A passenger car trailer is intended for transporting goods. various types, tourist equipment and small tourist boats, the length of which does not exceed 3.5 m. Consists of a frame, suspension, body, axle, and is connected to the vehicle by a coupling device. Trailers for passenger cars, manufactured at the factory, do not require additional permits for registration, but are not always suitable for motorists in terms of characteristics or cost.
A homemade trailer for a passenger car is made according to the drawing and adhering to GOST when manufacturing and assembling it yourself. Registration of such a product is much more expensive, as it requires additional permits for operation. Moreover, all manufacturing costs, taking into account registration costs, will be lower than purchasing a new one. It should be taken into account that a homemade trailer is not inferior in quality to a factory trailer, since the manufacturing process is controlled by its owner.
Register a trailer with the traffic police
To register a trailer with the traffic police, it is necessary to carry out an examination of the trailer. This is what the All-Russian Society of Automobile Enthusiasts (VOA) does. Each region has its own. Here are the addresses of SAI branches known to me: 1. St. Petersburg. st. Zhukovsky, 55 tel. 273-47-30 VOA Alexey Pavlovich,
2. Perm All-Russian Society of Motorists, tel. 12-83-14 and 12-69-65,
3. Moscow State Scientific Center of the Russian Federation Federal State Unitary Enterprise NAMI tel. 456-32-31 Fedorov Artyom.
To pass the examination, the trailer must comply with the following GOST.
TRAILERS FOR PASSENGER VEHICLES
Parameters, dimensions and general technical requirements
OST 37.001. 220-80
This standard applies to all types of trailers intended to be towed by cars and minibuses on roads. shared network THE USSR. The standard does not apply to trailers technical specifications, the design of which was approved before the introduction of this standard. The main terms used in the standard and their definitions are given in the reference appendix.
PARAMETERS AND DIMENSIONS
1.1. The total design weight of the trailer must not exceed that permitted by the manufacturer of the towing vehicle, must not exceed the curb weight of the towing vehicle, and must not exceed 1800 kg.
1.2. The total structural weight of an unbraked trailer must not exceed that permitted by the manufacturer of the towing vehicle and must not be more than half the curb weight of the towing vehicle.
1.3. Vertical static load at ball joint center coupling device for any weight condition of the trailer, it must correspond to the value permitted by the manufacturer of the towing vehicle, but should not be less than 240 N (25 kgf) and more than 980 N (100 kgf).
1.4. The length of the trailer should not be more than 1.5 times the length of the main towing vehicle or more than 8 m.
1.5. The width of the trailer must not exceed the width of the main towing vehicle by more than 200 mm on each side and must not be more than 2.3 m.
1.6. The height of the trailer should not be more than 1.8 times the trailer track width or more than 3 m.
1.7. The center of gravity of a loaded trailer must be located in such a way that the ratio of the height of the center of gravity to the track of the trailer wheels is no more than 0.725.
1.8. The ground clearance of the trailer should not be less than the ground clearance of the main towing vehicle.
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
2.1. General requirements
2.1.1. Trailers must be single-axle, but a tandem axle may be used.
2.1 2 A trailer with a horizontal inner floor, installed on a horizontal surface, must have a load of no more than 55% of its total weight on the tire(s) of one side.
2 1.3. The design of the trailer must be designed for movement as part of a road train of the full structural mass at the maximum speed permitted by the manufacturers of the traction vehicles.
2.1.4. The design and dimensions of the trailer drawbar (frame) must ensure the possibility of its deflection relative to the coupling ball installed on the vehicle at the angles specified by OST 37.001.096-77.
2.1.5. Trailers must be equipped with two non-removable safety chains (cables), which in the event of an emergency breakage (breakage) of the towbar should not allow the drawbar to touch the road surface, while ensuring control of the trailer.
2.1.6. Trailers must have two wheel chocks (“shoes”).
2.1.7. Trailers must have space for a jack.
2.1.8. The control for the parking brake system of trailers must be removable and located on the right side in the front of the drawbar (frame).
2.1.9. Trailers must be equipped with wheel protective devices(fenders, mudguards) if body parts do not perform the functions of this device.
2.1.10. The materials used for the manufacture of trailers must have resistance to fire from exposure to water, fuel and oils no lower than the resistance of materials of parts and assemblies for similar purposes of the main traction vehicle.
2.1.11. Trailer painting and inspection appearance coatings according to GOST 7593-80.
2.1.12. The trailer must have a climatic design in accordance with GOST 15150-69, corresponding to the climatic design of the main traction vehicle, and must be designed for storage conditions in open areas.
2.1.13. The service life of the trailer in accordance with its purpose and operating conditions is regulated by regulatory and technical documentation approved in the prescribed manner.
2.2. Requirements for systems, components and assemblies
2.2.1. Trailer brake systems must comply with the requirements of OST 37.001.016 70.
2.2.2. The locking device for coupling with a traction vehicle must comply with the requirements of OST 37.001.096-77.
2.2.3. Electrical equipment, external lighting and signaling devices must comply with the requirements of GOST 3940-71. GOST 8769-75, GOST 10984-74 and GOST 20961-75.
2.2.4. Trailers must have brackets (or space) for attaching a license plate in accordance with GOST 3207-77.
2.2.5. To connect to the vehicle's electrical system, the trailer must have a plug in accordance with GOST 9209-76 with a connecting cable.
2.2.6. Trailers must have support legs that ensure the stability of the trailer when uncoupled and do not impair the cross-country ability of the road train.
When the vertical static load from the trailer locking device is more than 390 N (40 kgf), the front support leg must be equipped with a lifting-lowering mechanism that ensures installation of the locking device in the position required for coupling (uncoupling). At manual drive mechanism, the force on the handle should not be more than 118N (12 kgf).
COMPLETENESS
3.1. Trailers equipped with tires that are not unified with the main traction vehicle must have a spare wheel and a device for securing it.
3.2. Trailers must be accompanied by necessary tools and accessories if the set of tools and accessories of the main towing vehicle is insufficient to service the trailer.
MARKING
4.1. Trailers must have a nameplate and markings in accordance with industry regulations and technical documentation.
4.2. Trailers must have an additional sign near the locking device in accordance with GOST 12971-67 indicating the total structural weight of the trailer; the maximum static load on the coupling ball.
Terms and definitions adopted in this standard TermDefinition Main traction vehicleAccording to GOST 3163-76 Twin axleTwo parallel axles of the trailer, the distance between which does not exceed 1 m.
If your trailer meets these requirements, passes an examination, and has checks, certificates, and a copy of the welder’s certificate, you will not have any problems registering with the traffic police.
How to make a trailer for a car video
DIY car trailer video
Do-it-yourself trailer is easy
DIY car trailer
Source
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voditelauto.ru
i4car.net
It is no secret that an awning for a passenger trailer, made from high-quality modern material, has characteristics such as durability and good resistance to any temperature. Neat, most importantly correct operation helps extend the life of such coating up to 15 years. After the expiration date, more precisely, 10–12 years, signs of wear appear on the fabric, which are manifested by a lack of former elasticity and strength. It is worth noting that it is very difficult to buy a factory awning that would fit perfectly under the frame. In order to purchase the “correct” awning that will fully satisfy all the owner’s requirements, one should take into account the fact that the areas where the fabric comes into contact with the metal rods of the frame must be additionally sealed, which will allow for a tighter fit. No manufacturer of standard coatings will be able to correctly calculate the distance between the posts without measuring the specific trailer. In such a situation, there is only one true solution - to make an awning for the trailer yourself.
Choosing material for a quality awning
When a car owner confidently decides to sew an awning with his own hands, he must first of all pay attention to the material from which he plans to cut the product. Many factors depend on the choice of material; in particular, it is this aspect that will determine the attractive appearance and service life.
Today there are a huge number of products on the market that are perfect for making an awning. Most often, tailoring of awnings for passenger car trailers is made from reinforced materials, which on one or both sides are equipped with an additional coating of a substance such as polyvinyl chloride. Thereby synthetic material the cargo stored in the trailer is reliably protected from various types of precipitation.
The basis for this material is dense polyester fabric, which, on the one hand, protects from snow and rain, and on the other, perfectly retains heat.
If a car owner wants to personally sew an awning that would have the lowest cost, you can purchase material such as tarpaulin. Despite the fact that it does not have an attractive appearance, its main advantages are strength and a high degree of moisture resistance.
Awnings for passenger car trailers can also be made from other materials, the more modern of which are special membrane fabrics, capable of withstanding various loads (wind). In addition, with such fabric even an awning custom size. Tarpaulin, which is a durable polyethylene laminated fabric, the advantage of which is excellent waterproofing, is considered a good material.
Before purchasing a pre-selected material, you should find out about indicators such as thread thickness and strength, indexed by the dtex number (determines the weight of 10 km of thread). In view of this, it is better to buy the fabric that will have a higher dtex number, which will indicate maximum strength and thickness of the thread.
Secondly, you need to pay attention to the tensile strength of the material, the number of possible bends and tensile strength. It is also important to know about the color fastness, adhesion and fire resistance of the fabric you are purchasing.
We create an awning with our own hands
Making an awning for a trailer is not too labor-intensive process, as car owners may think. Almost anyone can make a high-quality awning; you just need to first study the features that relate to cutting and sewing the frame. The car enthusiast only needs to be patient and have the necessary materials, which should include:
- roulette;
- several sheets of white paper;
- a simple pencil;
- scissors;
- standard sewing machine;
- needles and threads;
- construction hairdryer
So let's consider step by step instructions, which will turn a complex process into an algorithm of simple actions.
When will they be available? necessary materials and tools, you need to take measurements from the trailer. First you need to measure everyone general sizes, on which the pattern of the future product will be based. It is important to make a pattern with additional overlaps; if the material is cut according to the measurements taken, it will not be possible to ensure a loose fit.
It is necessary to measure the right, left and rear sides one by one. Convenience can be ensured by plotting the measurements on paper. It is advisable to draw separately all the components of the trailer and indicate the dimensions of those segments to which the covering will be attached in the future. Depending on the length of the device, the distance should not exceed 300 mm.
Making an awning for a trailer requires extreme care; you need to correctly measure the height of the side and the frame, which protrudes a few centimeters on the sides of the unit. To correctly cut the material, you need to take into account the width of the top and the side of the base.
The last measurement should be to determine the distance from the beginning of the frame to the end point of the body. The measurements are applied to a schematic drawing, the outline of the awning is applied to the material, then the components of the entire structure are cut out of it one by one.
The strength of the future device will be added by special linings made of the same material. They need to be located in those places where there is greater tension, as well as contact with the rods of the metal frame.
Sewing the product
Making awnings for passenger trailers requires attention and the presence of correctly measured and neatly cut parts. All awnings are assembled together from several separate pieces, folded at the edges and stitched with two seams spaced 14 mm from the edge. The threads that will be used in sewing must be as strong as possible. Best option- reinforced threads made on the basis of polyester. This kind of thread can withstand frequent use, resistant to loads, cleaning from leaves, dirt and snow.
If the car owner does not have the skills to use a sewing machine, you can resort to soldering parts of the awning construction hairdryer, which can qualitatively connect individual pieces of material.
Methods of fastening the awning structure
The material for the trailer awning provides several mounting options. The car owner can resort to the following methods:
- attach the manufactured structure to the main body using metal rings;
- create eyelets by placing them along the edges of the fabric;
- pull a cable or rope through the rings located above the general structure.
The lugs must be removed by 200 mm, in addition, all rings must be equipped with fasteners.
Cable and rope can be used as a fastening element. Regardless of the method of fastening, the retaining element must consist of a single piece, the edges of which are reinforced with metal tips. When securing the awning, the retaining device must pass through the rings and be tightly stretched.
Conclusion
From all of the above, it becomes clear that making a trailer awning is within the power of anyone who wants to create a reliable shelter for their own trailer and the cargo transported in it. The main thing in this matter is correctness, on which the density and service life will depend. finished product. Do not neglect correct cutting and compliance with all the above rules.
A car is not a luxury, as pedestrians believe. Man has made great strides in development, having mastered mechanized wheeled vehicles. Today, this vein, although not as strong, but no less intrusive, continues to excite the minds of motor vehicle enthusiasts from large factories to garage workshops. Exactly in that order. After all, the latter have fewer resources and a much greater desire to experiment. Designing a trailer for a car with your own hands is a suitable goal.
DIY trailer
The reason why drivers choose a homemade trailer for a car: individual parameters, cost. Serial manufacturers offer any modification, but the further from the base, the higher the price. Why is this necessary if there are a couple of wheels lying around in the garage, metallic profile and tool. Registration will not cost more, and the experience gained is invaluable. Before constructing the future pride of the street, you need to understand the types of homemade trailers for cars.
Types of self-assembled trailers
Business and industry use professional trailers equipped with special equipment for a specific load. They are distinguished by additional load-carrying capacity and the ability to handle it efficiently at different conditions. Some components are made in the factory using complex technology that cannot be done in a garage: zinc coating, strong welding.
Homemade trailer frame
Therefore, you should not aim at a trailer over 750 kg, besides, it assumes category “E”. But if this state of affairs does not suit the motorist, then he challenges the biaxial design universal purpose and tests as you like. Before the first modification.
DIY trailer
The choice of trailer type depends on what to transport and what materials for making it are lying around. A four-millimeter corner or profile, two wheels of a domestic car, a set of springs, wires with lights already bring the unit into the class of homemade single-axle trailers up to 750 kg. Plywood for the sides and bottom is not in short supply, unlike thick sheet metal, which still needs to be cut. The main thing is not to skimp on the coupling mechanism. Making a connecting unit will not cost you just bolts and nuts. For increased safety of a homemade trailer, it is better to buy a special fastener for the tow bar. Anyone who has decided to create a passenger trailer with their own hands already knows what a trailer is and what they are, but information on the standards for the manufacture of trailer hitch devices will make it possible to operate the miracle of technology even after the first traffic police stop.
You need to know this
Firstly, this is a simplified list of requirements of GOST 37.001.220-80, given below:
- Permitted trailer weight up to:
- 1.8 t;
- Not heavier than the weight of the tug or half of it when the trailer hitch is without brakes;
- Allowed length no more than:
- Not one and a half times longer than the car;
- Allowed width no more than:
- 230 cm;
- No wider than the car by 20 cm on both sides;
- Permitted height no more than:
- Not 1.8 times higher than the trailer wheel track;
- The center of gravity with a load is not higher than the track width multiplied by 0.725;
- Ground clearance is not less than the car's ground clearance;
- A homemade trailer for a passenger car can only be single-axle. (A twin axle is also a single-axle design, although it is called a two-axle design among car enthusiasts). The distance between the axes of the paired structure is up to 1 m;
- The trailer must have a load on each side of no more than 0.55% of its own weight;
- The coupling device must be equipped with:
- A permanent cable or chain in case of sudden disconnection of the trailer hitch from the car while driving;
- Homemade anti-rollbacks (shoes);
- Jacking platform;
- Removable lever brake;
- Mudguards, fenders;
- Signboard for the sign;
- Stable support;
- A spare wheel similar to the car;
- Lighting fixtures, wiring and plug.
Trailer manufacturing process
Making a passenger trailer with your own hands, based on the information above, prompts the craftsman to draw a drawing of the future model and search for materials of the appropriate size.
There are basic drawings. But there is one caveat: they require direct assembly with components, the absence of which can puzzle or even discourage you from making a trailer with your own hands. The effective path combines economy, the desire to cut, cook, twist and the ability to give a good result. Therefore, it is worth listing the parts necessary for manufacturing and dividing them into homemade and purchased:
- Square rolled metal 30x60 mm or 25x25 mm is suitable for a frame, rack, and additional stiffening ribs. Although a 40 mm corner is also suitable for the latter. A U-shaped channel is suitable for bridge beams.
- The sides and bottom are made of thick multi-layer plywood 10-12 mm or galvanized iron sheet 0.8 mm. When combined it will turn out economical option. In any case, the structural fasteners for the sides must unite the body.
- The chassis is easier to find when disassembling a Zhiguli or Moskvich. It includes:
- Hubs;
- Springs;
- Spring earrings;
- Stepladder with pads;
- Shock absorbers;
- Wheels.
A complete find will be a success, and a separate selection if you know it won’t take much time. Chassis solution is 70%. If you buy an independent torsion bar or rubber-harness suspension, you will have to buy the rest of the chassis due to the least versatility. Few people like to bore a purchased spare part into old components. Shock absorbers are worth buying new.
- Fasteners and fasteners for beads are common in hardware stores.
- Three millimeter cable or chain.
- The electrics are made from multi-core cable. But you need to buy flashlights with an outlet.
- The tow bar clamp is something you don’t want to skimp on.
To make a two-axle trailer for a car yourself, you will need the same material, only in a double name. At in the right order action, the first step will be the ability to weld metal, and last search awning or material for its manufacture. If you have never cooked, you need to contact a specialist, having previously prepared everything that needs to be welded. At the design stage, it is necessary to take into account the dumping system. If it is conceived, then the body structure requires hinge mechanisms and separate strength amplifiers.
DIY trailer assembly
You can’t ignore drawing up a drawing. Preparatory actions may not leave numbers in memory. Visibility provides visual control, understanding of the assembly, and, moreover, if there is help from the master during welding or milling. Summing up the collection of materials, components, and tools will give permission to begin actions:
- Channel cutting begins with measuring pieces of the required length.
- The sawn-off parts of the frame are placed on a flat surface for welding. Smooth corners and planes will ensure precise fixation of the sides. Next, the stiffening ribs are cooked. System of spars (longitudinal) and traverses (transverse parts).
- Before welding the spring brackets, measure one meter from the back of the trailer to the expected middle of the bridge beam. There will be a welding point there. The axis should be offset from the center to the rear side. The shock absorber mounts are also welded.
- Whether the drawbar is V-shaped or straight, it can be removable. Then you need to weld the brackets with holes for the bolts. The drawbar is centered.
- Next comes the installation of the chassis: axle, springs, shock absorbers. Hubs and wheels are installed.
- The inverted frame with wheels undergoes further assembly. A towbar is installed. It requires attention. A suitable option is to fix it on the tow bar and roll the trailer by the drawbar to the car. The hitch with the drawbar can be welded or bolted, dismountable. We must not forget about installing cables and safety chains.
- The procedure for installing the bottom and sides follows from the drawing. But after fitting, they must be removed to fix the wiring with lighting devices.
- Reversing lights, turn signals, parking lights and brake lights correspond to the car's lighting. For parallel connection, use the appropriate connector: plug. The socket is located on the tow bar.
- After checking the installed components, the wings are installed.
Video instructions for making a trailer
The sample test is carried out with a gradual increase in load. It is advisable that someone help in this matter, visually recording the operation of the suspension and coupling unit. Anti-corrosion coating is applied at any stage of installation. This is subject to availability of covered locations.
Registration of a homemade trailer with the traffic police
The last step is registration homemade model own production. The traffic police will send the owner and the trailer for examination. It is important that the laboratory is accredited. It is necessary to save receipts for used components, and most importantly, a certificate for the hinge device, that same fastening element. In such circumstances, it is better to buy it. From standard papers You will need: a copy of the owner’s and car’s passport, do-it-yourself photographs of a trailer for passenger cars, an application to the traffic police to register the towbar, a receipt for the state duty. If you had the documents, you first had to undergo a technical inspection, the positive decision of which recognized that the trailer complied with the standards, after which it was registered and numbers were issued. This procedure is described in more detail in
Events and exhibitions are constantly held to showcase automotive technology. Motorists love to show off a do-it-yourself light trailer that fits the style of the car, at least due to color range. Today it is profitable to make a trailer yourself. Individual solutions add to the collection of technical insights when designing a trailer. Reliability and safety remain the constant rule.
Modern materials from which awnings are made today are highly durable and, if used correctly, they will last for several years. However, nothing lasts long, so sooner or later a trailer awning passenger car it still wears out and loses its properties.
Of course, there are companies that sell awnings, but, to tell the truth, it is very difficult to choose a ready-made covering for a specific trailer frame. The fabric must be in close contact with the metal rods and elements of the main frame in order to create a greater contact density.
Without preliminary measurements, the manufacturer simply will not be able to create the ideal awning for certain trailers. In such cases, the easiest way is to sew it yourself.
Stages of making an awning
Trailer frame measurements
Any sewing of awnings for passenger car trailers should always begin with frame measurements. It is important to obtain all the necessary dimensions in order to transfer them to the material. What is needed to obtain measurements? First of all, you need to determine the length and width of the trailer.
After this, the length of the frame arc is measured. The length of the arc should be measured from the center of the bead to its peak point. Next, you should measure the length from the edge of the side arc to the bend, and also do not forget to take measurements from the bend to the center. To make an awning with your own hands, three parts will be used. The first part is for the back, the second is for the front and the house-shaped part is for the roof. Measurements received. Now they can begin to be transferred to the material.
Uncover
Place the matter on big table or highlight large plot on the floor. First you need to draw the front and back of the future covering. We begin to draw the width, here you should leave no more than 3 cm for seam allowances. Set the center point on the drawn width and transfer the measurements of the center of the arc onto the material for the awning on the trailer so that you get a figure similar to the measurements taken. Remember to leave free material for other seams.
Cutting the material for the awning
It is worth transferring the figure onto the material a few centimeters below its width so that the awning can overlap the sides of the trailer. It is worth lowering an additional 5 cm below to tuck the material in order to strengthen future eyelets. After obtaining the shape of the walls, it is necessary to measure along an arc the main part of the canopy, which will be sewn from the material. All that remains is to transfer the length of the trailer, add a few centimeters for the seams, transfer everything to the fabric and proceed to sewing.
Sewing
It is immediately worth noting that for sewing it is not regular one will do machine. It is best to use Singer or similar machines that can easily cope with such tasks. You also need to select a reinforced thread and you can begin making an awning for the trailer. It is necessary to sew 2 sides to the main part of the material and arrange the finishing stitch according to the big piece. After this, make hems and sew the fabric from the inside.
Sewing an awning from pre-cut blanks
The awning is almost ready, all that remains is to put it on and leave marks for the location of the eyelets. It is best to choose stainless steel eyelets. Installing them yourself is not very easy, so you can use the help of clothing repair, where with the help special tools they are quickly riveted into the marked places. That's all, the awning is almost ready. Slide the expander snake through the eyelets and slide it onto the trailer. Don't forget to brag about the result of your work to your friends.
Material selection and installation
PVC fabric
Relatively recently, tarpaulins were mainly used for awnings. Today, almost all awnings for passenger cars are usually made from materials based on polyester or polyester fabric coated with polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Both simple PVC fabric and fabric with a synthetic inner lining can be used. Nowadays you can still find awnings made of canvas fabric, but this is quite a rare occurrence.
Making a trailer awning from PVC fabric means protecting your cargo from the effects of a variety of natural factors. Such matter can be of any thickness and consist of several layers. Obviously, the more layers and the thicker the material, the greater the strength of the coating. Typically, two technologies are used to join layers of PVC fabric. In the first case, the layers of fabric are glued together, and in the second, they are welded.
It is worth noting that today it is used relatively rarely. Basically, the manufacture of trailer awnings is carried out using welding technology. For this, a hot air stream and technology are used when PVC sheets pass through hot rollers.
Advantages of PVC fabric
There are several factors by which you should choose PVC fabric:
- This fabric can be given almost any color.
- The material completely repels liquid. Tarpaulin also does not allow moisture to pass through, but tends to absorb it, which adds additional weight.
- Connecting seams are not damaged under the influence of high temperatures.
- PVC performs well when low temperatures, but the elasticity suffers a little. There is a misconception that such fabric breaks in the cold. We can safely say that PVC fabric can easily withstand even the most severe conditions.
Installing an awning on a trailer
You can attach the awning to the trailer using the following methods:
- using metal rings that are attached around the perimeter of the trailer;
- using eyelets located along the edges of the manufactured awning;
- using a cable that is secured through the top of the awning.
Installed eyelets on the awning
When installing eyelets or rings, the distance between them should not be more than 180 mm. Such rings are installed using special fasteners. Thin or sisal rope, which is covered with an elastic sheath, is perfect for holding all the elements together.
It is important that the rope or cable is solid and consists of one piece with metal tips at both ends. As a result, the cable or rope is pulled through grommets or rings, and then tightened tightly so that the material sits tightly on the frame.
Conclusion
To sum it up, I would like to note that making an awning for a trailer is not as difficult as it seems. Just spend some time searching quality material, show patience and care when sewing, and also follow other rules during manufacturing.
If you have been planning to sew an awning for a long time, then you should no longer postpone this process until later. The main thing is to believe in yourself, and you will succeed.