If you have a car, then you are probably quite often faced with the need to transport all kinds of cargo. There is no way to do this without using a light trailer. It, of course, can be purchased at a store of relevant goods, but it is possible to make such a design yourself.
Working on the frame
A homemade trailer, like a factory-type model, must have a frame, which is the basis of the structure. 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 connected to each other by welding. It is necessary to begin work by determining the dimensions of the element being described, or rather, 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, the thickness of one wall multiplied by 2 must be added to the distance between the inner edges of the side walls. If the frame will be 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 homemade trailer, then after determining the dimensions, you should try on the frame. For this metallic profile need to be laid out on the surface, maintaining perpendicularity between the components. The elements must be connected to each other with clamps. At the same time, you should check the shape; to do this, use a tape measure to measure the diagonal of the resulting rectangle. The values must be equal to each other, deviations can range from 2 to 5%. The structure must have a stiffening rib, because a square and a rectangle are unstable structures.
Connecting a trailer to a vehicle
A homemade trailer must have a chain ball. To perform this element, it is necessary to remember that a shorter length of the connecting part indicates a quick response when the vehicle is moving. Even a slight lateral turn of the drive wheels will cause the trailer to move abruptly. This may cause the load to become damaged and fall. When making a homemade trailer, you need to choose the optimal length - ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 cm. When choosing a material, it is recommended to use steel sections, which will form the basis of the frame and connections. For the last element you will need 3 pipes. The frames can be connected to the pipe by welding, and for higher strength it is recommended to reinforce them using corners. Before welding, the master must try on the elements so that the coupling is made along the axis of the structure. When homemade trailers for a passenger car are made, at the same stage a safety cable should be installed, which can be replaced with a chain. If desired, you can install a folding wheel in the hitch area for comfortable transportation of the trailer without a vehicle.
Installation of the coupling
Homemade trailers for a passenger car must have installation that can be done using welding or bolts. Before final fixing this component to the frame, it is necessary to check that the dimensions of the frame pipes match 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, removal will require the use of a gas torch. The strength of a connection using a bolt is less. Bolts that belong to the eighth strength class should be used. Less durable ones will not be able to withstand shearing forces. To connect, 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 fastening.
Working on the axis
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 need to indicate the location of the axis. It can be installed by placing the frame on the surface. In this case, you need to use two 4x4 blocks, and the spindle should hang freely. In the intended location for mounting the axle, paint must be removed from the surface of the frame. The step between the bushings must be divided into two, the resulting mark is marked on the surface.
A homemade 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 this, the wizard can begin the final installation. The elements are connected to each other by welding. It is recommended to use a spring-shock-absorbing suspension for the reason that it guarantees more impressive softness, although it is less durable.
Working on stabilizing jacks
When making a homemade one, it is important to ensure the horizontal position of the structure. As the most suitable option the corners of the frame protrude. It is possible to install only on one side of the structure. If we consider the device from the point of view, it is recommended to use a screw mechanism. It can also be used to replace a wheel.
Summarizing
Homemade, just like 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 car. Although the trailer may have its own specific features, the recommendations given above are common to all options. If desired, 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 undergo an examination, which is what the All-Russian Society of Automobile Enthusiasts, abbreviated as SAI, does. Each region has its own society. To pass the examination, it is necessary to make sure that the device complies with the existing GOST. You can familiarize yourself with 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 to be towed by minibuses, as well as cars on public roads. The standard does not apply to those devices, the design of which was carried out 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 don’t have to redo the design later. The weight of the device should not exceed that permitted by the manufacturer. The 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 car lengths or a limit of 8 meters. These requirements must be taken into account at the trailer design stage, otherwise it will be impossible to use the design.
A trailer is an indispensable means of transporting any cargo, thanks to which the driver does not have to dirty the car interior or scratch the trunk. The cost of the most basic trailer is about $400. However, if you need to transport furniture, building materials or other cargo, and at the same time save a decent amount, you can make a trailer yourself.
There are several types of trailers - universal and special trailers used for transporting certain goods. The second type is used only in industry or business. We will look at the instructions for making a general purpose trailer.
It is worth noting that universal transport cargo vehicles are single-axle and multi-axle. They differ in the number of wheels: in the first case there are two, and in the second - from two. If you do not plan to transport too heavy loads, you can build a single or double axle trailer for a passenger car. Remember, wheels on two axles reduce the load on the rear of your car. Consequently, the power of the car engine is not lost. In addition, a dual axle trailer has greater load capacity and stability.
Homemade trailer for a car with your own hands
Below is a description of the manufacture of a single-axle trailer, for the use of which a category “B” license is sufficient.
Before production, you need to make at least an approximate drawing future creation, because doing everything “by eye” is extremely risky.
List of tools and components:
- channel 25x50 millimeters and square tube 40x40 millimeters;
- steel sheets for cladding with a thickness of at least 0.6 millimeters;
- a thick sheet of metal or plastic for the bottom of the trailer;
- chassis, which can be used as the front axle of a SZD motorcycle sidecar;
- a pair of wheels;
- suspension, which, for example, can be built from the shock absorbers of a Ural motorcycle;
- brake system;
- waterproof fabric for trailer cover;
- a device for connecting a car with a trailer - a towbar;
- reflectors, turn signals and other similar electrical equipment;
- brackets and corners for connecting all parts together;
- range of cutting and processing tools metal products- grinder, screwdriver, etc.);
- machine for welding parts.
Having everything necessary tools and parts, you can start making a light trailer with your own hands.
At this stage, the production of the trailer is completed. On average, all work will take you three days.
Once manufactured, you must register the vehicle. Sequence of procedure:
- Collect Required documents: the result of an independent examination of the vehicle research institute, the MREO document on the absence of a license plate, the coupling mechanism document, a photocopy of the passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation, a photocopy of the technical passport of your car.
- Next, you need to contact an MREO official with a request to inspect the technical condition of the manufactured trailer and issue an identification number.
It is worth noting that independent examination services are paid, and the amount is quite large. Almost all of the money saved will have to be spent on appraisals.
If you do not plan to drive a trailer in an urban area, you do not have to register the vehicle, but you will have to make a cargo trailer according to established standards for your own safety.
Build trailers for passenger cars with your own hands exclusively in accordance with GOST 37.001.220-80, otherwise the means of transporting goods simply will not pass registration, and you will only waste your time and effort.
- Do not cook trailers heavier than 750 kilograms if your driving category is less than “E”. Otherwise, you will not be able to use the manufactured trailer.
- If you need to transport bulk mixture, liquid or other specific cargo, we recommend using special-purpose trailers. As a rule, they are made to order.
- Do not load your homemade trailer to the limit of its carrying capacity to avoid unpleasant situations on the road. Welding seams may not withstand the load if made by an amateur welder. High-quality seams can withstand up to a ton of weight.
- Spare no expense in purchasing a mechanism for attaching the trailer to the vehicle. A homemade coupling mechanism, not made according to the standard, may cause the MREO to refuse to register the vehicle. Also remember about the safety cables, which insure the entire structure in the event of a mechanism failure.
A trailer is a vehicle that does not have an engine installed. It is designed to travel in conjunction with a car. Despite the apparent complexity of such a device for transporting goods, it is not difficult to make a trailer with your own hands. For successful work, you need to choose the right parts and materials, make sketches or drawings.
Transport trailers
The widespread use of semi-trailers and trailers is due to additional amenities when transporting heavy objects. The vehicle bears only part of the load, which extends its service life. When unloading, you can save valuable time by unhooking the cart and leaving it in place, and unloading it at a convenient time. This option is convenient and is used for delivering goods between workshops of the same enterprise located at a certain distance.
All towed devices are divided into two groups:
- Special-purpose trailers allow you to take into account the needs of working with various loads, and universal machines Quite small for this kind of work. Common types include heavy-duty semi-trailers, log trucks, panel trucks, cement trucks and other types of trailed equipment.
- General transport equipment includes flatbed, tilt and other trailers of various sizes designed for transporting heavy loads of any kind.
Varieties depending on load distribution
In the designs of trailed equipment they use different systems rotary-wheel control in order to improve the maneuverability and speed of regulation of the road train. Hitches are standard in most cases. If the trailer has an active wheel drive from the car engine, then such carriages are called active automobile trains.
To drive such an active drive, a mechanical transmission is used via a coupling device or a hydraulic drive is used.
If the road train has two or more links, then the engine is located in the section at the rear. Unofficially, the concept of “trailer” exists; it is used to move cars, other equipment or oversized cargo(long or heavy weight).
Depending on the load distribution between the trailer and the tractor, trailers are divided into several types:
Requirements for transport devices
A person who wants to independently make a transport vehicle for moving goods should study the requirements for car trailers. These standards are contained in GOST 37.001.220−1980, which is called “Trailers for passenger cars.” A selection of these requirements includes the following provisions:
Features of using carts
Car trailers are used only in accordance with their intended purpose, as this is due to similar tires and wheels with the main vehicle, track width, and travel within certain ground clearance dimensions. The rule does not apply to heavy trucks and trailers. All breakdowns that occur during operation are similar to malfunctions brake system and the chassis of the main machine.
In addition, the operation of the trailer is impaired due to damage to the coupling or wear of the turning device.
To delay the repair of these systems, you need to regularly inspect the trailer. Since the operation of the device is associated with constant shaking and shock due to uneven traffic on roads, it is necessary to tighten the fasteners from time to time and align the curved parts. Before operation, you need to check the serviceability of springs, brakes, lighting, tire pressure, the presence of a spare wheel, and the serviceability of side and body locks.
Towing of carts is carried out according to the rules; speeding is unacceptable, as well as sudden braking and unequal distribution of the load. Increasing the speed while driving will cause the trailer to wobble on the sides. Sharp braking causes the car and trailer to fold, this is also facilitated by engine braking. Due to uneven storage of transported materials, stability is impaired and the trailer may tip over.
DIY making
In order to make a caravan yourself, you need to take care of purchasing some materials and tools. In order not to look for the necessary devices during work, they are purchased in advance. List of tools and materials:
Beginning of work
Assembly begins with the trailer frame, which is the supporting structure. It bears the bulk of the weight of the cargo. It is subject to increased requirements for reliability and strength. Prepared channel or square pipe cut to size according to the drawing, two long and two short blanks are made.
They are used to make a rectangular or square base in the form of a frame, to which the sides from metal sheet. Pay attention to the quality of welding, since this is a sore spot for homemade trailers. The hitch is attached in front of the manufactured frame. To install shock absorbers, special eyes are placed in the middle of the frame.
Now it's time to make the side frame. To fasten the side railing, strengthen vertical racks, their length depends on the height of the side. The vertical elements are connected to each other by additional stiffening ribs, since during movement it is the racks that experience the load from the displacement of the load. Additional strengthening connections are made horizontal, vertical or placed obliquely.
Working with the chassis of a trailer involves a large number difficulties and different features. One of them is that the axle should be located closer to the rear of the trailer. All design features arise depending on which vehicle chassis is used for the trailer. Shock-absorbing lugs and fastenings for jet thrust. Installation and use of the latter are mandatory, since they play the role of elements supporting the bridge.
Final phase
Sheathing the sides with metal and making the bottom of the trailer from plywood is done at final stage assemblies. A jigsaw is used to cut plywood to fit the internal space, and sheet steel is cut with a grinder. The bottom elements can be made from a single sheet or connected from pieces with an overlap of at least 5 cm. All pieces must be attached around the perimeter to the frame and base elements using bolted connections.
The sides are cut to dimensions that are measured on site. At this stage, it is not relevant to use the dimensions from the drawings, since during the manufacturing process the dimensions of the body frame, as a rule, differ slightly from those provided in the diagrams. Welding or rivets are used as fastening, which also hold the material well. The sides are attached to all racks and strengthening connections.
Electrical equipment
Elements of electrical equipment are installed on back wall trailer These include red triangular reflectors, a reversing light, license plate lights, turn signals, brake lights, and side lights. On the wall in the front there are dimensions white and the same reflectors.
The side walls are designed for orange reflectors. To ensure that the wires maintain their integrity, a protective corrugation is put on them. Wire connections must be secure and well secured. It is convenient to attach the corrugation with wiring inside to the frame frame using plastic clamps.
Making a trailer requires skill and experience with power tools, but it will save money compared to buying a ready-made vehicle from a store.
The passenger car is not intended for transportation large cargo due to lack of space in its luggage compartment. If such transportation is necessary, the only way out of the situation is to use a light trailer. The modern market offers a large selection of such devices. But spend quite a lot of money to purchase finished product not necessary, since you can make it yourself by choosing necessary details and tools.
Necessary materials and components for a homemade 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.
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:
1. Square pipe or steel channel for making a frame and coupling unit with vehicle. Its optimal cross-section is 25x50 mm, and the pipes are 40x40 mm. The length is selected depending on the dimensions specified in the drawing.
2. 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.
3. Thick sheet of plywood, OSB boards, plastic, polycarbonate or tin for making the bottom. Selected according to the size corresponding to its area.
4. Chassis. It is optimal to use the front axle removed from an old SZD (disabled) motorized wheelchair. It 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Suspension. The best option would be the spring-hydraulic units of the Ural motorcycle due to their low cost and reliability.
8. Towing device (towbar) for coupling with the machine.
9. Brakes.
10. Electrical equipment (turning and parking lights, brake lights and the drive with which they will be connected to the vehicle).
11. Awning or material for it (banner fabric, tarpaulin, etc.).
12. Fastening devices (corners, brackets, etc.).
13. Tools for working with metal (grinder, screwdriver, electric jigsaw, drill, hammer, tape measure).
14. Welding machine.
Manufacturing and assembly of a homemade trailer for a 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 the rectangular frame is 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. The optimal length of 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.
3. 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 removal may require gas-burner. For bolted connections, samples of the eighth strength class are selected.
4. 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.
5. Stabilizing jacks are a desirable but not required part of the structure. They ensure the trailer is level when driving. The best option their placement is in the corners of the frame.
6. Flooring on 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.
7. 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
Designed 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.
One day, on occasion, I dropped in to see one of my friends, who works at a scrap metal collection point, and saw in his pile of pieces of iron the fragments of an old “bee” trailer, it seems.
There, in this heap of old iron, the size of my house, there was also an old rear axle, apparently from a “Muscovite”.
Immediately the idea was born to build a trailer from this trash for transporting various useful household goods.
After short and productive negotiations involving several Bank of Russia notes, these remains ended up with me, and I safely brought them to my village.
That's what I got.
I already screwed my own wheels onto the bridge, fortunately I have Moskvich wheels. In addition, I also got two dented sides, front and rear, with broken hinges.
So, let's list what I used to make this trailer.
1. Rear axle with springs from Moskvich
2. Remains of the old body from the Bee trailer
3. Two forged oarlocks from an ancient gate
4. Spring bushings for Muscovite, rubber, 6 pcs.
5. A piece of stainless steel tube (old curtain)
6. M10 bolts with nuts, 6 pcs.
7. Hinges, 4 pcs.
8. Aerosol paint, 1 can, orange
9. Hitch, 1 pc.
10. Wheels from a Muscovite, 2 pcs.
11. Welding machine
12. Bulgarian
13. Corner 45X45 from an old bed, 2 pcs.
The towbar was purchased from a car dealership, primarily for reasons of unification so that my trailer would fit all standard towbars, as well as for reasons of safety and ease of use. I saw homemade coupling devices, and I could make them myself, but they did not inspire confidence in me.
The next morning, after the first “trying on” of the bridge and the body, it became clear that they were...incompatible. The bridge turned out to be 8 cm narrower than the body. I had to cut it. With the help of a grinder, after a couple of hours, all the excess was cut off, and the result was a body that was ideally suited to this bridge.
After reverse welding, further construction continued. Due to the fact that the metal of the body was not particularly thick and not very strong (I realized this when cutting the body with a grinder), I decided to attach the springs to the body through the corners in order to more evenly distribute the load on load-bearing elements body From two long corners from an old armored mesh, 8 pieces were cut. short corners and holes were drilled in them for future fastening. After “fitting” the bridge to its fastenings, four of the old forged gate oarlocks were made.
A small note about hardware. As they say, everything is learned by comparison. Like the corners from an old bed, or the old oarlocks from a gate - the antique metal in them is of excellent quality, unlike modern corners that can be bent by hand - these old pieces of iron were cut and drilled with great difficulty. I don’t think it was some kind of alloyed or special steel - it’s just that steel was made differently before.
There were also 6 bushings cut. from an old stainless steel curtain.
Once everything was assembled, bolted down and properly welded, it was time to put the trailer on its feet, that is, on its wheels, and begin its final assembly.
The sides were straightened, new hinges were welded, bolts were installed on the sides, and the towbar was welded into place. At the end of everything, the trailer was touched up here and there (one can of paint would not be enough for the entire trailer) and put into operation.
I have not checked the maximum load capacity of the trailer, but the trailer can easily transport 0.3 m3 of sand, 10 bags of cement, 200 pcs. bricks I didn’t load it anymore, but not because it would break, but because the tractor I have is an old Moskvich-412, I feel sorry for it.
I transport anything on a trailer. Sand, stones, brick, earth, manure, garbage, boat, cabinet, refrigerator, washing machine, potatoes, hay, and so on and so forth.
I am not going to install lighting devices on the trailer and register it with the traffic police, because it is used only during daylight hours and only within our village, it does not go on the highway, and the maximum speed of my “road train” with a load is no more than 30 km/h . For the same reason, I did not make wings over the wheels and did not install shock absorbers. At these speeds there is no such need. Only reflectors (reflectors) from
