A. PURCHASING MATERIALS AND COMPONENTS

Now that you’re educated about trailer design, it’s time to turn your plans into hardware. The amount of hardware to be purchased depends on where you have started your project-from scratch, so to speak, from published plans or from a kit. A weld-up or bolt-together kit usually leaves only a little for you to do. The procurement of parts has been basically accomplished, except for a few incidental accessories, wheels and tires, and perhaps some other personal touches. Once you have the kit, planning your work consists of finding a good place to set up your trailer, verifying the existence of all the parts, and deciding the easiest approach or method. The included instructions should provide step by step methods of constructing your trailer, with tips on each phase. If you have decided on a kit to save money, be forewarned that this may not happen. The actual cost of labor in a built trailer is about 15-30% of the total cost rather than 50- 70% as some may think. 

If you have a set of plans, purchasing is simplified since a listing of all parts along with the location of some specialized suppliers is probably included. If not, you’re back to Square One. Finding suppliers for the many specialized trailer parts can become a sizable part of the project. In any event, purchasing all your parts before beginning construction has a decided advantage-and should be done if possible. 

If you have developed your own design, the procurement of parts can be a downright major effort. It’s not unheard of to visit three or four stores for each type of item just to educate yourself about the products available; and even with that you may come back empty-handed. The previous chapters provide much of the basic information about most parts used on a trailer—this information will definitely save some running; however, your design may also require special applications and need even further research. Even with basic products, multiple decisions are necessary. For instance, steel is a category containing subsections of angle, channel, tubing, sheet, bar-a different supplier will often be required for each. After finding the supplier, a whole series of options should be examined for each case. If shopping is enjoyable to you, this may be a delightful pastime. However, if you can’t find the appropriate parts the experience can be very discouraging. Particularly frustrating is having to change a design or modify adjacent parts to fit what’s on the market instead of what you originally planned and laid out. Please understand, this is part of the process and should be accepted. 

To obtain information and specifications about products on the market, it is extremely useful to study a variety of catalogs. Obtaining these catalogs in advance of designing may help you avoid a few frustrations. Several companies listed in the Appendix offer catalogs for small fees. These catalogs contain a wide selection of specialized parts for trailers and turn out to be a convenient resource for some of those hard to obtain parts. If you send the amount stated to the addresses listed the companies will return a catalog to you. Copy the form in Figure 6.1 to save writing a letter. Parts offered by these companies are intended for manufacturers and if the quantity to be purchased is fewer than 3 or yours is a one time purchase, it will make more sense to ask for a retailer in your area, who is also very likely to have a stock of parts and other accessories of interest. 

Whatever you do, don’t treat purchasing lightly. Take the time to study what you need to study and know what you’re buying. A hastily purchased, cheap, junk yard axle may seem a “good deal” up front, but cautions are in order. Retired auto axles were designed for about 2000-lbs or less these days (actually about 1/2 the auto’s weight). Trailer axles typically have higher ratings. Under a trailer, these automotive straight axles can raise the trailer’s center of gravity unacceptably. Widthwise, they are short, permitting a bed width of 3 or 4-feet, unless lengthened. Attempts to lengthen them are always difficult at best and risky, to boot. Mounting of the specially designed auto spring hangers can turn into an arduous task. But retired auto axles aren’t the only ones where problems lurk. Even a set of slightly used mobile home axles can put you on the wrong design path, as I’ve seen happen. 

Before you begin your store-by-store investigation, a thorough organization of all the needed parts into discrete categories will ease your travels. Components available at the same store should be placed on the same list. The lengths of steel should be figured and adjusted to be cut from the fewest lengths (20′, 30′ or 40′) with the least waste possible. Sheet metal parts should be figured and ordered at a sheet metal house where shearing and bending to your specifications can also be performed. 

Trailer parts-axle, hubs, springs, spring hardware, coupler and fenders are most apt to be found at a trailer manufacturer, trailer supply, or one of the companies whose catalog is listed in the Appendix. Mobile home supply stores handle sewers, water lines, stoves and refrigerators, but because of the complexity, seldom handle running gear and accessories. Local trailer manufacturers will carry axles which are specially suited to their line of trailers and may not necessarily fit your requirements. However, what you need usually can be ordered. In searching for parts, bear in mind that your trailer will be with you for years and years. It is sometimes better to wait 30, 60, 90 days to get the right parts, than to purchase something in a hurry that is marginal in its application. 

A search of the Yellow Pages may give you the quickest answers, and of course a phone call may save a futile trip and wasted gas. The Yellow Page headings listing businesses most apt to carry products you will need for your trailer are: 

Trailers–Auto, Utility -> Hardware

Trailers–Boat -> Lighting 

Trailers-Truck -> Steel Sheet Metal

Trailers-Parts & Accessories -> -Steel Rolled Products

Welding—Equipment  -> Steel-Tubing

Specialty magazines and publications from local special interest clubs frequently carry display or classified ads to guide you to neighborhood sources of supply. And your local newspaper may even sport an appropriate ad or two. 

Once you have investigated the parts and made your selection, purchasing is easy. As long as you have the money, just go to the stores where you’ve selected the parts or materials and purchase them. If the parts. come from quite a distance, be sure to check the weight and shipping charges. Trailer parts are made of steel and when added up, quickly become quite heavy. Some folks like to shop price. . . that’s one way. When safety is a consideration, design and materials must also be considered. And don’t forget service: Which company has the most knowledgeable person to help you out if you get into trouble? Best price companies seldom have knowledgeable sales people, and very often don’t stand behind their products. Ponder carefully and check out the situation. before you buy.