STEP 3. Investigate the Options

Choices, choices everywhere, but what’s the one to choose … and this is no understatement. The variables and combinations are infinite. This phase of your project could indeed be your most consuming time-wise. It involves gathering as much information about trailers as you can. Facts, figures, numbers and prices are all part of this step. Some of the facts you might include have been discussed in TRAILERS – How to Buy & Evaluate as part of the process of determining what trailer to purchase.

Prepare a folder or envelope for storage of brochures or catalogs. If the folder gets too big, create two or three new to replace the one. Or start a binder with tabs for categories such as suspension, materials, accessories and anything else that seems relevant to you. Keep separate note papers within each tab for such things as notes from phone calls. When you call the same place again it will provide a nice reference record.

When you call potential suppliers, don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as necessary to understand the product you intend to purchase Dimensions, capacity, materials and configuration are areas where questions are most appropriate. Hopefully this book will have certain answers for you, so your phone calls can be much shorter.

Photographs can also be very helpful. A collection of trailer pictures that look like what you might want to build can help you visualize your end product. Anything to facilitate a clearer view will make the task at hand easier. Learn everything you can about trailers and avoid becoming locked into any particular design or feature before you examine the pros and cons of each one. In other words, keep an open mind at this point and don’t rule anything out yet. You may be led to an even better option than your first idea for your final configuration.

B. THE SUCCESSFUL TRAILER

A trailer is considered successful if it carries the load intended, is strong enough, tows easily without sway, loads easily and even disappears while it is not being used only to re-appear when required again. The last attribute is beyond what I know. But the first ones are subjects addressed in the volumes of this book. Designing a trailer basically involves the selection of materials and components and arranging them into a configuration to fit the requirements of your design as closely as possible.