STEP 8. Decide Final Overall Dimensions

And now, after drawing the cargo, you can start on the trailer. Again we need a clean sheet of paper with room for a side view, a top view, an end view, a front view, a few sections and perhaps several details. Cut a large enough piece of paper for all views to fit. Roll size drawing paper will probably be wide enough and can be cut to any length. A 22″ x 34″ or 48″ is convenient for a 10 to 1 scale and if you have a drawing table large enough a larger scale with a 30″ by 44″, 52″, or 60″ is even better. The paper can always be cut down but adding to its length poses a problem. Check out the paper size before cutting.

With a large sheet of paper now in place, the lines most easily placed first are the top view outside dimensions of the rectangular framework, as shown in Figure 1.11.

The side view front and back lines can then be projected downward. Once the side view tire/fender position is drawn it can be projected upward back to the top view. Remember wheels, tires and fenders protrude beyond the basic rectangle in the top view, so leave room. Also dimensions eventually get added to all views and room is needed for this later. Placement of the tongue in the top view can then be projected downward to the side view. Doing a little in one view and then moving to another view to do a little more is more efficient and easier than trying to do all of one view before moving onto the next. Co-ordination of other components—fenders, suspension, lights, accessories -between views will build your drawing to completion. The size of the area required for drawing can grow quickly so keep your lines light to begin with until you have a pretty good idea of the envelope required for drawings and dimensions.

Figure 1.12 is the completed drawing before dimensions are added.

It sounds so simple! And it truly can be. Just follow the steps, use this book for reference, gather all the data you can from other sources. Now combine it all into one pot and in a short time you’ll be ready to cut metal with the right dimensions and a precise plan.