Should I build or buy a trailer?

There is something very rewarding about building your own trailer and if you have the time, equipment and the space to embark on this task, then this is an easy question to answer. Once you have your own trailer you will find uses for it that you would never have imagined.

Building your own trailer can be a good evening project done over a couple of months, or if you have a well set up workshop and the skills to accomplish it, you could have a fully functioning trailer completed in a couple of weekends.

Just remember that building a trailer is not necessarily the cheapest option and can, depending on the options you put into your trailer, be more expensive than buying a new trailer from your local manufacturer - BUT - there is almost nothing in the world better than driving down the road towing a trailer that you have crafted using your own hands and skills!

It gives a great feeling of satisfaction to have built a trailer that is uniquely yours and something that you can be proud of.

If you do decide to buy a new trailer, then buying from a good manufacturer can take a lot of stress out of deciding which type and style of trailer you require. A good manufacturer will ask you appropriate questions and give you good advice based on their experience. Most manufacturers will modify an existing design to suit your requirements and can custom build if that is what is required. Be prepared to wait a little longer if you order a custom built trailer.

Starting out building your trailer

If you are only at the planning stage, search the internet or through your local directory for a good trailer component supplier, who will be able to assist you with putting together a package for all your running gear (hubs, stubs, axle, springs, tyres and rims) as well as guards, coupling, lights and cable. This is usually the most cost effective way of procuring parts for your new trailer and a good supplier will also be able to offer good advice to ensure you get the right parts for what you require.

Shopping online, either direct for the suppliers or from auction sites can also be cost effective, although with everything online, it is buyer beware and warranties may not be available.

You may already have a collection of parts you have sourced over many years in anticipation of building a trailer, and if this is the case you may need to make some adjustments to the trailer plans to accommodate these (for example – tyre sizes, coupling type, hinges etc).

Check out the trailer designs on this website, hopefully there is something here for you!