How to increase the load capacity on a trailer for a car

How to increase the sides on a passenger trailer?

When choosing before purchasing or while using a trailer, drivers think about its functionality and ability to perform certain types of work. And therefore it is natural that today we will discuss the equipment for this trailed vehicle. Namely, the sides for a passenger trailer. What types exist, what are they made of, how to extend the sides of a trailer.

DIY car trailer video

Hello everybody! Many owners of passenger trailers have thought about how to somehow improve, modify and transform them.

This desire is quite simple to explain. Some people are simply not satisfied with the appearance of a towed vehicle, others want to improve the factory design, and still others even strive to expand the functionality of the trailer and make it something more than just a means for transporting goods.

Types of boards

The first question we will raise is the manufacturing materials used to create extension structures. And also their differences. So, in the basic classification there are:

Which material is best for a caravan is up to the driver to decide, because they are all good in different situations. The main thing is not to overdo it with savings, so that later it does not become a disappointment.

If we talk about the variety of passenger trailers, it is important to say that homemade ones are popular due to their low cost. Although the weak side of this type of design is the complexity of assembly. However, one way or another, it is first important to determine the model of the trailer you are going to work with. And if you doubt your own abilities or lack the ability to work independently, contact the professionals of companies such as Kurgan Trailer, MZSA. Read this article about what to look for when choosing a trailer for a car trailer.

Possible improvements

I want to say right away that it’s impossible to consider literally all tuning options, even with a great desire. There are too many of them to fit into one material or even several articles.

If you're really interested in upgrading your caravan, you need to start with the basics. Namely, from the idea. Since you are not happy with the design in its current form and something needs to be changed, you need to understand what exactly is wrong and what you should strive for. And here the first difficulty arises, since there are many ideas, but many motorists simply do not have a clear definition. You have to go through different options, look for compromises and try to calm your ardor in impulses to do something that can later make your hair stand on end.

Let's take a regular flatbed trailer as a basis. After all, most often they are the ones who undergo tuning and all sorts of modifications.

What exactly the model or brand is doesn’t really matter. There is just a trailer from which you need to make something.

There are several options for what you can turn into an onboard vehicle for a passenger car. I advise you to decide right away, so that later you don’t have to stop halfway, change your mind and start implementing a completely different idea.

Choosing a method of extension

More often than not, the carrying capacity of passenger car trailers is designed for a larger volume of cargo than can be accommodated with a standard on-board configuration. Therefore, expanding the side of a trailer is a process that most owners of road trains face. Moreover, when the walls of a trailer vehicle increase by forty centimeters, the capacity of the body increases by at least seventy percent. This significantly increases the operational capabilities of this type of device.

If you look at the situation from a practical point of view, then you should think about extending the sides of a passenger trailer even before purchasing it. Even if the selected instance does not include this feature. In this case, you will have to do the modification yourself.

Owners of road trains prefer three options for increasing the height of the walls of a passenger trailer:

With a more detailed examination of these options, the description of the basic qualities is as follows.

Types of tuning

It is impossible to consider all tuning methods, since there are many of them. But the basis rests on the idea. If the driver is not happy with something about the trailer, he must clearly understand it. Decide where improvements are possible and what kind. This is the initial difficulty. Ideas prevail over certainty in quantitative composition. Sometimes you have to compromise and even abandon the original idea. After all, making changes to a car trailer is regulated by the rules.

However, if you choose a classic on-board vehicle as an object for experimentation, then a field of activity will appear even in the absence of ideas. It doesn’t matter what models or brands. There is a body on wheels, which means it needs to be improved. Several transformations are applicable for an on-board driver. But in order to avoid mistakes, the direction of improvement is determined in advance.

Factory sides

The ready-made solution in the form of extending the sides of a passenger car trailer differs for the models for which it is provided, as well as in height, material and sheet thickness. The competitive qualities of this option over homemade products are:

Video instructions for installing additional sides on the “Krepysh” trailer

How to increase the sides of a passenger trailer, using what materials, is up to you. The main thing is to accurately assess capabilities, cost, time and quality. The rest depends on the caravan model. However, before starting any modifications, it is important to consult with a professional or look up recommendations from knowledgeable drivers on the Internet.

Source

Metal constructions

Metal exhibits more stable qualities when compared to wood. Although the cost for this extension option is higher. Sheet metal is used to increase the sides of a passenger trailer. Most often galvanized, stainless steel or aluminum. The material is complemented by metal corners and a profile. The process for making the extension is as follows:

1. Cut the corners by making holes in them. Weld to the trailer frame.
2. Build a profile sheathing over the corners.
3. Cover the structure with sheets of metal or mesh using welding or bolting.

General characteristics of semi-trailer sides

A flatbed semitrailer is a mechanism that is used to transport small amounts of loose cargo. These can be vegetables, fruits, building materials. Frequently, carriers choose such a spare part as a side in order to provide the structure with greater rigidity than in a curtain-sided semi-trailer, and there is no need to secure pallets with cargo.

Material

The manufacture of sides for semi-trailers is carried out from different materials. If these are branded systems from brands such as Kegel, Schmitz, Krona, etc., then an aluminum profile is used for them.

But the price of such trailers is quite high, so many people prefer homemade products, such as converted tractor sides (made of wood, raw steel, hard plastic, etc.).

It is much cheaper than aluminum. But the reliability and comfort when using such products is significantly lower.

Specifications

The sides are made so that they can withstand mechanical loads and open easily. They are produced stacked or removable and folding. Some are remote controlled, but most sides must be opened manually. As for the height, it can be between 32 and 102 cm (depending on the type of side and the material from which it is made).

For your information! The highest sides are usually aluminum.

Application area

Let's imagine what modernized flatbed trailers that have gone through tuning stages can be used for.

• For relax. Even an on-board model can become a full-fledged mobile place for spending the night, going out into nature, barbecuing, for tourist trips and other delights of active recreation;
• For fishing and hunting. A common tuning option aimed at increasing functionality and load capacity. Also, often such tuning provides the ability to use a trailer as a sleeping place;
• For a snowmobile. The presence of an on-board model does not interfere with making it an excellent vehicle for transporting snowmobiles;
• For watercraft. A current and widespread modification option, in which the onboard is made into something like a boat trailer. Moreover, without compromising the possibilities of its use as a simple on-board model;
• For off-road use. Tuning aims to improve the vehicle's cross-country ability, which will require a number of measures.

Let's not forget about purely technical improvements, where the owner's main goal is to improve the basic characteristics and expand the capabilities of the trailed vehicle.

I propose to consider several tuning options separately and find out what you can do with your own hands.

Installation of awning

The simplest but most effective tuning. It is not only effective, but also spectacular. With the help of an awning, which is not included in the original package, you can expand the capabilities of the vehicle, increase its loading area, and use the trailer for larger purposes.

In terms of tuning of this kind, there are a couple of current options:

• Installation of a tarpaulin awning. The classic version requires preliminary installation of the frame under the tarpaulin and its subsequent tensioning. An outdated method of improvement that is losing its relevance;
• Using the lid. A plastic lid is a great alternative. A more reliable, durable, outwardly attractive option. No frame needed. But you will need to provide fasteners to secure the cover to the sides.

If you are willing to spend a lot of effort and money, then plastic will be the best solution.

The awning is too banal and has much less benefit than a durable plastic cover, complemented by security locks.

Technical tuning

In fact, literally anything that relates to the design of the trailer can fall under this category of modifications. But basically they technically modernize the suspension, install new wheels, repress the axle or install an additional one.

It is also worth considering the option of installing a brake system. Not only tuning, but also a significant contribution to your safety on the roads.

If brakes are not necessary, consider raising the ride height. This can be achieved by installing shock absorbers, replacing the suspension, and installing higher wheels. A current solution for fans of hunting and fishing, where a trailer becomes an indispensable element of going out into the wild. It definitely won’t get stuck anywhere, and will help you not only get there, but also get out of the most remote corners. The result is an off-road hunting or fishing trailer. Additionally, it is recommended to install a winch and put on solid all-terrain wheels.

Such ideas can be implemented even without the involvement of specialists. It all depends on your skills, abilities and capabilities. Consider the option, weigh all the arguments and make a final decision.

Tuning with components

If you don't want to risk making any major changes to the factory design, you can improve the trailer and expand its capabilities simply by using off-the-shelf factory components.

This is relevant for those who have relatively new trailers, for which factories and third-party manufacturers continue to produce additional parts. These include:

• winches;
• awnings;
• covers;
• lighting technology;
• wheels;
• wheel rims;
• spare tires;
• supports;
• folding sides;
• keel rollers;
• locks;
• brake systems, etc.

It happens that a person urgently bought a trailer or did not have the opportunity to purchase the desired components at that time. Now there is such an opportunity, so tuning will consist of simple retrofitting.

Onboard boatman

One of my favorite tuning options, which involves creating a means of transporting boats from an ordinary flatbed trailer.

The huge advantage is that the on-board vehicle does not lose its purpose. If necessary, it transports watercraft, and when there is no boat on top, it again becomes an ordinary flatbed trailer.

The essence of modernization or tuning is extremely simple. You will need:

• presence of a dump mechanism;
• winch for loading and unloading the craft;
• keel rollers;
• guides;
• supports for placing a boat;
• brackets for fixing additional structures;
• set of fastenings;
• bolsters or soft pads for the boat;
• standard set of tools.

If we are talking about light inflatable boats, then a winch and the same dump truck are not needed. But inflatable flotation devices are sometimes easier to load deflated and inflate on the spot.

If the boat is serious, made of plastic or wood, you will need to secure the supports, install guides, keel rollers, fix the winch in the area of ​​the drawbar and provide for the possibility of removing additional elements if necessary.

You will see, but implementing such an idea is quite simple. There are many visual photos and video instructions on the Internet.

Alas, I cannot tell you anything in detail or in detail within the framework of this material. If you are interested in a specific tuning option and want to disassemble it step by step, write in the comments, vote and I will prepare a special article on this topic.

For now I have everything. Write your options for tuning passenger trailers. It will be interesting to know your opinion.

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The cars themselves are quite often subject to modernization, as owners seek to improve their capabilities or simply embellish their appearance in order to stand out from others. But car trailers undergo tuning much less often, although they also have something to modernize.

And, according to the Traffic Rules, these “tails” attached to the car are also vehicles. Therefore, it should be remembered that if there are any shortcomings in a passenger caravan, they can be eliminated through targeted tuning. Just like with the car itself, you can improve its technical characteristics or transform its appearance.

The simplest and most common way of tuning a passenger car trailer is installing an awning (we discussed how to choose earlier). Usually, such an upgrade becomes necessary when a trailer model is purchased, which initially did not include this awning, or if it was included, but then for some reason it was lost or damaged. It is difficult to do without this seemingly insignificant and inconspicuous element of the body, since it performs an important function - it protects the transported cargo from rain. Most often, the awning is made of tarpaulin or polyvinyl chloride. But you can purchase and install a plastic awning with a lock. It is, of course, more expensive, but it will improve the appearance of the trailer, and the transported cargo will protect from possible theft.

Any trailer has such important characteristics as reliability and load capacity. They can also be increased by tuning. To do this, they usually repress the axle or equip the trailer with a brake system. Instead of one axle, you can install two, thereby doubling the load capacity.

If you need to go somewhere outside the city with a trailer, to places where there are not even really roads, then you can increase the ground clearance to increase cross-country ability.

To transport long loads, you can strengthen the drawbar of the trailer system. Another option is to extend the sides.

If you don’t want to invest a lot of money in tuning a passenger trailer, then you can simply install additional accessories such as a spare wheel bracket, extension sides, a pyramid for windows, a telescopic stop, etc. They are produced by almost all trailer manufacturers.

And to give the trailer a unique appearance, you can use an airbrush and apply some unusual pattern on the surface.

When an avid car enthusiast starts tuning a trailer for a passenger car with his own hands, it is impossible to stop him. Refinement, improvement, transformation - it’s easy to explain. I don't like the appearance of the unit. Not satisfied with the technical specifications. Often the design is modified beyond recognition, satisfying the needs of the owner, who is not limited to transporting goods.

Factory equipment of brands introduces innovations regularly. However, you can do some modifications yourself. If the designer has the skills and abilities, as well as the necessary tools in the garage, then he will go far. There would be a desire. But craftsmen from among the people have not yet disappeared from our country.

Design Features

The manufacture of products for a truck, for example, MAZ, Schmitz or even a tractor, is carried out in such a way that they can withstand high loads and are not damaged. To do this, the sides must meet all international requirements, because all kinds of goods can be transported, from bulk grain to heavy pipes.

Interesting! If you disassemble the rear, side or front side of a semi-trailer, you will find that they are made of two parts. The upper side is rigidly fixed to the platform and is motionless, and the lower one is hinged, which gives it the ability to move.

The sides are mechanically locked and can be opened manually. The rear side of a semi-trailer must be as strong as possible, because the main load often falls on it, especially when the weights in the semi-trailer are not secured.

"Universal Soldier". Trailer yourself.

When building a house, very often there is a need to bring a dozen bags of cement, several packs of insulation, boards, or a newly purchased gasoline generator. And although such a load is not foundation blocks and floor slabs of the basement, which require a truck, nevertheless, you cannot transport them in a passenger car. Of course, you can order delivery, but what to do if you plan to make constant purchases from the nearest construction market? Any prudent developer will inevitably think: is it possible to save money?

In this situation, a real universal soldier - a trailer - will come to the rescue of any self-builder. All that remains is to buy it. Although, judging by the experience of forumhouse.ru users, often the best option is to do it yourself. This is exactly what our forum member from Canada did!

Roracotta forum member

Anyone who lives in a private house knows well that a car trailer greatly facilitates the management of a household plot. And I decided to buy it.

However, a quick inspection of the samples displayed in the store disappointed the forum member. All the trailers turned out to be expensive and, in his opinion, not strong enough. So Roracotta decided to make the trailer itself. To do this, he bought metal pipes, a welding machine, a protective mask, and electrodes. And things started to boil!

For the trailer frame, the forum member chose rectangular pipes with sections of 50x75 mm, 25x50 mm and 25x25 mm. For the top trim of the sides, a 30x30 mm corner was used.

Roracotta

I set up an impromptu workshop under a canopy near the house. Goats are displayed as slipways. A block was installed in the roof rafters to lift the trailer frame. Looking ahead, I can say that one of the main tools was a metal cutting machine.

The trailer floor lintels are welded from 25x50 mm pipe. A 50x75 mm pipe was used to make the frame. As practice has shown, a pipe of this cross-section is even redundant for the manufacture of a small trailer. For example, for a trailer designed to carry a load of 1.5 tons, a 38x75mm pipe is used for the frame. But because Roracotta wanted to save money, so he had to take metal by hand and only of this size.

After welding the frame, a “drawbar” is welded to it, and an improvised crane made from a block is used to lift the heavy structure.

Roracotta

The block in the roof of the canopy perfectly helped to turn the future trailer over and fix it in the position required for welding.

After welding the joints, it is necessary to clean them with a special “stone”.

After welding the frame, the posts are cut to fit the sides of the trailer. Square pipe size 25x25 mm. To make the racks look neat, you need to make a cut on one side of the pipe at an angle of 45 degrees and bend the metal.

Despite the fact that almost all the parts for the trailer were made independently, the forum member still decided to buy some parts.

Roracotta

There is a company near me that sells trailers and trailers. There you can order any axle with any size and for any load. They do it in one day. The axle comes with absolutely everything that is necessary to mount the axle to the frame - bolts, “earrings”, “ears”, nuts for the wheels.

The set, including all taxes and a certificate, cost $180. After welding the entire structure, the DIYer began to calculate the mounting location for the main spring link.

In this case, you should adhere to the following rule: the center of the trailer axle divides the trailer by 60% of its length at the front and 40% at the rear. The trailer's center of mass should be closer to the hitch and should always be subject to a positive load.

Roracotta

After this, we install the axle assembly on the already welded base and find a place for the rear swing link. We also carefully scald it and be sure to reinforce it with overlays from the corners, and the “drawbar” from below.

Next, 25x25 mm pipe sections are welded on top of all side posts. They are necessary for attaching tension rubber bands that secure the load.

An interesting feature is that in Canada you cannot use wheels or tires from a regular car. Only special ones for trailers. If this rule is not followed, the police may issue a fine of $250 per wheel.

Roracotta

Each wheel and disc cost me $98.

Metal plates are used for trailer fenders. The trailer frame is painted black, and the electrical wiring for the brake lights is carried out in a corrugated pipe.

For the interior lining of the trailer, the forum member used a 16x140 mm impregnated board. Impregnated wood is a board impregnated under pressure with a bioprotective agent. This board does not rot and is not afraid of water.

So is the game worth the candle?

Roracotta

The trailer cost me $680. In the store, a trailer similar in size and carrying capacity, only less durable, costs about $1300-1450. And for registration and receiving numbers you have to pay an additional $75. Total - $755.

Many forum members may have a question: how does the registration of such a homemade design proceed? And how labor intensive is this procedure?

Roracotta

In Canada, all homemade trailers must undergo a mandatory inspection by a certified mechanic and be approved for registration. And only after payment of the fee is a registration number issued.

A detailed and visual story from a forum member about the construction of a trailer is available in this topic of our forum. If you need a crane to build a house, then in this article you will learn how to make one. Forumhouse.ru users can find out how to make a workshop trailer out of a regular trailer here. And this video talks about useful homemade products to simplify work in the country.

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How to do it yourself

If you are skilled and have the necessary equipment, it is possible to make semi-trailer parts yourself. First of all, it is advisable to find a drawing. Various modifications of them are available on the Internet, so it’s possible to go through this stage.

Next, you need to decide what material the sides will be made of. Take into account the operating features of the semi-trailer and its dimensions. If you need to transport building materials or vegetables, a wooden fence will do just fine.

For longer trips or the ability to attach pallets to the side, it is recommended to make the sides at least from steel. They are more durable and strong. In addition, it is easier to equip metal sides with various movable systems to make them convenient to remove and disassemble.

The aluminum profile is absolutely rightly recognized as the best material for the product. It is lightweight, does not create a large load on the platform, is durable and practical.

But if you have already decided to have frames made of such material, then it is easier to buy them ready-made.

It is also important to make the side frame reliable. This is a load-bearing structure that will bear the main load. It must be made of channels or very durable pipes.

Types of self-assembled trailers

Business and industry use professional trailers equipped with special equipment for a specific load. They are distinguished by additional load-carrying capacity and the ability to handle it efficiently under various conditions. Some components are made in the factory using complex technology that cannot be done in a garage: zinc coating, strong welding.

Homemade trailer frame

Therefore, you should not aim at a trailer over 750 kg, besides, it assumes category “E”. But if this state of affairs does not suit the motorist, then he challenges the biaxial design for universal use and tests as he pleases. Before the first modification.

DIY trailer

The choice of trailer type depends on what to transport and what materials for making it are lying around. A four-millimeter corner or profile, two wheels of a domestic car, a set of springs, wires with lights already bring the unit into the class of homemade single-axle trailers up to 750 kg. Plywood for the sides and bottom is not in short supply, unlike thick sheet metal, which still needs to be cut. The main thing is not to skimp on the coupling mechanism. Making a connecting unit will not cost you just bolts and nuts. For increased safety of a homemade trailer, it is better to buy a special fastener for the towbar. Anyone who has decided to create a passenger trailer with their own hands already knows what a trailer is and what they are, but information on the standards for the manufacture of trailer hitch devices will make it possible to operate the miracle of technology even after the first traffic police stop.

Where to buy

Frames for semi-trailers can be purchased both from branded dealers and through an ad on Avito. In the first case, you will receive an original product from the manufacturer, but its cost will be 1.0–2.5 thousand euros. For those who cannot afford it, try to find used items that cost half the price, you can find them at a lower price.

Thus, semi-trailer sides are quite a relevant product for carriers of various goods and cargo. A wide variety of such products allows you to choose the most optimal option for yourself.

Detailed information is visible in the video:

Source

Rating of the best passenger trailers for transporting goods during house construction

MZSA 817701.001-05

A universal model for transporting goods for any purpose. Due to its versatility, it is used by repair crews, road and municipal services, private owners and entrepreneurs. The trailer moves along the car track. Thanks to the long drawbar, reversing control is easy.

Trailer MZSA 817701.001-05 with folding sides is ideal for transporting bricks, bulk and long building materials

Source

Studio-Trailers › Blog › What are the sides of a passenger trailer made of?

For information about options for lining the sides of passenger trailers:

Someone makes frames from a profile pipe (by welding or on the sides) and rivets a galvanized sheet to them or screws laminated plywood with self-tapping screws (bolts):

Someone uses aluminum sheet or stainless steel (this is of course expensive and not for everyone):

Sometimes the sides of trailers are made of plastic and fiberglass. But it is rarely used in the manufacture of lining the sides of cargo trailers. More on houses and to give aerodynamics:

Legality of modernization

I will not talk specifically about how to do this or that tuning. Is it possible to change the design at all? This is the first question that needs to be answered.

I'll say this. Some changes may not require any adjustments to your documents. But radical tuning will potentially become the subject of disputes with road service employees.

Therefore, before turning your regular car trailer into a camper or using it as a motor home, seek advice from the traffic police.

Tuning requires obtaining appropriate certificates of changes in the design of the vehicle. You will have to go through a number of offices, pay state fees, stand in lines, etc.

Although many simply ignore it. They modernize the trailer the way they want, and on the spot with the traffic police officers they find out how legal it is and how to circumvent such prohibitions. If you want to get rid of unnecessary traffic stops and incomprehensible fines, go through the lengthy but legal procedure of re-registering a trailer. This is the best option, in my opinion.

Well, or instead of converting it to a PVC boat, immediately buy yourself a trailer designed and certified specifically for such purposes. Remodeling is a troublesome task, although it is always nice to see the results of work done with your own hands.