Building a Trailer

['52Chevy]

Hi everyone,
I was thinking about building a trailer, possibly multiple (for private use, and possibly to sell) once I figure out what I'm doing. I have been searching for information on regulations for trailer building, but not finding anything relevant. The only info I can find is for Australia for some reason.
So without going into too much information about the trailer itself. What are / where can I find, the regulations for trailer building for the US. I know it will vary based on the state, I am interested in info on different states as well.

Thanks in advance.

 

[firebox40dash5]

https://www.google.com/search?q=homebuilt+trailer+regulations

Who needs other states' rules? Just look up Maine's and register it there. Although as I recall they now want receipts/bill of materials for basically every major component to prove you're not laundering a trailer as a homebuilt... which foiled my plans to launder my titleless jetski trailer there.

 

['52Chevy]

Thanks for the link. My searches were not linking with the states, probably because I am currently in Germany.

 

[zkdiesel]

Hope it's a specialty trailer, otherwise you won't be able to compete price wise with large companies bring cheap labor forces and parts in bulk

 

[firebox40dash5]

Hope it's a specialty trailer, otherwise you won't be able to compete price wise with large companies bring cheap labor forces and parts in bulk

Tis true. I paid a whole $600 for my Carry On (the ones at HD/Lowes/farm stores) 2k 5x8. I couldn't build one out of the same parts for that. The 14k 20' tilt-deck Appalachian we had at the shop only runs $4k new... you could probably beat materials cost there, but it wouldn't leave much room for labor.

Now that I think about selling them... you might have to register as a manufacturer, and thus be able to assign VINs and get Certificates of Origin. I dunno what level of "multiple" trailers that might become an issue at. However, Maine to the rescue again, I'm sure they would give exactly 0 shits if you chose to register them to yourself then sell them. But the "semi" plates you get that way can't be titled there unless they weigh >3k empty. I have my light trailers registered there, and titled in OR since OR doesn't require tags at all <1700lb. loaded, so they don't bat an eye that I'm getting a title with no tags. I have an ODL # but my current residence is MD, they don't seem to care about that either.

 

[zmaxmotorsports]

Just find somebody who has a trailer of the general style youre thinking about building and walk around it with a tape measure to get some general ideas .
Id say the biggest issue to worry about is axle location on the trailer so you dont complicate any tongue weight issues,id also check into trailer brakes.
As far as competing with the big suppliers price wise.after seeing the piss poor welding and general lack of quality control on most cheap mass produced trailers out there I personally would rather pay extra to get a better built trailer.

 

[Gotcha640]

As far as building your own, a trip to the dmv/dps would be helpful. In Texas, you have to get the finished build inspected, and it helps a lot if you have pictures of the build and copies of the receipts. If you talk to the inspector first, you can find out what they require.

I've helped friends build lawn equipment and race car trailers, and it can be cost effective if you can start with a donor trailer. The axles, the steel frame, the wood deck, the lights and wiring, add up quick. As long as the final product is within the ballpark of the original, you shouldn't have any problems reregistering.

 

['52Chevy]

Thanks for the responses. I am thinking specialty trailers not just a standard utility trailer. I will continue looking into it. Unfortunately it's not something i can do right away as I'm out of the country for a few years. Gives me time to figure everything out though.

 

[Nor'Easter]

If you plan on selling them you will need to be registered with the state so that you can apply VIN numbers, obtain titles, etc. Few states roll with "home built" trailers these days.

 

[BPJOOP93]

In Wisconsin no big deal. No registration. Build what u want. As long as it's a utility trailer. The bigger trailers do need to be registered

 

[kerrynzl]

Thanks for the link. My searches were not linking with the states, probably because I am currently in Germany.

Have you considered staying in Germany and building them there!
European prices are stupid expensive.

Don't build small trailers or single axle trailers! You'll end up being price-shopped against the imported ****.

Now let's refer to a famous quote from Lee Iacocca "don't sell them technology, sell them leather"

You will make more money concentrating on quality and styling, than on fancy gee-whiz gimics.
eg: a pivot points on the tongue to convert a trailer to a simple tilt deck, is more lucrative than a full hydraulic/air suspension ! especially if you spend the price difference on chrome wheels.

Trailers are not like cell phones, a 30 year old trailer still is considered to have plenty of life in it. So a conventional design that looks well made ,will stand the test of time [also a good sales pitch ]

You'll be surprised how much $$ can be made if you get an old piece of **** trailer and refurbish it, by adding nice wheels and teardrop fenders ,new deck and paint plus clean up the electrics.[ the biggest headache is usually removing the hackjob add ons ]

 

[zmaxmotorsports]

Have you considered staying in Germany and building them there!
European prices are stupid expensive.

Don't build small trailers or single axle trailers! You'll end up being price-shopped against the imported ****.

Now let's refer to a famous quote from Lee Iacocca "don't sell them technology, sell them leather"

You will make more money concentrating on quality and styling, than on fancy gee-whiz gimics.
eg: a pivot points on the tongue to convert a trailer to a simple tilt deck, is more lucrative than a full hydraulic/air suspension ! especially if you spend the price difference on chrome wheels.

Trailers are not like cell phones, a 30 year old trailer still is considered to have plenty of life in it. So a conventional design that looks well made ,will stand the test of time [also a good sales pitch ]

You'll be surprised how much $$ can be made if you get an old piece of **** trailer and refurbish it, by adding nice wheels and teardrop fenders ,new deck and paint plus clean up the electrics.[ the biggest headache is usually removing the hackjob add ons ]

 

[koditten]

Its amazing what a cheep and dirty paint job will do. We call it a "Krylon overhaul"

 

[zmaxmotorsports]

Im a custom by rustoleum kind of guy myself,but what ever gets the job done.

 

[Showkey]

In Wisconsin no big deal. No registration. Build what u want. As long as it's a utility trailer. The bigger trailers do need to be registered

Wisconsin....
UP to 3000 lbs. ......after that reg and plates

http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/drivers/vehicles/plates/reglic.htm

 

[kf4zht]

Georgia all it takes is an inspection by any LEO and a fee. Who you get to inspect may just verify that it does in fact exist, some go over the regulations with a fine tooth comb. Once you get the VIN plate the trailer is sellable. Whole companies run selling homemade trailers without issues.

Generally the regs here are:
Must have appropriate lights that work (see DOT trailer light manual)
Must have fenders
Must have brakes for some applications - eg most 2 axle trailers need to have brakes on at least one axle
Must have a brake emergency, some LEOs will test this. Most don't
Must be within length/width requirements
Some want to see a spare tire, some will check your tires for load ratings

It is much easier if you register it for 10,000 lbs or less, above that requires a Class A (normal or CDL) and gets more scrutiny

 

[Jason280]

Actually, it depends on the county (at least for Georgia). Where I live, all that is necessary for a home built trailer is a trip to the DMV. You tell them the dimensions, weight, etc, and they give you a tag and serialized number for the trailer. I've done at least three this way, and have not required any LEO inspection.

As far as building trailers for resale goes, it's going to be difficult to compete with the trailer mills cost-wise. Where you can compete is in quality, customization, and "extras". You will never be able to undersell the other guys with price, so make sure you offer something the average buyer can't get elsewhere.

 

[TheEquineFencer]

https://www.google.com/search?q=homebuilt+trailer+regulations

Who needs other states' rules? Just look up Maine's and register it there. Although as I recall they now want receipts/bill of materials for basically every major component to prove you're not laundering a trailer as a homebuilt... which foiled my plans to launder my titleless jetski trailer there.

LOL< I know a guy that has three trailers with the same VIN # and one set of tags he switches around on the trailers.

You can always build a cheap trailer, get the numbers for it, then move the numbers to the "titleless" trailer, just make sure there's no "old" numbers on it. Not leag I'm sure but it works until you get caught.

 

[volleyball]

Actually, it depends on the county (at least for Georgia). Where I live, all that is necessary for a home built trailer is a trip to the DMV. You tell them the dimensions, weight, etc, and they give you a tag and serialized number for the trailer. I've done at least three this way, and have not required any LEO inspection.

As far as building trailers for resale goes, it's going to be difficult to compete with the trailer mills cost-wise. Where you can compete is in quality, customization, and "extras". You will never be able to undersell the other guys with price, so make sure you offer something the average buyer can't get elsewhere.

Do they give you a title or just a registration?

 

[harvey29]

This is just me rambling but I just finished a 5x10 utility trailer and spent a little over $400. But we reused an axle and traded work for the metal, the cost was alot of odds and ends like wood, paint, new bearings, hitch, lights, Not trying to talk anyone out of giving it a try, it was a fun project.