Car trailer plans

[metalman]

Hi,
Does anyone happen to have a set of car trailer plans that they would be willing to share? I want to build atleast a 20 footer with a beaver tail. Any help would be awesome!
Thanks,
MM

[smithboy]

http://www.championtrailers.com/UTILITY_TRAILER_KITS.HTM

You may already have this one, but it's a good place to start for free. It has the basic dimensions for a stable 2-axle trailer. Maybe you can adapt these to suit your purpose...I looked, but like you, couldn't find any free plans online for something as heavy duty as a car hauler. Lincoln sells a couple of project books...one has a car hauler in it, but it's for a single car...and, it's probably no more than 16 feet in length and doesn't have the "beavertail" (I have always heard dovetail, but beavertail actually sounds more accurate) design.

[jkmola]

That's a great link - thanks! I happen to be in the process of making a single axle trailer (just need to hang the axle and finish off the bed), and I think this will help me with the measurements.

Quick question, though - what's the "beavertail", and what's its purpose?

Thanks again!

[smithboy]

It's a single intergral ramp that raises and lowers like the tail of a beaver. Rather than two ramps, it's one big one that spans the entire back of the trailer. The ones I have seen that are production models are made with hydrolics to raise and lower it...because it's HEAAAAVY. The real benefit is that you don't have to mess with aligning ramps with wheels...you just drive up the ramp...Many of the ones I have seen are for heavy(ish) equipment that might have very different track widths...tractors, bobcats, dozers, etc...It just dawned on me...the link above might not come close to what is needed...most of the beaver tailed trailers I have seen are goosenecked, not bumper pulled because of the weight...well...anyway. maybe it'll help.

[Hammack_Welding]

There is tons of different phrases or terms used for equipment terminology. Just depends on where you are and who it is as to what it will be called. I always called a dovetail the part of the deck that slopes at the back. (stationary) and a beavertail the actual folding ramp that fold like smithboy described. Just what are you planning on hauling. I have built several over the years. If you tell me what you are looking for (detailed description of what you will be doing/hauling) I'll send you some sketches with a material list of some I have built. For a basic car hauler I'd say 6" channel frame rails with 3" or 4" channel cross members every couple feet. With a wood or steel deck. I will tell you from experience that a 20ft trailer loaded with a car on a bumper is gonna be pretty tough on the tow vehicle.

[Me!]

metalman,

What will the GVW on of this trailer be?

In some states it is a pain in the *** to title home build trailers. I have a trailer with a 3500# axle and can't register it for that with out a VIN and inspection $$$.

[metalman]

Thanks for the replies guys. First thing I must have used the wrong word. The dovetail that your describing is what I want. I think 3' is about the average length and I'm not sure about the amount of drop but maybe 10" or so? I want the trailer to have 2 axles and be hitch/bumper pull. I will be hauling a 1991 Chevy Caprice on it regularly so the wider the better I guess. I pull with a 2005 Chevy HD ¾ ton pickup that has the 6.0 liter engine. Do you guys think that I should consider going down to a 18' trailer. Again, Thanks for the replies/help on this!
MM

[Hammack_Welding]

18' to 20' in my opinion is not enough difference to matter. You'll probably buy your steel in 20ft lengths so why cut off 2ft? as far as width goes you need to check your state regulations I believe some state have a maximum width.

[Albin]

Thanks for the replies guys. First thing I must have used the wrong word. The dovetail that your describing is what I want. I think 3' is about the average length and I'm not sure about the amount of drop but maybe 10" or so? I want the trailer to have 2 axles and be hitch/bumper pull. I will be hauling a 1991 Chevy Caprice on it regularly so the wider the better I guess. I pull with a 2005 Chevy HD ¾ ton pickup that has the 6.0 liter engine. Do you guys think that I should consider going down to a 18' trailer. Again, Thanks for the replies/help on this!
MM

Don't over do the drop or you'll be dragging the trailer everywhere. I chose to NOT have a dovetail on my 18' car hauler.

Take a look at kaufmantrailers.com for design ideas, they give their trailer specs on their web page, that should give some idea on materials and material types to copy.

Good luck.

Al

[smithboy]

Ok, I learned some new terms here also. I guess I didn't know the stationary portion had a name...or, if I did...I unlearned it at some time.

Dovetail=stationary angled rear portion of the trailer.

Beavertail=single wide movable ramp.

[fwalz3]

http://www.trailerplans.com/ Not free but they are worth the $30 IMHO. They have plans for an 18' long X 8' wide car trailer that looks like what you're looking for. I recently bought the plans for the car dolly, they are detailed, full size drawings. I have to roll them out on my LR floor to read them!

[UP BRETT]

The max width is 102" anywhere in the states.
That is to the widest part ie: fender edges. Anything wider will require a WIDE LOAD Permit. Just my .02

Brett