Building A Custom Trailer With A Trailer Kit In Australia

Thinking of building a custom trailer? Having a trailer is a handy tool for businesses and individuals, to say the least. They allow you to extend your vehicle’s load capacity significantly.

Australia has strict rules that regulate how trailers are engineered, built and used, so you’ve got to know how to build your trailer correctly from the start in order to be compliant. The easiest way to obtain a trailer would be to pay a certified engineer to build it for you. However, if you prefer to save some cash, you could purchase a trailer kit and build your own. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about buying and building a trailer with a trailer kit.

What comes in the trailer kit?

When purchasing a trailer kit, it should come with everything you need, including all the necessary instructions, but it will also include:

• Axles
• Axle fitting kits
• Bearing sets
• Brake cable kit
• Break away box
• Couplings
• Drums
• Electric backing plates
• Mount Plates
• Suspensions
• Lighting kit
• Rims and tyres

Remember that putting a trailer together is no easy task, even with thorough instructions, and order to do it correctly requires previous experience. Consider this before you choose to go this route.

The chassis and drawbar will typically not come as part of a trailer kit, and therefore, consideration will need to be made as to their design and compliance. ADR62/02 covers drawbar design, which will need to have proof of compliance with the test requirements to comply with the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018.

How to build a custom trailer

While you’ll most likely get instructions to help you build your trailer from the kit you purchase, here are some general steps to help you. Remember, building your trailer correctly is essential for it to comply with Australian regulations and for your own safety. So, if you feel out of your depth, contact a trained trailer engineering company to build it for you.

Prepare the work area

Before you start putting your trailer kit together, the first thing you need to do is prepare the area you’re going to work in – collecting all the tools and equipment you’ll need and setting them up in a way that makes them easier to find and use. Tools like pliers, wrenches, and screwdrivers will be among the most important. You might also need power tools like a drill, welder, or cut-off score. Make sure you have a measuring tape and level with you as well.

In addition to getting all your tools together, it would also help you to set out the parts in their respective areas too. This will make the assembling process faster and easier. It’ll also help you reduce the chance of losing any important parts while you build.

Fit the frame

The frame is the foundation of your trailer and everything on it will attach to the frame in some way or another. Use the instructions provided to put the frame together and ensure you have the right tools to do it, too. Use your squarer, tape measure, and leveller to ensure that all sides of the frame are straight and level.

Fit the axles

Next up, you’re going to fit the axles onto your trailer. They’ll be attached to the frame using a slotted fish plate with U-bolts. Ensure you follow the instructions to check that you’re doing it right. The axles should be tight and have no play when pressure is applied to them.

Put in the suspension

The trailer’s suspension system manages how it handles different terrains, and without it, you’d be in for a really bumpy ride. There are typically two types of suspension used on trailers: leaf springs or rocker roller springs. Regardless of the type of springs your trailer utilises, you need to follow the instructions to the tee to install them correctly, and it would be helpful to have a second person help you with this step.

Install the brakes

While some trailers use the car’s braking system as their main braking, larger trailers will generally need their own systems to work in conjunction with the main vehicle’s brakes. With your trailer kit, you can expect to get drum brakes, brake shoes, and electronic backing plates. It’s important to follow the instructions you get closely when installing your brakes to ensure they’re functioning properly.

Install the lights

One aspect that could easily be overlooked by a newbie to the trailer-building world is the lights. It’s essential for all trailers to have lights so they can be seen clearly in low-lighting situations and so that other drivers can see when you’re turning and braking. Your trailer kit will have front, rear, and sidelights with all the wires needed to connect them. The instructions should indicate where each light goes and how you can wire them effectively so that they work and look presentable.

Put on the rims and tyres

When you’re putting on the tyres of your trailer you need to make sure they are the right size and fit the rims well. If the tyres aren’t on the rims yet, you might want to take them to your local tyre dealer to get them put on. From there, follow the instructions to bolt your rims onto the axles.

Time to troubleshoot

Finally, once you’re at the point where you feel that your trailer should be complete, you’ll need to do some troubleshooting and check that it works correctly. So, hook it up to your vehicle. Do all the necessary checks, like testing all the lights, and inspecting all the bolts and fittings to make sure they’re tight and that the trailer runs smoothly when you take it for a drive.

Final Thoughts

Building your very own trailer is not an easy task, but if you’re up for a bit of a challenge and making sure it’s completely compliant with RVS legislation then we wish you all be best! Otherwise, get a hold of professional trailer designers who can use their knowledge and expertise to design and build you a brand new trailer.