Move cars without a hitch

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Are you tired of the hassle and expense of renting car trailers when you need to transport vehicles? Building your own car dolly trailer is a great way to save money, have a trailer on hand whenever you need it, and customize it to your specific needs. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through each step of the process, from gathering materials to welding and assembly. Whether you’re a seasoned welder or just starting out, we’ve covered everything you need to know to build a sturdy and reliable car dolly trailer that will serve you for years to come.

Step 1: Gather Materials and Tools

Before you start building, make sure you have all the materials and tools you need. Here’s a comprehensive list:

Materials:

• Steel tubing: 2″ x 2″ x 1/4″ for the frame, 2″ x 2″ x 3/16″ for the crossmembers
• Steel plate: 1/4″ thick for the ramps and bed
• Plywood: 3/4″ thick for the deck
• Tires and wheels: 15″ or 16″ with a weight capacity of at least 1,000 pounds each
• Axles: 3″ diameter, 48″ long
• Springs: 1,500-pound capacity
• Hitch: 2″ ball coupler
• Safety chains: Grade 70, 3/8″ thick
• Bearings: Tapered roller bearings
• Grease: High-temperature wheel bearing grease
• Paint or primer: To protect the metal components

Tools:

• Welder
• Angle grinder
• Drill
• Saw
• Wrenches: 1/2″, 3/4″, 1″
• Sockets: 1/2″, 3/4″, 1″
• Measuring tape
• Level
• Safety glasses
• Gloves

Step 2: Build the Frame

The frame is the foundation of your car dolly trailer, so it’s important to get it right. Start by cutting the 2″ x 2″ x 1/4″ steel tubing to the following lengths:

• Two pieces 48″ long
• Two pieces 96″ long
• Six pieces 24″ long

Lay out the pieces on a flat surface and weld them together to form a rectangle. The 48″ pieces should be at the ends, the 96″ pieces should be on the sides, and the 24″ pieces should be spaced evenly across the middle.

Step 3: Add the Crossmembers

The crossmembers will provide support for the deck and ramps. Cut the 2″ x 2″ x 3/16″ steel tubing to the following lengths:

• Four pieces 48″ long
• Two pieces 24″ long

Weld the crossmembers to the frame, spacing them evenly. The 48″ pieces should be welded to the inside of the frame, and the 24″ pieces should be welded to the outside of the frame.

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Step 4: Build the Ramps

The ramps will allow you to load and unload vehicles from the trailer. Cut the 1/4″ steel plate to the following dimensions:

• Two pieces 96″ long x 12″ wide

Weld the steel plates to the ends of the frame, making sure that they are level. Reinforce the ramps with additional pieces of steel plate or tubing as needed.

Step 5: Add the Deck

The deck will provide a solid surface for loading and unloading vehicles. Cut the 3/4″ plywood to the following dimensions:

• 96″ wide x 48″ deep

Place the plywood on top of the crossmembers and secure it with screws. Countersink the screws slightly below the surface of the plywood to prevent them from damaging your tires.

Step 6: Install the Axles and Wheels

Weld the axles to the frame, making sure that they are centered. Install the bearings and wheels, and grease the bearings according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

How To Build A Car Dolly Trailer

Step 7: Install the Springs

Place the springs over the axles and secure them with U-bolts. Adjust the tension on the springs so that the trailer sits level when loaded.

Step 8