How to Build Race Trailers

It is possible to build your own race trailer so that you can tow a race car that is not legal for street driving. This can be done for less than $1,000 in spare parts. This is a much more economical alternative to buying a factory-built race trailer, which can easily cost you several thousand dollars.

Things You'll Need

• Truck axles Tires 4x4 steel Welding torch Trailer hitch Heavy-gauge metal plates or purlings Tail light kit Brake controller

Instructions

1. Create a race trailer plan. Make it at least 16 feet long so that it will fit any size race car as well as be able to hold spare tires and other equipment. Adding in a fold-down ramp is also a good idea so you that can drive the race car on and off the truck without lining up a ramp. The entire bottom of the race trailer can be covered by sheet metal, or you can opt for wheel runners so that you have access to the underside of the race car while it is parked on the trailer.

2. Find a pair of heavy-duty truck axles. RV axles work the best, and you can often pick these up at a junkyard for less than $100. Make sure the axles have both springs and brakes. If the wheels are in bad shape or missing, buy new ones. These should be bias ply nylon trailer tires and be 14-1/2 inches or 15 inches.

3. Build the race trailer frame by welding together pieces of 4x4 steel. Make a rectangle measuring 16 feet by 6-and-a-half feet. Support this with five more 6-and-a-half foot crossbars welded inside the rectangle. Place the middle crossbar 18 inches back of center. Weld another halfway to the rear. Attach two more beneath the spring hanger mounting points and another halfway between them and the front.

4. Attach the race trailer hitch. This must stick out on a triangular extension from the rectangular frame. Make this with an 82-inch long piece of 4x4 steel. Slice it in half lengthwise and weld the two pieces to the underside of the frame. The ends should meet the sides of the frame 41 inches from the front. They should then be angled toward each other so they meet at the top to form a triangle. Secure the race trailer hitch to the end.

5. Connect the axles to the bottom of the frame. Make sure that the race trailer frame fits comfortably on the axles. If they are too wide you must shorten the axles by slicing a piece out of the middle and welding the pieces together again. Make sure that the spring pads line up. Line up the axles on both sides of the cross bar 18 inches back of center. Next weld the spring hangers and the axles to the frame.

6. Finish the floor of the race trailer with heavy-gauge metal plates or purlings. To cover the entire race trailer, have 104 square feet of material. To make tire runners get two 16-foot-long strips that are each 16 inches wide. Weld the metal plates to the frame. Use any extra metal plates to craft fenders over the tires. This will protect your race car from flying rocks.

7. Make a pair of ramps out of heavy-gauge metal plates or purlings. They should be four feet long and 16 inches wide. Connect them to the rear of the race trailer with hinges so they can fold up and down.

8. Add a light kit and brake controller to make the race trailer street legal. Auto parts stores sell these. Attach the tail lights to the fenders and run the wires along the frame to the trailer hitch. This is where you should find the plugs to your towing vehicle.

Tips & Warnings

• Always check with the DMV in your state to make sure homemade race trailers are legal. Get your trailer inspected and licensed before using it on a public street.