Custom Trailer Engineering

Trailers are everywhere, doing jobs for people all over the globe.  While many are simple trailers, doing traditional hauling work, there are also custom trailers doing specialty jobs.  Sometimes custom work requires custom trailer engineering to get the design done right.  If that is you, this is the right place.

At Synthesis, custom design and trailer engineering have been part of our DNA from the start - some 30 years.  It is one of the niche markets we serve, and have served for many, many years.  Perhaps most important, we have some great tools and techniques for trailer design and analysis that are proven in practice.

When a standard trailer off-the-lot just won't do the job, Custom Engineering is another excellent option.  We get it, and we have been there.  Yes, the option for Custom Trailer Design is great so the trailer will truly meet your goals.

This is the obvious all-encompassing solution, and it sounds so easy, but there is a lot involved.  And, there are some easier alternatives to also explore.

In this article we will look at the benefits, the costs, and some alternatives to save time, save money, or just save some headaches.  The alternatives will not work for everyone, but they are worth considering.  That way you can make decisions about your trailer from a position of understanding.

Benefits Of Custom Trailer Engineering

A million different jobs for a million different trailers.  That is not an exaggeration.  Trailers of all sorts are put to work every day.  And every one of those trailers has a design, thought about by someone, and often modified to do the desired task.  Even the standard off-the-lot trailers started with some custom trailer engineering and design.

One way to achieve exactly what you need is through custom work.  That may take the form of custom trailer design, or it might be custom trailer engineering for just a portion of a trailer - or an addon to a trailer.  Either way, here are some interwoven benefits that come with custom trailers.

1. Get The Trailer You Need:  The most important benefit - Custom trailer engineering ensures a trailer design to specifically to meet your unique needs.  It may be specific dimensions, capacity, or features that are not available in standard models.  It may include supports for your specific cargo, and a place for your special equipment.  The design is custom, so it will start with your specifications, then end when you are satisfied with the result.
2. Optimize Performance:  Custom design can enhance the performance of the trailer, ensuring it is capable of handling the loads and load types and operating conditions you need.  This can lead to improved efficiency, higher performance, and better safety.  Things like Trailer Stability are part of the design.  For example, this Case Study for custom trailer suspension.
3. Quality and Durability:  If your trailer needs a long lasting design, a custom trailer can be built with materials and processes to enhance durability.  Certainly, with custom engineering, we can reduce the need for frequent repairs or for parts replacements.  Designing quality in from the start.
4. Better Safety:  Some trailers require specific safety measures - like when specialty equipment is the cargo.  Custom trailers can be engineered with the safety features in mind for the type of cargo and the operational environment.  This gives better protection and better safety for both the load and the people around it.
5. Unique Features:  Though mentioned above, it is important to emphasize that custom engineering allows for the integration of unique features and unique functionalities so the trailer will perform as desired.  See also the article about Good Trailer Design - Versatility.
6. Aesthetics:  If special shapes, colors, or looks are important for aesthetics - perhaps for your company branding - custom trailer designs can reflect it.  Branding is important in some areas, so these are usually easy to include with custom trailer engineering.

Disadvantages of Custom Trailer Engineering

While it is often easy to see the great advantages with custom trailer engineer, the disadvantages should also be considered.  Here are some highlights to balance as you consider a custom trailer.

1. Higher Cost:  Almost everything custom is expensive.  Sure, it takes time for the new trailer engineering, analysis, and of course the one-off build.  Custom trailers are no different.  This can be a significant investment for the trailer engineering, even before the custom build.  Take care when comparing a purchase of an off-the-lot, standard trailer.
2. Longer Lead Times:  Both the design and the manufacturing process for custom trailers can take significantly longer than buying a pre-made trailer.  While not a big deal if planning properly, this can delay project timelines if the need is urgent.
3. Approvals:  Many big companies require approval cycles for custom engineering projects.  Then, in the construction process at some point before the trailer is licensed, there will be a certification process.  Often these take time make more potential for delays.
4. Maintenance and Repairs:  Depending on the trailer design, if there are custom parts - particularly if they are custom wear parts - finding parts and services for custom trailers can be more challenging.  Custom parts are harder to source and more expensive to replace.
5. Limited Resale:  Most people who buy custom trailers do not care about resale value.  They intend to use the trailer forever.  However, it is worth pointing out that a custom trailer requires a unique buyer if you do need to sell it.  If it has special features, it can make them less appealing in the market when it comes time to sell.

Alternatives to Full Custom Trailer Engineering

While there is no true substitute for getting exactly what you want, there are ways to reduce the disadvantages while maximizing the benefits.  Here are several ideas that are worth considering even if you do have both the time and money for custom engineering.

These can save you time, and make the process cost less, while still getting most of what you need.

1. Modify a Standard Trailer:  Instead of starting from scratch, consider modifying an existing standard trailer.  This can involve adding features or making adjustments on a trailer to better suit your needs.  This approach is often quicker and more cost-effective than a full custom design.
2. Semi-Custom Trailers:  Some manufacturers allow ordering options where you can select from a range of pre-designed features.  If it works, you can have them create a trailer that more closely matches your requirements without the full custom price tag.
3. Build from a Modified Design:  If the manufacturer does not offer the customizations you want, build your own.  Start with trailer plans from a good source like Mechanical Elements, then modify the design yourself (or with some skilled help).  This way you have the confidence of solid engineering for the running parts, while achieving the custom trailer design you want.
4. Build Add-Ons:  While it totally depends on your application, sometimes making external pieces to add onto a trailer can provide the unique functions.  Often it is not as elegant or optimized as custom trailer engineering, but if it works and saves a bunch of money, why not?  Many needs can be met with add-ons and accessories.  Ramps, special mounts, extra structure, and additional axles are examples of modifications to enhance a trailer.  This image is a custom mount design which integrates with an existing trailer to hold a very specific machine and make it mobile.
   
5. Rent a Specialized Trailer:  For short-term or one-time projects, renting a specialized trailer may be a viable solution.  In some cases, this can give you the needed features without the investment in custom trailer engineering.
6. Consulting with Experts:  Sometimes a good discussion with an engineering expert will reveal ideas to achieve your goals in ways you may not have considered.  That includes all the variations of the alternate thoughts above.  At Synthesis we do that too.

So what if you have looked at the various alternate possibilities, and do not see a good path to a solution?  This is actually quite common, especially if you have a unique object to carry.  Check out this case study example of custom trailer design.  The next step is to define your specification, and chose a solid engineering partner.

The Importance of Experience in Choosing an Engineering Partner

When it comes to custom trailer engineering and design, experience matters.  The right partner will bring a wealth of knowledge and proven techniques to the table.  This is what you need so that your trailer is designed for your needs, and to the highest standards of quality and safety.

Here are some important skills and experience to look at.  For reference, this list includes links to other areas of our website where you can measure our skills against this list.

1. Proven Track Record:  Experienced engineers have a portfolio of successful projects, demonstrating their ability to deliver on complex and demanding requirements. This track record can give confidence in their capabilities.  See this article about Custom Trailer Design then, our Big Slide Show.
2. Trailer Design Expertise:  There are many great engineers around.  But being a great engineer in one design area does not make a good trailer engineer.  We have run into that a few times.  With years of experience in trailer engineering, we develop a deep understanding of materials, stability, design principles, and manufacturing processes.  This expertise ensures a custom trailer will be robust, reliable, and stable being towed.  See our Trailer Stability article.
3. Experience Driven Design:  With every custom design there are new things to consider and design around.  Experience can anticipate both the potential issues and the design solutions for the right balance.  Listening to customer needs and collaborating with trade-offs make the final trailer engineering work.  See this case study on Tiny House Trailer Design.
4. Solutions Oriented:  Someone who is solutions oriented and creative will find ways to achieve the goals.  Our objective is always to find the elegant solutions with each project - and we have a lot of success doing it.
5. Innovative Solutions:  With a background in custom design, experienced engineers are more likely to think creatively and develop innovative solutions that optimize performance and meet unique needs.  This is a core competence at Synthesis.
6. Hands-On Knowledge:  Design in an office on a computer is certainly an important piece, yet there is no substitute for getting your hands dirty and building what you design.  We do that.  We a lot in our shop - certainly the many custom machines we design, but we also build trailer concepts to test them.
   
7. Understanding Requirements:  Compliance with industry standards and regulations is important.  Experienced engineers are well-versed in these requirements to ensure your trailer will meet the necessary certifications and safety standards.
8. Customer Service:  Companies that survive a long time typically place a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction.  We are committed to providing support throughout the trailer engineering and design processes.  We are also available to help your manufacturer with answers if you or they want it.  With Synthesis, we will help with as much or as little as you see fit.

If you know of other traits that contribute to a good partner for trailer engineering, please let us know in the comments below.  We are always happy to hear reader suggestions.

Choosing the right partner for custom trailer engineering is not just about finding someone who can design a trailer.  It is about finding the experience, expertise, and dedication to deliver a trailer design that truly meets your needs, and hopefully, exceeds your expectations.  At Synthesis, we have a long history of delivering high-quality, custom-engineered trailer plans.

Summing It Up

Custom trailer engineering offers great benefits when you need a fully optimized solution.  It is a great way to achieve a performance goal, or to increase safety, or accomplish a task that off-the-lot trailers will not.  However, custom design does have a higher cost, a longer lead time, and some other potential complexities.

Alternatives to full custom design include modifying an available trailer (or trailer plans) for a semi-custom solution, or using specialized add-ons, or renting.  These can provide viable solutions without the full custom price tag and timing.

If you choose the full custom path, the right partner for custom trailer engineering is crucial, and experience plays a significant role in the success of your project.  An experienced engineer brings technical expertise, problem-solving skills, manufacturing knowledge, and innovation to the table.  These are the tools we need for high quality custom trailer plans.

Consider Synthesis

At Synthesis, we have over 30 years of experience in custom design and trailer engineering.  Our proven techniques, dedication to customer satisfaction, and track record of successful projects make us an ideal partner for custom trailer needs.  Whether you need a fully custom design or modifications to an existing trailer, we are here to help achieve the specific requirements for the project.

Consider Synthesis as a trusted source for custom trailer engineering, and let us help you achieve the goals with precision.  Please feel free to Contact Synthesis to see if we are the right source for your next trailer engineering project.