Define your needs, considering what the trailer will be used for. Make sure that you have thought about how you will be transporting the trailer, and that your truck or car is in good condition to support your transportation needs.
Check the vehicle restrictions for the vehicle that will be towing the trailer. Trailers are easily transported in truck beds, but you need to make sure that your tires, shocks, struts, axle and towing capacity can support over 5,000 pounds. Consult your owner's manual, which will have specifications for this.
Research and choose a trailer model that meets your size and features needs. Camping trailers are typically 5' -- 8' wide and can range from 10' -- 20' long. Review the specifications before you order your plan to make sure that your vehicle can support the requirements of the trailer.
Order your building plan online with a major credit card from a camping or building website such as www.glen-l.com. Plans are in the $50-$100 range. Get feedback from others by reading forum posts about their experience working with the plans.
Develop a budget for your project. If your plan does not include a cost estimate, then contact your local supplier and tell them what your list of materials is and ask for an estimate. Your plan will have options for components such as a toilet or small stove.
Purchase your materials from your local building supplier or home improvement store, or order them online. Consider used or recycled materials.
For truck trailers, measure the length of your truck bed to determine the length of your trailer walls. Measure from the floor of your bed to the top of your cab to determine the height. Make sure your diagrams or plans can be supported by the dimensions of your trucks.
Build the cab first. Take your time to make sure that the measurements of your wood cuts and materials are exact.
Apply the trim and any parts that need to be fixed before the cab is lowered into the frame.
Build the frame. Lower the finished cab in the truck bed. Secure all components.
