Communities Trailers Blog I add a photo of a sturdy trailer, spare wheel

Specifications

When the vehicle is equipped with a load of 500 kg, the total weight is 750 kilograms;
The permissible maximum cargo weight for transportation on 8109 will be 450 kg;

The equipped trailer together with the awning here is 300 kg.

Now about the distribution of road loads through the wheels of trailer 8109:

• at full weight the figure is 750 kgf or 7357 N;
• with the vehicle equipped - 270 kgf or 2649 N.

No less significant for some buyers will be the value of the forces from the coupling eye to the towbar:

• for a trailer with a full weight the force will be 490 N or 50 kgf;
• for a equipped vehicle the indicator will be 295 N or 30 kgf.

If you decide to attach such a trailer to your car, then you are allowed to accelerate with it no more than 75 kilometers per hour. But who actually follows these recommendations?! Remember, this is purely a matter of your safety and responsibility to other road users.

If you are interested, I also suggest telling you about the lighting of this single-axle UAZ trailer.

Suspension

The UAZ car trailer with index 8109 uses two longitudinal semi-elliptical springs, which work together with a pair of telescopic hydraulic shock absorbers.

The spring includes 9 leaves. Their ends are mounted using pins and rubber bushings. One spring has a length of 1000 millimeters with a sheet thickness of 45 millimeters.

The shock absorbers here are of a double-acting type, telescopic and hydraulic. They were unified with the shock absorbers of the 3151 car from UAZ. You do not need to make any specific settings and adjustments.

The wheels are stamped and made of steel. The rim is deep and one-piece. Their dimensions are 6Jx15. And the tires are six-ply tube type, size 215/90 and R15. The manufacturer tried to unify the trailer hubs with UAZ 3151 car hubs. Although some people like to deal with wheels of a larger radius. It's a personal choice for everyone.

When adjusting the torque of the hub bearings, be sure to carefully control it. It would be a good idea to take a suitcase with tools and get a torque wrench. If you do not tighten it properly, the trailer will be subject to constant impacts during operation, which will cause the bearings to fail in a short time. If you tighten it too tightly, then the bearings will begin to heat up excessively, all the lubricant will leak out and the bearing will become unusable.

Electrical part

It's no secret that to connect a trailer to a car you will need two main electrical components:

• towbar socket;
• trailer fork.

Now specifically about the electrical equipment of the 8109 UAZ trailer.

It uses a single-wire wiring system where the negative terminal is connected to ground. The on-board network has a voltage of 12 volts. To connect electrical equipment to a car electrical network (using the example of a UAZ 3151 car), a PS 300A 150 plug is used.

All necessary optics and lighting devices are provided, including the area where the state registration numbers are located. In this component, the electrical part looks quite simple, offering everything necessary according to current rules and recommendations. Although you can always use other trailer lights.

Whether you choose a UAZ or a new Zilov trailer, or maybe you will give preference to such market leaders as Krepysh, Kremen or Sputnik, it’s up to you. If you are not yet ready to make your final choice, I advise you to try the benefits of renting caravans for yourself. This has its own charm and objective advantages.

That's all. I think you have learned enough about UAZ trailers, drawn your conclusions and conclusions.

Thank you all for your attention and active participation in the life of the site!

Design Features

Communities Trailers Blog Insurance of a car with a trailer
Now I can say a strange thing, but in fact, when in front of you is an ordinary flatbed trailer, some kind of platform trailer or a special version for a snowmobile, the frame is not always present in the design. Therefore, do not be surprised that when you try to find the number on the frame, you cannot find anything.

Nowadays, many caravans are made without a frame. It is replaced by longitudinal spars, which are connected by the base of the vehicle, that is, the floor. If you choose the lesser of two evils, then transverse types of side members will be the best choice for a trailer. They do not significantly change the situation for the better, that is, they are not able to reach the level of the frame, but at least this way. The unreliability of such structures is beyond any doubt. After all, in fact, the body is held in its middle part directly above the axle.

What could this lead to? Everything is extremely simple. The rest of the area that is not supported runs the risk of gradually deforming and twisting.

I can say that it is better to buy a frame with documents, that is, with a PTS, and build a homemade trailer around it, rather than buy a ready-made factory version without a frame as such.

It is important for a trailer to have a strong frame. It’s even better if it turns out to be reinforced, made of high-quality profiled metal

Most often, in the designs of trailers with a frame base, a double channel is used. People simply call it a square pipe. It allows you to simultaneously solve the problem of reliability and lightness. As a result, we get an excellent trailer that will definitely not need repairs in the near future due to deformed side members.

The only question is which design option you will buy, or how you decide to assemble it yourself. You decide.

Fastenings and connections

Among the features of the trailer frame, we can also note the presence of two options for connecting the frame. This is welding or bolting.

The bolts hold quite well and for a long time. If we are talking about a welded structure, then increased demands are placed on the quality of the welding work itself. Having chosen such a trailer, be sure to periodically inspect the welds. In order not to publish advertisements online later with the text, I will sell a passenger trailer. This is due to the fact that the seams can gradually collapse during operation. This is due to constant vibrations and metal fatigue.

When looking at the drawings and thinking about how to make a caravan yourself, properly attaching springs and attachments, it is important to understand that the frame is the main load-bearing element of the entire caravan structure. The same drawbar, body, suspension system, winches, hooks, etc. are already fixed to the frame.

Remember that when choosing between a frame and frameless trailer, the obvious advantage is on the side of the first option. Of course, a lot still depends on the quality of the assembly, the materials used, the correctness of the seams and bolted connections.

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Construction of trailers and semi-trailers

Car trailer

The main design elements of trailers are:

• Frame frame made of longitudinal and transverse metal profiles;
• A drawbar located in the front part of the frame base of the trailer, which includes a coupling device that connects the trailer to the towbar of the tractor, a folding support and safety cables that serve to maintain the connection with the towing machine in case of failure of the coupling device;
• The body, depending on the purpose, is made in the form of a welded all-metal or prefabricated structure, a steel frame with a stretched canvas awning or with a wood-lined bottom and sides, a platform with devices for fixing transported equipment, etc.

The aggregation of trailers with any traction machines is carried out using a drawbar coupling device.

Semi-trailer cargo transport devices are connected to the coupling mechanisms (saddles) of tractors using a coupling pin.

Some modifications of semi-trailers and trailers are equipped with mechanical or hydraulic drives of wheeled chassis, powered by the engine or hydraulic system of the tractor.

Buy a MAZ trailer – prices have been reduced on popular items!

Today it is easy to buy trailers for MAZ trucks, which are effectively used to increase the load capacity of trucks. They are not equipped with an engine and are used to create road trains and modify truck tractors.

For vehicles of the Minsk Automobile Plant, it is recommended to use original trailers based on MAZ, i.e. from the manufacturer. This guarantees full compliance of the trailer with the technical characteristics of the vehicle and the standards for freight transport.

Frame - trailer

How to make your own boat trailer

The trailer frame is a welded metal structure consisting of two parallel channel-section spars connected to each other by crossbars; Brackets for installing the turntable and rear axle suspension are welded to the side members and cross members of the frame.  

The trailer frame is a welded metal structure consisting of two parallel side members connected by five cross members; In the front part of the frame there are two cross members and two brackets for installing a turntable, through which the frame is connected to the front turntable with a drawbar assembly.  

Trailer frames are mostly welded from stamped, bent and rolled profiles. Manual arc welding is usually used.  

The trailer frame rests on 12 hydraulically balanced suspensions with transverse balancers, at the ends of which the wheel axle shafts are reinforced. Each axle shaft has two wheels equipped with a brake mechanism. Due to the large stroke of the suspension hydraulic cylinders, the platform with a load is raised and lowered within 385 mm, which allows craneless loading and unloading of the trailer. The steering of the wheels is combined: both with the direct action of the bogie drawbar on the rods of the rotary wheels, and with the use of a hydraulic booster. Manual control of wheel rotation from the operator's station is provided. The operation of the hydraulic equipment is ensured by two pumping units, the electric motors of which are powered by an electrical unit included in the trailer equipment package.  

The front swivel trolley is connected to the trailer frame by a pivot device and can be rotated 90 degrees in both directions. The trailer is equipped with hydraulic brakes with floating pads.  

All equipment of the ESD-20 power plant is installed on the trailer frame.  

To operate the winch, anchor 1, connected to the trailer frame using ropes and leveling blocks, is buried 2 m into the ground. Dynamometer 2 shows the force applied to the pipeline when it is pulled through. To reduce the influence of the friction forces of the trailer on the ground on the readings of the dynamometer, as well as to unload the wheels of the trailer, the trailer rests on roller supports, which are installed on a base of sleepers.  

At one end of the anchor rope there is a dynamometer attached to the trailer frame, and the other end of the rope goes to the anchor winch drum. The anchor winch is intended only for reeling in the anchor rope and does not absorb the traction force when pulling the pipeline. The branch of the anchor rope coming off the anchor winch is secured with clamps to the trailer frame. The dynamometer monitors the traction force that occurs when pulling the pipeline.  

At the rear, to the car frame, and at the front, to the trailer frame, crossbars with hooks at the ends are rigidly attached. Before loading pipe sections, the cables must be tensioned, which is achieved by moving the vehicle forward with the trailer braked. To avoid sagging, connecting cables are suspended at the crossing point from the transported pipes. Connecting cables must be the same length.  

When calculating frame elements, one should take into account the loads that occur during braking with maximum deceleration, as well as the distance between the axles and the height of the center of gravity above the road. As a guide, when calculating the frames of trailers with good suspension and pneumatic tires, a safety factor of 2 5 can be taken; however, it is assumed that a fully loaded road train will not move at maximum speed on a bad road.  

The effect of shear strains can be significant in rigid frames that consist of sections of closed section and short sections of open section. Such frames include trailer frames and dump truck subframes.  

Two-axle flatbed trailers are used for transporting universal cargo. The trailer has a front axle, which rotates relative to the trailer frame either using a king pin or using a pinless device.  

The turning device, which consists of a turning circle and a front axle with a subframe, is installed on trailers that have more than one axle. The front part of the trailer frame rests on the turntable of the subframe as a second circle. Balls or rollers are placed between the two turntables to make it easier to turn the front axle of the trailer.  

Selection and purchase

Someone decided to buy a car from conservation or simply use ads on Avito or other resources to find a used towed vehicle. The question of buying from conservation is quite interesting. That's the essence of it.

There is a military facility where vehicles were stored (mothballed) for a long time. This is not military equipment, since the army does not sell it to civilians, but vehicles that you and I can operate. Sales from conservation are affordable and in many ways profitable. That’s why people often keep special watch and find out where the sale will begin in the city of Astrakhan, or the Kemerovo region will announce the availability of vehicles for conservation.

You can easily find such advertisements yourself. Everything is sold there with documents, they offer reasonable prices and a number of other advantages. Although we may somehow talk to you separately about this. It seems to me that the topic of conservation vehicles, other vehicles and their sale will be interesting and useful for you.

UAZ has a fairly large number of vehicles in its product range. Let's name the most basic ones:

• 542;
• 3303;
• 3151 (469);
• Farmer;
• Hunter;
• Patriot.

The single-axle trailer itself from UAZ has the index 8109. It is not necessary to buy it for all the cars presented above.

For some craftsmen, it will not be a problem to use Krepysh trailers. Moreover, alteration of the hub is not necessary here. You can operate Krepysh with UAZ wheels and hubs, or with your own standard ones. Only in the second case will it be necessary to rearrange the hubs and increase the ground clearance, that is, ground clearance. There you go.

Which trailer should you choose?

A cargo trailer, just like the car itself, must be of high quality and reliable so that its owner does not incur losses from cargo damage and does not experience problems when operating the equipment. We recommend paying attention to the products of the Minsk Automobile Plant. MAZ began its professional activity back in the years of the Soviet Union, and therefore is well known to the modern Russian buyer.

Belarusian-made equipment represents the optimal combination of price and quality, performs well in the difficult conditions of Russia, and also allows for quick and inexpensive maintenance or repairs - spare parts for a truck or trailer can be found without problems, as well as specialists who will undertake the repair of the vehicle .

The story of one Zubrenok

In general, such trailers are called MAZ, which is due to their production at the Minsk Automobile Plant. At one time, various versions of Zubrenkov were produced, the most popular of which are considered to be MAZ-8114 and MAZ-8162. But people prefer to call them Zubrenok. I won't argue with them.

More than 30 years ago, the first copy of a trailer for a passenger car from the MAZ plant, which eventually became legendary, appeared. Zubrenok's birthday is usually celebrated on April 17th. The TS first saw the light in 1982.

The work site responsible for the production of this trailer has managed to produce about 300 thousand copies over 25 years. Agree, the figure is impressive.

A real boom in popularity on Zubrenka occurred in the late 80s of the last century, when the number of summer residents, gardeners and other people who received land plots sharply increased. Zubrenki sold like hot cakes throughout the Soviet Union.

In 1991, the plant celebrated a kind of anniversary by producing the two thousandth copy of its trailer. MAZ employees handed it over to the Minsk Automobile Plant museum. You can still find it in Minsk, take a look at the then bestseller.

From 1982 to 1992, MAZ produced only two versions:

• 8114;
• 8111.

The only difference between them was the height of the awning. Already in 1992, a new modernized version was launched onto the conveyor, which received the MAZ 8162 index. The updated Zubrenok received additional folding sides, and its load capacity indicators were noticeably increased.

This was an important step for the plant, since reviews from owners of previous versions clearly showed that the classic Zubrenok was somewhat short of the needs, and more trips had to be made to transport cargo. By increasing the load capacity, it was also possible to maintain demand for the design.

Sad ending

But then the USSR collapsed. Demand for the trailer, then produced in Belarus, which had ceased to be part of the Soviet Union, immediately began to fall.

The hardest year was 1996. There were practically no sales, orders were declining, people had no money, and problems arose with salaries. But MAZ somehow survived these terrible times.

The plant tried to look for new ways of development, selling stale trailers and selling new developments. Soon the work area switched over to working entirely on the basis of individual orders.

The story is almost over, but Zubrenkov has not yet been forgotten. They are often found on the roads and are actively used by summer residents. They are mainly attracted by their low price, practicality, cheap spare parts and possible modification to suit your needs and requirements without major financial investments.

Trailer Zubrenok – tiki.by

Three decades ago, the Minsk Automobile Plant launched serial production of Zubrenok trailers.
The birthday of the legendary brand was April 17, 1982. Over the quarter century of operation of the work site, nearly 300,000 Zubrenok trailers were produced. Belarusian Zubrenok trailers were equipped with a synthetic fabric awning and a metal body. Moreover, they were intended for transporting luggage for motor tourists and small-sized cargo. The trailer was designed for towing by passenger cars of all types, which were equipped with ball-type towing devices and a plug socket in order to connect the plug to the electrical equipment of the trailer. Trailers from the Minsk Automobile Plant were in greatest demand in the late 80s, when the number of gardening partnerships increased sharply. The entire former Soviet Union noted the constant demand for Belarusian automotive products.

The two hundred thousandth trailer “Zubrenok” was produced in 1991. It was transferred by the site workers to the Minsk Automobile History Museum and was improved over time. During 1982-1992, the MAZ-8144 and MAZ-8111 models were manufactured, which differed only in the height of the awning. And 1992 was marked by the development of the MAZ-8162 trailer, which was distinguished by folding sides and an increased load capacity of up to 500 kg.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, there was a sharp decline in demand for products from the domestic automotive industry. The most difficult year for MAZ was 1996. However, the plant team was constantly searching for new opportunities for selling products. Currently, the work of the site is completely focused on working on individual orders.

However, time does not stand still - the offer of Zubrenok trailers that has developed over several decades is losing its relevance today. New brands are emerging that can compete with established domestic brands. Trailers under the brand name "Tiki Trailer" 200 series, galvanized by hot-dip galvanizing, are in no way inferior in quality and technical components to domestic and leading foreign analogues.

tiki.by

Specifications

Now it’s time to talk about the dimensions, dimensions, and technical aspects of the most popular Zubrenki.

Judging by reviews and some statistical data from past years, the best-selling trailers for passenger cars in the MAZ plant’s assortment turned out to be two models:

• MAZ 8114;
• MAZ 8162.

Therefore, I propose to study their technical characteristics and understand what innovations were introduced into the classic Zubrenok, which allowed us to get the 8162 model.

As for me, these two trailers can impose good competition on such solutions:

• Athletic;
• Raccoon;
• Bee;
• Batyr.

But Minsk Zubrenok is very far from the same MZSA 817715. But these trailers are of several different generations.

Tooth 8114

Classic metal body, side structure, synthetic fabric awning and one axle. This model can be briefly described this way.

The vehicle is suitable for towing various types of vehicles that have a tow bar and a socket for trailer electrical equipment.

Among the technical parameters, I note the following:

• The overall dimensions of the platform are 1600x1500x350 mm;
• The curb weight here is 155 kg;
• It is allowed to transport cargo weighing up to 345 kg;
• Full weight 500 kg;
• Single-axis design;
• Spring suspension;
• Electrical equipment is designed for 12 W;
• With such a trailer it is allowed to accelerate to 80 kilometers per hour.

In general, try to take a responsible approach to the issue of transporting trailers, since there are a number of nuances here that many people for some reason forget about.

What can you say about Zubrenok 8114 itself? Nothing supernatural. But this is a classic work trailer that will deliver the required load without any problems. At the same time, you can cover it with an awning and spend a minimum of money on purchase and maintenance. The price is attractive and affordable.

The design uses high-quality springs, but if the trailer is many years old, it is better to modify and modernize the suspension. However, not all sellers stored Zubrenok correctly all these years, which is why the natural processes of aging and destruction of structural elements began.

Notch 8162

Here the technical specifications have changed a little. Some parameters remain the same.

The main design feature is the appearance of folding sides. But in general, this is the same classic flatbed trailer with an awning and a metal body for multi-purpose use.

In terms of technical parameters, I would highlight the following:

• The platform has dimensions of 1800x1200x350 mm;
• The type of suspension remained spring;
• Electrical equipment is adapted for 12 W;
• Accelerating to more than 80 kilometers per hour is not recommended;
• One axle and two wheels R13;
• Curb weight increased to 190 kg;
• The updated model carries cargo weighing up to 510 kilograms;
• The total (total) weight is 700 kg.

If you look at the photo, you will not see any significant differences from its predecessor. But in fact, the carrying capacity has increased, which instantly gave the 8162 a number of advantages over the 8114.

Zubrenok’s only problem is that now it is only possible to buy a used trailer on the secondary market. There are pitfalls and difficulties here. Therefore, carefully study the proposals and draw the right conclusions.

Trailer for passenger cars Zubrenok MAZ 8162

Article: 6270Production: BelarusBody length: 1810Body width: 1210Coating type: powder paintSuspension type: spring-shock absorberBody height: 350Wheel size: 6.45-13 Overall dimensions, mm: 3160x1754x1060Wheel track, mm: 1525Tailgate: yesMa Maximum speed, km/h: 80Kol -voted: 25Rating: 3.61Sum of ratings: 95

Trailer Zubrenok MAZ 8162

Three decades ago, the Minsk Automobile Plant launched serial production of Zubrenok trailers.
The birthday of the legendary brand was April 17, 1982. Over the quarter century of operation of the work site, nearly 300,000 Zubrenok trailers were produced. Belarusian Zubrenok trailers were equipped with a synthetic fabric awning and a metal body. Moreover, they were intended for transporting luggage for motor tourists and small-sized cargo. The trailer was designed for towing by passenger cars of all types, which were equipped with ball-type towing devices and a plug socket in order to connect the plug to the electrical equipment of the trailer. Trailers from the Minsk Automobile Plant were in greatest demand in the late 80s, when the number of gardening partnerships increased sharply. The entire former Soviet Union noted the constant demand for Belarusian automotive products.

The two hundred thousandth trailer “Zubrenok” was produced in 1991. It was transferred by the site workers to the Minsk Automobile History Museum and was improved over time. During 1982-1992, the MAZ-8144 and MAZ-8111 models were manufactured, which differed only in the height of the awning. And 1992 was marked by the development of the MAZ-8162 trailer, which was distinguished by folding sides and an increased load capacity of up to 500 kg.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, there was a sharp decline in demand for products from the domestic automotive industry. The most difficult year for MAZ was 1996. However, the plant team was constantly searching for new opportunities for selling products. Currently, the work of the site is completely focused on working on individual orders.

However, time does not stand still - the offer of Zubrenok trailers that has developed over several decades is losing its relevance today. New brands are emerging that can compete with established domestic brands. Trailers under the KrKZ-100 trademark, galvanized by hot-dip galvanizing, are in no way inferior in quality and technical components to domestic and leading foreign analogues.

Comparative characteristics of trailers

mtz-belarus.by

Trailer classification

Trailers with different chassis designs are divided into:

• Trailers are multi-axle vehicles aggregated with traction machines of all types, the weight of which is distributed on its own chassis.
• A semi-trailer is a single-axle or multi-axle transport mechanism, the weight of which is distributed between its own wheels and the chassis of the tractor, aggregated with base vehicles equipped with special coupling devices located on the frame - saddles.

More difficult to control when moving, trailers have greater stability than semi-trailer designs and can independently move forward and backward when force is applied.

Constituting a single whole with the mechanized complexes of which they are a part, semi-trailers provide the ability to easily maneuver when moving, but cannot move independently when mechanical force is applied and require special supporting devices to maintain a horizontal position in the absence of a tractor.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=_jp6fvUE8FI

Trailed and semi-trailer transport devices manufactured with different numbers of axles, depending on the design of the cargo area and its use, are divided into flatbed, dump, trailed tanks and barrels for transporting liquid substances, vans, heavy and light trailers, as well as various specialized trailer mechanisms, including which include:

• low-load trawls used for transporting high loads,
• trailed platforms for transporting hay rolls;
• sand spreaders used in municipal services;
• concrete mixers preparing the mortar while moving;
• timber trailers;
• trailer platforms for transporting livestock;
• asphalt concrete recyclers;
• trailers for walk-behind tractors;
• tractor carts with add-on sides and others.

Material on the topic: On the transportation of oversized cargo on public roads

Trailed and semi-trailer transport devices, actively used in all areas of economic activity, are represented on the market by a large number of models produced in the CIS countries and abroad, including trailers 2 PTS-4, 2 PTS-6, 1 PTS-1, 2 PTS-9, PPTS- 5, PST-6, Athletic 520, OZTP-8572, RZhT-4M, PRK-3, PSTB-17, PS-60A, STS-12, ZPTS-9, TP-10 and others.

Types and purpose of MMZ trailers

The first serial product manufactured specifically for VAZ cars is the MMZ-81021 trailer. Initially, it was conceived and designed as a towed vehicle for the VAZ-2101 (popularly “Kopeyka”). They have identical shock absorbers, tires and bearings. In short, for the creation of MMZ trailers, spare parts for the chassis were already available, which also met the standards. The dimensions of the MMZ, which were 185 cm in length and 160 cm in width, made it possible to place various loads. And the 45 cm sides and the awning on a metal frame increased the useful volume to 1200 liters.

Subsequently, the trailer was used with small-class cars produced by IZH, VAZ and AZLK plants. Moreover, trailers for AZLK were equipped with structural elements identical to the Moskvich car. They have a load limit of 135 kg. And also trailers for the middle class of the Gorky Automobile Plant, namely for the Volga car, rolled off the assembly line. The direct purpose of MMZ trailers was limited to a load of 50 kg on the coupling device and a speed limit of 80 km/h. The basic prototype MMZ-81021 in those years was recognized as a necessary and technologically advanced device:

• Delivery of small industrial and food products.
• Transportation of agricultural products, construction materials.

The versatility of the trailer solves many transport problems. During the journey, the cargo is protected from dust and precipitation by a waterproof awning. This is much more convenient than transportation in a roof rack on a car.

Design options

For some, it is easier to order a ready-made axle rather than assembling something yourself. But if you know how to do it or want to understand how all this is made with your own hands, I suggest you simply buy or find the appropriate parts and assemble a full-fledged axle from them.

But which one? The trailer axle, as a suspension element, is just a pipe. It comes in two types, depending on the cross-section:

• round;
• square.

If we take identical parameters of wall thickness, cross-sectional area and diameter, then the square versions will require more effort to bend. That is, they are stronger than round ones.

Also, the assembled axle comes with a hub and brakes (not everywhere). Mainly 2 types of hubs are used:

• chamomile;
• block hub.

The price and repairability are better for the chamomile, although the block hubs are more reliable and durable at a higher price. They can only be replaced as an assembly. I don’t see anything bad here, since it simplifies the replacement procedure and maintenance of the trailer.

The hubs are welded or screwed. The latter connection method is actively used on Kurgan trailers. Accordingly, between a welded and prefabricated structure, I would give preference to the latter due to a simpler approach to repair and maintenance. But it's up to you.

On trucks and, less commonly, on passenger cars, trailers can come with a swivel axle, where the entire axle rotates along a vertical axis using a kingpin turntable.

The suspension or axle used on caravans is:

• torsion bar (with and without brakes);
• spring (with and without brakes).

We will look at them in more detail.

Spring and torsion bars

Torsion bar models are now very in demand and popular. This can be explained by objective advantages:

• serve for a long time;
• no difficulties in operation;
• simple maintenance;
• it is not necessary to use shock absorbers;
• are small in size;
• the space between the axle and the frame is reduced;
• have a small mass;
• These are designs with independent suspension at the trailer wheels.

Torsion bar or rubber harness structures are equipped with a rigid fastening to the frame. There is a polygonal pipe mounted to a frame, inside of which there is a pipe of a similar shape, only with a smaller diameter. The free space between them is filled with special rubber bands. They make it possible to ensure the immobility of the inner tube connected to the wheel.

I would not buy such a suspension among used options. Used or used ones already have a noticeably reduced service life, since the long service life directly depends on the condition of the harnesses.

Plus, rubber harness models are not suitable for active use in harsh conditions. This is an option for those who intend to operate the trailer mainly around the city and on relatively smooth asphalt.

If the operating conditions are harsh, then it makes sense to make or buy a spring-type axle that is more resistant to loads. It is not afraid of serious overloads due to the longer stroke length compared to its torsion bar counterpart. But keep in mind that you will have to take care of the spring suspension more carefully and more often.

The spring, as well as the torsion, variation of the axle is available in Voronezh, in Belarus, it can be bought in Moscow, St. Petersburg, or contact Chelyabinsk or Kyiv

It doesn't matter so much where you live. Now the width of the assortment is so limitless that ordering an assembled pendant or components for self-production is not difficult.

After all, it is also important to collect from yourself what to make an axle from and put it on your own passenger trailer

I advise you to pay attention to components from Al Ko

Where to start choosing

If you want to save money and buy a used kit, I will not support you in this decision. Tires for passenger trailers are much cheaper than car wheels, so you won’t have to spend a lot of money even buying a new set from leading manufacturers. Plus there will be more confidence in quality and durability.

Before purchasing new tires for your caravan or motorhome, pay attention to the condition of the old tires:

• carry out a visual inspection for unevenness, damage and tires;
• measure the current tread depth and its condition (how strong and uniform wear is on them);
• check tire pressure;
• Make sure the TWI indicator complies with regulations.

TWI is a depth indicator. Trailer wheels must be replaced if the tread depth is less than 1.6 millimeters. But in general, it is recommended to adhere to the minimum parameter of 2 millimeters so that the operation of the trailer is safe.

Carry out similar manipulations if you have a spare tire. It is often ignored, although in some cases a spare tire can help in an emergency.

Selection criteria

I recommend that you first choose a suitable and high-quality trailer that has a powerful beam, a high-quality and durable hub, a fairly powerful drawbar and a reliable locking mechanism.

If the trailer is good, there will be no problems with the wheels. I can’t say specifically which manufacturer’s wheels you should buy and with what characteristics. After all, some have R10 tires, others need at least R13, and others will even need a huge R16 rim.

Therefore, we will consider several basic criteria for choosing trailer tires.

• Trailer purpose. It can be a regular passenger trailer, a boat trailer, a walk-behind tractor, or a cargo trailer. It is logical that you will not install wheels with a diameter exceeding 20 inches on a compact passenger car;
• Terms of Use. If these are rare trips with a trailer to transport a small load, then there is no point in buying expensive and high-strength tires. For lovers of camping, long country trips or carriers of large loads, specialized reinforced tires are suitable. Manufacturers offer wheels that are resistant to deformation and are better adapted for long periods of downtime in adverse conditions. They feature additional cordoba braiding to increase load-bearing capacity. They are specifically labeled as trailer tires. The price is high, but it is worth it;

Load capacity. All tires have their own load indexes that you should use as a guide. If, for example, this index is 100, then the maximum load on one wheel will be 800 kg. If you have a two-axle trailer with 4 wheels, then they will withstand a maximum weight of 3600 kg;

Diameter and dimensional characteristics. Everything is simple here. Check your trailer's owner's manual to see what type of tire the design is designed for and what size rim the rim will support. The range of acceptable parameters is wider than on cars, but there are limitations; Price. Not the most important criterion, but you shouldn’t ignore it. You don't have to buy the most expensive kit if you only use your trailer occasionally. But you shouldn’t make do with cheap or used solutions. Choose a middle ground that will ensure reliable and long-lasting service.

If you operate a homemade trailer, there will be some difficulties with the choice of tires. Based on the characteristics of the axle and the design intended for mounting the wheels. Plus, compare the resulting trailer with the factory model, because assembly is usually carried out in the image and likeness of some real-life trailer.

But homemade caravans are a separate issue. By the way, we'll talk about it soon.

When leaving a trailer idle for a long time, try to adhere to the rules for storing rubber. They are similar to car tires. That is, it is better to keep the trailer without wheels, placing them according to the recommendations. I have already written a separate article about storing tires, so this is an excellent reason for you to follow the link.

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Engine

The Minsk Automobile Plant regularly modernized MAZ 4370 engines, which is why at different periods the car was equipped with different power plants. Among them:

• MMZ D-245-540 (Euro-1) with a mechanical 5-speed gearbox ZIL-659D;
• MMZ D-245 E2 (Euro-2) with manual gearbox SAAZ-3206;
• MMZ D-245 E3 (Euro-3) with manual gearbox SAAZ-3206;
• DEUTZ BF 4M 1013FC (Euro-3) with manual gearbox ZF S5-42.

After the tightening of environmental standards for engines, the installation of engines of Euro-1 and Euro-2 standards stopped. Now the Minsk Automobile Plant exclusively uses units that comply with the Euro-3 class.

The MMZ D-245.30 E3 motor is the own development of Belarusian engineers. This 4-cylinder V-shaped engine has an updated gas exchange system and is distinguished by high quality and simplicity of design. The working cylinders are arranged vertically in one row.

Characteristics of the MMZ D-245.30 E3 motor:

• working volume – 4.75 l;
• rated power - 157 hp;
• maximum torque – 580 Nm;
• weight – 450 kg.

The foreign DEUTZ BF 4M1013FC engine is less widespread. This unit has a number of additional options that make its operation more uniform and quiet. It has more power compared to the Belarusian engine.

Characteristics of the DEUTZ BF 4M1013FC unit:

• working volume – 4.8 l;
• rated power - 170 hp;
• weight – 560 kg.

Axle installation and side mounting

Turn the frame over and place it on two blocks. Measure the length of the trailer, multiply the value by 40%. Place the resulting distance on the rear side of the trailer; this is where the axle should be located. Remove paint from frame before installation. Measure the distance between the bushings, divide in half and make a mark on the axle.

Connect the parts of the structure using spot welding. Install a spring-shock suspension on the trailer; it will ensure a smooth ride.

Install stabilization jacks on the inside of the frame; they will hold the trailer in a horizontal position. Make the side walls of the trailer from clapboard, or use metal sheets.

First, the flooring is made from boards. Use bolts for fastening, then install the clapboard box. Secure the corners of the box with metal corners, so the structure will become even stronger. Cover the sides with metal; on such a trailer you can easily transport bulk cargo.

How to register a homemade trailer

A homemade trailer that can be used without fear must be registered with the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate. To register you must have:

• Conclusion of a technical examination on the compliance of a self-made vehicle with the requirements of GOST001. 220-80. Where such an examination can be done, you need to check with the MREO. Since a conclusion issued by a laboratory not accredited by the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate may be declared invalid.
• Receipts confirming the purchase of parts and materials used to manufacture the vehicle.
• Certificate for the hitch hinge (this is why we advise you to buy it and not do it yourself).
• A copy of your passport.
• A copy of the vehicle's registration certificate.
• An application addressed to the head of the MREO with a request to register a homemade trailer.
• Receipt for payment of state duty.
• 4 photos of homemade products taken from different sides (size 10 by 15 cm).

If you present all these documents, you will be allowed to undergo technical inspection. A positive inspection result will be the basis for registering a self-made vehicle.