‘How to Build Trailers’ (1937) – Vintage 128-Page Guide to DIY Camper, Boat & Utility Trailers (PDF)

Reproduction of How To Build Trailers (1937) — a 128-page pre-WWII book featuring complete illustrated plans for travel trailers, teardrops, folding campers, and even a trailer-barge houseboat. 

This remarkable volume captures the early spirit of American mobility and ingenuity, offering complete plans and step-by-step guidance for building seven cabin trailers, two boat trailers, and multiple utility and delivery trailers, plus detailed instructions for lighting systems, fittings, trailer radios, and camping conveniences.

Featured projects include:

• Runlite – A compact streamlined teardrop “traveling bedroom”

• Wanderer – A low-cost luxury trailer with full wood frame construction

• Cruisette – A deluxe highway traveler for long-distance touring

• Collapsible Movie Star’s Folding House Car

• Bungalow Auto Trailer – Folding camper that sleeps four adults

• Trailer-Barge Conversion – Turns your trailer into a houseboat!

• Plus: Trailer lighting plant, interior fittings, brake installations, and dozens of pre-war DIY “trailer kinks” and shortcuts

Beautifully illustrated with original diagrams, photos, and build notes, this manual remains an invaluable reference for today’s DIY builder or restorer. While modern materials and regulations have evolved, the core construction principles—frame design, balance, weight distribution, joinery, and layout—are as valid now as they were nearly a century ago.

First sold in 1937 for just 50¢ (about $10 today), this 128-page manual has been digitally restored and OCR-scanned for easy keyword search — making every vintage plan and detail instantly accessible.

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This is a digital product only. No physical items will be shipped. You'll receive an instant download link at checkout.

For Reference Only — Not Intended as Modern Construction Plans

⚠️ Disclaimer: This vintage publication is provided as historical reference material only. It was originally published in 1937 and does not reflect modern engineering, roadworthiness, or safety standards. It is not intended to serve as a complete, engineered construction document. By purchasing and/or downloading this PDF, you acknowledge that it is offered “as is” for educational and informational purposes only. Any use of this material in an actual build project is solely at your own risk.

Sold as-is with no warranty, technical support, or guarantee of suitability for the buyer.