The Buying and build process for Custom built trailers
At Ultimate Plant Trailers, we are dedicated to crafting custom trailers that are precisely engineered to align with the specific demands of your business.
Our trailers are designed to endure and excel under the most challenging conditions. Choosing Ultimate Plant Trailers is an investment in a product that combines striking looks with superior functionality, ultimately enhancing the efficiency of your operations. Discover the full potential of custom trailers and embark on designing yours today.
With over three decades of expertise in trailer fabrication and an intimate understanding of the civil construction sector, we set the standard for innovation, safety, and durability in every trailer we produce.
1. Scope, design & ATM
Load requirements & licence classifications
The first step is to understand the load requirements and licence classifications. This is essential to designing a compliant combination that meets road authority and NHVR legislation. For example: tare of load and MR, HR, or HC heavy vehicle licence.
Your vehicle information & ATM requirements
Hitch and trailer designs have restrictions that must be considered. What is your truck’s GVM / GCM and current hitch type? Different trailer designs have varying carrying allowances. What suits your needs, and is it achievable?
Options to support your unique set up
Options to the design can save time, create safer combination’s and allow more flexibility to the end user. Examples include container pins, under-deck storage, truck-to-trailer ramps, or additional lighting. Time is money — consider which options will save time and reduce operator fatigue.
| Hitch Down Load | Axle Group | ATM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Axle | |||
| Ringfeeder | 2.5 | 9 | 11.5 |
| Bartlett - Pintle Style | 5 | 9 | 13 |
| Pintle | 5 | 9 | 13 |
| Tandem Axle | |||
| Ringfeeder | 2.5 | 16.5 | 19 |
| Bartlett - Pintle Style | 5 | 16.5 | 21.5 |
| Pintle | 9 | 16.5 | 25.5 |
| Tri Axle | |||
| Ringfeeder | 2.5 | 21* | 23.5 |
| Bartlett - Pintle Style | 5 | 21* | 26 |
| Pintle | 9 | 21* | 30 |
* Total includes the 1 Tonne transferable mass notice for tri axle trailers – NHVR.
Current at 05/2025. Subject to change.
2. Quote & confirmation
Detailed quotation & proposed delivery timeline
With a clear understanding of your requirements, our team will prepare a tailored and itemised quote for a trailer designed to suit your plant and equipment, enabling you to make informed decisions based on your needs and preferences.
CAD drawings with custom options
Our in-house engineering team will provide CAD drawings based on your specifications. These drawings give a clear visual representation of what to expect. With a range of customisable options, we are happy to supply any additional information you may need — simply let us know.
Deposit & design confirmation
Upon acceptance of the quote you will receive a build pack. At this stage, along with your deposit, we’ll gather further details about your truck — such as hitch height, chain size, lighting system, ABS / EBS preferences, and voltage requirements. With this information we finalise the trailer design and provide updated drawings for your review. Once confirmed we proceed to the manufacturing stage.
3. Fabrication
Profile steel sourcing & laser cutting
We source high-quality profile steel locally. Long-length steel (up to 12 metres) is precision laser cut and then transported to our North Geelong manufacturing facility. Additional components are cut and prepared in-house, ensuring seamless integration during assembly.
Chassis & ramp fabrication
The fabrication process typically takes between 5 to 15 business days, depending on the build complexity. We welcome you to visit our facility during this stage to see your trailer in progress, or we can provide photos / videos upon request. Every build undergoes strict quality assurance inspections to maintain the high standards and distinctive UPT finish we’re known for.
Accessories: toolboxes, legs, racks & more
All accessories — from toolboxes and cages to ramps, legs and racks — are designed and manufactured in-house at our Geelong facility. This approach allows us to maintain full control over quality, consistency, and craftsmanship — something we take great pride in.
4. Sandblasting & painting
On-site Class 2 sandblasting – full trailer coverage
To ensure comprehensive surface preparation, we do not fit ramps, axles, or fixtures to the trailer prior to blasting and painting. Each trailer is lifted and blasted underneath the deck — areas you typically can’t see — giving you peace of mind that the entire structure is protected, not just the visible surfaces.
Pre-paint inspection & preparation
Following sandblasting, each trailer is thoroughly cleaned, blown down, vacuumed, and moved into our spray booth. All panel joints are sealed with Sika Flex, and the trailer undergoes a pre-paint quality assurance check to ensure readiness for coating.
Paint application
We use the PPG 2-Pack paint system, beginning with Barrier EX-408 Zinc Phosphate Primer, followed by Barrier Protec 625 Acrylic Polyurethane Enamel. This premium system delivers the high-quality, durable UPT paint finish our clients rely on. Thanks to the capabilities of our skilled team, we can also offer multi-colour and metallic finishes upon request.
5. Assembly & fit-out
Electrical & hydraulic systems
At this stage we install all electrical and hydraulic components with your trailer securely positioned on our hoist. This includes fitting Wabco EBS / ABS control units, wiring, lighting systems, and camera cabling to ensure reliable functionality and performance.
Axle installation & wheel alignment
Axles are fitted according to your selected suspension type — either airbag or spring. Once the trailer is back on the ground, we perform precise in-house laser alignment using advanced Josam equipment to ensure optimal tracking and tyre wear.
Final fit-out & finishing touches
Components such as ramps, toolboxes, cages, and leg supports are installed during the final assembly. The trailer is then completed with reflectors, decals, and custom stickers. A final quality assurance inspection is carried out to ensure everything meets UPT standards before handover.
6. Handover
Road testing, weighing & final photography
Every trailer undergoes comprehensive road testing to ensure smooth operation and functionality — from braking systems to lighting. This process also allows us to weigh the trailer, confirming compliance and accuracy before delivery.
EBS programming & commissioning
Following the weigh-in, we program the EBS computer and register your trailer details with the RAV (Register of Approved Vehicles), ensuring national compliance across Australia. At this point your trailer is fully commissioned and ready to depart our facility.
Final handover & walkthrough
For ex-factory collection we conduct a handover with you onsite. We’ll walk you through the features, functions, and maintenance essentials to ensure you are completely satisfied with your new trailer. Before you leave we take a few final photos of your combination — ready for you to get straight to work with your Ultimate Plant Trailer.
Congratulations!
You are now the proud owner of your own UPT trailer and a life-time member of the UPT family.
If you have any questions we are only a phone call away. We will always do our best when it comes to after-sales service and keeping you up to date with changing legislation and requirements through our plant trailer builders’ blog and social media.
Innovation, safety and durability in every trailer
Request a quote
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