1/14 Scale Custom Aluminum Flatbed Trailers
I designed my own line of flatbed trailers called CoastWay, to fit Tamiya’s 1/14 scale trucks, such as the Grand Hauler, King Hauler and Knight Hauler. The main reason was because I didn’t like what was currently available on the market, most of them were not to the correct scale.
I have designed these trailers from the axles up, including the axles and airbag system. I designed my own DOT bumpers and frames as well. The only thing on these trailers not designed by me are the wheels and support legs.
One of my goals was to have these trailers look scale in their appearance, which was hard to find with the stock Tamiya trailers currently available.
This meant the correct height between the underside of the trailer and the tractor tires, and the correct lengths and widths etc.
This gorgeous Kenworth W990 pulling one of my 53′ triaxle drop decks owned by Timothy Nicolau out of California. He took delivery of this trailer Nov. 2022. Beautiful rig! I am jealous of that Kenworth!
Here is the gorgeous rig owned by Ryan Blake of southern Idaho. I just finished another 53ft drop deck for him in APRIL 2020, and what an amazing setup he has!!
This is a 53ft flat deck spread axle trailer I just completed, 1-30-19, and shipped to my customer, John Nanartowicz, who has it hooked to his gorgeous Freightliner tractor. He just sent me these pictures. Beautiful rig!
Just finished a 53ft drop deck tri-axle in May 2018 for Ryan Blake in southern Idaho, here is the trailer behind his beautiful truck!
Just finished a couple of 53′ drop decks this last week. Nov. 2017. Stacked them on the 53′ quad axle and they are ready for delivery.
New 53′ Quad Axle with Self Steering Lift Axle
Check out the page on the menu for more about this Quad axle trailer
53′ Drop Deck BeaverTail
48′ Spread Axle flat bed
48′ drop deck Spread axle above and 53′ drop deck tri-axle below
53′ Drop Deck with a 48′ Drop Deck on top!
Below, 4 pictures of a 48′ regular flat deck with a few extra bottom lights
Heavy haul Super B Train
Many trailers currently offered on the market sit much too high, which I didn’t like. The reason they all sit too high is because of the automatic 5th wheel couplers attached to the 5th wheel plate.
My trailers support legs work just like the real ones do. They are manually operated which means no thick auto coupler making the trailers sit way too high. I have never operated a 1:1 flatbed semi trailer that automatically snapped the landing gear up when I backed under it in real life. They are all manually operated.
It also meant the correct width overhang for a 102″ wide trailer. Full size 1:1 trailers overhang the tractor duals by 3″ on each side. My trailers overhang a Tamiya truck’s dual wheels by .22″ on each side which is scale.
My trailers are built to 1/13.5 scale which is what 1/14th Tamiya semi tractors actually are. I have tried to build my trailers to scale in width, height, and length, based on a full size trailer’s dimension of 48′ long and 102″ wide.
All my trailers come with led marker lights and led taillights and hidden wiring . Wiring is completely enclosed between the the two decks along with an enclosed battery.
The LED lights have their own 7.2 volt battery mounted in between the frame rails in an aluminum battery box with a toggle switch. This makes for a very neat and clean underside. Trailer lighting is independent of the truck, trailer will have marker and taillights regardless of what you have on your truck.
Note: Battery is not included in price.
The suspension is a modular air bag trailing arm design. Its design also makes it easy to transform one of my trailers from a closed tandem trailer, to a spread axle, or even a triple axle trailer.
It is just a matter of taking a couple of bolts out and sliding the modular suspension to where you want it mounted, and for a tri-axle simply add another suspension module between the existing spread axle units.
Independently turning axles are housed in an aluminum axle tube assy. with pressed in bearings and bushings
Trailers are built out of 100% aluminum, including the wheels and the black anodized aluminum support legs. The only thing not aluminum are the nail strips on the deck. All hardware is metric, low profile hex head hardware where possible.
Under deck Aluminum tool boxes are all aluminum and feature opening drop down doors. They are available in two sizes, the smaller size fits the drop decks and the larger ones are for the flat decks
Trailers come with DOT safety tape on the sides and rear. You won’t find these trailers anywhere else as they are all my design.
48ft Trailers measure 42.80″” long and 7.55″ wide, which is based on a 1:1 trailer’s dimensions of 48′ x 102″.
53ft trailers measure 47.25″ long
Click on the menu buttons for specifications and pricing on the 53′ & 48′ spread axle or the 53′ & 48′ tri-axle trailers.
The tool boxes between the axles are a great addition to this 48′ spread axle trailer.
Here is a new flatbed (above) ready to be delivered to a customer.
Custom Aluminum Flatbed Trailers for Tamiya Trucks 
beautiful works of art,how can i receive prices on these super nice trailers?thank you for yourresponce.
I appreciate that Robert! Which trailer were you interested in? Email me at darnat2@gmail.com
Thanks again,
Darwin
Very nice trailer! Excellent craftsmanship and attention to detail. Darwin is great to deal with and he packaged the trailer wonderfully. Would highly recommend!
Thank you Eric! I really appreciate that. Glad you liked your trailer and thank you for your business!
Well the tool boxes look great will have them on my double flats. Will also get one a little later for my tank trailer. Am building a 4 axle King hauler with a three inch extended frame. When that’s done will build the long flat for the doubles.
I was just wondering if you could make me a double axle boat trailer
Hi Brayden
Appreciate the interest, but I am staying with the flat bed and drop deck trailers, I have people waiting for those , so I wouldn’t be able to take on anything new at the moment. Thanks a lot, Darwin
Still looking for that accurate, prototype 53 foot reefer trailer.
Hi see you have mentioned that there might be some items coming out this fall. I asked a little while back about your tool boxes as need a couple for some trailers. Do you have any made up right now? Thanks
What trailers are available now? I’m ready to buy
Hello I would like to know if their’s anyone that make custom pup trailer’s. Can anyone help me out
What type of pup are you looking for? Thanks
Do you have any tool boxes left as would like a pair for my Tamiya tank trailer? Thanks
Hello Darwin, I would like to purchase a 3 axle step deck from you. I seen that you have been busy with other projects. When you start back up, please put me on the list for a 3 axle. I will send you a deposit when you are ready! Awesome trailers!
Thanks for your time!
Pete
Thank you Pete, I will be in touch with you this fall and we can discuss what you want and go from there. Have a great day!
Let me know when you start the stepdecks
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From:”Custom Aluminum Flatbed Trailers for Tamiya Trucks” Date:Mon, Aug 24, 2015 at 13:24 Subject:[New comment] 1/14 Custom Aluminum Flatbed Trailers
Pete commented: “Hello Darwin, I would like to purchase a 3 axle step deck from you. I seen that you have been busy with other projects. When you start back up, please put me on the list for a 3 axle. I will send you a deposit when you are ready! Awesome trailers! “
Glad to hear you are going to start building again have been working at a dolly for a set of doubles not going too bad.
Thank you Boyd! You have any pictures of your build? Always interested in people’s projects.
Well could do as just finished a King Hauler with the 3″ longer frame from Semi Joes Truck shop. Garden trucking steps which look great, Pete grill from China along with rims from Omni models by the way they are less expensive than those from China but are from there sold by Omni. Rear tires from Semi Joe, Chain rack and bumper from the guy in China also. By the way for my next build will be another King same frame but set up for three drive axles, the new style of tanks with fillers those along the Pete grill that has the bird on it, Omni models rims on the rear, fronts super single from Garden along with steps, roof warning light bar, 4-1 reduction that bolts onto the trans will be from there also.
More stuff from here and there along with drivelines from Joe also. And the list goes on. Boyd
Darwin i am interested in purchasing a drop trailer from you when you start building again. these trailers are GREAT! keep up the great work.
Are you making them again?
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From:”Custom Aluminum Flatbed Trailers for Tamiya Trucks” Date:Wed, Aug 19, 2015 at 16:25 Subject:[New comment] 1/14 Custom Aluminum Flatbed Trailers
John Eaton commented: “Darwin i am interested in purchasing a drop trailer from you when you start building again. these trailers are GREAT! keep up the great work.”
Been busy with other things this summer. I should get back into it more this fall. Been tinkering with designing a sliding curtain trailer, would like to eventually build a 53′ 4 axle curtain side with the rear axle that lifts. Thanks, Darwin
Hi John, I will definitely let you know, probably start building more again this fall. Thanks, Darwin
Please notify me when you have a 3 axle trailer for sale. I just purchased a Custom King Hauler.
My cell number: (808) 445-1361
Aloha
Scott Ross
Well took your advice bought wheels from Hong Kong worked great wish I could say the same for some ebay people. Tried to get some info from one supplier and basically wont answer my question about buying a drive line to match the stretched tractor frame I got from him. Also asked if he could supply me with a flat bed frame longer than stock, nope don’t do that. Never did get an answer from him about the drive line and have asked twice. Still want later on this year to order a trailer. Boyd
Hey bud,
I will definitely be purchasing one of your trailers once my tractor is complete. Amazing work by the way. Just wondering if u know where I can find cargo to load on trailer once I have u build me one?
Sounds good, let me know when your ready and we will get you fixed up. Thanks, Darwin
Wonderful trailers. Was wondering if you would ever be building a set of double or triple trailers. I pull triples and think that would be awesome.
I appreciate that, thank you! Probably not anytime in the near future, the closest I will be getting to doubles or triples is the flatbed B train I am currently working on. But I agree, doubles or triples would be awesome! Thanks
I loooove the trailers but I want to git into making my own but I can’t find any axles. Would you sell me a few sets of axles with the suspension because you have the best set up I’ve seen so far !!!
Hi,
I would if I could but I do not have any extra sets at the moment, they are all going for trailers I am building. Sorry about that.
I’m sure you get asked this a lot but do you ever plan to build a 53′ dry van or box what ever people call them. I drive a 13 freightliner cascadia and ever since tamiya put one out I’ve been wanting to make my truck. But like you said in so many words. Everything on the market sucks. Btw your flatbeds look great.
Thank you Dave, I do get asked about that fairly often. I would like to build a dry van but there have been several things holding me back. I have not figured out what I would use for the sides. I would want it to be aluminum, but not just plain sheet aluminum, I would like it to have ribs, or rows of rivets like the full size does, something besides just a plain side with no detail. I know some full size do have flat plain sides. I haven’t found a product like that yet. Second, is the rear doors and latches, what would I use for latches and hinges that would resemble it’s full size counterpart? (That would not take 100 hours of labor?, lol) Any ideas on those things? The plain sides made of aluminum would be doable but what about the rear doors and latches/hinges? I welcome suggestions. Thanks, Darwin
Was hoping to get a price list of your inventory, I’m very interested in these absolutely awesome trailers, my mind is blown, thanks for your time
If you ever decide to start building 48′ Great Dane stainless steel spread axle trailers please let me know. I would love to be the 1st to own 1
Man those are some great looking trailers I use to pull trailers like those all over the us that was the same reason that I didn’t like the tamiya trucks because they aren’t true to scale you solved the biggest problem that I had with the tamiya trucks. I had a king hauler with the tanker because to me the tanker was the closest thing to a real u.s. truck because of your trailers I may consider building a new truck but only if I can put one of your trailers behind it
Thank you Jormorg! I am sure we can set you up in the future!
Ok I received my stepdeck trailer and it is even better then my flatbed & I didn’t think that was even possible! Nobody!!! & I mean NOBODY builds a better or even more realistic trailer then Darwin!!! PERIOD!!!
I sure appreciate that Jerry!! It has been a pleasure dealing with you!! Thanks again, Darwin
Hi. I was wondering if you were back into making trailers again. Thanks.
Hi Shawn, as time allows. I spend time building trailers whenever I can, since I can’t mass produce them, I try to put out high quality trailers which are different than anything else available. Quality over quantity will have to be my motto! LOL.
These look great! You definitely achieved what you set out to do. They will look awesome behind the new Tamiya Freightliner Cascadia. Your next project should be a scale accurate 53 foot reefer trailer with accurate Carrier or Thermo King reefer unit. How about a stainless steel reefer?
Thank you, I appreciate the kind comments! Yes, there are a lot of cool trailers to be built, but I better keep to these for now, I have people waiting on the current line and only so much time in a day. Thanks again Charles
I am ready for a stepdeck trailer as soon as you build it…
Great, glad you approved! I am going on vacation starting tomorrow. I will be in touch shortly and work out the details.
Here is the new page link for the ALL NEW drop deck spread axle trailer. https://customrctrailers.com/53-quad-axle-super-max-flatbed/
Not sure why it still says quad axle but it is the drop deck, of just click on the menu for the page.
Great looking trailers, I’ll be looking into getting one in the near future. Do you make fatboy trailers too?
Thank you! Look forward to working with you. Right now I am just building the flat decks, and I am currently working on a drop deck model. Thanks for you interest! Let me know if I can build you a trailer in the future
MY HATS OFF TO YOU SIR… JUST RECEIVED MY FLATBED TRAILER.. AND IT’S A WORK OF ART… PICTURES DO THIS TRAILER NO JUSTICE .. IT’S BEAUTIFUL. AND BUILT SO WELL. IT WAS LIKE I WON THE LOTTO WHEN I WAS CONTACTED AND TOLD MY NAME CAME UP ON THE BUILD LIST…AND.. i FELT LIKE A KID AT CHRISTMAS WHILE OPENING THE BOX. MY SMILE GROWING LARGER AND LARGER AS I UNWRAPPED THE LAYERS OF BUBBLE WRAP TO REVEAL THE DETAILS MORE AND MORE WITH EACH LAYER REMOVED.. THIS TRAILER WILL BE THE CENTERPIECE OF MY FLEET……..THANK YOU… DARWIN..
If there were a drop deck trailer to be made, what length would most of you guys want, 48 ft or 53 ft. The 48 ft would have the rear axle right up to the bumper, the 53′ would have the rear axle set in a bit more, just like the real one does in most cases. The 53 ft would be 47″ long. About 4-5 inches longer than the 48″ ft. Any ideas?
i think, which ever way looks more realistic would be the way to go,
Well either way is realistic, real 53′ flatbeds most all have the rear axle set in from the rear a ways and real 48′ flatbeds are right against the bumper, for the most part. I think either way will look good. It is just if you want a 47″ long trailer or a 42.5″ long trailer. I think the 48′ trailers with the rear axle close to the rear bumper is my favorite, but either way will be realistic. Looks like your trailer will arrive to you on Wednesday. Enjoy
thank you darwin, i’m sure which ever you choose to build, it will be at the quality that only you can deliver,. and hope my wait for one isn’t to long..
Personally I like the 48 ‘spread axle stepdecks because that’s what our company has. I have always like them with the rear axle set all the way to the back because that’s what I am use to and I like that look the best. But I would like to see boxes between the axles.
Yes, the boxes between the axles are what spread axle trailers need. Hmmm, how to make, how to make.
Thanks James, I think I will build the 48′ foot drop deck. We’ll see how it goes. I did cut frame rails for one today. I managed to snag 8 of the lo pro tires. They are scarce! Wonder why who ever makes them doesn’t make enough for the demand. If you are making a hundred tires, why not make 500. Hope they become more widely available.
Hey I just want to say I just received my spread axle flatbed and all I can do is say WOW!!!! This trailer is so beautiful! I cant take my eyes off of it. I never thought someone could make a trailer so perfect. I cant find a single flaw anywhere. So if your thinking about buying a trailer from Darwin don’t hesitate! He does beyond awesome work! The pictures don’t do these trailers justice. You wont find anything better anywhere else. Seriously!!!
Wow, thanks for the glowing praise. I appreciate it and I enjoyed working with you!! I look forward to doing more work with you in the future. Thanks again Jerry!
Does anyone know of a good source for lo pro tires? 1.7″ Like these. http://store.rc4wd.com/LoRider-17-Commercial-114-Semi-Truck-Tires_p_1506.html
I also just finished this trailer, https://tamiyacustomtrailers.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/pict0001-0021.jpg, yesterday for a good customer who had waited awhile.
Hey check out http://WWW.afv-model.COM
Hey I didn’t see your place on your website for customers to leave feedback. I want to leave positive feedback for you just let me know where I go
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bonjour darwin je suis encore interesser pour 1 remorque complet avec roue je t é parler en janvier 2014 merci maurice
Hello, I’m very interested in one of your 48′ spread axle trailers.
If you would just contact me when you are ready to sell and I would be more than happy to purchase one,
Thank you.
Thank you Carlos for your interest. I will let you know when one becomes available. Thanks
Darwin I emailed you back some time about a trailer and I was wondering if I’m still inline for one of your trailers. I wouldwant the 48ft spread axle flatbed with toolboxes. without wheels and tires.
Thank you.
I sent you an email Carlos, Thank you.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!!! Build me a spread axle flatbed trailer!!! Im dieing over here!!!
Still no word on building trailers again???
Have you thought about building dolly’s as well. I would certainly buy one off you. As well as tri-axle flat bed.
I haven’t really, just because I have a lot of people that want a trailer now, and I can’t fulfill those orders. I am hoping to produce a few more trailers over the next couple of months though. Thanks Jason
yes i want i want!! first time im not hiding from wife she ok’d it and i cant get it !!! just my luck
Well never say never! I am starting to work on the trailers again part time. Hopefully I can get a few of them out over the next couple months.
Hey Darwin, hope things are going well for you! Are we getting any closer to you building trailers again? I sure hope so! Let me know if you could.
i hope so also…. there’s allot of us out here just waiting for him to start taking orders again
hello, i would like to order a spread axle trailer, any word on when / if there being built any longer?
James, currently I am not building trailers due to other work which has taken all my free time. I do hope to get back to it, but I can not say when that will be. I will let people know, who are interested in them . I will contact people in order of who contacted me first. I sure do appreciate all the interest and wish I had more time to devote to this. Thanks again! Darwin
Hey Jared there is a line of us waiting so no cuts and be patient.
Thanks Jerry, I won’t let anyone cut in front of you! I appreciate your interest very much. Darwin
I appreciate that Jared. I wasnt being totally serious with Darwin. Just messin around. But then again I would pay you $100.00 over your reg price to get you to build me a trailer sooner then later!
Hey Darnat3, This is Jared, I bought a trailer from you not too long ago and Im wondering if you are able to build me another spread axle soon, Please let me know soon, Thanks.
Hi Jared, I am glad you liked the first one and want another one, like I said to one of the other posters, I am currently not able to build trailers due to my other work which is taking up all my time, and it isn’t even enjoyable like building trailers is! I will let you know when one becomes available, I will honer those who have asked for one first though. Thanks again, Darwin
I am interested in a spread axles air ride flatbed myself. Are you avaiable to work on one soon? and do you accept paypal? Thanks in advance! Jerry
I would like to buy one of our 48foot spread axle
Hello Cedric, when a trailer becomes available I will be happy to contact you and see if your still interested.
I would like a triaxle, are they still available? Email me and we can discuss details.
Thanks in advance
Mike
To darnat3,
I would like to get a price on 1 of your Split Axle Trailers. You can email me at trukdriverj@aol.com Thanks for your time
Hello I have a question about your led lights I was woundering how you got your lights to hook up to a 7.2 volt battery and a toggle switch how can I hook up my lights to a switch cause right now I’m useing a 9 volt battery and I wanted to hook them up to a toggle instead of unhooking them when I get done.
Thanks,
Bobby
You need to wire your led lights in series and also use a correct resistor. For example if your led’s are supposed to use 2.3 volts each, you could wire up 3 of them in series and then use a resistor to drop another 2.1 volts to match your 9 volt battery.
Here is a link to a simple example of someone using a 9 volt battery. http://www.instructables.com/id/LEDs-for-Beginners/step7/
Hey Guy! When I get ready to order, are you on e-bay ? I like your trailers above all others! Thanks, Clyde
Hello, yes I currently do have one up on Ebay although I usually don’t because Ebay selling fees are too high. You can purchase from here and use Paypal if you like. Thanks a lot, Darwin
what are the prices for your trailers and can you buy the parts separate ,i have other trailers and would like to add the spreads on them thanks
Hello Dwayne, The price on the all aluminum spread axle trailer with lights etc. is $550.00 (oops, price went up to 580.00 due to metal costs) plus shipping. If you click on the links in the menu bar above it will show that trailer along with more info on it. Yes I do sell the suspension separately, a complete tandem suspension set is 125.00 plus shipping. That includes everything but the wheels. The axles are 5mm versus standard 4mm on wheels , I include 5mm bit to slightly enlarge wheel hole by 1mm. I can send more detailed specs on the suspension, measurements etc and you can decide if it will work on your trailers. They are super easy to mount and you can easily go from a spread axle to a triple axle in the future or a closed tandem just by repositioning modular suspension. Thanks, Darwin
The price you have me is for 2 complete axles minus wheels? Or is that for each axle?
The price is for two complete axle assy’s minus the wheels. Thanks
I am still interested in buying one of your trailers, I understand you are in the middle of a move, If you would just contact me when you are ready to sell and I would be more than happy to purchase one, Thanks again Jared.
Hi Jared, Things are coming along with the move, I expect to be able to start working in bit of a cramped area (for now) at least very soon. I think I will be set up enough to be able to begin on a trailer on Monday, so hopefully in the next two weeks your trailer should be done. I appreciate your interest and look forward to completing yours. I will let you know next week sometime how it is coming along and give you a completion date. Thanks Jared!!
Darwin
I just ordered a trailer and can’t wait till it gets here but I’m wanting to convert my king hauler to a peterbuilt and would like some pointers on how to form and remount the fenders and how to stretch the hood, I really like the way your truck looks and I would like to make mine similar to yours. Thanks Jared
im very interested in one of your trailers but i need to finish my truck first but i was wondering if the truck on your website is a tamiya with a wedico body and where can i get a cab like that thanks
Hello Jared, Great I would be happy to sell you a trailer when you are ready! The cab is a Tamiya King Hauler cab that I modified. The fenders were cutoff and reformed, the headlights modified and the hood lengthened. I also added the pass. side foot window. The sleeper is a Wedico sleeper and worked good with the Tamiya cab. Thanks for checking my site out!! Talk to you later, Darwin