Summary
REQUEST FOR ENGINEERING PROPOSAL (RFP)
Production-Ready U.S.-Spec Enclosed Trailer Platform
1️⃣ Project Overview
Our company is developing a vertically integrated OEM trailer manufacturing program focused on producing premium-quality enclosed cargo trailers for the United States market.
We are seeking a senior structural/mechanical engineer or qualified engineering firm to design a fully production-ready, fabrication-ready, FMVSS-aware enclosed trailer platform.
This is not a conceptual CAD project.
This is not a starter design exercise.
This is a complete structural engineering architecture program intended for scaled manufacturing and long-term production.
The final deliverable must be engineered, validated, and ready for fabrication.
2️⃣ Project Objective
Develop a structurally engineered enclosed trailer platform that:
• Aligns with U.S. regulatory requirements (FMVSS lighting, tire/rim, braking integration)
• Supports defined GVWR categories (3,500 lb, 7,000 lb, 10,000 lb variants)
• Optimizes strength-to-weight ratio
• Is engineered for efficient fabrication and repeatable assembly
• Integrates axles, suspension, braking, lighting, and structural load paths
• Includes structural validation and engineering documentation
• Is scalable across multiple trailer lengths
3️⃣ Baseline Platform Target
Initial engineering program will focus on:
• 8.5’ x 16’ enclosed cargo trailer
• Tandem axle configuration (3,500 lb or 5,200 lb options)
• Steel tube chassis construction
• Ramp door configuration
• Integrated wall and roof structural system
• ACP or FRP exterior panel readiness
Platform must be scalable to:
• 12’
• 14’
• 18’
• 20’
without a full redesign.
4️⃣ Scope of Work
A. Platform Architecture Development
• Main frame rail design
• Crossmember architecture
• Tongue assembly engineering
• Axle placement engineering and tongue weight calculation
• GVWR rating logic and structural basis
• Load path modeling
• Wall, roof, and floor structural integration
• Ramp door framing and reinforcement
• Structural reinforcement strategy
B. Structural Engineering & Validation
Engineer must define and validate:
• Static load cases
• Dynamic load cases (road shock / bump conditions)
• Braking load transfer
• Tongue load distribution
• Axle load distribution
• Torsional rigidity
• Bending moment analysis
• Fatigue considerations
FEA (preferred) must validate:
• Full rated load condition
• Dynamic vertical load case
• Torsional stress case
• Side load case
All structural assumptions must be documented.
C. Compliance Awareness
Design must reflect understanding of U.S. trailer compliance requirements including:
• FMVSS 108 lighting integration
• FMVSS 110 / 120 tire and rim information integration
• Reflective conspicuity considerations
• Brake system integration
• Safety chain mounting considerations
• VIN plate location awareness
We understand U.S. trailer compliance operates under self-certification.
Engineering decisions must reflect liability sensitivity and structural responsibility.
D. Design for Manufacturability (DFM)
Engineering must account for:
• Weld sequencing efficiency
• Tube cut optimization
• Fixture and jig logic
• Repeatable fabrication processes
• Reduction of unnecessary fabrication complexity
• Corrosion protection strategy (coating, galvanizing, etc.)
• Modular scalability for multiple length variants
The goal is not only structural integrity — but production scalability.
5️⃣ Required Deliverables
The final deliverable package must include:
1️⃣ Complete 3D CAD Assembly
• Fully structured assembly model
• Sub-assemblies organized logically
• Configuration management
• Parametric scalability (if applicable)
2️⃣ Production-Ready 2D Fabrication Drawings
• Fully dimensioned
• Tolerances defined
• Weld symbols and callouts
• Material specifications
• Surface treatment notes
• GD&T where required
3️⃣ Structural Validation Summary
• FEA summary (if performed)
• Defined load cases
• Safety factors
• Engineering assumptions
• Risk areas identified
4️⃣ Engineering Calculation Package
• Tongue weight calculation
• Axle placement calculation
• GVWR structural basis
• Load distribution logic
• Tire rating integration logic
5️⃣ Master Engineering BOM
• Structural steel list
• Fasteners
• Axle and suspension integration
• Panels and floor
• Weight breakdown
Final output must be fabrication-ready — not conceptual.
6️⃣ Required Qualifications
Applicants must demonstrate:
• Prior trailer, commercial vehicle, or heavy welded steel frame design experience
• Experience delivering production-ready drawing packages
• Structural load modeling capability (FEA preferred)
• Experience with steel weldment design
• Axle and suspension integration experience
• Familiarity with U.S. compliance landscape
Do not apply if your experience is limited to small mechanical parts, housings, or light product design.
7️⃣ Project Milestone phases
• Phase 1 — Architecture & Load Modeling:
• Phase 2 — Detailed CAD & Drawings:
• Phase 3 — Validation & Documentation:
8️⃣ Expectation
This is a full structural engineering architecture program which will reflect:
• Structural modeling depth
• FEA inclusion
• Production drawing completeness
• Compliance integration awareness
• Scalability engineering
Serious proposals only.
9️⃣ Proposal Submission Requirements
Interested engineers or firms must provide:
• Relevant past project examples (trailers or vehicle frames preferred)
• Engineering tools used (SolidWorks, ANSYS, etc.)
• Outline of engineering methodology
• Proposed timeline
• Team bios (if firm)
🔄 10️⃣ Long-Term Engineering Partnership Opportunity
This engagement is not intended to be a one-time project.
DanKen Trailers is building a scalable OEM platform with continuous product development, variant expansion, and performance refinement. The selected engineer or firm will have the opportunity to transition into a long-term engineering partner role.
Future phases may include:
• Additional trailer size variants (length, width, height configurations)
• Higher GVWR platforms
• Specialty trailer categories
• Lightweight material programs
• Suspension and axle upgrades
• Structural optimization revisions
• Cost-down engineering initiatives
• Manufacturing refinement and DFM optimization
• Custom fleet or commercial configurations
Our goal is to establish a stable, long-term engineering relationship with a qualified professional who can grow with the platform.
The initial project will serve as the foundation for ongoing structural development, refinement, and expansion.
🔒 Project Intent
We are not seeking:
• Concept renderings
• Entry-level CAD support
• Basic starter templates
• Hobby-level vehicle drawings
We are not seeking transactional design work.
We are building a long-term engineering ecosystem with a scalable OEM-grade platform.
The result must be defensible, structurally validated, production-ready, and engineered for long-term manufacturing success.
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