What Do I Need to Build a Custom Lift-Up Side Door on an Enclosed Trailer?
Updated 08/31/2026 | Published 07/18/2026
Question:
Good morning We have a 20’ enclosed trailer that we’re going to be cutting open and adding a lift up wall. Can you tell me the parts I’ll need for this? The wall will probably be around d 10’x6’ or so. What materials will I need to make this door work? Thank you for any insight Best Jesse Echanique
asked by: Jesse E
Expert Reply:
Hey Jesse, cool name!
That's definitely a custom project, and there isn't a single off-the-shelf kit that'll give you everything you need. For a lift-up wall that's around 10' x 6', you're looking at building the door and reinforcing the trailer opening first, then adding the hardware to make it all work. You'll need a heavy-duty hinge, gas struts sized for the finished door weight, latches to keep it closed, support cables or limit straps, and weather seals around the perimeter to keep the trailer dry.
The biggest part of the job is reinforcing the opening. Once you cut that much out of the side of the trailer, you've removed a lot of its structure, so the framing around the opening has to be strong enough to support both the trailer and the new door. Once you know what the finished door is going to weigh, I can help you pick out the right gas struts and recommend some other hardware to match. That's really the key piece of information for getting everything sized correctly.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Top Rail Trim for Enclosed Trailer - 2-3/4" Tall x 1-1/2" Deep - Aluminum
- Trailer Trim
- Top/Bottom Edge
- Top Rail Trim
- Serrated
- 1-1/2 Inch Deep
- 93-1/2 Inch Long
- Aluminum
- TRC
more information >
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on Trailer Trim
Jesse E.
7/22/2026
Great info! Thank you. Yeah I didn’t assume it would be a direct off the shelf thing since it’s custom. But yeah, we’d be framing the opening as we cut the wall out to make sure it’s all supported. Once I figure the weight, I’ll give you that info. Thanks for the info!