New Member building alone, flipping the trailer Frame ???

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New Member building alone, flipping the trailer Frame ???

Postby Franco Novo » Mon Jul 06, 2015 6:47 pm

I hope I got this in the right forum.
I got the Harbor Freight folding trailer...budget constraints, and got it at a good Sale Price, 4th of July

NOw, I got the front part built
Next, it;s advising me to build rear portion, flip trailer over to install axle, and then flip it upright.
BUT...I'm by myself doing this

Is there a way to build the entire thing in an upright position....Or, can I mount the axle on just the back , then flip that over to join it with the front.
I'm NOT using the fold-able option, By the Way.

What's the easy way....since I doubt I'll be able to flip it over all by myself.

Thanks much
Franco
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Re: New Member building alone, flipping the trailer Frame

Postby pchast » Mon Jul 06, 2015 7:59 pm

Set the trailer up on sawhorses or jack stands as it sits. You can do it one
side at a time. Use a jack in steps if you need to. Then assemble the spring
mounts underneath by clamping them tight to the frame. The Axle can be
easily added with a separate jack if necessary. Hubs and wheels are no
problem to assemble one piece at a time.

The biggest challenge is to attempt to straighten and square the parts when
totally assembled.

Luck with it. :thumbsup:
Last edited by pchast on Mon Jul 06, 2015 8:00 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: New Member building alone, flipping the trailer Frame

Postby GuitarPhotog » Mon Jul 06, 2015 7:59 pm

Gotta friend?

Block and tackle?

Step up blocks (lift 6" at a time)?

Recruit a stranger or neighbor for "just a minute of your time"? I've done this to lift heavy things out of my truck.

Just a few ideas

<Chas>
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Re: New Member building alone, flipping the trailer Frame

Postby KennethW » Mon Jul 06, 2015 9:42 pm

I see know reason that you can't put the back together with axle then bolt it to the front. The back can be bolted together upside down. It would be easy to flip (front to back) The axle and springs is most of the weight.
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Re: New Member building alone, flipping the trailer Frame

Postby Dale M. » Tue Jul 07, 2015 5:12 am

Just reverse build order.... Lay out axle and springs (without wheels & tires) on ground and assemble frame rails on top of that... Bring front and rear pieces together... Assemble some what loose, and align, level and square whole assembly and tighten all fasteners as last step....

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You are free to ignore anything I say if you do not agree.

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Re: New Member building alone, flipping the trailer Frame

Postby dales133 » Tue Jul 07, 2015 8:18 am

I fitted my springs and axle to my trailer several times on my own during the build process just with a jack and axle stands and hammer!
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Re: New Member building alone, flipping the trailer Frame

Postby Nobody » Tue Jul 07, 2015 9:19 am

I assembled my HF 1800# trailer completely alone in 2006 (I was age 66 at that time) using blocks & sawhorses. Instead of building it in two sections as the instructions showed, I used the 2 cross members where the 2 halves are joined, as 'inserts' inside the side rails to provide extra strength there (replaced those 2 pieces with a wood 2X4 after the chassis was assembled). Also moved the axle/springs assembly back about 4" so I'd have improved backing/tracking after the cabin was built. Lifting one side of the chassis wasn't difficult to lean it on the sawhorses for final fastening. I clamped longer 2X4s to the sawhorses & lifted one side at a time after the chassis was upside down (flipped) to install the axle/springs assembly... After assembly as above, I modified the tongue for strength & to add more length between coupler & axle, also to improve handling, especially while backing. Added BAL stabilizer jacks for leveling/stability during cabin construction.

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Doing the right thing ain't always easy but, . . . it's always right!
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Re: New Member building alone, flipping the trailer Frame

Postby ctstaas » Fri Jul 17, 2015 10:16 pm

Hi Friend, Harvey is right about figuring out what you can do and how you can do it. Figuring out how to do it is almost as crafty as doing it. Just figuring out how gives me a sense of accomplishment. When your budget is tight and you won't compromise quality it is going to take longer. Try to take photos as you go as they will provide great memories and will elp us help you if needed.
Enjoy, Chris
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Re: New Member building alone, flipping the trailer Frame

Postby Dan242 » Tue Jul 28, 2015 12:14 am

I just assembled one of these in my garage last week, I just built it in the two pieces, bolted the axle plate on and then just lifted it with 1 hand and slid axle and springs under and bolted them on. I am 58 and no weight lifter, but had very little trouble. You could also use a few jackstands under it to hold it high enough to get the axle assembly under. Put the tongue assembly on last to save some weight.
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