Reassembling HF trailer without the folding option

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Reassembling HF trailer without the folding option

Postby djdawg » Tue Sep 25, 2018 1:49 pm

I picked up a used Harbor Freight 4' x 8' trailer to build my Chesapeake light craft trailer kit on. I haven't ordered the kit yet as I'm still saving up my dollars but the trailer needs some TLC. There's some light rust on it and I am disassembling it (not before taking numerous pictures) and want to reassemble it without using the folding option. Although I don't have the manual yet for the Chesapeake light craft kit, I'm assuming it's like all the other Teardrop trailer Builder instructions where they recommend not assembling the Harbor Freight trailer using the folding option.

The problem is, I don't remember how to do that. I have the manual for the Harbor Freight trailer and it does not show how to omit the folding option. I'm sure it's nothing too difficult but does anyone have any suggestions?

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Kevin
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Re: Reassembling HF trailer without the folding option

Postby Pmullen503 » Tue Sep 25, 2018 2:42 pm

IIRC, I drilled holes through the spring C channel and rear rails and bolted them together. Make the floor one piece.
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Re: Reassembling HF trailer without the folding option

Postby Woodbutcher » Tue Sep 25, 2018 6:57 pm

Take out the 2 cross members and bolt them across the seam. Then just get a piece of angle iron and replace the 2 you took out. The cross members and the side channel are rolled channel, so they have a small radius in the corners. They fit in great.

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Re: Reassembling HF trailer without the folding option

Postby djdawg » Tue Sep 25, 2018 7:48 pm

Holy Crap....just my luck. Brand new 4' x 8' HF trailers are on sale for $260 until 10/7. I'm VERY tempted to pick one up, paint the one I bought used and put it back together, sell it and start from new.
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Re: Reassembling HF trailer without the folding option

Postby Sparksalot » Tue Sep 25, 2018 10:33 pm

Woodbutcher wrote:Take out the 2 cross members and bolt them across the seam. Then just get a piece of angle iron and replace the 2 you took out. The cross members and the side channel are rolled channel, so they have a small radius in the corners. They fit in great.

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:thumbsup:

I did a similar thing with my frame, lengthening it in the process from 8' to 9'-7".
Holy cow, Rose is a teenager now! Done? Surely you jest. A teardrop is never "done".

The Compass Rose build thread: viewtopic.php?t=23213

Inspiration: http://tnttt.com/Design_Library/Trailer%20for%20Two.htm

It's got a cop motor, a 5.3 LS plant, it's got cop tires, cop suspensions, cop shocks. ~ Elwood Blues
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Re: Reassembling HF trailer without the folding option

Postby dmdc411 » Thu Sep 27, 2018 4:46 am

I not trying to be a bubble buster. Remember this is the foundation of your build. These trailers are fine, but don't overload them, and read up on the suggested modifications to make them more reliable for this type of use. Tongue weight, and total weight are very important here. There are weak points to be dealt with. The folding frame is one. I've been reading this forum for about 10 years I think, cheap isn't always best in this case. Good luck!

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