Install cabinets/de-rate springs

[Flyfish&Camp]

Hello all! I recently purchased a used 5x8 teardrop built on a Northern Tool trailer. The teardrop was fully built when I bought it. I have a couple questions.

1. The interior is bare bones. I would like to install some cabinets inside on the back of the trailer (in red). Any suggestions of how to attached, materials to use, etc would be great! (Photos of inside attached)

2. Can I remove one of the leaf springs and if so which one? The trailer probably weighs 400 lbs total and it bounces a lot while driving. Fully loaded it will be maybe 600-800 lbs.

3. I installed 225/75R15 with a 1.5” spacer. Any issues with this?

4. What should I use to reseal any gaps ?

Thanks in advance!

 

[GTS225-TNT]

I think, t'were me, I'd build it modular. Start with a base, straddling that rear hatch, as large as you intend to make the cabinets. Then build your cabinet box as you need, to set on top of the base. That way, you're not hanging that weight from your roof. I'd also be mindful of my door opening, so that the two modules would fit through, should I ever want to remove them for some reason.

Just my thoughts.....Roger

 

[Brumasterm01]

I'm not sure about removing one of the leaf springs, but your bouncy trailer issue is common given the lighter weight. Many address this issue by swapping out the entire leaf spring set with a lighter rated set of springs. I and others active members here have swapped out the stiff harbor freight springs with Compact Camping Concepts "Smooth Ride Kit". The Northern Tool Trailer and the Harbor freight trailer are nearly identical with many parts interchangeable.
The last posting on this thread shows the installation of the kit for a better visual. https://tventuring.com/how-to-enhance-a-harbor-freight-frame-for-use-unde-t888.html

It's a very informative thread overall and I refer to it often. It might also address your questions regarding axle and wheel size.

Unfortunately, the owner has closed down due to an illness. However, you can easily recreate the kit with the following parts:
650LB springs

UNA-035

Utility Trailer Leaf Spring-Double Eye 3/Leaf 650 lb. Capacity each

www.theuniversalgroup.com

Hanger kit:

HK093221

Single axle attaching parts kit. 1 3/4" wide, double eye spring. Kit contains all parts to attach one axle to the frame. U-bolt kits are not included.

www.theuniversalgroup.com

The springs are soft with greater travel and will definitively smooth out your ride. You Should also get a nice lift out of it as well.

Ultimately, I did swap out the springs for a higher rated spring since i was pushing the upper limit of the springs with my 1200lb+ build.

 

[Flyfish&Camp]

I think, t'were me, I'd build it modular. Start with a base, straddling that rear hatch, as large as you intend to make the cabinets. Then build your cabinet box as you need, to set on top of the base. That way, you're not hanging that weight from your roof. I'd also be mindful of my door opening, so that the two modules would fit through, should I ever want to remove them for some reason.

Just my thoughts.....Roger

Awesome thanks! I was thinking of ways to build out so it wasn’t hanging

 

[Flyfish&Camp]

I'm not sure about removing one of the leaf springs, but your bouncy trailer issue is common given the lighter weight. Many address this issue by swapping out the entire leaf spring set with a lighter rated set of springs. I and others active members here have swapped out the stiff harbor freight springs with Compact Camping Concepts "Smooth Ride Kit". The Northern Tool Trailer and the Harbor freight trailer are nearly identical with many parts interchangeable.
The last posting on this thread shows the installation of the kit for a better visual. https://tventuring.com/how-to-enhance-a-harbor-freight-frame-for-use-unde-t888.html

It's a very informative thread overall and I refer to it often. It might also address your questions regarding axle and wheel size.

Unfortunately, the owner has closed down due to an illness. However, you can easily recreate the kit with the following parts:
650LB springs

UNA-035

Utility Trailer Leaf Spring-Double Eye 3/Leaf 650 lb. Capacity each

www.theuniversalgroup.com

Hanger kit:

HK093221

Single axle attaching parts kit. 1 3/4" wide, double eye spring. Kit contains all parts to attach one axle to the frame. U-bolt kits are not included.

www.theuniversalgroup.com

The springs are soft with greater travel and will definitively smooth out your ride. You Should also get a nice lift out of it as well.

Ultimately, I did swap out the springs for a higher rated spring since i was pushing the upper limit of the springs with my 1200lb+ build.

Awesome thanks! I’ll look into this

 

[iamroot]

Unfortunately, the owner has closed down due to an illness. However, you can easily recreate the kit with the following parts:
650LB springs

UNA-035

Utility Trailer Leaf Spring-Double Eye 3/Leaf 650 lb. Capacity each

www.theuniversalgroup.com

The lightest spring I could find in that category is 500 lbs, and it has two leaves compared to the 3 of the 650lbs one, and, graphically, appears to be very similar to the 3-leaf one, but with the smallest leaf removed. I haven't done it yet, but I was planning to remove a leaf on the suspension for my trailer; probably the smallest one based on this.

 

[dt400]

Traliers are sprung to carry max weight on a regular basis.
You can adjust the rate of the spring pack by removing/adding leaves. I do this all the time with 4wd trucks to get a balanced ride based on desired load.
There is a trade-off since removing a leaf will leave you with less lift and more sway than stock. You can have custom packs made or have a suspension shop add arc back into the pack once you get your ride quality where you want it.
One problem with most trailers is the short leaf pack (eye - eye) these always ride poorly. Longer leaves will ride better but require you hire out or have the skillset to weld in new hangers and perches (if you go wider springs) I use Jeep YJ leaf packs and adjust from there.
Then it's time to find a shock with the correct valving/length...all fun lol.

Darrell