START HERE~ Forum Suggestions ~ Trailer builds & More

I want to build a 5'-wide teardrop using the Cubby plans modified to accomodate the greater width. The T & TTT forum suggests the Red Trailer SJ 8512 model, but the Red Trailer website lists the SJ 8534 as the 5' x 8' teardrop frame. It looks like the 8512 weighs about 80lbs less (263lbs) than the 8534 (343lbs), so I'd love to be able to use the 8512 to reduce the overall weight of the finished trailer. Do you think Red Trailer recommends the 8534 because it is not a folding trailer, has a little bit higher load capacity (30lbs), and a higher (90lbs) gross axel weight rating? I'm looking to make my trailer as light as possible but still want the extra room afforded by a 5'-wide design. Does anyone see a downside to using the Red Trailer 8512 instead of the 8534? Thanks!

Jill :thinking:
 
Tractor Supply Co Model SKU #1000215 GVWR- 1500 lbs Tip: the trailer tongue mounts to the trailer at only two points with hardened bolts. When I built my camper using this trailer, it became oblivious that these two bolts were the only things holding the tongue bar to the trailer assembly. I guess this was a design feature to allow for a tilt bed feature. Upon the completion of the camper and the first trial run, I noticed that there was considerable movement between the two bolts and pivoting within the joint. The 2X2 angle iron on the frame was also flexing. Every movement of the camper made the two joints jump and pivot like a see-saw. To remedy this, I welded the points were the bolts passed through the tongue and angle iron connections. BE SURE TO REMOVER THE TRAILER WIRING HARNESS FROM THE TUBING BEFORE WELDING! This eliminated the problem.
 
FYI: In some emails, the Red Trailer Discount is shown as 5% and this may have been so at one time. However, now, when you follow the advised links to the site, Red Trailer gives just $5 off... if you sign up for email offers.
 
S. Heisley":2ewzzoum said:
FYI: In some emails, the Red Trailer Discount is shown as 5% and this may have been so at one time. However, now, when you follow the advised links to the site, Red Trailer gives just $5 off... if you sign up for email offers.
Click to expand...


Welcome to the Forum S. Heisley :)

Thank you for the input on the change from the 5% coupon to the $5 buck
coupon. Everything changes and this is just one more instance.

I have made the appropriate change on the start of this thread.

I see this is your first post ... Again welcome to the forum.
If you please go over here and introduce yourself to the gang ~ :thumbsup:
 
jdr posted: The T & TTT forum suggests the Red Trailer SJ 8512 model, but the Red Trailer website lists the SJ 8534 as the 5' x 8' teardrop frame. It looks like the 8512 weighs about 80lbs less (263lbs) than the 8534 (343lbs), so I'd love to be able to use the 8512 to reduce the overall weight of the finished trailer. Do you think Red Trailer recommends the 8534 because it is not a folding trailer, has a little bit higher load capacity (30lbs), and a higher (90lbs) gross axel weight rating? I'm looking to make my trailer as light as possible but still want the extra room afforded by a 5'-wide design. Does anyone see a downside to using the Red Trailer 8512 instead of the 8534?

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi, Jill: I am also researching Red Trailers and have some information that might help you or anyone else considering which one to purchase.
I was researching the difference between the 8531 and 8534; however, the 8512 appears to be identical to the 8531 except for the color. 8512/8531 even share the same instruction manual and parts order sheet. So, when I phoned to further question the differences, here is what was confirmed:

8534 is $50 more in cost
----- is 80 lbs. more in weight
----- allows for 110 lbs more for axle weight
----- Allows for 110 lbs more in gross vehicle weight rating
----- Frame is 1" wider and 2" longer
----- Has 9" more deck to coupler clearance
----- Has no stake holes or stake supports (eh...who cares?!)
----- Has a longer & stronger tongue & is attached farther under the frame
----- Crossmbrs are pre-welded in place (8512/31's must be bolted on)

The fellow I talked to at the Red Trailer main office said that the superior tongue length and strength and the strength of the welded crossmembers were definite reasons to choose the 8534 for Teardrop trailer building.

S.
 
fresh newbie here:

The local Bi-Mart has a Victory Land Utility Trailer Kit for $199. It looks like the cousin to the Harbor Freight. I cannot find any other info on it (yet)

There is an image and link to it on the front of their circular:

http://adserver1.harvestadsdepot.com/po ... ss/bimart/

I may visit this pm and see if I can get the specs for it.

Yes, I know you get what you pay for but it sure does look the part.[/img]
 
Which ever one do yourself a big favor and reinforce the tongue with a 2x2 x 1/4 square tube.

I would advise taking it all the way to the rear. I know , I know it adds weight. Setting on the side of the road with a failed tongue is no fun either.

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adding 15 to 18 inches to the length significantly improves road manners and makes backing a great deal easier.
 
We have decided to attempt a build on a 5x8 trailer. I have poured over threads on pros and cons of the different trailers. I'm not concerned about our ability to build the actual teardrop but I feel like the information on the trailers is in a foreign language. My first question is weld vs. bolted. If we use a kit and only bolt it together, will we need to check the bolts regularly to make sure everything is still tight? Once we have the trailer I am sure we will have more questions but there is so much great information about construction here that I feel that we should be able to work our way through step by step.
Thanks for any help.
Liz (zipline65)
 
The bolt together trailers have nylock nuts in the kit. These act like a high tech lock washer. I personally feel there is no serious concern with having your trailer unbolt itsself. Just be sure you tighten them well on the first try. These nuts are a one use thing and are best replaced if you have bolted and unbolted the same fastner.

There are trailer bargains elsewhere... I picked up this one used for $250.00 and simply sawed off the side rails where I didn't want them.

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Thanks for the information, Bob. I've been watching craigslist Chicago for a used trailer religiously.
Liz
 
Just an FYI. In Steve's first post all of the links i tried are dead. Maybe my computer here at work but I don't think so. :( Still alot of good information here though! ;)
 
Has Harbor Freight stopped selling trailers? I cannot find any on their website.
Kate
 
Does anyone have any current 5x8 trailer recommendations. The only option I'm able to find is the Norther Tool Aluminum 5x8 for ~$764. I'm in CA so there aren't any NT locations anywhere near me. Red Trailer appears to be defunct. Harbor Freight seems to only offer 4' wide trailers, and any other retailer (Lowe's, Home Depot is pricier than NT).
 
kclochridge":3b5864ax said:
Does anyone have any current 5x8 trailer recommendations. The only option I'm able to find is the Norther Tool Aluminum 5x8 for ~$764. I'm in CA so there aren't any NT locations anywhere near me. Red Trailer appears to be defunct. Harbor Freight seems to only offer 4' wide trailers, and any other retailer (Lowe's, Home Depot is pricier than NT).
Click to expand...

As the title states. Several months ago, the Ironton 5x8 Steel Trailer was discontinued at Northern Tool. Left a bit of a hole in the inexpensive DIY Trailer space.
( https://www.northerntool.com/products/i ... city-37552 ) . But maybe used ones can still be found.

However, they have another 5x8 Steel Trailer with the same branding as their 5x8 Ultra-Tow Aluminum Trailer... Introducing: Ultra-Tow Steel Trailer.
( https://www.northerntool.com/products/u ... ty-5569378 )

Similar Capability, different fenders, few other details.
 
:thinking: A lot of our trailer kits come from China, and with the tariff war going on right now, there isn't much available. Trailer Supply usually has some but their website says they have none. You could try calling the individual Trailer Supply stores near you and see if they happen to have one in their local warehouse. If they do, grab it! You could also look for an old trailer that could be bought for a minor price and then strip it down to the frame.

Here is a 5x8 on Ebay, if it's still there:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/395921817020?m ... 1745465763
 
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