Grabbing a HF Trailer..

[Metalhead]

Still messing around with the final design of my first build, but I am pretty certain that it will be a 5 wide and somewhere in the 9.5 to 10' long range.

I've seen a few people on here that are building 5x10s on 4x8 trailers. I'd like to grab one of the HF 4x8 1750 lb trailers while they are on sale this month. I've found a store about an hour away that stocks them which will save a few bucks on freight.

I guess my question to the forum is: are there any other considerations that a newbie such as myself should think about before diving in to the first step in my first build. :mrgreen:

Looking forward to being able to start the final design using true trailer dimensions but didn't want to rush into it and overlook something.

**Excuse any spelling/grammar errors as I'm posting this from my phone.

[ctstaas]

Hi Metalhead, Two things:
I don't trust HF trailers and if I were to use one I would re=pack the bearings Immediately and keep an eye on its stress points as you use it.
Hold your roof spars to 48" minimum apart so you'll have backing for 4' wide roof panels run lengthwise across the width of the cabin.
Have fun and take lots of pictures if you can.
Enjoy, Chris

[Kharn]

You absolutely must pack all four bearings (there are two per hub, the instructions are not clear on that), they come shipped in rust-preventing goo, not proper high temperature grease. Don't worry about the scrap from cutting 4x8' sheets to 60", I used almost all of mine in my interior and galley cabinetry.

[Metalhead]

You absolutely must pack all four bearings (there are two per hub, the instructions are not clear on that), they come shipped in rust-preventing goo, not proper high temperature grease. Don't worry about the scrap from cutting 4x8' sheets to 60", I used almost all of mine in my interior and galley cabinetry.

Hi Metalhead, Two things:
I don't trust HF trailers and if I were to use one I would re=pack the bearings Immediately and keep an eye on its stress points as you use it.
Hold your roof spars to 48" minimum apart so you'll have backing for 4' wide roof panels run lengthwise across the width of the cabin.
Have fun and take lots of pictures if you can.
Enjoy, Chris

Thanks for the info guys! I saw how many threads there were about repacking the bearings. I will definitely put it on my to-do before taking it on the road.

I will probably start a build thread over the weekend after I pick up the trailer on Saturday, and hope to take as many pictures as possible to be able to put together an album at the end of the build.

[Graniterich]

I just picked one up an hour ago. FYI they couldn't find the paper work (DMV) at all, used to be on outside of box... Long story short at was rolled up and stuffed into part of the frame piece in long box. May save you some time.

[OuttaHand]

I built on this type of trailer and had no problems. But I did take steps to make the teardrop a "whole unit" instead of wood on top of a steel trailer.

Take a look at my build log here: http://webpages.charter.net/outtahand/

See how I used construction adhesive and bolts to attach the trailer sides directly to the trailer frame. Doing this makes the trailer sides a structural component of the trailer as a whole -- not just of the wooden portion on top. It ties the wood to the frame, and reinforces the frame itself.

[Metalhead]

Thanks for the reply slow cowboy. I actually picked one up yesterday morning and have it put together minus the wheel hubs.

I'll be starting a build thread tomorrow when I get to the better Internet at my office. Look forward to discussing ideas and design with everyone.

[nevadatear]

From Randy, the machinist, who has replaced thousands of bearings on axles. Slow, i don't want this to sound like a difference of opinion, but flat don't know what you are talking about. The light HF frames and axles can be serviceable for lightweight trailer (under 1000 lbs). They are not heavy enough for anything bigger without beefing up.

The bearings are fine if you are putting around your own neighbor hood camping, like a couple of hundred miles. But if you are planning a real trip they are just not up to stuff and you risk bearing failure and ruined axles and you can lose your trailer. It is a small safety protection to remove the bearings that come with the trailer and install some quality bearings (like timken) for your peace of mind.

When it comes to packing bearings, if you have never packed your bearings, and to get the correct tension on them, be sure and have some one show you or watch the good YouTubes out there.

I really wonder, too, about the 80% number. We've been to many gatherings, with many home builds, and have certainly never seen anything like that number. More like 20% as a half $&@ guess. We are own our way home from a gathering now. 4 home builds, 5 commercial, 1 HF Trailer on a very light, appropriate build.

[nevadatear]

Metal head, your trailer sounds beefy enough for your build. But change the bearings! Randy.

[KennethW]

If that the HF trailer I think it is. By going heavy duty you get a 2" ball 5 bolt hubs and a round axle(not the u canal axle) with the round axle if you like the low profile look can put the axle above the springs if you cut a slot in the mounting bracket and have fender wells inside(cut the foam mattress to fit?). If you build light you may consider removing the center leaf on the springs for a softer ride. I have over 5000 miles on mine HF trailer, no problems. Just my thoughts. Like Slowcowboy ,I agree for the money the HF trailer is a good trailer. Any bearing will fail if not packer properly(good quality grease pusher thru the bearing) and if the nut is to tight( spin the hub when tightening until you feel a little resistant loosen one notch. Always worked for me.

[bobhenry]

I really wonder, too, about the 80% number. We've been to many gatherings, with many home builds, and have certainly never seen anything like that number. More like 20% as a half $&@ guess. We are own our way home from a gathering now. 4 home builds, 5 commercial, 1 HF Trailer on a very light, appropriate build.

I can only speak for myself. Three of my 5 builds were on HF frames. That's 60%. Chubby weighs in at 1850 pounds and those poor Chinese bearings are still going around and around. 8 - 12 gatherings from 200 - 400 miles round trip. Hell he even towed the chuck wagon in tandum.

[nevadatear]

Glad they have worked for you. I am sure there are many success stories. My recommendations come from 40 years of fixing the ones that weren't so successful and ended up on the side of the road. And the majority of the time they are Chinese bearings. Changing bearings is the first thing Thing I did on my own purchased axle for my build and would recommend it to others. I am also not minimalist, so I change bearings when they should be changed, not when they breakdown. For @50$. It is inexpensive insurance. Just my professional opinion. Your build is your build.

Randy

[Metalhead]

Thanks for the info Nevada. I'm looking into upgrading to 15" wheels as well so I will most likely upgrade the bearings while I'm at it.

Never been a huge fan of the 12 in wheels (which came with the trailer).

[Metalhead]

I can only speak for myself. Three of my 5 builds were on HF frames. That's 60%. Chubby weighs in at 1850 pounds and those poor Chinese bearings are still going around and around. 8 - 12 gatherings from 200 - 400 miles round trip. Hell he even towed the chuck wagon in tandum.

Definitely gives me some confidence Bob, even in the stock wheels/bearings!

[Metalhead]

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