Officially started

[LMarsh]

I started my HF trailer today. I assembled it and then disassembled it to weld the joints. I got about half way and should finish it tomorrow. I posted my first pics in my album too.

Of course I was freakin' missing parts. I'll call HF and see if they have any on hand otherwise maybe I'll just go buy the hardware I need.

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[edevans]

Good start. You'll be camping before you know it. Ed

[Claw]

Way to go L. Do you have a profile picked out for that good looking frame?

[rbeemer]

LMarsh,

Before you get too far into welding, have you relocated the axle so that you have the correct tongue weight for your trailer?

Andrew put together a nice spreadsheet that you fill out with estimated weight to give you a good measurement for your axle. the spreadsheet is located in the design library.

[LMarsh]

Thanks for the thumbs up on my humble beginings.

For simplicity and maximum floor length I'm going with a 5x8" Benroy. There is no way I could sleep two people in a 4' wide TD. I've been planning my setup for sometime and I should have everything ready and a design to go over the wheels. I'll be posting photos of my progress too.

Lucas

[LMarsh]

Yes I've used the spread sheet to determine the axle location. But actually I did forget because I was getting carried away! Thanks for the reminder. I'll be sure to get it in the proper spot tomorrow.

Lucas

[Claw]

I've been planning my setup for sometime and I should have everything ready and a design to go over the wheels. I'll be posting photos of my progress too.

Lucas

So you have been daydreaming at work about the design I've been there.

I have seen a couple that have tucked the wheels underneath and I think that is a very practical way to go. Keep at it

[LMarsh]

So I'm almost done with my trailer. The welding made it take way longer than just bolting it. Plus I did some modifications to make it a non-folder. I found an easy way to relocate the axle though. I just swapped the right and left spring mounts and bolted the back end of them where the second to last cross piece is and it gives almost exactly 39" from the rear to the axle. The orginial setup measured about 43" I think. Thats real close to the Trailer Balance page's "reasonable compromise" of 38" and my planned 40". I just had to drill a couple holes for each side. I'll post some more pics in my album of my setup and how I modified it.

I did spend 2 days trying to get that missing bolt from Harbor Freight before I found it in my tool box!

[jplock]

Hey it loks like all you lack is finishing up! Good start!
jplock

[LMarsh]

Our tear is coming along and here is the profile we went with. Its based on the "Harbor Freight Trailer" from the design library except I made it 8' long instead of 10'. I did patch a little piece of plywood on the back so my curve could extend past 8' in the front. So far so good, but man does that tar get everywhere.

-Lucas