HELP....FRAME QUESTIONS....

[Olguy]

Hello all.
I have been looking for the right frame (bolt together) but cannot seem to get any information from product handlers. I am considering a 5 x 8 frame with a max weight of 1305 and a payload of 158o and a gross axle load of 1980. I am adding an additional 2 feet of chanel making a trailer of 5 x 10. since the axle is adjustable for the weight distribution. I am wondering if these weights are enough for the trailer once it has additions such as Ice box, Small Micowave, bedding, propane bottle (tonge) and misc. packed inside.
Anyone know????? The style of the Teardrop Im going to construct is the Lil Bear 10 FF....

[mikeschn]

Hi Olguy,

Welcome to the forum.

So you're looking to end up with a 5x10 trailer. Hmmmm there are a couple choices that come to mind (not counting building out over the frame).

1) Get the redtrailer.com 5x10 like I did. Problem is, it's a welded trailer, and the axle is in the wrong place. See my fussing and fuming here...
http://www.mikenchell.com/Generic_ET_Photo_Album/

2) Go to Harbor Freight and buy the 5x8 car hauler. Last time I looked it was $599. There's enough steel there to turn it into just about anything you want. I'm seriously considering that for my next chassis.

Mike...

[Cmdr]

Hello Mike,
OK now I'm starting to get a little confused on the 3 options...HF 5x8 Car hauler, Redtrailer 5x8 or NT 5X8....What your opinion or anybody elses opinion?
Thanks, Cmdr

[angib]

2) Go to Harbor Freight and buy the 5x8 car hauler. Last time I looked it was $599. There's enough steel there to turn it into just about anything you want. I'm seriously considering that for my next chassis.

Interesting:
- comes with a one piece frame - no folding joint to fix.
- axle brackets bolt on underneath frame - easy to redrill and move (might even be able to do it after the teardrop is complete).

Lots of bits to throw away though.

Andrew

[mikeschn]

Which option fits your design the best? How about cost, shipping versus pickup?

Mike...

[Sparksalot]

I went with the 5x8 bolt together Redtrailer kit. I left the axle in the "factory" position but extended the frame in front of the axle to get to 115" total frame length.

You can see more here:
http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?t=22611

[Cmdr]

I like the design of Northern Tool Kit but don't like the shipping problems others have talked about....In Ca. you need to register the trailer within 30 days or face fines or late fees. Not good if your trying to chase parts down that have been scattered by UPS across the country side....Will probably go with HF 1500 Lb. Capacity 60" x 96" Trailer with Tailgate Ramp and 12" Wheels and Tires Haul-Master 93747-6VGA for $599 I have a store approx. 45 miles away....It'll be a Good Drive


Cmdr.

[mikeschn]

That's what I would do too Cmdr! As for the extra metal. Save it, or send it to me!

Mike...

[2bits]

You might want to check out you local welding fabricator, maybe the prices won't be too much and you can have everything custom made to your spec. You can get the square steel tube you need for just over $100 at a steel mill and my frame took exactly two hours to make, at $100 per hour that's $200 (just tossing a number out)



Next would be a totally custom torsion axle for $175 from Redneck trailer and automotive style wheels and tires for another $300 (I got 14" chrome smoothies, much nicer). I am not using standard trailer lights so those would have been tossed anyway. Oh and a $15 hitch and $15 wheel stand rounds it out at $800.



That's $200 more than the car hauler before they charge you freight and top of the line quality and custom all the way around. Not to mention you wouldn't need to bolt together a trailer, and mess with relocating axles. I know it's a little more complicated, but just another thought to ponder.

To answer your original question those numbers sound just fine!

[Cmdr]

Thank you all for responding...Don't be surprised if the extra steel winds up on your door step......

Thomas,
Love the picture of your 67'- 68' chevy pickup....I have a 94' C1500 shortbed since new with 165,000 miles still runs strong.....In fact that will be my tow vehicle......As for welding I use to do farm welding...Not pretty but good enough the get the machinery back out in the field and working....It was good enough to hold and that was all that was important....However that was another life-time ago.....One I long for again.....Oh well maybe when I retire.....Sooo with that in mind I will have to settle for the bolt together kit.....
Thanks guys for your help,
Cmdr

[2bits]

Thanks for the compliment on my truck, It is a '71 in the front and a '79 in the back

Yah, I took a welding class locally a couple of years ago, but never got a welder so I never got practice, I designed my frame myself but I don't think I would trust myself to build it either! I just just lucky with the good ole boy system with my welder friend.

You know, It doesn't matter what you decide on, as long as you decide and jump in! Man, I think about things way too much on my project, but you have to and I almost always enjoy exploring all the different options. Welcome !

[cdfnchico]

We also bought the HF 5X8 ...there's a sheet of current coupons & specials at HF that includes one for the Model 93747 for 499.00 that's good through 10/20/08. And in store pickup means no shipping either. It is special order...you order & pay for it and pick it up about 4-5 days later. Good luck & have fun!

[asianflava]

I bought all the steel and all the parts. I brought them to my buddy's shop and worked on it there. I used his abrasive saw to cut all the steel. When I was done, I layed it out on the floor. We checked it for square and he welded it together. I didn't want to take up his time so I tried to do as much work as I could. Total time for him, about 30min.

I towed it home that night, no tags, no lights, no nothing. We only live 4 miles away from his shop, plus he followed me home.

[Cmdr]

Thank you all for the helpful information and the incouragement.....I'm slowly on my way....Just kinda waiting for the summer heat here in the Ca. desert to cool down to start building....Plans are to be finished by May 09' for the maden voyage.
Cmdr