Another problem with NT 5 x 8 trailer

[SmokeyBob]

While measuring the distance between the side rails I noticed that the center distance was 1/4" less than the end measurements. The center area of the trailer is bowed in on both sides.

I wounder if this is unique to my trailer or are they all built this way? If I hadn't noticed this my walls would have been bowed.

Here you can see the gap, it's the same at the other end. In the center of the trailer the 2x4 is touching the vertical side of the trailer frame. I think I have a way of fixing this gap but I'll have to show pics.


Just a pic of the floor framing

[Roly Nelson]

Wow, that's a new one. I would suppose the trailer frame is built on a jig that is out of alignment. This looks like a good reason to give the supplier a regulation growl. If I were the manufaturer, I would like to know about it. Keep us advised on what your fix will be.
Roly

[SmokeyBob]

Hi Roly
At first I thought of filling that gap with some spray foam that comes in a can. Then I thought doing that might trap water and cause rusting. Finally I decided to just leave it open. Any water getting in there will just run out and the wood is covered with that tar like paint. My floor frame is square and when I attach the walls you won't see the gap anyway.

The trailer frame is square when measured diagonally from corner to corner. Never thought to check the side rails to see if the distance between them was the same. They are bowed in 1/4" on each side right where the axle springs are welded to the frame. It's like they were made this way at the factory.

I'm going by Northern Tools today so I'll ask if this is normal for this type of trailer. Will let you know what they say.

[starleen2]

thanks for the info guys

[SmokeyBob]

While I was at Northern Tools I asked a guy who was in charge of the trailers if he knew anything about the trailer frame being bowed. He said he had no idea why it would be bowed.

Today I called Carry On (1-800-240-3121) and asked to speak to someone who had knowledge on how these trailers were built. I spoke to this guy and told him about the frame being bowed. The only thing he could think off was in welding the frame the heat could draw the metal and make it warp.

I don't think he understood what I was talking about because what he said didn't make any sense to me. To me it looks like the center cross members were to short and the side rails were pulled in so they could weld them.

Any way I still don't have an answer as to why it's bowed. If your going to buy a trailer like this, take your tape measure with you.

[Roly Nelson]

I think you hit the nail on the head. If it is a 1/4 inch shy on each side, that means that it is a total of 1/2 short, overall with their cross members. That is unacceptable, and unless the users are only going to haul hay or manure on it, some changes should be made in the quality control of their product. Just my 2 cents.
Roly

[Tx River Rat]

the guy from carry on was probably right .
If the person tacking up the trailer welded the center cross member first it would heat the inside of the tube making it bow out, and if he didn't
pull the ends back in with a clamp you would have what you have on your trailer, an 1/8 inch gap on both ends.
That is certainly weldable with a wire feed, sounds like who ever was doing the welding wasn't following the welding procedures for that jig.
Ron

[Cmdr]

Hello Smokey Bob,
I'm new to this forum and was wondering where you bought the trailer? Was it kit?
Thanks, Cmdr Collins

[SmokeyBob]

Hello Smokey Bob,
I'm new to this forum and was wondering where you bought the trailer? Was it kit?
Thanks, Cmdr Collins

I bought the trailer at Northern Tools. It comes welded together.

Note earlier post about the tongue design. If you decide to buy one, measure the distance between the side rails to make sure it's the same at both ends and in the middle. Depending on how you mount your floor frame to the trailer frame it can cause you problems with your walls being bowed.

[Von Pook]

I bought the exact same trailer as you did Smokey Bob, and mine was curved inward in the center as well. I was able to force it out using clamps and a long breaker bar. It was not easy, but I got it done. I guess the jig is crooked. I really like your tounge upgrade. I have already started my build, but plan to have a buddy beef up my tounge on it.

[dmckruit]

I think they are all built this way. I got a 4x8 Tractor Supply trailer which is made by Carry On. Not only is the sides bowed out a little, but the back of the trailer is bowed down behind the axle. Since I am going to build a 5 wide, I am just going to build a subframe out of treated 2x4's and level them up with washers underneath. Then I will build out with treated plywood. For my build the variations in frame don't matter, because I'm not using it to square up my teardrop, nor will I see the frame after its built.

[Von Pook]

I got ahold of Carry-On Trailer and also spoke with a driver that delivers the trailers to NT. Carry-On stated that the problem was not on their end, and the truck driver stated, and I quote "oops". He noticed the way the trailers are stacked and strapped on the truck for delivery could be causing the issue. From the bouncing the trailers take and the pressure from the rachet straps could cause the side rails of the trailer to warp. I have contacted Carry-On, and they promise to look into the matter.

[needafixit]

I bought one of these trailers, they had six in stock,they were all welded together crooked but no two were the same. take a tape measure with you when you go look at them,check for square,some cross members were welded in crooked,keep measuring till you find a straight one

[Carter]

I'm not suprised that the sides are out .25" These are built quickly (look at the price) and they are not worried about a little drawing from the welding because it makes no difference if you are hauling lawn mowers or trash to the dump. After all, that is what they are designed for. I'm building a frame now and using 2x1 channel. it is a real chore to keep it from pulling out of shape. it would be lot's easier with 2x2 tubing but twice the weight, and cost.
Jim