Red Trailers 5X8 folding trailer V.S others

[Chef_Stan]

Hi all,
I have been looking at the Tractor Supply 4X8 Trailer for $369. I have also read about how people need to beef up the toung. I have had experience with an older tilt trailer that had a similar design and eventually failed where the draw bar meets the cross member. So I agree that they need to be reinforced. Locally I have a welder who charges $60.00/hour plus materials. The red trailers 5X8 trailer is $650.ish, so almost double the price. This cuts into the budget quite a bit. However is it money well spent?

The way I am looking at it is this:
- I will probably spend an additional $150 to $200 to have the TSP trailer reinforced.
- I will have to extend the TSP trailer's width to 5'
+ The TSP trailer is local for pick up and assembled

- The Red Trailer is more $
+ The red trailer does not need welding modifications

UNKNOWN The TSP trailer is rated for 1500# the Red Trailer for 1150#, does this make the TSP trailer stronger? Is 1500 on the TSP being optimistic?

It seems like a trailer built completly out of angle iron (TSP) is lighter duty than boxed 2X4 steel.

I have not looked much into Harbor Freight or Northern Tool, but from what others have said it seems like the HF one is about the same as the TSP trailer (needs upgrading)

I do not want to do something and regret it. My thoughts are to build a Teardrop to the best of my abilities over the winter for use next summer. The second one I will be willing to spend a year or two on. Once I build the second one I will sell the first one, so I want it to be strong and good for the next owner as well. I do not want to sell a piece of junk and dump it on someone. But I want to keep the costs down as well.

Thanks

Stan

[dh]

Just my personal opinion, but a square tube frame is easier to build on if you don't want the frame to show. I've looked at the TSC trailer, and thats a mod I would do to the tongue for around $60 in my shop,(I have a strict no job to small/no minimum shop fee policy that gets me a lot of busines) materials included. I'd add 2 pieces of angle to it to make a composite tongue. Have you looked on craigslist or the calssafides (Are those still around?) for used trailer? That may be more bang for the buck.

[Chef_Stan]

I have not look for used, I dont want to spend a bunch of time fixing up someones junk. I guess I could look and be picky. Good advice on the square tube is easier. Maybe I need to look for a less expensive welder too!

I saw a technique that some one used 2X3's and cut a kerf in them where the wood crossed the top of the angle iron and it slipped down over the vertical flange and sat on top of the horizontal flange, then ran out past the edge of the trailer to make it 5 feet wide.

The other drawback to the TSP trailer is it is only 4' wide which means the wheel wells would be inside the body. I am not sure what I think of that.

[Mightydog]

We found a local utility trailer builder to make our chassis. He used 2-inch square tube and a Dexter torsion axle. It's 5-feet wide by 7-feet long. The price included two tires on 13-inch rims. Total price was a little over $500.

It took a few phone calls to find the right guy, but it was worth it. We've since sent more than a few TD builders his way for their chassis.

[bobhenry]

I have not look for used, I dont want to spend a bunch of time fixing up someones junk. .

There are lots of nice trailers in back yards everywhere. I am always trolling the alleys and by ways on the prowl for my next project.




I picked this one up for $250 and it had the tongue droop from being overloaded and the 2nd crossmember was bent down where the tongue ended. 39.00 for a stick of 2x2x1/4 and I had a tongue replaced from rear to coupler.

P.S. that 2x2 rear stub makes a good reciever



look close and you will see the ball on the rear of the barn.
It let's me do this........

[bobhenry]

I walked up to the door and asked about this little trailer and was told it was NOT for sale.

I left my number and asked if she changed her mind to please call me. 3 days later the phone rang and she upped my $50.00 offer to a price of $60.00 and I told her I would be there after work.







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