by GlennL » Fri Oct 19, 2012 1:16 pm
Docmark,
You are correct in pitching the stake pockets, the casters and brackets, and the folding hinges. To keep the trailer together at the hinge point
and add strength, take the two middle cross members that are back to back and nest one in each of the side rails. You will have to drill some more holes and bolt them in place. Then make a new cross member from a 2X4 and notch and cut it to fit across the middle. You may want to
shim each cross member by ripping a thin strip and place on top of each member to eliminate gaps under to floor. Depending on the final weight of your build, you may find the axle is a little weak. My teardrop was right at the weight limit of the axle when loaded for traveling, and I finally put a 2200# axle with brakes under it. Good luck on your build.
GlennL