HF trailers, high quality or just a low cost???

[tinksdad]

I am not saying "Yay" or "Nay" to the HF issue. All I can give is a personal perspective from my efforts to date.

"Itty-Bitty" was built on a HF 40x48 because it was the size TD I wanted at the time and I can't weld. It has served me well and with proper maintenance and inspections, it will continue to serve me into the future.

The second build never got finished. I started the "Paddy Wagon" on a used HF 4x8 compliments of Craigslist. I got the floor structure on and started the side wall profiles, and decided it really wasn't the style that I wanted. Going to go with a more traditional profile. I didn't cut doors and windows into the sidewalls I all ready had framed, added the roof and front wall skin, hung a couple of swing doors in the back and (again Thanks to Craigslist) it has found a home as equipment hauler for a local band. My trailer is a roadie!!

I do have another HF 40x48 frame that is being transformed into a mini-Cub baggage hauler. Got it for free because it had a bent tongue from overloading. Not sure what I'm going to do with that one when it's finished.

All that being said... my second tear (would this be #2 Part Deux?) is stuck in the planning stages. I'm torn between doing a Slumbercoach clone which will need a custom welded frame or an Ultralight frameless. To further cloud the issue, I have been looking at the re-prints of the old 30's through 50's magazine plans and toying with the idea of doing one of those brought up to modern specs. Decisions, Decisions!!

P.S. I really haven't given them a thorough look-see; but for a couple $$$ difference, I would probably go with the TSC for a ready made trailer frame. Just my opinion.

[satch]

I got over 800 miles on my HD, HF trailer, I did a few mods ( strengthen the tongue and extended the axle) so far all is good.

[bobhenry]

I have 2 teardrops on HF frames and the only problems I have had are self induced. If I were retired and going to California one week and Florida the next I would really like to have a custom frame but as I am a Hoosier and stay within the state I find the HF just fine and "Chubby" is a 5x10 and overloaded on occasion.

[Mark McD]

The HF trailers are made by Long Chi as stated earlier. I've owned two of them. My last tear was built on the HEAVY DUTY HF frame. I sold it to a guy in Texas six years ago and as far as I know it's still on the road. I still have the 1195# trailer and have used it as a farm cart for over five years with absolutely zero maintenace and having severely overloaded it on a regular basis with everything from dirt to firewood to a hayride for 25 kids and the trailer has yet to show any discernable fatigue.
That's been my experiance.