Northern Tools 5x8 frame

[TPMcGinty]

I want to build a Teardrop Trailer based on the Generic Benroy Plans. I stopped in the local Northern Tools store and they had a welded 5x8 flatbed trailer frame for $319. This beats the $625 price for the delivery of a RedTrailer. It is made of angle iron and just has a straight tongue. It also has fenders that are welded on. It's rated for 1800#'s. Does anyone seen or had any experience with this trailer?

[sid]

That trailer is on sale right now for $299. We built out BenRoy on one of those this year.

Check our album and web site.

[TPMcGinty]

Sid, I guess my questions is since the frame is 60" wide how do you modify the plans to work for the extra 2 inches? The generic Benroy plans have you cut the bolt together frame down.

[sid]

Sid, I guess my questions is since the frame is 60" wide how do you modify the plans to work for the extra 2 inches? The generic Benroy plans have you cut the bolt together frame down.

I didn't cut the frame. I made no modifications to the trailer at all.

I simply built the teardrop to fit inside the trailer frame. The sides of the tear do not overhang the sides on the trailer, but it worked out just great that way for me. I also built a 2x4 frame under the complete bed area and it all serves as storage. Plus, it gives you something to bolt the trailer to.

Take a look at my web site....

[mikeschn]

If you don't want to hide the frame, you can build on top of the frame, like my 4x8 Benroy. See pictures here.
http://www.mikenchell.com/4x8_Benroy_Photo_Album/

If you do want to hide your frame, just build according to the plans but make everything 2" wider to accomodate your frame. But instead of using 5' wide plywood, you'll use 4x8 sheets of plywood. A little extra playing around to make things work, but it's still easy enough.

Mike...

P.S. Another thought is to build it on top of the chassis, and then just bring the aluminum skin down to hide the chassis. (If you are using aluminum.)

[TPMcGinty]

Thanks Mike and Sid for all the help. Sid I like the way you did yours. I'm not sure the 4" storage area under the floor would work for me because I want to put four ice fishing hatches in. Maybe I could do both. I will have to think on it. Also It looks like you (Sid) made the bottom of the galley bigger to fit a cooler. Is that true and if so can you still fit a queen size mattress in the sleep area?

[sid]

Thanks Mike and Sid for all the help. Sid I like the way you did yours. I'm not sure the 4" storage area under the floor would work for me because I want to put four ice fishing hatches in. Maybe I could do both. I will have to think on it. Also It looks like you (Sid) made the bottom of the galley bigger to fit a cooler. Is that true and if so can you still fit a queen size mattress in the sleep area?

No, the bottom of the galley is the same size, just laid out different.

Sounds to me though, if your going to park it over ice, you might want to fill that 4 inches up with insulation.

[TPMcGinty]

Hey that's a great idea! But I think I can do both. Tell me what you think? I can still build the access for the under floor storage but I can fill it with some foam insulation in the winter time and remove the insulation during the summer for extra storage. Sound doable?

[TPMcGinty]

Oh I forgot to tell you. I picked up my trailer frame at Northern Tool today! It was on sale for $299 and will be on sale until the 17th of November. I can't believe I'm jumping into this so fast. It usually takes me a month or two to commit to a project this big.

[Gerdo]

Sounds great. It sounds like you have a plan and plan on using your TTT for more than just camping, ice fishing. Don't get "cold feet" and get working on it. You will enjoy the TTT and the satisfaction that you built it.

[sid]

Hey that's a great idea! But I think I can do both. Tell me what you think? I can still build the access for the under floor storage but I can fill it with some foam insulation in the winter time and remove the insulation during the summer for extra storage. Sound doable?

Sounds like a great plan!

Congrats on the trailer purchase. You'll be happy with it.

[Alfred]

Hi!

I just bought a Northern Tool 5x8 last Tuesday 11/13/07. It was on sale for $299. I think it is going to be a great trailer, and it is in the same price range that the competitors (Harbor Freight, Tractor Supply) are selling their smaller 4x8's.

AL in Asheville

[bowop14]

Hey, I have been lurking and learning for awhile now. I guess you can say I'm addicted and haven't even built one yet but thats fixing to change.

I went to Northern tool in Memphis this past friday( they had a 10% off sale) to get a 5x8 trailer but everyone of them had bent fenders and they were not going to sale them just send them back. I told the guy if they would give a little more off I would buy one. he gave another 5% I said I'll take it. with 15% off I got the trailer for 297 and change.

I'm was not going to use those fender to begin with but you use what you can to get a good deal.

[TPMcGinty]

Hey, I have been lurking and learning for awhile now. I guess you can say I'm addicted and haven't even built one yet but thats fixing to change.

I went to Northern tool in Memphis this past friday( they had a 10% off sale) to get a 5x8 trailer but everyone of them had bent fenders and they were not going to sale them just send them back. I told the guy if they would give a little more off I would buy one. he gave another 5% I said I'll take it. with 15% off I got the trailer for 297 and change.

I'm was not going to use those fender to begin with but you use what you can to get a good deal.

Great deal! I'm going to eventually change out to a nicer fender too! Maybe not right away but it's something I could do any time.

[HossHoffer]

Any way to get one to Colorado? I looked on the web site but couldn't find a 5x8 trailer except a $850 one. I wonder if the $299 is in-store only.