Northern trailer ironton 5x8 trailer

[LDK]

I just wonder if this is the same as the older northern trailer 5x8 trailer. It must be a newer trailer because it doesn't have any reviews yet.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/ ... _200612541

[MtnDon]

We have one of the previous models. All I can say is it looks about the same. Differences I see from the photos are different lights. The old one came with a different cross-member on the A-frame tongue; the old one had a spare tire mount plate instead of the simpler looking one that is pictured. Can't say much more than that.

[les45]

There are several companies in China that make these trailers for Northern Tool, Harbor Freight, and others. All their products look pretty much the same with just minor changes from time to time and among the various makers. "Ironton" is a NT trademark store brand name much like "Chicago" and "Pittsburgh" in the HF stores. The new trailer looks very similar to my three year old NT 5X8. I've seen these same types of changes in the HF trailer line over the years.

[LDK]

Hey Les,

The question and answer section said the metal thickness is 1/8". Surely they mean the cross members and not the side rails. I'm thinking about purchasing this trailer but I need more input on it.

[MtnDon]

Side rails too. I can't go measure the previous model to confirm the exact thickness, as ours is 66 miles away. But I do remember that the main frame and the cross-members were the same thickness of C-channel as I checked that before welding the corners. The cross-members are slightly less tall in order to fit into the main rail C-section.

[les45]

Hey Les,

The question and answer section said the metal thickness is 1/8". Surely they mean the cross members and not the side rails. I'm thinking about purchasing this trailer but I need more input on it.

I measured mine and the side rails are exactly 1/8" thick, same as the cross members. Mine is about three years old and was made by Long Chih. It is the 5X8 NT with 1,980 lb gvw and almost exactly the same as the one in the new ad (note that the gvw rating is exactly the same also). Mine even has the same smaller cross brace in the tongue section and the same round fenders, lights, etc. My build weighs about 1,400 lbs fully loaded and I have had no problems. Keep in mind that the strength of the side rails is gained by the side walls of the teardrop. When properly fastened, the walls act like a tall beam with significantly more strength than the side rails alone. I would definitely buy another of these same trailers if I were starting a new build. The only thing I changed on mine was the wheels and tires. I did go to 13" passenger car tires, not so much because I didn't trust the Chinese tires, but I needed something for a smoother ride. I found that the stiff sidewalls of the 12" stock Chinese tires made my trailer bounce excessively. The new 13" tires eliminated that problem. Hope this helps.

[MtnDon]

I also added shocks to mine. Made a difference to the ride. It's an ATV and camp/hunt gear carrier now.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000JWM9EE/ref=oh_details_o08_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

That's the one Monroe used to sell in their trailer shock kit

[Tommy2tone_1999]

I'm unboxing my Ironton 5x8 trailer now. Runners and cross members are both 1/8", but the runners are a hair thicker.

[LDK]

Runners and cross members are both 1/8", but the runners are a hair thicker.

That's the way my Hf trailer was. The cross members were 1/8"thick and the side runners were more like 3/16" thick.

[jjshoe]

Per the website the Ironton is rated only to do 45mph. Is it the rubber, hubs, axles, yadda that limits it to that?

[MtnDon]

This is a guess; probably the tires.

[KCStudly]

Probably the tires, but most likely the lawyers.

[Woodbutcher]

HELP PLEASE!!! Can one of you guys with the Northern tool trailer give me a measurement from the front of the 8" side back to the center of the axle. I have a project I want to do and that is the frame I am considering. But no where on the website does it give the dimension. Also how much clearance is there between the tire and the frame. Can I hide the frame with a 3/4" board with enough clearance that the tire won't rub.

[MtnDon]

I would be happy tp mesure that for you, but it won't be for a week, as our trailer is 66 miles away from home and all alone at present. I should be able to measure next weekend. That dimension is easily changed though with a drill and making new holes for the spring brackets and fenders. I can also measure the tire / frame clearance. Unless someone else comes first....


BTW, mine is the model previous to the present model. There may or may not be differences.

[LDK]

Also how much clearance is there between the tire and the frame. Can I hide the frame with a 3/4" board with enough clearance that the tire won't rub.

According to the website on the question and answer section the clearance between the inside of the tire and the side of the frame is 1.42" (36MM).