Need tips on squaring HF 1780 frame

[Werdahekrwe]

Update on the "Foam Duck"Bought an HF 1780 (with 5 stud wheels and spindles with grease fittings) a few weeks ago and have it nearly complete. Just need to clean and grease the bearings and add the tongue jnck. Need any and all tips on squaring the frame. Tried the old geometric formula 3sq+4sq on 2 legs = 5sq on third leg IF IT IS SQUARE. But that is just one half (the back half). Looks great. Read somewhere that getting the same measurement from center point of coupler to both axle centering studs is a good way. Any ideas on making sure everything IS SQUARE is next step. Any/all pointers welcome. Soon as I get it square with a tongue jack added will send pics.

[fotooutdoors]

The generalized formula is
a^2 + b^2 = c^2
Where a and b are your short sides and c is the third side of your right triangle (a right triangle is one with a 90° corner). So, assuming the trailer sides are actually 4' x 8', then the diagonal between corners should be 8' 11 1/4"

[Redneck Teepee]

Measure from corner to corner diagonally, front right... to rear left and front left.... to rear right.... when they are the same it is square.

[Werdahekrwe]

Thanks (as we say here in West Virginia) a bushel and a peck. At 70yrs+ it "ain't" always easy to remember jr high & high school math. Now all I need is to get my grand son (2nd year colleage & abt 220# of former HS football player) to help me get it out of the garage and put the axle & wheels on it. Pics as soon as I get it out w wheels on it. People on this board are always helpful and never look down their noses at those who ask for help

[dales133]

Measure from corner to corner diagonally, front right... to rear left and front left.... to rear right.... when they are the same it is square.

X2 on that,3 4 5 will work to check the corners independantly but if you check the frame rails for parallel then measure the diagonals your sorted

[pchast]

Square is a good start. I found I needed to use a string and check that
mine was flat and straight too. I ended up shimming the two squares
together to get a flat base when it was tightened up.

Alignment is also important. I had a helper and measured and adjusted
from corner points and the axle perch to the coupler several times. I
really fussed, likely more than necessary.

[Tomterrific]

Drop a 4x8 plywood floor on the trailer. It should fit but any racking of the frame will be obvious.

Measuring from corner to corner is best if you don't have the floor yet. An other interesting measurement is the hitch coupler to each hub to get the same distance.

Tomt

[Werdahekrwe]

Thanks again. Man, trying to build the FOAM DUCK and having the DW going through triple bypass in June has been a real rough time. Any of you that believe in the power of prayer, please rember her (Erma Lee) as she has to have another heart cath due to continued chest paines. Been married 49+ years. Can't afford to lose her now. Thanks in advance.

[ctstaas]

Hi There, I made my frame perfectly square and the plywood was 1/16" out. That 1/16" grew to 1/8" at the hatch and I had some fancy woodworking to do.
Enjoy, Chris