HF tires and trailer brakes

[Toytaco2]

I wish I had known in the beginning how much I would regret building on an HF trailer! But that is what I have and I'm still trying to work with it many years later. I just spent a couple of hours searching old threads on a couple of topics that have come up frequently over the years, but knowing how the knowledge base here has grown during that time, I'd love to hear some current input on two issues:

1. What is the current thinking on the best way to install a 13 inch rim and tire on the HF trailer (I have the 1,720 lb HD version).
2. Has anyone added trailer brakes to the HF trailer and how did you do so. Thoughts on a parts source would be greatly appreciated.

I realize the answer to both questions could be an axle swap which I am open to doing since I have a lot of work in the trailer and I'm not opposed to investing some money to get a more road worthy camper for the long road trips we are planning this summer.

Thanks,

Mike

[saywhatthat]

I would regret building on an HF trailer!

let's see you bought the cheapest trailer you could find . IF you did not overloaded drive to fast do a bit of upkeep what went wrong..
. why do you need 13'' wheels. is it you seen on the web you had to have them. With bigger tires you won't have room for a flat if you did not overweight te frame Why do you need breaks
nice looking trailer

[Pmullen503]

You pretty much have to swap the axle if you want brakes.

[QueticoBill]

I agree with Pmullen503. I plan to do this with my Northern Tools trailer. Tow vehicle is rated 2900 but over 1000 requires brakes. I plan to go to etrailer.com for all: axel, brakes, wheels and tires, and controller.

[gudmund]

this is not the 'first' time this has been said here and probably won't be the last.......

[Toytaco2]

Thanks Bill. Are you keeping the original leaf springs? If so, do you know if they are they the same “slip/slapper” style found on the HF trailers. I’ve sourced a bolt on upgraded leaf spring and bracket set for the HF but not sure yet if I will do that.


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[Pmullen503]

Do you know your total weight? HF trailer ratings are *optimistic*.

[Toytaco2]

My camper's total weight with mattress and stuff in the galley is 1,340 lbs. According to the manual, the bare trailer itself weighs 330 lbs. The manual states the maximum load capacity of the trailer is 1,740 lbs and does not say whether that includes the trailer itself. Either way, I should be safely within the trailer's capacity.


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[QueticoBill]

Thanks Bill. Are you keeping the original leaf springs? If so, do you know if they are they the same “slip/slapper” style found on the HF trailers. I’ve sourced a bolt on upgraded leaf spring and bracket set for the HF but not sure yet if I will do that.


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I plan to use NT leaf springs. They are the slipper style. I moved them back and underslung the axel.

Its my plan, subject to change as I learn more.