Hi everybody!

[Clayaway1]

Hello all!
My name is Josh and after years of lurking around the site I have finally joined up! I have decided that it is finally time to build a teardrop. I have wanted to for a long time and now I am pulling the trigger on this project. Here is some background on me. I am 30 years old, I spent most of my life growing up in Kittery Point Maine, however I now currently reside 30 mins away in Epping New Hampshire. I have been a carpenter for the past 10 years with most of my experience in finish carpentry. I can weld, paint, and do most anything with wood. I hope that helps me out on my build. I have decided to go with a 4x8 generic Benroy design with potentially a few modifications, probably in the galley design mostly.
I am so glad that this site exists as it has a plethra of knowledge on it. I have a mountain of questions to ask. I have been trying to look back in time on the site to find these answers so I apologize if I ask one that has been asked before.
Even though there are designs on the site untill I have enough coin to buy the trailer I am keeping myself busy by making scale drawings of the ideas in my head however I can't seem to find a measurement. I would like to know what the distance from the back of a harbor freight trailer to the center of the axle is. Does any body know? Also if anyone has any questions/comments for me please feel free to ask. Ok, back to the drawing board!
Thanks guys and gals!
Josh

[mikeschn]

I used to know what that number was... but I don't remember. I do know you have to move the axle or your tongue will be too light. So the current location is irrelevant. The new location is what matters.

Mike...

[Clayaway1]

Yea I kinda was worried I was going to have to do that. Worried only because I don't know how to figure out where to put it. I suppose thats what the forums for huh? I saw the spreadsheet on here somewheres but even then its a little confusing to me.. I want the 4x8 benroy but my girlfriend likes the idea of putting a small radius at the front and back bottoms. So to stay on the frame I thought of extending the front and back of the plywood sides by 6 inches each and have the radius end at the trailer ends. I'm drawing some stuff up now

Josh

[Junkboy999]

There a pdf here. It does not have that measurement but there a few good drawing to make a S.W.A.G. ( Scientific Wild A** Guess )


http://images.harborfreight.com/manuals ... /94564.pdf

If that will not work I can go measure mine or walk to harbor tools tomorrow and check the one strapped to the wall.

I think the guy that built mine moved that axle back.

[Roly Nelson]

Welcome aboard, Junk Boy. As a 60 year carpenter to a skilled 10 year finish carpenter, your building a teardrop would be a snap. I have built 3 on Harbor Freight frames. If you check my const'n pics below, you can see what my framing looks like on a 6 foot HF trailer frame. Hanging the body over the front and back is not a problem. I think the suggested axle placement is 1/3 from the back and 2/3 from the front. It works for me, and have had no problems for the last 11 years. Of course you plan to build a woodie.....Right? Maybe not, since you have more of a weather problem back there than I do here on the West Coast. Good luck on your build, and feel free to PM me with any questions. We are here to help, (especially carpenters).
Roly, the li'l ol' So Calif woodie guy

[bc toys]

welcome from las vegas nv hope to follow along with your build seeing your pics and reading all about it well good luck