hello from PA

[Dobrodoc]

Saw a teardrop on our last camping trip. Now we are obsessed. We Hated the pop up we rented, pain to open and close, etc. I am hoping to build a 5 x 8 on a northern tools frame.
thanks for all the help in advance. this is a great site and community.

[absolutsnwbrdr]

Welcome, from Hanover! Where in PA are you?

NT 5x8 is a great choice for a build

If you have any questions on registering the trailer kit in PA, I have some info on my site.... http://www.zkaylordesigns.com/register_pa.html

(Says Harbor Freight on that page, but the Northern Tool is exactly the same)

[John W]

Welcome dobrodoc,

Not in your neck of the woods, but put my tear on the NT 5x8 trailer. The trailer is well made and easy to assemble. I did have to stay on top of NT to get the manufacturer's certificate of title. I ended up moving the axle just a little aft of midline and my tongue weight is about 80# on a 745# trailer build. It follows like a jewel. Have fun in your build.

[Dobrodoc]

hey folks thanks for the great welcome! I live northwest of Allentown in a little town called Orefield.
Since I'm so close to Quakertown, they sell Red Trailers there, I found out, they are a bit more expensive than NT trailers but look a little more substantial.
Any issues with those? Thye have a nice grease fitting also to put in the grease.

Any suggestions on where to get the plywood for the sides? I'm thinking 3/4 4x 8, not talented enough to scarf or spline two pieces together!
Do I definitiely need Baltic Birch which only comes 5 by 5?
Do I need exterior grade? and where can that be found?


Any suggestions on plans that you have used? I have been to the design page and still cornfused!

Thanks for the registration information!!

[FIREBALL05]

Industrial Plywood and Russell Plywood are right up your way.

Down my way John H. Myers sells a really nice 11-ply birch. It isn't technically baltic birch but the ply count is the main factor. The box stores might have a 5 or 6 ply 3/4" birch.

[Dobrodoc]

thanks!

[absolutsnwbrdr]

Not sure how far you are from Industrial Plywood, but check with any of your local sign fabrication shops. They often use MDO plywood, which they have to order from a supplier, but they should be able to order other species/grades/sizes of plywood from that supplier (which coincidentally is probably Industrial Plywood). The sign company may charge you a small surcharge, but depending on how far you would have to drive to pick it up it may be worth it. Also, if they have an account with the supplier, they will probably get a mildy discounted price compared to consumer pricing.

I think my local sign shop charged me a delivery surcharge of $5 or $10 fee per sheet of 3/4" 4x10 MDO plywood. It saved me 4+ hour roundtrip and gas, and was still cheaper if I had gone to pick it up myself.

Many sign companies can also order aluminum sheet, if you decide to go that route for finishing.