newbie with a dream

[sroth]

I have been reading a lot about and have seen many of these trailers. My wife is really excited about the build, too. She told me what she wants and it's my job to build it. I have some questions before I get too far into it. I don't want to make a mistake I have to go back and fix later. I bought a HF 4X8. I'm not cheap just poor. That's just one of the reasons I'm building my own.
1. I read the axle should be about 40% of the distance from the back to the front. Is that necessary? For me to do that would require drilling five or six new holes in the frame. If I move it back to the 40% mark just a few inches of the spring hanger will be on the front half section of the trailer chassis.
2. If I do that will it compromise the structural integrity of the frame?
3. If I have to move and drill new holes weaken the frame, how do i strengthen it with out welding?

As it is now I have the spring hanger bolted to the chassis in the original place and the axle on. I've gotten it to 1/16" from square. I can't work on it today - the rodeo is in town. Being a former PRCA member I just can't stay away.

Thanks for your help.

Steve

[honeask]

Welcome Steve, which Rodeo are you at this weekend? Love the sport!

[Woodbutcher]

Welcome Steve. I built on the largest HF trailer. My trailer is 5X5X10 long. I only moved the axle about 6" using an existing hole in the frame. By doing this I was assured to keep the axle square to the trailer frame. There is a drop floor in my trailer so I took 2 of the cross braces out and bolted them in across where the 2 halves of the trailer seam together. Worked out great.

Here is the link to my build journal. Maybe it will help out.


viewtopic.php?f=50&t=39036

[bc toys]

Welcome Steve to a great site hope you enjoy it and ask anything you want we will give you the best advice you can get remember we love pics

[Vedette]

Welcome Steve
Where are you from?
Brian

[sroth]

Thank you all for your notes. The city of Lancaster, California (north LA county by Edwards AFB) has hosted the California Circuit Finals Rodeo for the last couple of years and the Showdown Rodeo over the 4th of July for many many years. They're always a great show.

I followed your advise and drilled four new holes using an existing hole about six inches south of the original location. It's not quite the 40% others have mentioned but it will have to do. It seems just as sturdy.

I'm still looking for a set of plans to help me. Any suggestions? There's a ton of them out there.

I have to tell you as I told my wife, this tear is going to kill me. Last Saturday I was on this site for six hours straight (8PM to 2am). I just couldn't stop reading. It's a bit overwhelming with all the ideas and information. I don't even think I scratched the surface. But I'm having fun reading about all the builds and seeing the results. I hope to have mine finished by this summer so I can join some of the So Cal events. Looks like a hoot!!

I can't thank you all enough for your comments.

Steve
See ya in the winner's bracket

[atahoekid]

I agree the info can be overwhelming. I too, spent lots of hours reading. My advice is to get a note pad and jot down the ideas that make sense to you. As you keep reading you'll likely change that list but at least it helps you keep your good ideas in order. Welcome aboard and have fun!!!

[absolutsnwbrdr]

Welcome to the forum Steve! If you havent already, check out the Generic Benroy plans under the Design Resources menu at the top of the page. Thats a pretty good place to get your feet wet. After that, check out the design library in the same menu. From there, the information on this forum is endless! There are plenty of us that have build on the HF trailers, so you arent alone on that! They're great little trailers for building teardrops!

As for plans, there are plenty of them out there, but just beware of some of the eBay "plans".

Try not to lose too much sleep here!