AND SO IT BEGINS! Greetings from the Pacific Northwest!

[Gold5one]

Which version of the HF trailer are you using, Gold5one?

the standard folding version with 12" rims- I think the advertised carrying capacity is 1195lbs- gross weight about 1550- I modified mine, as many do.

[tcsporer]

Tyler - this is Greg from Longview, WA! I am a newbie teardropper. I didn't build, I bought. I hope you can come to the Gorge Gathering, I will be there and we really are a family. You'll get lots of great hints and tips.

Washington State is a great place for teardroppers. I love being able to hook up my TD and within an hour I'm someplace quiet with amazing scenery. Welcome to the family and see you around the state!

Greg

Thanks Greg! I look forward to the Gorge and hope to see you around!

[tcsporer]

Which version of the HF trailer are you using, Gold5one?

the standard folding version with 12" rims- I think the advertised carrying capacity is 1195lbs- gross weight about 1550- I modified mine, as many do.

That's the trailer that I was thinking about going with. It's the most budget friendly and requires little modification. I intend to build a very simple, minimal TD so I'm sure that the 1195lb capacity would be sufficient... although I wish someone would try to talk me into the 1720lb (non-folding?) version of the same HF 4x8. Wondering if I wouldn't end up appreciating the extra load capacity?

[Gold5one]

although I wish someone would try to talk me into the 1720lb (non-folding?) version of the same HF 4x8. Wondering if I wouldn't end up appreciating the extra load capacity?

I was told the frame channel is the same gauge as the 1720lb version- it has heavier rated tires for sure. The folding version has an extra cross member in the center where it folds. I welded mine up solid and repositioned the extra cross member, doing so allowed me to use 1/2" plywood for the floor instead on 3/4" ply- some use that extra cross member to increase the length by 6". I put a spot bead weld at all the cross members, too. My frame has an extra 6" in the center (ahead of the axle) I used welded angle steel and plate to reinforce the center.

[Vedette]

[/quote]

That's the trailer that I was thinking about going with. It's the most budget friendly and requires little modification. I intend to build a very simple, minimal TD so I'm sure that the 1195lb capacity would be sufficient... although I wish someone would try to talk me into the 1720lb (non-folding?) version of the same HF 4x8. Wondering if I wouldn't end up appreciating the extra load capacity?

[/quote]
Okay Tyler
I will try to talk you into a better chassis!
First off.......Please do yourself a favor and quit thinking 4' wide and listen to all of those that have told you to build 5' wide. If you don't, you will be building again next year your!!!
Next .......Don't get a folding trailer! You want your chassis to be a ridged as possible! Which you won't get with a HF "bolt together" trailer.
And the suspension........get a trailer with a rubber ride axle rather than cheap trailer springs.
Lastly.........forget 12" wheels. 14" minimum, 15" preferably! 16" if you are going for a nostalgic look.
Wish I was close enough to you to help you build your own chassis! As I hate to see you build your new house on a bad foundation???? See you at the Gorge.
Greg will bring the movie, and the popcorn is already there.
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi

[tcsporer]

First off.......Please do yourself a favor and quit thinking 4' wide and listen to all of those that have told you to build 5' wide.

I was referencing the 4'x8' only because that is the stock HF trailer size... I've absolutely decided to build a 5'x10' teardrop!

Cost will be the biggest obstacle in the quest for a nice, high quality trailer. I would love to have the rigid 5'x10' frame, torsion axle, 14"-16" wheel base... but unless I can pull it off for $250-$350, than the HF option appears most attractive. Seems like a lot of people have gone that route without complaint.

[Vedette]

Sorry Tyler
I do remember you saying that a 5' x10' was your choice...........and the best one!!
You are on the right path.
I know I preach Dexter Rubber Ride Axles, just because it was one of the things that others had suggested when I was doing my homework before my first build.
I had never towed a trailer before "Miss Piggy" and now after towing her over 21,000 miles on every imaginable type of road I am a believer!!!
Our utility trailer, that I use for hauling my yard waste to the dump has a traditional beam axle with those cheap trailer springs, trailer wheels, and trailer tires and bounces around like a balloon on a string whenever I hit a bump???
Thus, I am just in the process of ordering my 2nd Dexter for my new trailer Kermit.
Last one arrived at my USA address for $219.00 .....which I thought was extremely cheap??
Prices may have gone up in the past 3 years? But I will know in a couple of weeks.
As for the chassis? I guess I am spoiled in that I can weld and they are simple to build. So chassis costs me the price of the steel!
Anyway.....once again I apologize for being so opinionated!
We are all here to support you and help you on your journey to discovering the wonders of the Teardrop experience!
Can't wait to meet you guys.
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi

[tcsporer]

Anyway.....once again I apologize for being so opinionated!

No need to apologize! What help would it be if nobody ever shared their opinion?!? I do appreciate the advice. The smoother ride is definitely desirable... I just have to determine if the additional cost is justifiable. Perhaps I will fall into some additional "funding" and end up spending a little extra on a more durable "foundation" as you call it. Unlike yourself though, I have no welding experience or connections in the metal working industry, which (potentially) makes the HF bolt-together option a more attractive approach for someone with my skillset.

[gudmund]

something to remember about a 5 wide, it "='s" a queen sized bed in width. A 4 wide "='s" a 5 to 6 inch "narrower" full sized bed which means you either have a special mattress made that or cut down/narrow down something to make it fit. You can always find a queen sized something that will fit. And yes I went with the 4 wide when I bought mine just for me, but would go the 5 wide if I was the do it again if not just for this reason. And YES a real welded frame with torsion bar suspension is the only way to go!! There are a lot of company's that make Teardrop "kits" made to order that include all the cut pieces - trailer base - wheels & tires for a cheaper $$ than a completed one that you can assemble yourself as an option. If I ever do it again, this is the route I will probably go being I have not been too happy with the way some of my present one was put together - would have done a lot of things differently during the assembly process. T.Hoefer

[Pinecone]

Tyler - keep us updated on your build!