START HERE~ Forum Suggestions ~ Trailer builds & More

[Zipline65]

We have decided to attempt a build on a 5x8 trailer. I have poured over threads on pros and cons of the different trailers. I'm not concerned about our ability to build the actual teardrop but I feel like the information on the trailers is in a foreign language. My first question is weld vs. bolted. If we use a kit and only bolt it together, will we need to check the bolts regularly to make sure everything is still tight? Once we have the trailer I am sure we will have more questions but there is so much great information about construction here that I feel that we should be able to work our way through step by step.
Thanks for any help.
Liz (zipline65)

[bobhenry]

The bolt together trailers have nylock nuts in the kit. These act like a high tech lock washer. I personally feel there is no serious concern with having your trailer unbolt itsself. Just be sure you tighten them well on the first try. These nuts are a one use thing and are best replaced if you have bolted and unbolted the same fastner.

There are trailer bargains elsewhere... I picked up this one used for $250.00 and simply sawed off the side rails where I didn't want them.

[Zipline65]

Thanks for the information, Bob. I've been watching craigslist Chicago for a used trailer religiously.
Liz

[NCBooger]

Just an FYI. In Steve's first post all of the links i tried are dead. Maybe my computer here at work but I don't think so. Still alot of good information here though!

[kykate]

Has Harbor Freight stopped selling trailers? I cannot find any on their website.
Kate

[Johnm]

Has Harbor Freight stopped selling trailers? I cannot find any on their website.
Kate

I did a little research and found that there has been a recall. For the time being the trailers have been removed from the shelves. Here are links to a couple of articles I read on the subject:
https://www.consumeraffairs.com/news/ha ... 03117.html

http://www.rubbernews.com/article/20171 ... iler-tires

[kclochridge]

Does anyone have any current 5x8 trailer recommendations. The only option I'm able to find is the Norther Tool Aluminum 5x8 for ~$764. I'm in CA so there aren't any NT locations anywhere near me. Red Trailer appears to be defunct. Harbor Freight seems to only offer 4' wide trailers, and any other retailer (Lowe's, Home Depot is pricier than NT).

[FischAutoTechGarten]

Does anyone have any current 5x8 trailer recommendations. The only option I'm able to find is the Norther Tool Aluminum 5x8 for ~$764. I'm in CA so there aren't any NT locations anywhere near me. Red Trailer appears to be defunct. Harbor Freight seems to only offer 4' wide trailers, and any other retailer (Lowe's, Home Depot is pricier than NT).

As the title states. Several months ago, the Ironton 5x8 Steel Trailer was discontinued at Northern Tool. Left a bit of a hole in the inexpensive DIY Trailer space.
( https://www.northerntool.com/products/i ... city-37552 ) . But maybe used ones can still be found.

However, they have another 5x8 Steel Trailer with the same branding as their 5x8 Ultra-Tow Aluminum Trailer... Introducing: Ultra-Tow Steel Trailer.
( https://www.northerntool.com/products/u ... ty-5569378 )

Similar Capability, different fenders, few other details.

[S. Heisley]

A lot of our trailer kits come from China, and with the tariff war going on right now, there isn't much available. Trailer Supply usually has some but their website says they have none. You could try calling the individual Trailer Supply stores near you and see if they happen to have one in their local warehouse. If they do, grab it! You could also look for an old trailer that could be bought for a minor price and then strip it down to the frame.

Here is a 5x8 on Ebay, if it's still there:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/395921817020?m ... 1745465763

[FischAutoTechGarten]

Here is a 5x8 on Ebay, if it's still there:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/395921817020?m ... 1745465763

Sharon, that is the same NEW Northern Tool Ultra-Tow Steel 5x8 Trailer that I described in the post right above yours...

[S. Heisley]

Here is a 5x8 on Ebay, if it's still there:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/395921817020?m ... 1745465763

Sharon, that is the same NEW Northern Tool Ultra-Tow Steel 5x8 Trailer that I described in the post right above yours...

Yours have a Northern Tool address but this one has an Ebay address, not Northern Tool. Did you possibly check where that one is located? I didn't. It may be from a private party somewhere closer. Anyway, as stated before, you will likely have some difficulty finding a kit due to the trade war tariffs as most are made in China. You may have to buy used. Oh, and yes, Red Trailers closed about a decade ago when the owner encountered major health problems. Those trailers were also made in China.

[FischAutoTechGarten]

Here is a 5x8 on Ebay, if it's still there:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/395921817020?m ... 1745465763

Sharon, that is the same NEW Northern Tool Ultra-Tow Steel 5x8 Trailer that I described in the post right above yours...

Yours have a Northern Tool address but this one has an Ebay address, not Northern Tool. Did you possibly check where that one is located? I didn't. It may be from a private party somewhere closer. Anyway, as stated before, you will likely have some difficulty finding a kit due to the trade war tariffs as most are made in China. You may have to buy used. Oh, and yes, Red Trailers closed about a decade ago when the owner encountered major health problems. Those trailers were also made in China.

Yeah, I checked it... It's just Northern Tool using Ebay as an additional sales outlet.. The trailer is listed New in Savage, Minnesota. The auction says they have 10 available at that price of $549.99 .. so that's good news. Shipping is $299.99 to my home in Green Valley, Arizona (midway between Tucson and the Mexican Border at Nogales). So for me, that's $849.98 + Tax.

[S. Heisley]

Here is a 5x8 on Ebay, if it's still there:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/395921817020?m ... 1745465763

Sharon, that is the same NEW Northern Tool Ultra-Tow Steel 5x8 Trailer that I described in the post right above yours...

Yours have a Northern Tool address but this one has an Ebay address, not Northern Tool. Did you possibly check where that one is located? I didn't. It may be from a private party somewhere closer. Anyway, as stated before, you will likely have some difficulty finding a kit due to the trade war tariffs as most are made in China. You may have to buy used. Oh, and yes, Red Trailers closed about a decade ago when the owner encountered major health problems. Those trailers were also made in China.

Yeah, I checked it... It's just Northern Tool using Ebay as an additional sales outlet.. The trailer is listed New in Savage, Minnesota. The auction says they have 10 available at that price of $549.99 .. so that's good news. Shipping is $299.99 to my home in Green Valley, Arizona (midway between Tucson and the Mexican Border at Nogales). So for me, that's $849.98 + Tax.

Ouch! If it is already put together, ready to tow, you might be able to find someone who would tow it down for the price of gas but I don't know if I'd trust that person.
Sorry, you're in a hard spot.

[philpom]

This 5x8 aluminum is available but a little pricey.

https://www.amazon.com/Ultra-Tow-5ft-Aluminum-Utility-Trailer/dp/B06ZXS6VLN/ref=sr_1_11_sspa?crid=2YM19KX8MHDXP&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.YrbiYoGEBs8uMmu0rxMbZgTxl4f5ZlIdqvFQZR-eEIJc95YT2yF2aWNQR_Nb3NTAibKxK1K4YflHVLSFXi91GRvu5QJEBvmaZRy3NAORj-3ldCezZ597IJzBReFQ-hBL_8MR7Q58J0ndqVSREfQbzNA2gzwWqGWPJ0qfIZBylfhK0IYAkdjaSUscstpx4jW5jyrmpux5BlUJy7hHhjZXjpO9UKDiWc2z4p81B-NmbnJIkfXOW8CDs2JUz2VAPZX4iYfT_c5hr70DrIpvHGfSiQ9RluPAKEpQdH3-q42cktI.y60W7yml1PoCVOI-xasHazExEoTZZPz8hFoIvsL36RM&dib_tag=se&keywords=trailer+kit&qid=1745708520&sprefix=trailer+kit%2Caps%2C165&sr=8-11-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9tdGY&psc=1

[S. Heisley]

$850 is starting to sound better!