Hello from a teardrop wannabe

[Loader]

Like Ira I also used the HF 4x8, worked out ok for me. However, I do think the 5x8 does come with the wheels.


From the ad:

5' x 8' No-Floor Trailer
Sale Price! $299.99 5' x 8' No-Floor Trailer 2000-lb. GVWR 1750-lb. load capacity (depending on floor option) 12" "C range fires Customer supplies floor Lighted to DOT requirements #125976



Not that I'm endorsing this trailer, but it sure looks pretty good. I know some guys have used the 4x8 version of it. I think SmokeyBob bought this trailer on sale.

Either way, good luck with your build, welcome to the group, and there are a plenty of people a heck of a lot more wualified than me to answer your questions. Also, be sure to checkout the plans, and design library lined at the top of the page.

[SmokeyBob]

I purchased the Northern Tools 5 x 8 trailer for $299.00 last week and it came with wheels. Also bought a spare tire while I was there.

[jdarkoregon]

You go Girl! Sounds like you will be doing well building a tear.

Have fun,

John

[LittleCritter]

How long does this sale ad go 'til? I see that there is a NT&E in Forest Lake, MN which is only about 65 miles from me. I wouldn't be able to go out there until Thursday or Saturday.

[Ira]

WOW!!! THAT'S A GREAT DEAL!!!

CRAP! I WISH THAT ONE WAS AVAIALBLE WHEN I STARTED BUILDING!

I never get any Northern Tool circulars--only the annual catalog.

I'm PISSED!

[LittleCritter]

I called NT&E and found that this trailer is already assembled - hook up and go!! Rain Checks are given if there are none in stock and the salesman thought the sale was good through Sunday 05/20/07. Looks like I will be starting to build this weekend. Although I did previously have plans to go antiquing at the Washington County Fairgrounds in Stillwater, MN. I think I will forego that to start The Lil' Critter YIPPEE!!! Here I go!! The progress will be slow - I'm quite methodical and particular but eventually we'll have the Lil' Critter complete.

[LittleCritter]

Loader - Thanks so much for putting a picture of the flyer out!!

Ira - Looks you need to start another build with a trailer from NT&E

[Ira]

COOL!!!

But before you start making sawdust, take some photos and post them. It looks like you may want to add a cross-beam or two (wood is okay) to beef it up.

Just a general guess by looking at the photo.

Bob, did yours come all assembled? And what about the cross-beams?

[Ira]

Wisconsin folks:

Should she/can she just get her tag NOW?

[Ira]

Darla--you should feel very special! You're getting so many posts from me! (Oy vey.)

Bob, is that axle already moved back?

That's something to consider Darla since it's already assembled. All of us move the usually dead center axle on these utility trailers BACK to accommodate for the door opening, and for weight balance.

[LittleCritter]

Ira - I am considering building it two feet longer - would coming up on the front work to off center things at bit? Extended room at the back of the cabin would be okay with me - I tend to overpack for our camping trips anyway

[Ira]

Ira - I am considering building it two feet longer - would coming up on the front work to off center things at bit? Extended room at the back of the cabin would be okay with me - I tend to overpack for our camping trips anyway

You would want to go a foot longer front and back--not two feet on one end--I think, but I may be wrong.

The reason the axle goes back is because of the added weight of the galley. Too much weight in the back and the rear of the TD would wiggle all over the place.

For a 4 by 8, most of us put it 36" from the rear, moving it back 12" from dead-center.

Moving the axle back increases the tongue weight, but balances out the ride so it tows better.

So with a fully built-out galley (cool cabinets and such), that's NOT where you want to pack that extra stuff.

This is all complicated stuff that I know nothing about, so Andrew and others...

On a 5 by 10, where should the axle go as a genral rule?

They DO know what they're talking about.

[Tammy]

I just purchased a HF 8x4 for $239.00. The internet adverstised it for $269.00 and when I called our local store they told me it was $239.00. Went down there that day and bought it. I plan to put it together this weekend.

Good luck

[elmo]

Wisconsin folks:

Should she/can she just get her tag NOW?

Tag...Tag...we don't need no stinking tag!!!

Small trailers in Wisconsin don't need tags...not even my goofy setup.

[SmokeyBob]

Tammy and Ira
The trailer does come assembled. The trailer frame and cross beams are 2" angle. The axle is 37" from the rear of the trailer. So you may not need to move it back on the NT 5x8 trailer. The axle is above the springs, so it's already lowered. On the HF 1175 4x8 it's close to 41" from the back. On my other camper, which is built on a HF 1175, I didn't move the axle. While I don't have a hatch, I still store all the heavy items towards the rear and over the axle. My tongue weight is around 130 lbs. And I don't have any problems pulling the camper. Unlike the HF trailer you can get the wheel bearings and seals at Northern Tools or most auto parts stores.