New build started: 2 questions

[James Hickox]

Hello All,
Finally got the Harbor Freight folding trailer this week and I am starting to build. I will be building a weekender that is 5 X 10. I plan for the galley to have a 7 gal. water tank and a 5 gal. propane tank and a 5,000 BTU A.C. (it gets a little warm in west Texas).

I want to put the axle about 32 inches from the ege of the HF back end. THis should put it 44-45 inches away from the back end of the trailer. Is this about right, or are there any suggestions as to where it should be?

Next, after putting in all bolts and tightening everything up, I measured the two diagnonal dimensions of the trailer (front right to back left, and front left to back right) and found that one diagnonal is 3/4 inch different. Is this lose enough, or do I need to loosen everything up and try to get it all more square? I will be doing this without any assistance, but a couple of rachet tie downs shuld help me pull it together.

Thanks All, and as soon as I get started on actually building something worth looking at I will try to post some pictures.

Thanks,

James in Abilene

[sdtripper2]

James:

Square is always best as amplification of mismatch can haunt your build.

Now about your decision of axle placement. You seem close in your
placement however click here and read the top section of this first post
using the formulas and reading the advice given there and this may help you
in your decision making.

[Miriam C.]

I am not sure about your axle placement. It does depend on where the majority of your weight will be.

On the frame, you want it to be as square as possible. If not you will be compensating constantly for the difference.

GirRdun

[Chaotica]

Next, after putting in all bolts and tightening everything up, I measured the two diagnonal dimensions of the trailer (front right to back left, and front left to back right) and found that one diagnonal is 3/4 inch different. Is this lose enough, or do I need to loosen everything up and try to get it all more square? I will be doing this without any assistance, but a couple of rachet tie downs shuld help me pull it together.

Square it up, 3/4" is a lot out of square.

Loosen up all the bolts, but keep the corner bolts a little snug, and keep one side rail held in place. Take a mallet and tap the other siderail in the direction you need to get it square. Then carefully tighten the bolts and you should be good.

[asianflava]

Take a mallet and tap the other siderail in the direction you need to get it square.

Mallet aka BFH aka Persuader

[Jeeper92]

get it square now, its a PITA but its worth it, I didnt and im paying for it in the form of uneven walls. My creative ability is being put to the test, how to hide my carpentry screw ups!!!!!!!1 ahhah

[Chaotica]

Mallet aka BFH aka Persuader

I used to work for a modular construction company and the BFH was used a lot to line stuff up. lol

[Miriam C.]

K, try this, get some 2x6's and some clamps. Cut the 2x6 in pieces and put in all corners. Use the clamps to force the corners in and keep them there till it is tightened.

[bobhenry]

The most important test is the measurements from the coupler to the axle.
I marked a spot on the coupler and measured to the outside front " u " bolts on each side. Trailer will handle and pull badly if these are not +/- 1/8 - 3/16" Everybody is right about the frame, square it now or buy a good miter saw to cut 87 degree crosscuts for your trapazoidal frame.
My 5x10 has the axle at 48" and balances well but if you are putting the water, propane , a/c and cooler weight all in the rear steer towards the 42-45"
rather than my 48" or you will have little if any tongue weight. Many have temporarily bolted in the axle carrier and built ,then decided to move the axle after test loading the tear.

[davefullmer]

Hey Jeeper,

Back in the 60's when I was building my first home with my father-in-law sometimes helping me, he told me a piece of wisdom. He was a professional finish carpenter and taught me bunches about building construction.

His favorite saying when he would come up to help me after I had screwed up was "The only difference between a pro and amateur is that a pro knows how to cover his mistakes"

So if we can cover our mistakes we are pros