Trailer mods

[halexanderwilhelm]

With gas prices what they are, and keeping in mind my budget I think that for this project I'm going to stick with the smaller trailer from redtrailers.com versus their optional teardrop 5 x 10. I like the idea of being able to tow the camper with a smaller vehicle (I have a Honda Element) and I don't want to overload the vehicle with a large tow weight. Two things that I've heard about on the forum was something about tongue weight/axle weight ratio and balancing the trailer, and also welding the frame together vs leaving it bolted together. Any recommendations and what are the benefits?

[del]

With gas prices what they are, and keeping in mind my budget I think that for this project I'm going to stick with the smaller trailer from redtrailers.com versus their optional teardrop 5 x 10. I like the idea of being able to tow the camper with a smaller vehicle (I have a Honda Element) and I don't want to overload the vehicle with a large tow weight. Two things that I've heard about on the forum was something about tongue weight/axle weight ratio and balancing the trailer, and also welding the frame together vs leaving it bolted together. Any recommendations and what are the benefits?

A teardrop trailers balance is quite heavy on the tail, so to compensate we move the axle back. Now My thoughts on welding a trailer together that was engineered to be bolted together, is use locktight and torque the bolts like listed in the instructions. If length of the frame is an issue, there is a way to stretch it, and still bolt it together.

del

[jp03]

Never saw no specs on the bolt torque? My red trailer was assembled, so no instructions came with it. Now my HF trailer has no torque specs at all listed. Was wondering what they should be. Does lock tite effect the plastic of the locking nuts?

[del]

Never saw no specs on the bolt torque? My red trailer was assembled, so no instructions came with it. Now my HF trailer has no torque specs at all listed. Was wondering what they should be. Does lock tite effect the plastic of the locking nuts?

Torque specs off the top of my head I do not know, worked with bolts most of my life. Too tight and problems arise (read you do not need a three foot cheater bar to tighten), and too loose is a problem also. Most bolts in my trailer where installed at least twice, and I will not trust plastic lock nuts but once.

del

[halexanderwilhelm]

I decided to purchase a 4 x 8 trailer from northern supply for my project. I think the size will help me stay within budget, plus the trailer is on sale right now and i purchased it for 191.99 plus tax! It was a great deal! I know i have to reinforce the neck with some angle iron, anyone out there done that already have any tips or tricks to help strengthen the trailer and prevent flex?

[angib]

If you mean this Northern Tool 4x8 trailer , why does it need strengthening?

Andrew

[halexanderwilhelm]

I havent seen the trailer yet, they didnt have one assembled at the store and I havent seen anyone use it as a base yet and that makes me nervous. Also i worry that the picture is generic and not the actual trailer I will have when i put it together

[BPFox]

If you mean this Northern Tool 4x8 trailer , why does it need strengthening?

Andrew

I would think any trailer you can buy for under $200 new is going to need some beefing up if you plan to use it as a platform for a TD or a TTT. These small utility trailers are a great place to start but are not engineered to be platforms for the type of trailers being built here. I'm not suggesting you go nuts, but a well placed gussett here and there will go a long way towards improving frame performance over the long haul.

[halexanderwilhelm]

Im building this with my 13 year old brother, and we're going with the "Weekender" or possibly the "Grasshopper". My main concern is just that it is safe for travel on Tennessee's twisting roads. Will post pictures of the trailer as soon as its assembled. Thanks for the imput guys!

[angib]

These small utility trailers are a great place to start but are not engineered to be platforms for the type of trailers being built here.

Agreed - these utility trailers are mostly over-engineered for the job of carrying a teardrop body around. Built properly, a teardrop body is self-supporting and the only bits of the utility trailer that are really needed are the tongue and the suspension/axle - the rest of the frame of the trailer is just a portable workbench to build the teardrop on.

Andrew

[madjack]

......................................................................
Agreed - these utility trailers are mostly over-engineered for the job of carrying a teardrop body around. Built properly, a teardrop body is self-supporting and the only bits of the utility trailer that are really needed are the tongue and the suspension/axle - the rest of the frame of the trailer is just a portable workbench to build the teardrop on.

Andrew

ABSOLUTELY AGREED...the only premade trailers we have found(here on the board) that needed beefing up are the single tube tongue, WELDED, no-floor trailers sold by Northern Tools and Tractor Supply...and that was the rear attachment point of the single tube tongue......
madjack

[halexanderwilhelm]

Thanks for the imput guys!