Parts/advice Q's re:HF 4x8 Trailer (1175lbs) 12" wheels

[bobbruso]

OK, I bought a HF 4x8 folder with 12 inch wheels 4 years ago.

My original purpose was to allow me to haul 4x8 sheets for reno work on our rental apartment - but ended up using the father-in-law's truck. The trailer sat in the garage in 2 unopened boxes.

Now, I've decided to build on it, and have noticed a problem or two with some parts.

The instructions say 3/8 x 1" bolts (part "B") are used to fasten the spring hanger on, and I am now about 10 bolts shy (no problem, head to the hardware store - replacement bolts are shorter and have a smaller head).

But this one is puzzling:
My coupler assembly appears to be designed for a square-stock tongue, and has no mounting plate. Does anyone have a photo showing what the coupler is supposed to look like?

I am now thinking about adding a square-stock tongue as I have seen illustrated somewhere around here.

1 more issue: the front cross-member has brackets welded on for the tongue to lock into, but one seems to be a 'monday job' and is at the wrong angle (I can get the tongue in, but the holes are way off angle wise.) Do I see about replacement from HF, break it off and re-weld or just drill it for the new angle and call that good enough?

Suggestions?

[bobhenry]

Best I can do for ya .

Chubby has the same tongue and I am getting some concerning flex in it. I am seriously concidering a 2 " sq x 1/4 " wall tube installed front to rear and mount my coupler on it. and using the existing " A " braces welded to the tube. I intend to extend it about 18" I currently am too close to the tow vehicle in a jack knife situations. If you have no intention of "folding" the trailer redrill the errant bolt holes and bolt them , then weld then solid. One less worry going down the road. Boy I wish I had modified and extended the tongue before the build started, my luck I'll set the floor on fire

[bobbruso]

Thanks for your fast response on those photos.

From the looks of the top photo, the coupler looks the same, but it is bolted to a red plate with a channel piece welded on? I guess the Red piece is what is missing.

I have a bottom flat plate (unpainted) but nothing to go on the top of the 'A'.

[Endo]

Thanks for your fast response on those photos.

From the looks of the top photo, the coupler looks the same, but it is bolted to a red plate with a channel piece welded on? I guess the Red piece is what is missing.

I have a bottom flat plate (unpainted) but nothing to go on the top of the 'A'.

The part you are missing is the coupler base. Call HF they may still send you a new one????

[toypusher]

Thanks for your fast response on those photos.

From the looks of the top photo, the coupler looks the same, but it is bolted to a red plate with a channel piece welded on? I guess the Red piece is what is missing.

I have a bottom flat plate (unpainted) but nothing to go on the top of the 'A'.

The part you are missing is the coupler base. Call HF they may still send you a new one????

It is part # 6 in this pic - you may also need part 5

[bobbruso]

I think I will use some square stock to bring the tongue out past the "A-Frame" and take it back to the middle cross member. I know I saw where someone here had done that but can't find it. Can anyone shed some light?

Thanks
Bob

[McBrew]

Lining up the holes where the a-frame goes though the front crossmember was tricky on mine, too. I didn't have to cut or weld anything, but it did require some brute force.

[bobbruso]

OK, so I figured it was worth a try to ask HF about the missing parts. They were happy to order/sell me any of the missing parts. The price for the parts wasn't bad, but the shipping was pretty high.

I did order the coupler base (#6).

[bobbruso]

BTW,

Does anyone know the bearings size for this axle? Do I have to get them from HF, or are they a common spindle size (like 1")?

Thanks
Bob