DIY bolt-together chassis frame plans

[HKBB]

Hi, all!

I am NOT a welder, so I've been looking around for plans for a 5x10 bolt-together frame.
I found plans for one at Southwest Wheel Company - has anyone used plans from them, or does anyone have any opinions?
I'm thinking that I'll build the frame (in steel angle) to use with one of their axle kits.

Trailer Plans Link

Axle Kit Link

All comments and opinions appreciated!

[S. Heisley]

Hi, HKBB:

Your Axle Link looks like it is an entire trailer kit with side-bar walls, not just an axle, and the price suggests that as well:

Base Price: $313.95
Customized Price: $313.95

Why don't you want to simplify things and just get a kit with everything you need included? I think many people here on this forum purchase either the Harbor Freight or Northern Trailer or Red Trailer kits for about the same price. I've never heard of Southwest Wheel Co; but then, there's a lot I've never heard of.

Does anybody know about Southwest Wheel Company?

[HKBB]

The axle kit only contains the axle, mounting hardware, springs, fenders, and wheels. *edit* Also the hitch, jack, light kit and safety chains. *end-edit*

I've looked at the "whole trailer" kits, and then gotten prices on steel (a friend works at a steel yard and can get me whatever I need at a VERY good discount). If I can build the chassis myself from plans and use an axle kit, it will cost half what a locally-bought welded trailer would cost. Used 5x10's trailers in my area are running $700-$1100, and every one I've looked at so far would still have to be modified in some way (cut off side rails, extend/shorten tongue, etc.).

Southwest Wheel Company has a location in Dallas that my husband passes every day going to work - we wouldn't have to pay any shipping costs for the axle kit, and they'll make it to the exact size I want, no extra charge.

Just didn't know if anybody had dealt with SWC axles, and how good they were.

Also, the Red Trailer, Northern Tool, and Harbor Freight websites don't show that they sell 5x10 trailers.

[bg]

SWW Doesn't actually manufacture any of the axles they sell, They're just a distributor - but I forget what 'brand' their axles are. The staff is very knowledgeable and friendly.

The axles they sell come with the spring seats 'lose' - not actually welded to the axle - they need to be welded into place. I've bought 4 of their axles in the past 4 years and have been happy with all of them.

[Loader]

Lena,

A custom bolt together has been done. dguff out in California built a very nice one. Check his photo album for a few pics, but maybe drop him a PM for details.

Good Luck!

[S. Heisley]

HKBB wrote:

...the Red Trailer, Northern Tool, and Harbor Freight websites don't show that they sell 5x10 trailers.

Wow! Lena, you're right! They've stopped selling that size. The closest I could find was a 5'x9'4" Harbor Freight for $380. That sounds like a pretty good deal, if you build out 8" over one end:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/D ... mber=92174

But, if your trailer needs a 5x10' frame, your build could weigh enough to need an axle that you can use brakes with and that HF one wouldn't qualify. You're right again! It costs more to retrofit afterwards than it does if you start with what you need. You're being smart by considering all the angles. You should do well.

Best wishes on your build!

[HKBB]

Bobby:
Thank you for letting me know. I didn't THINK they made their own axles, but if you've bought from them and had a good experience, that's good to know.

Earl (or Kerry):
Thanks for the heads up. I'll look him up and take a gander at his album. It's nice that my idea isn't so "out there".

Sharon:
I'm going to try and keep the weight down as much as possible. I need to check with Texas DOT and find out what the rules are for weight limits on trailers without brakes. The main reason for the 5-wide is my husband is a VERY active sleeper - without a queen width mattress, I'd be black and blue! I'll go to a full-size if I have to, but I'd have to build a divider down the middle for protection while I sleep!

Thank you everyone for your help, comments and advice. I LOVE this forum!

[mikeschn]

Lena,

The HF trailer that you are looking at has 8" wheels.

I would think that you would want 12" wheels. It just looks better!

Mike...

[Loader]

Lena,

Here's a 5x8 from Northern Tool (not sure if the price is good or not)...TXDOT would be easy, just register as a utility trailer.

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200356494_200356494

Earl

[S. Heisley]

Mikeschn wrote:

The HF trailer that you are looking at has 8" wheels.

I would think that you would want 12" wheels. It just looks better!

Huh? Okay, now, I'm really confused. If it says it has 12" tires, doesn't that mean 12" wheels? That's what the HF one says it has....

Lena's trailer plans say they are for 14 or 15" wheels; so, that might be a problem with the 13" wheel one in Lena's Axle kit...don't know....? Is that what you meant?

[ARKPAT]

Trailer one -
Harbor Freight 1265 Lb. Capacity 112" x 61" Trailer with Tailgate with 12" wheels.

Trailer two -
Harbor Freight 1500 Lb. Capacity 60" x 96" Trailer with Tailgate Ramp and 12" Wheels and Tires

I hope this helps with links.



Pat

[Sparksalot]

Also, the Red Trailer, Northern Tool, and Harbor Freight websites don't show that they sell 5x10 trailers.

I bought a 5x8 RedTrailer and stretched it to 5x 9'7". See the thread:

http://tnttt.com/viewto ... ed+trailer

It can be done if that's the route you want to go. The nice thing is the stock axle location worked well. The extension was just ahead of the axle. Ready to roll, my tongue weight is about 130-150 lbs

BTW, if you hadn't seen it yet, there is a teardrop gathering at Joe Pool lake Sept. 18-19. I plan to be there.

[mikeschn]

Mikeschn wrote:

The HF trailer that you are looking at has 8" wheels.

I would think that you would want 12" wheels. It just looks better!

Huh? Okay, now, I'm really confused. If it says it has 12" tires, doesn't that mean 12" wheels? That's what the HF one says it has....

Lena's trailer plans say they are for 14 or 15" wheels; so, that might be a problem with the 13" wheel one in Lena's Axle kit...don't know....? Is that what you meant?

Well, I might be wrong. I looked at the pic and they looked like 8" wheels. But sure enough, the description says 12" wheels. I guess I would just throw a caution out there, just to be sure!

Mike...

[HKBB]

WOW! Thank you to everyone who chimed in with their suggestions - I absolutely LOVE this forum!

I will check out the links and suggestions for the all-together kits that can be stretched, and give that some serious consideration. After all, there's no need to reinvent the wheel if it isn't necessary!

And I'm planning on heading out to Joe Pool Lake on September 18th to try and meet some of you, pick your brains, and ogle your tears. There's quite a few tear-photos I've seen that make me want to cry, knowing that's kinda what I want, but knowing it would take a miracle for me to get there (bohemian's tear and juneaudave's tear come immediately to mind...) I'll just do the best I can with what I'm capable of, and hopefully come out with something that looks decent, is water-tight and comfy, and tracks well when towed.

I want everyone to know that I am very, very grateful for all your help. Without this forum I don't know that I would have the courage to even try to build a teardrop. You guys are my inspiration - THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE!

[eamarquardt]

I bought all of my running gear from SWW. They screwed up and sent a regular axle without the brakes that I ordered. Also sent regular lights instead of LEDs. To their credit, they rectified their errors by sending out all of the correct parts and didn't ask me to send in the non brake hubs and the Lightbulb taillights sent in error. I'd have no hesitation doing business with them again, particularly if they are close by!

Cheers,

Gus