Shorten an HF frame?

[RogHodge]

I know it can be done- I would like some feedback on how.

I would like to make a tear generally the same design as the ultralight, only with a frame. If I use an HF frame I believe that I will need to shorten it about 14â€

[Steve_Cox]

Gee Rog,

Instead of moving the axle, how about cutting off the back of the frame to shorten it..... maybe that was too easy

[RogHodge]

Thank you sir- that would be easier- howoever the front rails are slightly tweeked- the bottom portion is ‘ripped’ a bit- like if it were folded wrong. My thought is to lose the messed up portion and have a truer frame without taking it to a frame straightening shop.

[Creamcracker]

I cut 11" off the back end of mine! Just like moving the axle back....Philip

[Steve_Cox]

Thank you sir- that would be easier- howoever the front rails are slightly tweeked- the bottom portion is ‘ripped’ a bit- like if it were folded wrong. My thought is to lose the messed up portion and have a truer frame without taking it to a frame straightening shop.

I knew you had a reason.

Those frames are very versatile in regard to how many ways you can reconfigure them....

[Arne]

the axle on a h/f frame is very simple to do, since the springs are mounted on a separate piece of angle... drill the new holes and bolt it... that's it.

[RogHodge]

Thanks guys- I didn't think it would be a big deal- I'll get started this weekend- Might even post a photo.
Thanks again

[clarkbre]

Perfect timing guys! I just wrote a tutorial on shortening the frame and relocating the axle on one of these 4'x8' trailers. I am in the process of building a tent topped camper so my trailer is shortened to 4'x6' but the tutorial will give you a good idea of how to do it.

The tutorial is posted on the Compactcampingconcepts.com website that Schaney here on the forum runs. Anyways, hope my information helps. If you have any question please feel free to PM me directly.

http://www.compactcampingconcepts.com/4x6-shortened-frame-procedure.pdf

[schaney]

That is good timing, we just posted the tutorial on Tuesday.

One note on clarkbre's frame, notice the straight tongue, in the Pacific Northwest, Fred Meyers and Bi-Mart carry the straight version of the Long Chin frame kits that HF carries. They are also about half what Red Trailer charges for a straight tongue frame, wouldn't be surprise if their kits aren't also from Long Chin.

[clarkbre]

They are also about half what Red Trailer charges for a straight tongue frame, wouldn't be surprise if their kits aren't also from Long Chin.

As a matter of fact, they are Long Chin trailers. I just checked the title for my utility trailer and it's make says "LongC"

I purchased my trailer in September at Fred Meyer for $229 plus sales tax. It's a great deal for starting a project.

[RogHodge]

Here is a pic of one of the offending rail ends- not easy to see the bend but it’s there. My thought-again- is to saw the end off and drill new holes- viola’
You might think it would be better to just buy new and skip the hassle- you would be right!

[schaney]

Assuming the rest of the frame is straight and in good shape, just cutting off the back bad portion makes more sense to me than buying a new frame for the project you described.

[bobhenry]

Mine was mashed by a boulder some dumb ass previous owner tried to load on the poor little thing I salvaged the tongue and the tire and axle assembly and chucked the frame ya just gotta find a good dock handrail



and fake it !