HF 90154 rigid assembly instructions needed

[Newman39Fan]

I started putting my frame together and ran into my first of many to come glitches. I assumed, I really need to stop assuming, that the 2 center supports would just slide into the main frame and the holes would line up. However it appears that they only line up on one side, the front, and I need to drill holes in the rear section to attach them. Is this correct or am I doing something wrong? I tried moving the supports that are in the middle of the front and rear back one notch, but then you lose 2 of the 3 original bolt contacts. This seems less rigid for the build?

Anyway does anyone have advice, or step by step instructions on how to convert this folding trailer into a rigid trailer? I will await your response with a beer and a smoke. Then again this might help me figure it out on my own!

[PaulC]

Have you had a look at the Generic Benroy plans? I'm thinking it shows how in there.

Cheers
Paul

[Newman39Fan]

The Generic Benroy plan uses a Red Trailer, not HF.

[Juneaudave]

Do these assembly instructions help?

Harbor Freight 90154 Assembly Instructions

[Newman39Fan]

Those are the instructions for making it a folding trailer as designed. These do not show how to make it a non-folding rigid trailer

[steve smoot]

see if this lead will help you out...

http://www.mikenchell.com/zephyr/Teardrop.htm

[Newman39Fan]

Yes, that helped in 2 ways. Not only did it help with my cross beam question, but it answered my yet to be asked axle move question.

Thanks for the help

[steve smoot]

Good, my wife says I'm useless, and tried to tell her that was not totally true...

[nikwax]

I started putting my frame together and ran into my first of many to come glitches. I assumed, I really need to stop assuming, that the 2 center supports would just slide into the main frame and the holes would line up. However it appears that they only line up on one side, the front, and I need to drill holes in the rear section to attach them. Is this correct or am I doing something wrong? I tried moving the supports that are in the middle of the front and rear back one notch, but then you lose 2 of the 3 original bolt contacts. This seems less rigid for the build?

Anyway does anyone have advice, or step by step instructions on how to convert this folding trailer into a rigid trailer? I will await your response with a beer and a smoke. Then again this might help me figure it out on my own!

The two halves of the trailer do line up, and you should not need to drill holes in the frame. Which is a good thing, as the frame is hardened steel and not easy to drill holes in (ask me how I know ;-)

[Newman39Fan]

I tired every way posible, the best I could come up with was 1 hole lining up. So I am not sure how you got them to line up without having to drill?

[rainjer]

If you are try to make a folding trailer ridged, you will need to drill new holes when you insert it into the side rails. You will also need to drill thru them where you spring mount brackets attach.

Jeremy

[Newman39Fan]

I do have a new question. I don't have much drilling experience with metla. Am I going to be able to drill these holes with a cordless Dewalt drill? Or am I going to need more beef of a corded drill or a drill press?

Thanks

[TwilightLane]

Hey Newman,

Check my build thread, I just figgured this all out last weekend. Drilled quite a few holes. PITA.

Send me a message if you want to talk about it.

http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?t=35658

[TwilightLane]

I used a corded dewalt drill, new bit, regular motor oil instead of cutting oil (per rec from ACE hardware guy). Worked fine, took a while. Then dressed the holes w a rat tail file. I discovered that LESS pressure wound up with a cleaner hole and thus less work with the file. YMMV.

[brewwagon]

I just purchased the folding trailer from HF. I understand about taking the 2 cross pieces and using them to attach the "front" and "rear" sections.
Has anyone done this but extended the total length of the trailer by 6-12 inches?