trailer selection... hummm

[johnwgorman]

I am considering the trailer I will need for my teardrop. It will likely be a 5x10 size. The trailers I see at Harbor Freight seem pricey for the quality you get...somewhere around $700. I can have a custom built square tubular steel trailer for about $300 more. It is heavy duty (I think 3000 lbs payload... maybe overkill). They are willing to make modifications to accommodate my needs (wheel placement fender placement etc). Is there any great advantage to these prefab trailers? Is there such thing as being overbuilt on custom trailers? One possible disadvantage to the custom trailer is the inability to lower it as much as a prefab trailer because of larger wheel size.

[eamarquardt]

Getting exactly what you want for 300 bucks more is better, IMHO. If they are building to your specs they should be able to use smaller rims and tires. Buying an axle with brakes already installed is a bit more "cost effective" than adding them later.

Several folks have upgraded HF trailers and have posted that they might would have been better off going custom in the first place.

Finally, welds, IMHO, beat nuts and bolts.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,

Gus

[johnwgorman]

I have also read that the teardrop builder should be attentive to the payload maximums because with a heavy duty trailer that is intended to carry a payload of 3000 lbs might have springs that are too stiff causing the trailer to bounce rather than "give". I suppose leaves can be removed or the custom builder can add lighter duty springs.

[eamarquardt]

You can get springs for virtually any weight you desire. Your builder should be able to order exactly what you want.

Cheers,

Gus

[Yota Bill]

Talk to the builder. There's really no reason they cant change the design or the materials a little to lighten the weight of the trailer, which will also lower the weight it is rated at. Once they know what you intend to do with it, they will be able to help you make a better decision on exactly what you need.

Depending on how advanced your plans are, they will also be able to weld on tabs to mount the body to, or the tongue box, propane tank, or battery box, etc.

When you are ready to have it built, take the time to talk to the builder, and also take in any designs, pictures, sketches, or other reference material you might have. Helping him to understand the final goal for your build will produce a trailer frame much more suited to what you want, and make the entire build that much easier and better.

[Artificer]

The benefit of the HF trailer is that it is reasonably priced, can be shipped, and anyone can have one. They aren't the optimal design, but they will easily work.

The custom trailer will be exactly what you specify. If you know what you need, thats what you'll get. (within reason) If you want a low riding trailer, the custom built one can be just as low as the HF ones. Use the same tires. You don't have to have the taller tires that most people put on their trailers. The custom builder can actually duplicate the HF trailer, as silly as that seems. You can get an 8" tire/wheel that will handle 1,165lbs each. http://www.etrailer.com/Tires-and-Wheel ... 3H325.html

Even the standard, find it everywhere, 5.70-8 load C tires will take 910lbs per tire. Thats 1,820lbs for trailer and stuff. If you don't mind carrying two spares, the load D tires carry 1,075lbs. (D tires aren't readily available everywhere) I switched to 5.30-12 C tires on my 2,000lb trailer. I wanted the extra 2" of height, and I can find them everywhere when we go on trips with it.

Another reason for the custom trailer is you can get the higher capacity axle, and spec a lighter/longer shock. Durable, but still get a good ride. $300 to get exactly what you want seems to be a good deal to me.

Michael