Northern Tool 5x8 bolt together frame height?

[adventurelad]

Hi all-

Anyone out there know the distance from the ground to the top of the frame for the Northern Tool 5x8 bolt together? Trying to firm up my design, but don't have the actual trailer yet (in transit). Thanks a bunch!!

Adventurelad

[adventurelad]

Now that my trailer has arrived, I can answer my own question: the top of the steel deck is 19 3/4 inches from the ground. A few other pieces of data for your design consideration:

The wheel center is 42 1/2 inches from back end
The wheel fender has a 14 1/2 inch radius
The steel deck is 3 inches thick (vertically)

A few more specs (from the shipping box) in my build journal: http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=51404

Hope these help somebody else's design sketching!

Adventurelad

[StandUpGuy]

Now that my trailer has arrived, I can answer my own question: the top of the steel deck is 19 3/4 inches from the ground. A few other pieces of data for your design consideration:

The wheel center is 42 1/2 inches from back end
The wheel fender has a 14 1/2 inch radius
The steel deck is 3 inches thick (vertically)

A few more specs (from the shipping box) in my build journal: http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=51404

Hope these help somebody else's design sketching!

Adventurelad

So if those dimensions are accurate then I have lost 1" of ground clearance with the weight of my build settling the trailer. Did you get dimension from actually measuring your assembled trailer?

[adventurelad]

Standupguy-

Yes, leveled the trailer in the garage sitting on its wheels and measured to the floor. I think I had 19 1/2 at one end and 19 3/4 at the other (so not quite level). A full inch sounds like a lot Do you have an estimated weight?

Adventurelad

[phillyswift]

Hi Adventurelad: I just ordered the 5x8 Northern Trailer to start my teardrop project. Did you reinforce the trailer with welds or extra iron? I don't weld so I am reluctant to blow my budget on this project wide open by hiring one if it is not necessary. Thanks!

[WizardOfOdds]

This trailer seems to be made by the same company that made my HF 6464 trailer (an older version of the heavy duty 1750# one HF still sells). They look very similar with one notable exception: the side rails. They appear to be a single 8 ft unit on the 5x8 while my HF4x8 has two 4 ft rails in tandem with an angle iron over the seam which also connects to the leaf springs. I think I prefer the single rail design, especially if I ever want to move the axle back further. I have been very happy with the HF (although I am not sure I can locate replacement bearings for it) and was looking to buy the NT 5x8 for my future build. However, I was reading the Q&A section on this trailer and was somewhat shocked to see the reply to the question:

"Do you sell high-speed hubs and tires that would allow using this trailer at highway speeds? "

Two individuals replied with :

1- "Northern Tool does sell high speed wheels and tires, but would not be intended for use with this trailer. The axle, spindles and other components are all rated for a maximum recommended speed of 45 MPH.", and

2- "I use this trailer to transport an ATV and drive at highway speed with no problem. I recently repacked the wheel bearings and all looked well."

Could the first replay be an overly conservative official answer??
I looked over the "manual" on the NT site and have trouble seeing anything to support replay #1 above. I can believe the tires may be an issue, but the spindles???. I find that one hard to buy.

The tires which came with my HF4x8 are clearly marked "high speed", but I seem to recall seeing a label on the "spare tire" at HF that warned against speed over 45 MPH. My question to those who already received delivery: Are the tires marked "High Speed" or do they bear 45 MPH limits typical of spares ??

[KCStudly]

Look on the tire for anything that says, "NOT FOR HIGHWAY USE", or some such thing. "High speed" is a marketing term, if you ask me.

[adventurelad]

Hi Adventurelad: I just ordered the 5x8 Northern Trailer to start my teardrop project. Did you reinforce the trailer with welds or extra iron? I don't weld so I am reluctant to blow my budget on this project wide open by hiring one if it is not necessary. Thanks!

phillyswift-

I didn't do any welding on the trailer...seems pretty solid to me. Their advice in the directions about not tightening any of the bolts fully-tight until you have everything assembled is worth listening too though

Considering the weight of the average build is so much lighter than what the trailer is rated for, I don't think it would be worth welding anything on this. But then again, I am still in construction phase too

adventurelad

[adventurelad]

Look on the tire for anything that says, "NOT FOR HIGHWAY USE", or some such thing. "High speed" is a marketing term, if you ask me.

These are the tires that came with my NT 5x8, clearly marked 'high speed', for whatever that is worth. Still haven't really tested the trailer...it was empty when I went to the DMV, but was traveling at typical southern California highway speed (i.e., well over 45 mph!!)



adventurelad

[kinto]

I have the NT 5x8 from their website (the model with the A tongue, not the straight one in their stores) with the stock "high speed" tires & no welds.

My girlfriend & I just took the tear on a ~3,000 mile trip out west, over the continental divide at 10,500 feet, at about 60-65 mph the whole way with no problems at all.

I did google the code on the tires though & found out you should definitely keep them inflated to the recommended 80psi.

[phillyswift]

I purchased the NT trailer and have it fully assembled. But what a hassle getting it legal in Pennsylvania! it is being inspected at a station today, then back to the DMV for more paperwork.