Kit frames how square?

[DogStar]

Making the deck for my basic trailer I double checked my trailer frame for square, measuring the diagonals. I had thought I was close to square but now find the 5x8 foot bed is out of square by 3/4 of an inch.

I have build large houses with foundations only out by that much.

I have not tightened down on all bolts yet, think I will loosen them all and try for better square. Is 3/4 of an inch typical for these kits, or can I expect to get much better results?

Eric

[bobhenry]

I know it sounds crude but hook up the trailer to stabilize it and smack the long corner with a small sledge hammer. 3/4 inch out corner to corner is very possible with the slop in the holes. I wouldn't even loosen the bolts if there is nothing tight enough to hold your "adjustment" it will just bounce back.

[dh]

While you are at it I would check the axle alignment as well. Just make sure the frame is where you want it and tightened down first.

[absolutsnwbrdr]

They do take some "tweaking" to get them straight, but you should be able to get it closer than 3/4". I took a rubber mallet and persuaded it a bit. Once it was squared-up, I began attaching my framing and deck.

[Wanna Be]

I feel that I might expand on the defineation given.
As a retired ironworker we did the snug tight, but not to tight,
Then smack the living C#$& out of it to get it square.
The most I was ever off was only 1/16 th inch in 20 foot.
Yes that amount quoted is from the oversize holes that are provided.

Stay safe and have fun !!
Wanna Be

I know it sounds crude but hook up the trailer to stabilize it and smack the long corner with a small sledge hammer. 3/4 inch out corner to corner is very possible with the slop in the holes. I wouldn't even loosen the bolts if there is nothing tight enough to hold your "adjustment" it will just bounce back.

[DogStar]

Success!

I had tightened up about the front third before I checked for square, so I loosened up all of those a bit. Then I took a measurement and I strapped a ratchet tie-down on the longest diagonal. Still out nearly an inch.

Ratcheted it up a bit, remeasured and now I had gone a little too far, I let back two ratchet points, gave the other diagonal a light tap, and now it was near perfect. I started to tighten up the bolts. slightly sequentially, double checked for square, completed my tightening.

In the end my diagonals on a 5x8 foot kit measured 113 3/8" by 113 7/16".

Don't think I can get it better than 1/16 of an inch difference.

Now the bed is ready to be located, (I already spiced a piece on it) bolt holes marked, yada, yada, yada.... Here's to hoping tomorrow afternoon is again warm enough to get some more done.

As always your friend in Tears!
Eric

[rowerwet]

I found my my all welded carry-on trailer out visibly when a sheet of plywood is dropped into it. measured at over 1/2" off, still works fine and any straightening is beyond my ability.

[les45]

Old post but I'll throw my two cents in if someone else can get some benefit. This is how I squared my NT 5X8 frame. While all bolts were still hand tight, I put a square to each corner and bolted the boards into existing holes. This held it square until all the bolts could be tightened. Decking fit perfectly all around.

[PonyExpress]

thanks les45, that idea is simple, elegant, and incredibly useful