Ronnie4283
New member
I think Im gonna do something similar with HF 4x8 trailer. Probly spring for the metal sides that are available. I'd need a camping/junk trailer so the larger one would be good for me.
Cool little trailer
- Thread starter Big Daddy Chia
- Start date
compactcamping
Explorer
One caution using a HF or similar trailer frame off-pavement. The short, slipper style springs don't hold up well to extended washboard and rough surface towing. I've had a few crack at the center pin. It's a good idea to carry a spare spring (or pair), they're under $10 each.
computeruser
Explorer
Ronnie4283 said:
Assuming you're talking about the folding 4x8' HF trailer, make sure that you do a good job of attaching your decking, as it adds a lot of rigidity to the trailer when done properly. Carriage bolts and painted OSB worked great for my decking and sides, and worked great for hundreds of loads of landscaping materials, moving friends and family, and all-around trailer usage. I got 4 years and 10k miles of good use out of mine before I sold it.
I never had any problems with the springs breaking, even when grossly overloaded and dragged across construction sites, but it was obvious that the slipper springs were wearing heavily on the springs themselves as the years went on. More worrisome, though, was that they were wearing the frame away at an even faster rate. And this was with me keeping them well-greased.
Do be forewarned about the "low price" of these trailers. Between the kit, the decking/sides, the deck hardware, a few tie-down points, and the paint, I probably had $425 tied up in my HF-type trailer by the time I was done.
granitex1
Adventurer
Just to let you know, this started out as one of thoes HF 48x40 trailers, before it grew. As it sits there, all of the camping stuff, tools, spare parts, and coolers, for four people are in that trailer.
It towed like it was not even there, up to about 70MPH.
It will go anywhere the truck will, and since I had to stretch the axle to fit the tires it is a lot more stable than it ever was.
It towed like it was not even there, up to about 70MPH.
It will go anywhere the truck will, and since I had to stretch the axle to fit the tires it is a lot more stable than it ever was.
Big Daddy Chia
Adventurer
granitex1 said:Just to let you know, this started out as one of thoes HF 48x40 trailers, before it grew. As it sits there, all of the camping stuff, tools, spare parts, and coolers, for four people are in that trailer.
It towed like it was not even there, up to about 70MPH.
It will go anywhere the truck will, and since I had to stretch the axle to fit the tires it is a lot more stable than it ever was.
Whats the box made of.
highlandercj-7
Explorer
Looks like plywood and angle iron to me. If you want a soild frame cheap look at the lil 4x6 trailers at TSC they have a bare frame no deck for a reasonable price. The 2nd link is the 4x8 frame. The good thing is the axle is 5 on 4.5 bolt pattern so lotsa wheel choices. I sprung over my friends and it goes behind the jeep nicly. We use it to fetch parts and home improvement stuffs.
http://www.tractorsupply.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Home_10551_10001
http://www.tractorsupply.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay_10551_10001_33977_______14297|14337|14342|33977?listingPage=true&Special=false
http://www.tractorsupply.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Home_10551_10001
http://www.tractorsupply.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay_10551_10001_33977_______14297|14337|14342|33977?listingPage=true&Special=false
granitex1
Adventurer
The frame is welded and bolted together with grade 8's.
The box over it is angle iron with 5/8 exterior ply glued with polly construction adhesive and bolted through the steel.
I needed something that was this size, for camping equipment, compressors, tablesaw, firewood, all of the stuff most people get a small pickup for
I already have access to a 5x10 when I need to move sheet goods. So making one any larger would be too redundant.
For a whing while I thought of using 1 inch square stock for the box, and wrap the entire thing in 16g, with a lid. but in reality what I needed is what I made, a light weight over built box that will track behind my truck, anywhere I want to go. It is the same width as the truck so it really does not affect milage.
The box over it is angle iron with 5/8 exterior ply glued with polly construction adhesive and bolted through the steel.
I needed something that was this size, for camping equipment, compressors, tablesaw, firewood, all of the stuff most people get a small pickup for
I already have access to a 5x10 when I need to move sheet goods. So making one any larger would be too redundant.
For a whing while I thought of using 1 inch square stock for the box, and wrap the entire thing in 16g, with a lid. but in reality what I needed is what I made, a light weight over built box that will track behind my truck, anywhere I want to go. It is the same width as the truck so it really does not affect milage.
Big Daddy Chia
Adventurer
highlandercj-7 said:
Yeah I have been looing at that and I think thats what I am gonna do.