rnArmy
Adventurer
I thought I'd start a thread about Overlanding DIY trailers based on the HF-type 4' trailer frames (also applicable to their 4'x8' frames). These trailer frames are also sold at places like Northern Tool. Specifically, I thought we'd focus on their suspensions, and modifications that can be done to improve the suspension.
All this and more can be found on this thread below (the thread is quite long; there's actually a table of contents in the first post):
Mini Harbor Freight (type) Trailer Ultimate Build-Up Thread - JeepForum.com
These lil' 4' trailer frames come factory with a short slipper-spring configuration. While they hold up the weight of the trailer, they are overly stiff, overly arched, and they just don't flex (I think they suck actually based on my experience on-and-off road with them). They're kinda ok at best if you're just sticking to smooth pavement (and no potholes or dips), but how many Overlanders here stick to just smooth pavement? My trailer would go airborne sometimes before I swapped out the suspension.
Generally these trailers come in red or black (as shown in the left picture below in red). Others came in black with the front tongue reinforcements (as shown in the right picture below in black). Mine was the type in the right. Other than those minor differences, the slipper spring suspensions are the same. Both pictures are shown with the factory 12" rims and tires.
Leaf spring suspensions and straight axles are simple, and they work great on and off pavement (when properly set-up once you ditch the factory slipper spring set-up). And this suspension swap is actually fairly cheap and easy to do.
Below is a picture of the factory slipper spring set-up (with the axle mounted under the springs).
Pictured below is me with the Jeep and trailer up in Canada (in Atlin as I recall) on a trip with the factory slipper springs still on the trailer (205/75/15" tires on a slightly wider axle). I learned a lot about the trailer on that trip (and areas for improvement!):
All this and more can be found on this thread below (the thread is quite long; there's actually a table of contents in the first post):
Mini Harbor Freight (type) Trailer Ultimate Build-Up Thread - JeepForum.com
These lil' 4' trailer frames come factory with a short slipper-spring configuration. While they hold up the weight of the trailer, they are overly stiff, overly arched, and they just don't flex (I think they suck actually based on my experience on-and-off road with them). They're kinda ok at best if you're just sticking to smooth pavement (and no potholes or dips), but how many Overlanders here stick to just smooth pavement? My trailer would go airborne sometimes before I swapped out the suspension.
Generally these trailers come in red or black (as shown in the left picture below in red). Others came in black with the front tongue reinforcements (as shown in the right picture below in black). Mine was the type in the right. Other than those minor differences, the slipper spring suspensions are the same. Both pictures are shown with the factory 12" rims and tires.
Leaf spring suspensions and straight axles are simple, and they work great on and off pavement (when properly set-up once you ditch the factory slipper spring set-up). And this suspension swap is actually fairly cheap and easy to do.
Below is a picture of the factory slipper spring set-up (with the axle mounted under the springs).
Pictured below is me with the Jeep and trailer up in Canada (in Atlin as I recall) on a trip with the factory slipper springs still on the trailer (205/75/15" tires on a slightly wider axle). I learned a lot about the trailer on that trip (and areas for improvement!):
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