Northern Tool PARTS (not the kit) trailer with upgrades

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Re: Northern Tool PARTS (not the kit) trailer with upgrades

Postby working on it » Fri Aug 11, 2017 6:31 pm

jbell.louisburg wrote:
woodywrkng wrote:JBell. It's considered a bit risky using car tires on a trailer. I'm no expert on this, and I assume the car tires will indeed work, but those in the know say there's a reason trailer tires are built differently, and can cost more than car tires. Maybe do a little research on the subject before pulling the trigger at Walmart.


I've done a bit of research on this --
yes trailer tires typically have a higher load range, stiffer sidewall, lower speed rating.
yes car tires typically have a lower load range, more flexible sidewall, higher speed rating.

Stiffer sidewalls are typically credited to less trailer "wallow" however, most wallow comes from wrong wheel/weight placement and not enough tongue weight.
I'm going to make sure on my trailer design, that the wheels will be far enough back, to eliminate any wallow and/or trailer wiggle/sway.

The walmart tires have a load rating of 88, which is 1235lbs per tire, which is higher than my max load of 1000lbs per tire
(2000lbs max trailer weight on axle, springs, etc...)

So, because these particular tires have plenty of load capacity, and they are speed rated, then I have no concerns towing at 75mph.
  • For years, on this forum, and on others, I professed the merits of ST trailer tires, always stating that they were the only good choice. I had lots of experience using ST tires on tandem axle trailers, but little or no experience on single-axle (8" tires excluded). But, after changing my opinion about using ST tires on my squareback TTT (in preparation for light off-road use), I bought LT all-terrain tires, as a substitute for the ST tires I used before.
  • LT (light truck) tires have slightly less sidewall stiffness than the ST tires, but with only 2000 lbs (I know, it's very heavy for a 4x8 trailer) on them, they shouldn't "wallow" much, if at all, especially with a weight distribution hitch set-up controlling the trailer. With LT tires, I'm also gaining more traction/grip over loose material, and I feel more secure using them (and their deeper tread depth) through standing water on roads. I lost confidence using cheap Chinese ST tires (though, I'm just about to order a set of bias-plies for my car-hauler, Chinese again), partially because of my preference for bias-ply ST tires, and the DRASTICALLY LOWER PRICE than LT tires would cost.
  • I need the trailer back on the road, to haul some things locally, so it's a quick solution to a short-term problem; I have no doubt the Chinese tires will eventually fail me, as have their predecessors. But, I never considered P-series radial (passenger) tires for either application. On the little squareback TTT, I wanted to keep some sidewall stiffness, and gain the better grip of LT tires, and the all terrain aspect, too. I have known many users of P radials, hauling their expensive race-cars on the cheapest tires they could find...but most eventually got ST tires, later. I may regret the cheap ST tires I'm going to get, but it is the best I can do at this time (having to quickly get a new house), and I'm not expecting miracles.
  • In your particular case, without having any deep-seated preference for proper ST tires (IMHO, I like stiff sidewalls on all trailers), you make a good case for trying P-radials. Many others here use them, too, so at that price.....
2013 HHRv "squareback/squaredrop", rugged, 4x8 TTT, 2225 lbs
  • *3500 lb Dexter EZ-Lube braked axle, 3000 lb.springs, active-progressive bumpstop suspension
  • *27 x 8.5-14LT AT tires (x 3) *Weight Distribution system for single-beam tongue
  • *100% LED's & GFCI outlets, 3x fans, AM/FM/CD/Aux. *A/C & heat, Optima AGM, inverter & charger(s)
  • *extended-run, on-board, 2500w generator *Coleman dual-fuel stove & lantern, Ikea grill, vintage skillet
  • *zinc/stainless front & side racks *98"L x 6" diameter rod & reel carrier tube on roof
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Re: Northern Tool PARTS (not the kit) trailer with upgrades

Postby aggie79 » Sat Aug 12, 2017 8:09 am

Despite all of the well-intended horror stores, I've had no trouble running radial car tires for years on my teardrop. I keep the pressure at 25 psi. Traveling at an average of 70-75 mph, there is no heat buildup in my tires.


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Last edited by aggie79 on Mon Aug 14, 2017 7:57 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Northern Tool PARTS (not the kit) trailer with upgrades

Postby Dale M. » Sat Aug 12, 2017 9:16 am

QueticoBill wrote:
Dale M. wrote:
jbell.louisburg wrote:So, because these particular tires have plenty of load capacity, and they are speed rated, then I have no concerns towing at 75mph.


Dont come to California... Towing speed limit is 55 MPH...

Dale


Does that apply to all trailers like a tear, boat, whatever? And is it enforced much? Seems dubious.


All trailers ... Period, even 18 wheelers....... Not really enforces much.... I was towing in right hand lane at about 62 mph when BIG Ford PU with 24 foot trailer blew by me doing 75plus... Yes a few miles down road he was pulled over by car with circus lights... Just don't be two obvious and sort of stay with slower traffic and you are pretty safe...

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Re: Northern Tool PARTS (not the kit) trailer with upgrades

Postby QueticoBill » Sat Aug 12, 2017 12:04 pm

So I'm curious jbell which way you're leaning: kit, all home/scratch built; or used or new trailer. Luckily I'm past this on my first (oh my) teardrop with the basic NTwith extended tongue and relocated axle - rest as per kit. I do acknowledge and am trying to plan for the option of upgrading alter - and probably would do whole axel, hubs, wheels, and tires complete (and probably source from etrailer since they seem to have some customer service.)

It does not seem that non ST tires on a trailer is a threat or major problem based on all I have read - part because the loads are usually much lighter than what the trailer is designed for and secondly because it seems more an issue of premature wear, not catastrophic failure.

Can't wait for pictures!
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Re: Northern Tool PARTS (not the kit) trailer with upgrades

Postby jbell.louisburg » Wed Aug 16, 2017 9:22 pm

Padilen wrote:Sorry but it seems like when you asked for thought and opinions. You wanted them but when offered you shoot them down.



In terms of which way I'm leaning? it's probably to not offend any more than I already have..

carry on all.
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Re: Northern Tool PARTS (not the kit) trailer with upgrades

Postby jbell.louisburg » Mon Aug 28, 2017 4:09 pm

I came to the conclusion that I would rather have a dexter torsion axle. Redneck Trailer Parts has my order.
In the end it just wasn't worth it to me to buy the NT kit, upgrade the axle, upgrade the wheels, cut and mod the frame to fit what I wanted, etc, etc.
(I could have, and it would work... but it would be a waste)

I also decided it just wasn't worth it to buy NT parts and piece together a leaf sprung axle trailer.

So... I have $423 in parts to redneck trailer, add my wheels/ walmart tires, and go buy 3" c-channel to make the frame, and I'm done. (for the trailer frame anyway...)

It will be a bit more than the $489 for the NT kit, but I'll be much happier with the dexter axle -- of that I'm sure.
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Re: Northern Tool PARTS (not the kit) trailer with upgrades

Postby jbell.louisburg » Wed Nov 15, 2017 4:58 pm

Just because I thought this thread should have a conclusion... Here's my dexter axle, I'm very pleased.

And yes, I know 3" c-channel is a bit overkill for this small of a trailer, but hey, I like a solid foundation for that very nice axle.....

IMG_5610.JPG
IMG_5610.JPG (125.6 KiB) Viewed 1908 times
IMG_5609.JPG
IMG_5609.JPG (107.17 KiB) Viewed 1908 times
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Re: Northern Tool PARTS (not the kit) trailer with upgrades

Postby Dale M. » Thu Nov 16, 2017 9:13 am

jbell.louisburg wrote:Just because I thought this thread should have a conclusion... Here's my dexter axle, I'm very pleased.

And yes, I know 3" c-channel is a bit overkill for this small of a trailer, but hey, I like a solid foundation for that very nice axle.....

IMG_5610.JPG
IMG_5609.JPG


Where are your lock washers on bolts/nuts?...

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Re: Northern Tool PARTS (not the kit) trailer with upgrades

Postby jbell.louisburg » Fri Nov 17, 2017 10:12 pm

not to worry, I nylock everything -- this is just getting it together, squared, tongue on, platform with drop walk area, etc...
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Re: Northern Tool PARTS (not the kit) trailer with upgrades

Postby John61CT » Sat Nov 18, 2017 9:47 am

What gauge thickness is that c-channel?

Is the frame getting any cross-members, or will the floor tied in be enough for structural support?
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