Stretching a Harbor Freight frame

[ccdell]

With the HF 1750 frame being so inexpensive right now, I am REALLY tempted to go get one. But I have been informed that the teardrop must be (at least) 5x9. I know I can extend the walls over the wheels to get the 5 foot width, but I am not crazy about extending both width and length without building on a longer frame. So, my question is, has anyone "stretched" the folding 1750 frame by placing the two cross members from the folding point of the frame lengthwise (as shown in the Generic Benroy Plans) and adding a one foot gap? This should give about 1 1/2 feet on each side to attach to.

In the image below, the top shows the method described in the Generic Benroy Plans,. The bottom shows what I am proposing.

<img src="http://www.tnttt.com/gallery/image.php?image_id=25091" />

[Nobody]

Don't see why it wouldn't work but, it ain't necessary either. My TD is 60"x114" (5X9.5') built on the HF 1800# (think all the dimensions are identical to the 1740). I modified the tongue as I couldn't abide the way the HF coupler looked, & I needed a little more length because most of my 'overhang' is in front ('sides, the longer tongue makes backing up much easier). Think I have about 12" in front & maybe 6" in rear (this includes the curve of the profile). My floor frame is 1.5x2" actual dimensions, ripped from 2x6 spruce, tied together with 1x6 white pine side rails & 1/2" plywood floor. This thing is solid, & when bolted to the trailer frame with ten 7/16" carriage bolts, there is absolutely no flex in the overhang, sides or ends. Here's a couple of pix with lots more in my album -

[Arne]

The only thing I would suggest is putting top (vertical) bolts in to keep it solid in the vertical plain. Side bolts will not eliminate sagging at the joint. And putting a shim on top of the gap for a consistent top level..... otherwise, I see no problem with doing it.. the wall adds a lot of support.

[mikeschn]

I did exactly what you show, stretching it to about 9' or so. It's still plenty strong.

Mike...

With the HF 1750 frame being so inexpensive right now, I am REALLY tempted to go get one. But I have been informed that the teardrop must be (at least) 5x9. I know I can extend the walls over the wheels to get the 5 foot width, but I am not crazy about extending both width and length without building on a longer frame. So, my question is, has anyone "stretched" the folding 1750 frame by placing the two cross members from the folding point of the frame lengthwise (as shown in the Generic Benroy Plans) and adding a one foot gap? This should give about 1 1/2 feet on each side to attach to.

In the image below, the top shows the method described in the Generic Benroy Plans,. The bottom shows what I am proposing.

<img src="http://www.quisitive.net/images/railsquestion.jpg" />

[Alphacarina]

If you shift the tear forward 6 or 8 inches over the tongue as Harvey did, you would only hang off the back of the frame by 4 or 6 inches . . . . and all that would be hanging off will be the aft end of the galley - Not really necessary to extend the frame 6 inches just to support the end of the galley and doing an extension might actually cause more weakenss than not doing so

In short, I wouldn't worry about it

Don

[ccdell]

Well, it looks like it's "six of one, half dozen of the other" on this. Either way, I think I will be getting a trailer soon.

"Nobody", Wow, you have allot of information in your album and I really like what you did with extending the tongue out on the trailer. One of the other requirements for mine is a roof rack for hauling the kayak. So I may need a little extra length out front (the kayak is a tandem). BTW, I really like the profile of your TD - makes me rethink the lines I already have drawn

Thanks again.
Scott

[Nobody]

That's the beauty of teardroppin' & buildin' your own Scott. Any way you want to do it that doesn't compromise safety is RIGHT. If it works & looks OK to you, then do what you want & full speed ahead .

[bobhenry]

Or you can find someone throwing away a hand rail and just use the axle cradel and tongue.

Any body close need a couple chunks of HF bed frame PM me.

[ccdell]

Well, I have the HF trailer (in pieces on the garage floor) I guess the madness really starts now. I am committed (as several have said I should be!) And yes, pictures to follow... as soon as they show something more interesting then cardboard boxes from China.