Any modifications needed to use a Northern tool 5x8 trailer

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Any modifications needed to use a Northern tool 5x8 trailer

Postby Hukfin » Sun Jun 19, 2016 3:58 pm

Hello everyone,
First post. I'd like to build a teardrop on a 5x8 trailer kit from Northern Tool. I've never done anything like this before. Are there any modifications that need to be made to the trailer for it to work? Possibly moving the axel/wheels further back?

Any help would be appreciated!
Thanks,
Chris
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Re: Any modifications needed to use a Northern tool 5x8 trai

Postby les45 » Sun Jun 19, 2016 4:49 pm

I built my weekender on a stock NT 5X8. The only change I made after a few trips was to upgrade to 13" passenger car tires. The stock 5.3X12 trailer tires just rode too rough.
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Re: Any modifications needed to use a Northern tool 5x8 trai

Postby Hukfin » Sun Jun 19, 2016 7:48 pm

Thanks Les, I appreciate the input... :)
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Re: Any modifications needed to use a Northern tool 5x8 trai

Postby Woodbutcher » Sun Jun 19, 2016 9:25 pm

I added wheel spacers and upgraded to 15" wheels. I also added some extra supports up front for a tongue box. Otherwise I've got about 15K on the trailer with no trouble.
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Re: Any modifications needed to use a Northern tool 5x8 trai

Postby Hukfin » Sun Jun 26, 2016 7:10 pm

Woodbutcher wrote:I added wheel spacers and upgraded to 15" wheels. I also added some extra supports up front for a tongue box. Otherwise I've got about 15K on the trailer with no trouble.


Hi,
Thanks for the reply. Did you repack the wheel bearings or anything during assembly? I'm seeing youtube videos saying to do that.

Chris
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Re: Any modifications needed to use a Northern tool 5x8 trai

Postby Woodbutcher » Sun Jun 26, 2016 9:42 pm

Yes, I did re pack the bearings. I also carry a second set in the trailer for emergency's.
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Re: Any modifications needed to use a Northern tool 5x8 trai

Postby les45 » Mon Jun 27, 2016 7:12 pm

Hukfin wrote:
Hi,
Thanks for the reply. Did you repack the wheel bearings or anything during assembly? I'm seeing youtube videos saying to do that.

Chris


Definitely clean and pack the wheel bearings with quality grease. I've read in some reviews that the stuff that looks like grease that comes with the hubs from the factory is only a rest preventative material used primarily for protecting the parts during shipment from China.
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