Larry8 NT Build

[Larry8]

Starting a new build July 2016 from a NT 5x8 trailer. Here are some of my mods. I bolted on adapters for the 12 inch wheels to 15 inch 6x5.5 mag wheels. This raised the trailer so I mounted the axle above the springs and the hitch mod lowers the hitch 2 inches so it all leveled out. Then I made brackets to mount shocks/dampeners. Next, I'll work on an insulated sandwich floor.

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[antalog]

Very cool!
Can't wait to see it progress.

[les45]

Do some research on how the adapters will affect the load on your bearings. The stock trailer wheels have zero offset which provides an even load to both bearings within the hub. A large positive offset such as you have with the adapters will cause an uneven loading of the bearings. This may not be a problem unless you build heavy but I have always shied away from adapters and positive offset on trailers. Maybe ask some of the other members for experience with this issue.
(another) Larry

[Larry8]

Thanks Larry,
Those are good concerns on the uneven load to the wheel bearings caused by the adapters. I plan to build medium-light so hopefully it'll be okay. Working on the floor today...
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[Larry8]

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Here's a picture of us test fitting one of the walls. I'll be excited when it starts to look like something other than a a pile of plywood but I want to do as much as I can while the walls can be laid flat on the saw horse. I'm thinking one more horizontal brace above the wheel would help make it stronger.

Thanks for looking,

Larry

[aggie79]

Larry,

Good work! Things are progressing nicely. I like your trailer mods. (BTW, is the a-frame coupler stock or did you add this too?) Your profile looks really nice too.

Take care,
To

[Larry8]

Hi Aggie,
Thanks for looking and your kind remarks. The A frame coupler was about $20 from Amazon, it took a bit of fiddling and drilling to make it work. I like the look and the jack mount in the middle rather than a side-mount.

Larry

[Larry8]

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One side glued on and one side to go. Thanks to my family and every clamp I own for the assistance. I had a good experience at the DMV registering the trailer, the lady who helped me knew what she was doing. I was surprised when she handed me a shiny new plate right then and there.

[Larry8]

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Dry fitting the tailgate...

[TimC]

Starting a new build July 2016 from a NT 5x8 trailer. Here are some of my mods. I bolted on adapters for the 12 inch wheels to 15 inch 6x5.5 mag wheels. This raised the trailer so I mounted the axle above the springs and the hitch mod lowers the hitch 2 inches so it all leveled out. Then I made brackets to mount shocks/dampeners. Next, I'll work on an insulated sandwich floor.

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Larry, I'm wondering if you did anything to keep dirt and water from collecting in the axle? I want to cover that space somehow on my NT Ironton. I did get one suggestion to fill with spray foam (Great Stuff). I am thinking that is the way I will go.

Tim

[Larry8]

Hi Tim,
I was hoping that the Teardrop Build would cover the axle enough to keep bris and water out. Maybe it's wishful thinking, great stuff is hard for me to control as it foams up so I would have to trim it. That exposes the inside of the foam and may soak up water. Let me know if you come up with a better solution. I may have to lear to weld and box in the axle.

Larry

[TimC]

Hi Tim,
I was hoping that the Teardrop Build would cover the axle enough to keep bris and water out. Maybe it's wishful thinking, great stuff is hard for me to control as it foams up so I would have to trim it. That exposes the inside of the foam and may soak up water. Let me know if you come up with a better solution. I may have to lear to weld and box in the axle.

Larry

I didn't think about cutting the excess foam off before. I have some cured Great Stuff in my basement. I might have to cut a chunk off and see if it absorbs water. That would definitely not be good in a freeze/thaw environment.

[Larry8]

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Yay, trying on the skin today. I'm hoping the scuff marks will buff out hen it's all done.

Larry

[Larry8]

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I wanted to post an update. Between rainstorms, I was scrambling to get her water tight so no time to post. All I can say is to take your time and make some progress every day. I have a week or so to work on things until the next rains. She's going into a garage for the winter and then finish up in the spring.