Finally took the plunge! Used my July 4th 25% off coupon to get an 1195 lb Harbor Freight Trailer. Of course I got home and inspected all the parts, and it seems to be right. It's out on the patio, awaiting the first bolt, and I plan on taking my time and getting it right. I keep telling myself if my teardrop build goes badly, at least I have a utility trailer!
I'd really like to hear any and all advise you may have regarding my trailer build and any modifications I should consider before we call it done. I'm planning on a 5x8 cabin, using an elevated floor and I am seriously considering foam or foam sammich construction..... and avoiding as much "overbuild" and excess weight as possible. I know how to frame a house, and that won't be happening here!
I have already decided on these modifications:
Scrap the casters, stand and folding capability and build a solid, sturdy and squared frame. Add something to replace the redeployed crossmembers used to make it a non-folder.
Add some 2x2 steel tube up the middle and extend the hitch coupler maybe a foot as Bobhenry has suggested many times. As part of this mod, I will also weld the folding angle tongue rails to their brackets, as I do not need them to fold or drop the bed. Should I just go head and upgrade the coupler, or is the HFT one cool?
Weld some small corner diagonal braces for strength and squareness. The rear two corner braces will be used to mount light scissor jacks.
Remove the smallest leaf on the leaf spring pack for a softer ride, round any sharp edges and grease the springs.
Put all wiring in flex conduit for protection.
With the welding requiring repainting, I am just going to paint the entire trailer. Our Southwest sun turns the HFT red into chalky faded pink in just a couple years.
Questions:
I may have some weight in the simple galley like stoves, water jugs, etc, and for sure a hefty tongue box with possibly the 60lb spare from my Jeep and Hi Lift. It won't have any fancy cabinetry, tanks, sinks, batteries, etc. and I may go with a square back design with a lift up half hatch and ambulance doors on the bottom rather than a curved rear hatch. Do I need to move the springs back?
Do I remember correctly that you can reverse the spring-axle assembly to move it back on the frame some?
What else am I missing? Any and all advise or comments welcomed!