The harbor freight trailer is awesome

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  • čas přidán 12. 08. 2023

Komentáře • 1,2K

  • @PeetzaPieAmore
    @PeetzaPieAmore Před 8 měsíci +538

    Here’s some useful information not mentioned in the video.
    Cost of Harbor Freight Haul Master: $549.99
    Towing Capacity: 1,720 lbs
    Size: 48”x96”
    You’re welcome.

    • @300and2CI
      @300and2CI Před 7 měsíci +8

      How much does it weigh?

    • @AmericansWillRise
      @AmericansWillRise Před 7 měsíci +26

      Not all heros wear capes. 🤜🤛

    • @PeetzaPieAmore
      @PeetzaPieAmore Před 7 měsíci +1

      @@300and2CI not sure couldn’t find the weight

    • @mandelorean6243
      @mandelorean6243 Před 7 měsíci

      ​@@300and2CIspoon feeding only goes so far

    • @genuismensa
      @genuismensa Před 7 měsíci +7

      @@300and2CI It comes in 3 boxes, the heaviest was like 70 lbs or something. It should be doable for one person. I would guess around 200lbs. Whatever your decking choice is going to add a couple of pounds.

  • @dalejohannsen3707
    @dalejohannsen3707 Před 8 měsíci +978

    Used one as a motorcycle trailer for years pulling probably 30,000 miles. No blow outs, no bearings going out. Not fancy but did the job

    • @SomeConch357
      @SomeConch357 Před 8 měsíci +54

      does the job are the most important words to someone who is broke but really needs to get something done

    • @Crisko591
      @Crisko591 Před 8 měsíci +4

      Worked great for moto!!

    • @jeremiahwoodruff9614
      @jeremiahwoodruff9614 Před 8 měsíci +3

      Lotta bolts to lose tho

    • @sergio.6137
      @sergio.6137 Před 8 měsíci +3

      @@jeremiahwoodruff9614time to take up welding haha

    • @SC-mf7ni
      @SC-mf7ni Před 8 měsíci +10

      @@jeremiahwoodruff9614one word, locktight

  • @Ezdoesit0127
    @Ezdoesit0127 Před 9 měsíci +1545

    We’ve used ours for 8-10 years to lug around our welder and compressors torches ext with no issues. Definitely has been a blessing

    • @MikeDoesDIY
      @MikeDoesDIY  Před 9 měsíci +42

      Good call

    • @jodygarcia9892
      @jodygarcia9892 Před 8 měsíci +4

      Did you weld or bolt it?

    • @Ezdoesit0127
      @Ezdoesit0127 Před 8 měsíci +35

      @@jodygarcia9892 we had it bolted for a couple years but for the better part of it’s life it’s been welded now. We have no need for the folding feature and just wanted to reinforce it in genera plus stiffening up the axel. Only things lacking strength are the axel and tires. If anything definitely get a really good set of tires and a spare. We’ve overloaded it a time or two lol 😂

    • @bettyswollocks7683
      @bettyswollocks7683 Před 8 měsíci

      ​@@Ezdoesit01276

    • @heathenprojects2639
      @heathenprojects2639 Před 8 měsíci +10

      With fuel prices and log prices down I bought the smaller one and put my saws fuel and drag it to timber with a Honda civic 😅

  • @zachmiller9175
    @zachmiller9175 Před 10 měsíci +1954

    There are so many old camper frames for sale in my area that I'd never get one, but it doesn't look half bad.

    • @conradmorgan5782
      @conradmorgan5782 Před 8 měsíci +58

      Fr people just giving them old campers away sometimes 😂

    • @austinwerlein3631
      @austinwerlein3631 Před 8 měsíci

      ​@@conradmorgan5782yes just got 2 22 footers and 1 18 footer each one was free old lady was moving so I burnt everything stripped copper and made about 2 to 300 per trailer for the tin and everything was totally worth it gonna make me a car trailer

    • @M.TTT.
      @M.TTT. Před 8 měsíci +28

      Can be annoying to get a title/registration in some states

    • @benfrantz4585
      @benfrantz4585 Před 8 měsíci +21

      @@M.TTT. we’re dealing with that right now we’ve got an old pop up that got damaged when the shed blew down and it’s registered in my grandfathers name which passed away this year so we’re probably just gonna end up scraping it

    • @M.TTT.
      @M.TTT. Před 8 měsíci +18

      @@benfrantz4585 ohhh I think usually you can get it registered as long as you have proof of death or something with the estate paperwork, but not 100% sure

  • @ridgegillespie2934
    @ridgegillespie2934 Před 8 měsíci +344

    I would recommend using locktight on the bolts so it doesn't vibrate itself apart on the highway 😂

    • @rhekman
      @rhekman Před 8 měsíci +33

      The one I built with my brother came with nylock nuts.

    • @fordcougar99
      @fordcougar99 Před 8 měsíci +24

      I built one 20yrs ago, they have nylock nuts. Still have the trailer, if I had a welder I'd probably tack it. they definitely benefit from having decking installed(bolt holes all around for a good fit), otherwise it twists.

    • @rhekman
      @rhekman Před 8 měsíci +14

      @@fordcougar99 Agreed installing a solid deck helps greatly. I picked up one of these trailers second hand, and I replaced the deck with 3/4" green treated plywood, with extra holes drilled for carriage bolts down from the top through both the main frame and the cross members.

    • @juanguerrero6581
      @juanguerrero6581 Před 7 měsíci +2

      Lawnmower will bend the axles 😂

    • @Yodaandhislightsabre
      @Yodaandhislightsabre Před 7 měsíci +1

      ​@@juanguerrero6581I've had one for 25 years. Had a Volvo 5 cylinder engine on it, a jeep inline 6, and full of garden soil at different times. Check the bolts, use permanent lock tight, or weld it. Still on original bearings, but replaced the tires.

  • @zacharygreen265
    @zacharygreen265 Před 8 měsíci +38

    I bought one used, fully built, with a plywood floor and a 1 ft tall plywood and 2x4 wall off marketplace for $250. I've been running that little 4x8 trailer into the ground, hauling everything with a Camry, lol. I use it like a pickup truck, except i get much, much better fuel economy. Ive owned several trailers over the years, all the way up to a 7.5 by 20, and this is by far my favorite. Light, cheap, and just so easy to manuver.

    • @countryboy302
      @countryboy302 Před 8 měsíci +4

      Road legal?

    • @zacharygreen265
      @zacharygreen265 Před 8 měsíci +5

      @countryboy302 im not sure about everywhere, but where im at it is, i wired up a light kit in the camry and put a hitch on it, the trailer had lights already.

    • @countryboy302
      @countryboy302 Před 8 měsíci +2

      @@zacharygreen265 ok thanks

    • @gabbymcgibson984
      @gabbymcgibson984 Před 8 měsíci

      ive reported him.

    • @countryboy302
      @countryboy302 Před 8 měsíci +1

      @@gabbymcgibson984 reported who for what?

  • @thegrumchronicles3558
    @thegrumchronicles3558 Před 8 měsíci +167

    I picked up one of these second hand for 150$ I welded every joint and added an "X" of 1" wide 10 ga. flat bar which greatly increased the strength. I sandblasted it and repowdercoated it and I towed it over 2400 miles with around 1000 lb in it and never had a single issue. These are great little trailers. The finish it comes with is totally garbage because they clearly dont prep before they shoot it but for the money it's a sure win. 10/10 would buy again.

    • @rickylee2477
      @rickylee2477 Před 8 měsíci +5

      Should have used angle. Flat bar isn’t ridged enough for x brace if

    • @terrykritsch5047
      @terrykritsch5047 Před 8 měsíci +3

      ​@rickylee2477 on that little trailer it would not make a difference.
      I would understand if it was a trailer with a hydraulic lift then yes angle iron.

    • @SavageDarkness
      @SavageDarkness Před 8 měsíci +1

      about how much did it weigh before you modified yours?

    • @ThatSB
      @ThatSB Před 8 měsíci +1

      Why would you sandblast and recoat?

    • @noahcooper3118
      @noahcooper3118 Před 8 měsíci

      ​@@ThatSByou didn't even read his comment go fuckin read it again

  • @nitrous07me
    @nitrous07me Před 8 měsíci +98

    Harbor freight has a lot of awesome stuff & I’ve heard nothing but good things about this trailer,

    • @Ca18detEnjoyer
      @Ca18detEnjoyer Před 8 měsíci +5

      As someone in south Africa, whenever I genuinely don't get the hate towards harbor freight
      Which I did partially say it that way for the rhyme but like I get that some of their things are low quality, but like I would genuinely be so happy if I had an equivalent store this side of the earth that would do shit like this, because down here you either get the ok things that are fuck expensive, or shit things that are just average expensive

    • @FirstLast-xf6xx
      @FirstLast-xf6xx Před 8 měsíci +3

      Had one for over 10 years

    • @williamhouk6880
      @williamhouk6880 Před 7 měsíci

      Here in the rust belt, plus the Calcium Chloride they spray on the roads, that powder coated piece of tin will be on it's way back to China in two years.
      Go buy yourself a quality steel, oil base enamel painted trailer and either park it in the winter or wash it regularly to keep the Corrosive material off of it.

  • @jnicksnewstart
    @jnicksnewstart Před 8 měsíci +154

    The bearings are not pre-greased for installation to use. They are greased for shipment only to protect them from rust and moisture.
    It is not a high-quality, high temperature bearing grease, nor was it meant to be.
    It is up to you to clean the bearings and the hubs and repack them with a high-quality, high temperature axle bearing grease before assembly.
    Shitloads of people have complained that they burnt their bearings up, and they put the blame on Harbor Freight.
    When all else fails, read the instructions.

    • @jrs4ex
      @jrs4ex Před 8 měsíci +16

      Happened to me and I even greased the bearings. It was a pain in the ass finding a match too in the middle of nowhere Kansas. Not a standard trailer bearing. Thankfully found an auto parts store with a caliper that could measure them and order replacements. Slept in my car for two nights in a wal mart waiting to get it back on the road.

    • @Zairn12345
      @Zairn12345 Před 8 měsíci +8

      Instructions. No read gud

    • @MegusLI
      @MegusLI Před 8 měsíci +10

      Came to comment this, glad this is here. Definitely a critical step

    • @jkalash762
      @jkalash762 Před 8 měsíci +8

      I open every power tool I get from harbor freight to replace the grease even. Never had a power tool from them burn out because of it too. I can't believe anyone would trust the grease they use in a wheel bearing.

    • @RobertJLessard
      @RobertJLessard Před 8 měsíci +5

      This!!! Make sure you put proper grease on and clean off the crap that comes on it.

  • @willstearns3603
    @willstearns3603 Před 8 měsíci +6

    Well I can tell you I have used mine for over 10 years.....still no problems.....100% recommend it!

  • @jefferyshall
    @jefferyshall Před 8 měsíci +222

    Also you forgot to mention that it folds and just sits in the corner taking up hardly any space!!

    • @tgeliot
      @tgeliot Před 8 měsíci +32

      Folds up just like a ping pong table, and is about as strong!

    • @GregMcNamer
      @GregMcNamer Před 8 měsíci +13

      I was willing to pay more for a more premium, pre-assembled trailer. But there is nothing that takes up less space in the garage than a folded harbor freight trailer

    • @rogerthomas169
      @rogerthomas169 Před 8 měsíci +4

      ​@@ElisPalaceis that so your wife can't corner you?

    • @l00tur
      @l00tur Před 7 měsíci

      @@tgeliotsounds like cope. Let me guess, overpaid for a similar trailer

    • @jackmorris4099
      @jackmorris4099 Před 7 měsíci

      Now that’s a handy feature.

  • @jokesatinappropriatetimes
    @jokesatinappropriatetimes Před 8 měsíci +109

    It's a good basis. If you need more rigidity, it's very easy to add gussets, reinforcement or weld most of it together during the assembly process.

    • @troymcclellan2842
      @troymcclellan2842 Před 8 měsíci

      can't weld over powder coating

    • @jokesatinappropriatetimes
      @jokesatinappropriatetimes Před 8 měsíci

      @@troymcclellan2842
      A grinder will make light work of that

    • @jokesatinappropriatetimes
      @jokesatinappropriatetimes Před 8 měsíci

      @@troymcclellan2842 A grinder will make light work of that

    • @grantdavis5992
      @grantdavis5992 Před 8 měsíci

      ​@@troymcclellan28426011 or 6010 will weld through that powder coating. I used to do production welding at Kawasaki and sometimes had to do repairs on already powder coated frames. Can be done without too much trouble.

    • @skuzzyj
      @skuzzyj Před 8 měsíci

      ​@@troymcclellan2842 harbor freight also sells grinders but I'd imagine anyone with a welder already has that handled

  • @bennyboyy7
    @bennyboyy7 Před 8 měsíci +38

    My dad and I built one almost 10 years ago and put some lumber on it for rails and floorboards. Everything including the lumber is still holding up. Though the wood is a bit worse for wear last I remember.

    • @chunkyfecalbreakfast
      @chunkyfecalbreakfast Před 8 měsíci +1

      Sounds like it’s time for a father/son project to refresh that wood

    • @trvman1
      @trvman1 Před 8 měsíci

      for all of you who have said you have had one for 10 years. Question for you. Do you think the QUAILTY today is as good or better then 10 years ago? If you think it's BETTER, then I don't know what to say to you :)

  • @richardmoye2569
    @richardmoye2569 Před 9 měsíci +65

    and if you have the skills or have a friend that does and don't need the foldable aspect of it, weld all the pieces together after bolting it up... makes for a much sturdier trailer.

    • @qwikz28
      @qwikz28 Před 8 měsíci +3

      That's what I did. Used the extra hardware to bolt the two center beams together and it's much more rigid now.

    • @NowStopandThink
      @NowStopandThink Před 8 měsíci +4

      That foldable thing is dangerous and makes it more difficult to tie things down longitudinally. Other than that, it is fabulous for its weight class!

  • @tgeliot
    @tgeliot Před 8 měsíci +26

    I got one of these 20 years ago. Here are my suggestions (which of course may be out of date):
    - do something to prevent the nuts from just vibrating loose at the pivot points. Buy Nylock nuts, use thread locker, weld them, or whatever.
    - the lights use the frame as a ground connection. This is sketchy at best, and hopeless at the hinges. Either run a separate ground wire to each light from the plug, or at least a jumper wire from the front to back half to bypass the hinges.
    - replace the flimsy office chair casters with sturdy casters -- although maybe HF has already made this design change?
    - get a couple of those reflectors on 4' plastic stalks that people put next to their driveways, mount them in short pieces of 2x4 and stick them in the brackets at the back of the trailer. This makes your trailer much more visible in traffic and easier to back up, as well as providing comic relief to other drivers as they flap back and forth in the wind.

    • @jorgey4
      @jorgey4 Před 8 měsíci +2

      This man trailers

  • @wynncull9415
    @wynncull9415 Před 10 měsíci +8

    Harbor freight trailers are great for light duty usage. If you want a heavy duty trailer, you pay a heavy duty price. Still, for what you pay for them, they do a decent job.

  • @myronadams2101
    @myronadams2101 Před 8 měsíci +12

    Had one for about 10 years now. Never had a single bolt”rattle loose” like everyone keeps commenting about. It’s hauled everything from atvs and motorcycles to scrap metal, construction supplies and firewood. Never been babied, if it would sit on it, it hauled on it. It’s stable at any speed I’ve tried to pull it.
    Only problems I’ve had is one of the wheels was badly not true to center. Carried it to harbor freight and used a tape measure to show how far off it was and they gave me a new wheel and tire. The only other problem is the fender brackets. They are bad to stress crack where they mount to the trailer.
    I don’t recommend it to haul anything fragile because the suspension is stiff even loaded. I’ve also figured out it does best when you use 2” boards for the decking instead of plywood or thinner planks.

    • @WibbyKDX
      @WibbyKDX Před 8 měsíci +1

      When I redid the deck on mine I had to grind off every damn bolt. Not one in over 25 years ever came loose

    • @greenhornred7866
      @greenhornred7866 Před 7 měsíci

      Dose it come with a title

    • @WibbyKDX
      @WibbyKDX Před 7 měsíci +1

      @@greenhornred7866comes with an MSO
      But I’ve never needed it

    • @myronadams2101
      @myronadams2101 Před 7 měsíci

      @@greenhornred7866 if I remember correctly it had a certificate of origin that I took to the DMV. The DMV is the one who issued the title when I registered it.

    • @myronadams2101
      @myronadams2101 Před 6 měsíci

      Hauled an 8 foot agricultural disk( about 1100 lbs) 70 miles with it today Took it like a champ

  • @jeremywheeler8417
    @jeremywheeler8417 Před 9 měsíci +6

    This is a great trailer for someone who rarely need to trailer and doesn't want one taking up a lot of storage space in the yard or garage. If I needed to move something big, I would probably rent a U-Haul trailer. I'm rigging mine up so that I can use it as a tent when I go camping but take it apart when I don't need it.... The tent, not the trailer.
    I think that welding all of the joints that aren't part of the folding process would be a good idea. That would stiffen it up a little bit.

  • @youdandee1
    @youdandee1 Před 8 měsíci +2

    I purchased a Harbor Freight Trailer in the 80s put many miles on it moved out of state 1200 miles sold it in the 90 for more than I paid for it .awesome little trailer

  • @kfstreich4787
    @kfstreich4787 Před 8 měsíci +15

    my dad built one of these. in the early 80s. they were mail order back then.

  • @trustyoldiron5416
    @trustyoldiron5416 Před 8 měsíci +3

    I've had the one with 12" tires for over a decade. I assembled the whole thing with red locktite. Very happy with it.

  • @thevirtualgardener3465
    @thevirtualgardener3465 Před 8 měsíci +14

    The bearings they use are metric and almost impossible to find.I’ve seen people replace the whole axle to industry standards because they couldn’t find the bearings.They are pretty much disposable trailers.

    • @jamesgizasson
      @jamesgizasson Před 5 měsíci

      There's a shop in my city where I can order bearings. Just keep a couple on hand at all times! :)

  • @MakeEverything
    @MakeEverything Před 5 měsíci

    Questionable yet genius is the perfect way to describe these trailers! I love mine

  • @AD_Engineering
    @AD_Engineering Před 8 měsíci +1

    Used one of these to haul hardwood with my Honda civic for about a year. An absolute champ and worth every penny :)

  • @fiaao546
    @fiaao546 Před 10 měsíci +358

    I'm totally building a mini towable camper with this

    • @camross47474
      @camross47474 Před 9 měsíci +71

      Make sure you put on some roll on bed liner because I didn't and the flooring after a couple year rubbed away the cheap powder coating and it rusted out.

    • @andrewdean1761
      @andrewdean1761 Před 8 měsíci +37

      They only have a weight limit of a 1000lbs. Can’t fit much

    • @joshmartin6464
      @joshmartin6464 Před 8 měsíci +25

      ​@andrewdean1761 depending which one he got there is one identical to this that's 1600lbs capacity. But then again it 4x8 ft can't fit much their anyway.

    • @yellowswagmuffin920
      @yellowswagmuffin920 Před 8 měsíci +19

      Campers are a miserable experience

    • @FuckTheATF.
      @FuckTheATF. Před 8 měsíci

      ​@yellowswagmuffin920 I've got a 2023 camper 43ft long with 2 bed 2 bath. I love it. 50k and its already paid for and I can go wherever I want whenever I want.

  • @gnarkillgnarkill7725
    @gnarkillgnarkill7725 Před 8 měsíci +25

    If you have even the smallest welder and a small bit of know how ..you can make these trailers into tanks That last for years and carry a lot of load.

  • @RaggedsEdge
    @RaggedsEdge Před 8 měsíci +30

    I bought one almost 20 years ago. It did good for a couple of years. I overloaded it and bent the axel though.
    Also, registering it was a big pain. My state wanted pictures from different directions and ami had to get a mechanic to look it over and certify it. I can’t recall how I got that done. Anyways, put 3/4” treated ply deck and it will haul 800lbs pretty reasonably.

    • @bretlovitz3068
      @bretlovitz3068 Před 8 měsíci +1

      Not sure if you're in PA, but that's what you have to do. I decided not to buy one after I found that out.

    • @rossbrumby1957
      @rossbrumby1957 Před 8 měsíci +1

      Might as well just build one from scratch using parts off scrapyard trailers. I have 4 different size axles, couplings, mechanical disc and caliper sets from the scrapyard. Even tail light sets. Have built a small tipper trailer using an alloy tray off a dual cab using a $35 boat winch to lift the tray. Ripper trailer but now building a 12' tipper trailer using the tandem axle set from a rusted out boat trailer. Proper diy is way better than kit garbage.

    • @scotthoffmaster4600
      @scotthoffmaster4600 Před 8 měsíci +1

      Was no problem where i live to get it registered.

    • @harveylong5878
      @harveylong5878 Před 8 měsíci +1

      @@bretlovitz3068 exactly why I promptly returned Horrible Fright folding trailer. PennDOT wanted almost the kitchen sink, first born child, Hen's teeth and proof I can walk on water to be able to register trailer. pfft screw that

    • @TheAttacker732
      @TheAttacker732 Před 8 měsíci +2

      ​@@rossbrumby1957 It depends on what you need and what you have. It's hard to justify building a proper trailer if you're barely using it once a year for light loads. And the trailers you describe are *far* beyond what a modern car can safely pull.
      These trailers are meant more to allow a Cavalier or Neon to barely fill in for an S10 or Dakota than to do proper trailer work. When kept to that role, they're a hard value proposition to convincingly beat. Outside that role, you're probably right that they're crap.

  • @minerva2558
    @minerva2558 Před 8 měsíci +1

    It really is a great little trailer. I've fit two 450's and two KTM 50's on mine. It tows nice and flies nice and straight. I recommend this trailer.

  • @ralphalvarez5465
    @ralphalvarez5465 Před 10 měsíci +14

    A friend of mine has one that folds up for storage. He put removable sides and flooring and it works great. He drove it over 1400 miles to pick a couple of toolboxes and a compressor.

    • @Gigachadly
      @Gigachadly Před 8 měsíci +3

      “ your friend “ is obviously you. Dunno why so many people on the internet try to hide behind the anonymity of “ their friend “ when in reality these stories are far to in depth to just be friendly banter, you own the trailer. Period.

    • @yorselrus1996
      @yorselrus1996 Před 8 měsíci +3

      I'm the friend, it's my trailer. I used it haul my snap-on tool box and 50 cfm IR compressor from Chicago to Miami😅

    • @Gigachadly
      @Gigachadly Před 8 měsíci +2

      @@yorselrus1996 right you couldn’t possibly just be another account made by this guy, very likely he had his friend hunt down the CZcams video where someone called him out in the comment section so he could back up his buddy 😂 nobody believes that brotha.

    • @the_kombinator
      @the_kombinator Před 8 měsíci

      @@Gigachadly I mean either way the journey was had and the trailer is satisfactory?

    • @Gigachadly
      @Gigachadly Před 8 měsíci

      @@the_kombinator if you ask me no. Very evident that guy just commented the little story on his secondary account, so as far as I’m concerned that trip never happened. However, I don’t own this specific type of trailer so I can’t comment on its quality, I’ll tell you that I personally ( not my friend ) was debating this trailer & ended up finding a 200$ pop up tent trailer on kijiji, knocked it down to the frame in about 30 minutes and just put a new floor on and wired lights, under 250$ for everything. Can’t beat that.

  • @MtnBadger
    @MtnBadger Před 8 měsíci +13

    My wife's a Harbor Freight manager and she sells a ton of them. Great trailer for the money, the only problem is people trying to over load them, a lot, then complain they're not strong enough. Follow the instructions for assembly and use and you'll be great.

    • @rossbrumby1957
      @rossbrumby1957 Před 8 měsíci

      Most small trailers are on the flimsy side even though they're welded. People always overload them too because they're too lazy to borrow a suitable trailer for a one off use. Powdercoat always peels off in sheets because of no prepwork on what is usually lightly surface rusted bare steel by the time it gets to the painter.

    • @MtnBadger
      @MtnBadger Před 8 měsíci

      @@rossbrumby1957 They're inexpensive for a reason buy, still up for the task at hand, if you abide by the recommendations.

  • @bensmithy786
    @bensmithy786 Před 8 měsíci +2

    You might have light issues over time. The problem area is the folding hinge in the middle of the trailer. If it rusts or oxides you lose ground between the hitch and the rear lights. I screwed a wire to the frame bridging the hinge. Be sure to leave a little slack in case you want to fold the trailer up later. This gave me a good ground signal. Be sure to cover it with silicone to protect the screw from rust.

    • @toymachine2328
      @toymachine2328 Před 6 měsíci +2

      If you don't have light issues, are you even pulling a trailer?

  • @stevekerr1386
    @stevekerr1386 Před 8 měsíci +1

    I've had mine 8 years. Put a 4X8 piece of marine plywood on it and added wood rails around the side. Still going strong.

  • @vitalychernobyl6137
    @vitalychernobyl6137 Před 8 měsíci +7

    Must have been fun being a neighbor listening to this at 1am.

    • @the_kombinator
      @the_kombinator Před 8 měsíci +1

      Yes, because tightening bolts is EXTREMELY loud. Use earplugs, Karen.

    • @MrFuentepj
      @MrFuentepj Před 8 měsíci +1

      What are you doing up so late spying on your neighbors

  • @robertball3578
    @robertball3578 Před 10 měsíci +36

    One caution: the wheels are mounted to the hubs but the lug nuts are not tightened. I lost two lug nuts and banged up a couple more before finding out! Couldn't get metric studs and nuts in a small town outside Yellowstone so I installed SAE studs and the parts house thru in the nuts; wish I could give them a shout-out but that was 2013. Hell, I can't remember what I had for dinner last night.

    • @floridagoon7785
      @floridagoon7785 Před 8 měsíci

      Drill the bolt replace the nut with a cotter pin design

    • @McWeldShit
      @McWeldShit Před 8 měsíci +1

      I can't remember either😂😂

    • @mike289homebuilt5
      @mike289homebuilt5 Před 8 měsíci

      hmm, So you found out everything isnt always right out of the Box but may need improvement, lesson 2 correct parts are the ones that work best but parts are not always available. Someonez giving you crash course into mechanic and heavy repair.

    • @johncoops6897
      @johncoops6897 Před 8 měsíci +2

      So you assembled your own bolt-together trailer, but didn't check if the nuts were tight.
      Geeze, that's a valid problem. 😂

    • @Assasinnationtv
      @Assasinnationtv Před 8 měsíci

      ​@@johncoops6897that's all I got from this too 🤷💯🤣

  • @jonforrest4405
    @jonforrest4405 Před 8 měsíci +2

    Used one for several years set up to carry two dirt bikes. I was broke in and after college and i made it work! Only sold it to get an enclosed

  • @cheythompson740
    @cheythompson740 Před 8 měsíci +1

    As a trailer builder I can tell you now you can definitely build them on the cheap, brand new stubs and hubs cost about $50 etc
    I think bang for buck the Harbour freight trailer isn't bad at all

  • @prawnstar502
    @prawnstar502 Před 9 měsíci +64

    never trust those “packed” bearings

    • @MikeDoesDIY
      @MikeDoesDIY  Před 9 měsíci +8

      Truth

    • @mikea5923
      @mikea5923 Před 8 měsíci +14

      Truth? You specifically said they were “packed and ready to go”.
      Sounds like your content said they were just fine.

    • @Pippy1
      @Pippy1 Před 8 měsíci +4

      ​@mikea5923 they are, that doesnt mean that style of bearing is particularly reliable

    • @mikea5923
      @mikea5923 Před 8 měsíci +3

      @@Pippy1 watch some actual videos where they show the bearings, or better yet go ACTUALLY BUY one of these and take a look at how and WHAT they packed the wheel bearings with. It’s absolutely not “ready to go”

    • @2old4thizschit73
      @2old4thizschit73 Před 8 měsíci +5

      I've had one for over 10 years - highway speeds, 1500 lbs. of sand, moved stuff across the country, etc,
      You've obviously not owned one.

  • @nbookie
    @nbookie Před 8 měsíci +6

    Purchased my 4x8 in 2004 for 200 plus wood. About 350 back then (wood alone 1k these days).
    Over 69k miles. Beat the crap out of it over the years!!!

    • @the_kombinator
      @the_kombinator Před 8 měsíci

      I built an entire 108 sqft shed for about $1,200 (CAD on top of that) including a concrete pour and rebar (I prepped it myself, truck just came in and dumped the concrete, driver helped me move it around a bit).
      Are you telling me that my 2 storey shed that has a car in it and a 4 ft attic (at peak) filled with spares for it was entirely built for less than the cost of your trailer's flooring? Keep in mind, I did this one year into the pandemic.

    • @SonOfAdolf
      @SonOfAdolf Před 5 měsíci

      I call BS

    • @SonOfAdolf
      @SonOfAdolf Před 5 měsíci

      I call BS

    • @SonOfAdolf
      @SonOfAdolf Před 5 měsíci

      I call BS

    • @SonOfAdolf
      @SonOfAdolf Před 5 měsíci

      I call BS

  • @scottyellis3442
    @scottyellis3442 Před 8 měsíci +1

    WOW, I don't go to Harbor freight often so I didn't know they had trailers like this. I will be going tomorrow to check them out.
    Thanks for the video.

  • @Weehapaa
    @Weehapaa Před 8 měsíci +1

    We got one of these when i was growing up. Built a wooden box trailer out of it to haul bikes and suppies for camping trips.
    15 years later pops still uses it.

    • @countryboy302
      @countryboy302 Před 8 měsíci +1

      Road legal?

    • @Weehapaa
      @Weehapaa Před 8 měsíci +2

      @@countryboy302 I can't guarantee it is, but definitely pulled it around plenty of cops without getting stopped

  • @steynkotze2367
    @steynkotze2367 Před 8 měsíci +6

    Thx for the video. Personally, I would have put some cardboard or a thin sheet of mdf underneath my work area to protect the powder coat during assembly.

  • @court2379
    @court2379 Před 8 měsíci +4

    Be aware it has metric hubs. I replaced the whole axle on mine because the cost of parts is too high and they are not available locally. If you have a problem on the road like a bearing failure, you will be able to find inch sized parts at every autoparts store. Metric ones may or may not be available and will be twice the price.

    • @scott1708
      @scott1708 Před 8 měsíci +1

      I found them easily... Inexpensive to boot!

  • @HakuMegurine-117
    @HakuMegurine-117 Před 8 měsíci +1

    This is a perfect example of "it ain't fancy or pretty, but it gets the job done just fine"

  • @alextemreal
    @alextemreal Před 7 měsíci +1

    I've had one of these for 10 years there amazing

  • @tylerwestman5258
    @tylerwestman5258 Před 10 měsíci +53

    Here’s a tip weld the nuts in place so then don’t rattle loose

    • @Trendyrapslut
      @Trendyrapslut Před 9 měsíci +1

      Thanks I'll ask your mom if she has any more tips on how to take care of nuts.

    • @floridagoon7785
      @floridagoon7785 Před 8 měsíci +14

      Drill the bolt replace with nut that supports a cotter pin setup

    • @ShutErDownBud
      @ShutErDownBud Před 8 měsíci +10

      ​@floridagoon7785 not that complicated swap em for nyloc nuts

    • @notpoliticallycorrect4774
      @notpoliticallycorrect4774 Před 8 měsíci +15

      Nyloc, stover, or lock tight. Welding nuts is the stupidest thing I have heard in a long time.

    • @tylerwestman5258
      @tylerwestman5258 Před 8 měsíci +9

      @@notpoliticallycorrect4774 😂😂 I’ve used all of those and all come loose or break welding trailer nuts is common when do you take apart a trailer 😂😂 because I have never taken one apart and welding them takes 5 seconds all the other are a waste of my time I’m a welder so that’s what I do

  • @factsnfeatures
    @factsnfeatures Před 10 měsíci +9

    I got one in 2017. Still going strong and i load it with firewood till i see the tires start to buckle. Curious if yours came with the trailer jack because mine didn't.

  • @zachc8833
    @zachc8833 Před 8 měsíci +2

    Got the same one for my boat and works just fine for over 5 years
    Only complaint is it’s much harder to back up compared to a normal width trailer

  • @krail5500
    @krail5500 Před 8 měsíci +1

    Imagine that... cars are also held together with a series of bolts

  • @thomasjones1836
    @thomasjones1836 Před 8 měsíci +8

    Bolts vibrate loose. Make sure to check for loose nuts every so often!

    • @TheMrJoBo
      @TheMrJoBo Před 8 měsíci +3

      Loctite

    • @darrellwampler3882
      @darrellwampler3882 Před 8 měsíci +2

      My trailer has nylon inserts in the nuts. No vibrating loose. Mine is a 2008 still going strong

    • @JohnDoe-jc3cl
      @JohnDoe-jc3cl Před 8 měsíci +2

      @@darrellwampler3882
      You smart.....😇. .nylon lock nuts, or lock washers 👍
      This thing is *foldable* too.
      I never used loctite much.

    • @thomasjones1836
      @thomasjones1836 Před 8 měsíci +1

      @@darrellwampler3882 I work in trailers for a living and have lots of them loosen up. Transport stuff so high mileage and over many years.

    • @tgeliot
      @tgeliot Před 8 měsíci +1

      ​@@darrellwampler3882Did the kit come with those nuts or did you have to get them separately?

  • @hisnameisiam808
    @hisnameisiam808 Před 8 měsíci +4

    The only problem I see is that those bolts can come loose over time.

    • @robertmcculloch8379
      @robertmcculloch8379 Před 8 měsíci

      There is 2 things that can fix that lock nuts and loc tite

    • @hisnameisiam808
      @hisnameisiam808 Před 8 měsíci

      @@robertmcculloch8379 agreed. But he didn't do that. Did he?

    • @robertmcculloch8379
      @robertmcculloch8379 Před 8 měsíci

      How do you know he said it took 3 hours to build and the video was like 1 min

  • @mckrunchytoast2469
    @mckrunchytoast2469 Před 8 měsíci +1

    I'm not sure how much the material or design changed but I have a 30 year-old Harbor Freight trailer my late grandfather bought. It was a utility trailer for ATV's. Being repainted every 5ish years and has a wooden deck and sides that last about 6-8 years if you keep them painted. So as long as you treat you equipment right it'll last a long time.

  • @nathanayers8221
    @nathanayers8221 Před 8 měsíci

    Had mine for over 20 years now. Haven’t even replaced the leaf springs or tires. Best investment I’ve ever made!

  • @alecchamberlain4231
    @alecchamberlain4231 Před 9 měsíci +4

    Probably not a single grade 8 bolt to be found on there

    • @thegrumchronicles3558
      @thegrumchronicles3558 Před 8 měsíci +3

      Nope they are metric and they are all grade 10.9 which is the equivalent of grade 8...

  • @coreybabcock2023
    @coreybabcock2023 Před 9 měsíci +7

    You need to add better grease to those bearings

  • @BADXD40
    @BADXD40 Před 8 měsíci

    I've had one for 4 years. Worth every dime!

  • @thepathtomaine7187
    @thepathtomaine7187 Před 8 měsíci

    I had one for several years and it served its purpose flawlessly.

  • @eggg7929
    @eggg7929 Před 9 měsíci +3

    Are you able to add a ramp so I can load my zero turn mower on there?

    • @notpoliticallycorrect4774
      @notpoliticallycorrect4774 Před 8 měsíci +2

      If the mower isn't too heavy for the trailer. And you need drop legs to support the ramps, as this trailer would not be able to support the weight on the ramps hanging off the back while loading/unloading.

    • @brucecook4832
      @brucecook4832 Před 8 měsíci

      It's a tilt bed, so I drive it right on. The deck might have issues clearing the fenders tho. . Just take the fenders off.

  • @relik0fages
    @relik0fages Před 7 měsíci

    I bought one 4+ years ago. Never folded it up, it's been left outside all this time and is still in great condition.

  • @thecolaracer1873
    @thecolaracer1873 Před 8 měsíci

    my dad built this exact trailer about 15+ years ago to haul motorcycles for his training school. it got used hard for probably 5 years worked fantastic with a plywood deck and sides he put on it along with v track for a mounting system. we parked it on the side of the house idk 8 years ago maybe longer then that and it got kinda turned into the scrap metal pile for a while and yesterday we cleaned it off to get rid of it because it’s all rusty and rotted and let me tell you that thing was still just as strong as the day he built it in our driveway minus the rotten plywood from sitting for so long. truly harbor freight trailers are some of the best cheep trailers ever. they work for what you need and just don’t stop till you tell them to.

  • @TidalWaveDan
    @TidalWaveDan Před 7 měsíci

    I think it’s about time we give Harbor Freight its respect. People have been tricked into thinking low prices mean low quality. Not here

  • @Eric-gi9kg
    @Eric-gi9kg Před 8 měsíci +1

    I have 2 H.F. trailers for over 30+ years.
    One of them was converted into a boat trailer and the other I kept utility

  • @GrantDolanMusic
    @GrantDolanMusic Před 14 dny

    Got one seven years ago and love it so much. Easy build and if you want to deck it, one sheet of playwood is all need. Total cost was under $300 at the time.

  • @larunaaxthemischievous9762
    @larunaaxthemischievous9762 Před 8 měsíci

    People always take harbor freight through the mud but honestly a lot of their products are really good, especially for the price

  • @211212112
    @211212112 Před 8 měsíci

    An old man around here made trailers until he didn't. They were $50] for a 5x8 tilt trailer. They had full sized high ply count trailer tires, a full sizedaxle, everything ended together, with the wood deck ones using something harder and longer lasting than pine. He made his better in every way besides weight and sold them cheaper. I miss our old trailer guy.

  • @dylanforbes6430
    @dylanforbes6430 Před 7 měsíci

    My uncle has this this same trailer. He’s had it for as long as I’ve I can remember, at least 15 years. It may look like a pos but it gets the job done and is very reliable. 100/10 recommended

  • @godblessthisnation8386
    @godblessthisnation8386 Před 8 měsíci

    Bought one 10 years ago and it has been worked very hard . Hauling Atv's and dirtbikes and harley Davidsons up and down new England and the Only thing we have done to it was grease the bearings. And it is still going strong with no problem,s and no rot , we only paid $225 for it , when you were able to use the 20% coupons back then , and was the best money ever spent !! I believe they are at least twice that now and NO more coupons !. Also they fold up to store away. Very impressed!!! Would buy another 10 out of 10 !!!

  • @roccocroce
    @roccocroce Před 8 měsíci

    Those trailers are amazing. But what I’m really impressed with the driveway. That is so much beautiful room to work on

  • @BennyTheButcher2
    @BennyTheButcher2 Před 8 měsíci

    With a couple of easy upgrades this thing can be bulletproof...1. Upgrade the tires to something highway rated (class B). Improves the weight capability and speed you can pull; 2. Grease the ever living crap out of the bearings. Pack them with high heat grease until they can't take any more, and you'll get 10x the mileage out of the bearings; 3. Weld on or bolt-in some 1/4" flat steel bracing on the fold points. The fold points are a failure point, so add a little more metal to make them more robust. I use this same utility trailer to haul a custome teardrop camper (1,250 lbs) at highway speed. Have 10,000+ miles on it and have zero issues. Would 100% use this trailer again with my recommended upgrades

  • @satt131313
    @satt131313 Před 8 měsíci

    I bought and used one for years. The only things needed over time were tires, bearings, light bulbs and a repaint after about 5 years.

  • @bkilpatr100
    @bkilpatr100 Před 16 dny

    I just rebuilt one from the mid 80's. It looked rough, but after dissasembling it, all it really needed were lights and tires due to dry rot from sitting, as well as a sheet of plywood. I replaced the bearings and seals, but the original sets looked fine. It probably didn't need it. I installed new wiring, just because, but the old wiring worked fine too. After slapping a coat of paint on it and a new deck, it's ready to go for another 30+ years.

  • @billypettit7132
    @billypettit7132 Před 8 měsíci

    Hauled my dirtbike to and from riding locations for years with one of these little trailers, Never had an issue!

  • @timothy098-b4f
    @timothy098-b4f Před 8 měsíci

    Harbor Freight has been upping its game recently. Not everything, but for welders, storage cabinets, compressors, floor jacks, and now apparently trailers,they’re really competitive.

  • @fjb4750
    @fjb4750 Před 8 měsíci +2

    I put plywood wood on mine and the trailer outlasted the wood. Which reminds me
    I gotta put it out of the back yard and get to fixin it
    I’ve had mine for Atleast 10 years and only blew one tire in the scrap yard. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

  • @charleslaitipaya7149
    @charleslaitipaya7149 Před 7 měsíci

    As someone that has welded up a diy trailer this is a freaking steal. These are literally the price of the axel and metal at wholesale.

  • @stevensmith1881
    @stevensmith1881 Před 8 měsíci

    I've had my harbor freight trailer for 22+ years and it sits out in the weather year-round. I have a 3/4" sheet of treated plywood and side rails made from 2 x 4s and 1 x 4s. All the nuts on mine came with nylon bushings and don't back out from vibration. I had to replace one hub, wiring, tires, the tongue coupler, and boards over that 22 years of ownership. It's a great trailer.

  • @Alexnco1
    @Alexnco1 Před 7 měsíci

    Lol. I bought mine around 1991 from HF before they had any stores in our state, offered 20% off, and because they shipped it for free!
    Easy setup.
    I still use it! Replaced tires once due to rot. Lights and wiring were useless. Ditched the little wheels and brackets a few years ago.
    Replaced wood decking in 2022 with a tack-welded expanded metal deck. Still going strong!!
    Only God knows how many miles and pounds of stuff it has transported over many, many years of service!

  • @TheRealMotoNut
    @TheRealMotoNut Před 8 měsíci

    Mine has towed way more weight than it was designed for across the county hundreds of times. I’ve owned it for 35 years. It’s indestructible. Folds up and rolls up into my garage. Still rolling on the original bearings. It’s been stored outside for many years. I’ve replaced the taillights probably 6 times because the wiring just rots away. But the trailer is untouched. Been trough about 8 sets of tires. First thing I did when I bought it 30 something years ago was instal those spring loaded bearing grease covers. I always keep the bearings packed. Then when I put it together I only used locknuts.

  • @Santaheckler
    @Santaheckler Před 8 měsíci

    I’ve had mine (folding version) for about 15 years now. It’s hauled dirt bikes, a two person snowmobile or two, firewood/logs, furniture, PA system, and even large amounts of dirt without complaint or issue. Folds into my garage for excellent storage. Bought it for $400 and it’s used value is about $150 so yeah I think I got my $250 out of it long ago.

  • @codyroden719
    @codyroden719 Před 8 měsíci +1

    My brother bought one and returned it it wasn’t bad, he just found a Home Depot trailer, for like 300 bucks more that was much better

  • @stephenminardi9103
    @stephenminardi9103 Před 7 měsíci

    You ready...... I started my trucking company with the 4x8 foldable harbor freight trailer and a ford f150, my first load was a BMW motorcycle from Colorado to South Carolin, I took that thing all over the United States and gradually got bigger and bigger equipment now have a full blown trucking company because of it, in the end I owe everything I have to this little trailer

    • @SonOfAdolf
      @SonOfAdolf Před 5 měsíci

      Yeah I'm ready, ready for some BS sounds like to me. IT'S GETTING DEEP IN HERE

  • @navs76
    @navs76 Před 8 měsíci +1

    Sometimes they give you the wrong trailer and you end up with a free upgrade, but only after you've put the whole thing together

  • @whenmountainsmove
    @whenmountainsmove Před 8 měsíci

    Dang man I didnt know they even sold trailers haha. Harbor freight is cheap stuff but honestly holds up just like other popular brands. They did it right with their business model. Winches from HF are awesome as well.

  • @firebug8460
    @firebug8460 Před 8 měsíci +1

    I remember in the late 90’s my dad bought one and we used it every weekend tell last year when someone hit the trailer . But all I can say is best bang for your buck trailer for under 500 bucks

  • @bigblueram01
    @bigblueram01 Před 22 dny

    I have one of these that was purchased around 2005 ish from the previous owner. Since getting it a few years ago, I have bolted the frame solid so it can't fold, and added a heavier tongue, reinforced the sides, and fabricated a folding rear gate. It's the perfect size to tow with my Mazda CX5.

  • @Bobby3038
    @Bobby3038 Před 8 měsíci

    I built one of those. Built a a box for it filled it to capacity and pulled it across the US from Idaho to Myrtle Beach, SC behind a 91' Ford Festiva and it was a champ.

  • @Ro6entX
    @Ro6entX Před 2 měsíci

    I had one that used only once for my motorcycle hauling, did the job well. Unfortunately due to space limitations, I gave it away to my friend. But, he been putting it to good use as well so glad it’s being used.

  • @timwaddell9450
    @timwaddell9450 Před 8 měsíci

    Have had mine for 20yrs and replaced decking twice. On the third sides. Have hauled many things on that little trailer, its been across the northwest, southwest and even across texas. They are good little trailers.

  • @user-bd2pb8wj7k
    @user-bd2pb8wj7k Před 8 měsíci

    I had one. It was the best thing I ever bought! I towed it with my ford focus! 35 miles to the gallon and a full 4 x8 foot bed let’s see a pick up truck do that!

  • @arnold8746
    @arnold8746 Před 8 měsíci +1

    It takes about an hr to assemble one of these. We have a couple. I used to pull my 01' artic cat pantera on it, which is a big touring sled and we had no issues.

  • @phat-motoxer9022
    @phat-motoxer9022 Před 8 měsíci +1

    I have one that's over 10 years old. I have thousands of miles on it. I've welded additional metal to it so it doesn't fold. The ONLY issue are the tires. Get better tires

  • @nopenope7777
    @nopenope7777 Před 8 měsíci

    Harbor freight is really underrated. I've had a toolkit for like 10 years that was $20. Still haven't used half the tools but glad they are there 😂

  • @matthewpeterson3329
    @matthewpeterson3329 Před 8 měsíci

    These HF trailers are actually decent. However, a smart buyer will weld all fastened joints once it's assembled and square. Otherwise, the fasteners work themselves loose. Hope this helps someone.

  • @TheNikitis
    @TheNikitis Před 8 měsíci

    So I bought one of these trailers, and I almost agree with you. It's an unbeatable for a budget trailer. 2 Issues. You have to shore up the side fenders, Anything over 50 mph will will make it wobble and flap so much you will feel like it's going to tear off. The 2nd issue was grounding didn't always connect across the whole trailer due to the folding nature, I was able to fix this by running a grounding wire down the whole thing. Other than that, it performs well and carry an ATV on it for years.

  • @n9wox
    @n9wox Před 8 měsíci +1

    Don't forget that its foldable for storing upright.

  • @sowjourner
    @sowjourner Před 7 měsíci

    Great units for simple use

  • @2old4thizschit73
    @2old4thizschit73 Před 8 měsíci

    I've had two of these - absolutely fantastic!!!
    I skipped the split halves and laid 3/4" plywood on the floor. I had a Subaru legacy with a hitch for it - I've hauled nearly a ton of sand, half a ton of leaves, building scrap, etc. - it was like having a quarter ton truck!! I can move it by hand, hook it behind my riding mower - it simply rocks!!
    I agree - it's unbeatable!!

  • @nealp.2841
    @nealp.2841 Před 8 měsíci

    They're great trailers. Very Well made and easy to assemble!!

  • @ThirdAlt
    @ThirdAlt Před 8 měsíci

    Wow that opens up tons of options for me

  • @erichertzen3251
    @erichertzen3251 Před 8 měsíci

    My Harbor Frieght trailer is a 1995 model. I put bearing buddy's on the axel hubs to make greasing the bearing easy. Still love it. I've gone to Seattle to Colorado towing my Vespa around several years. Best cheap trailer if maintenance is done.

  • @bryang9601
    @bryang9601 Před 8 měsíci

    I’ve had my HF trailer since 1998. I only had to replace the axle and wheel bearings once after about 15,000 miles - I didn’t grease the bearings the whole time. This week, I replaced my 25 year old wooden deck with 2x3” studs.