Harbor Freight Versus Tractor Supply

[Alfred]

Hi Gang,

I am sure this has been addressed before on the list, but I cannot find it directly.

The Harbor Freight/Super Heavy Duty 4x8 kit is on sale until the end of the month for $299. Tractor Supply has its already assembled basic 4x8 with no floor, at its regular catalog price of $299.

I had pretty well decided that I was going to go with the HF trailer, until I engaged in a conversation with someone at last week's Appalachian gathering who made some pretty compelling arguments for the Tractor Supply trailer, which he said came in one solid piece, was already assembled, had better hardware and was made in USA.

So while I know there is probably no definite answer to this subjective question, which do you think is the better trailer? I hope to purchase one or the other by the end of the month. We have both HF and TSC stores locally.

Thanks, AL in Asheville

[starleen2]

I posted this in another section, but it maybe useful again.

Tractor Supply Co Model SKU #1000215 GVWR- 1500 lbs Tip: the trailer tongue mounts to the trailer at only two points with hardened bolts. When I built my camper using this trailer, it became oblivious that these two bolts were the only things holding the tongue bar to the trailer assembly. I guess this was a design feature to allow for a tilt bed feature. Upon the completion of the camper and the first trial run, I noticed that there was considerable movement between the two bolts and pivoting within the joint. The 2X2 angle iron on the frame was also flexing. Every movement of the camper made the two joints jump and pivot like a see-saw. To remedy this, I welded the points were the bolts passed through the tongue and angle iron connections. BE SURE TO REMOVER THE TRAILER WIRING HARNESS FROM THE TUBING BEFORE WELDING!

This eliminated the problem. Another factor is the 2x2 angle used in the construction. Our camper is wider than the 4-foot bed of the trailer. I had to use some runners to be able to mount the floor flush to the trailer (See details on website - weekended build). I believe that the HF trailers are flat on top and would eliminate this?? I am planning a third build and will probably use the same TSC trailer again with the same modifications

[Podunkfla]

Hi Gang,

I am sure this has been addressed before on the list, but I cannot find it directly.

The Harbor Freight/Super Heavy Duty 4x8 kit is on sale until the end of the month for $299. Tractor Supply has its already assembled basic 4x8 with no floor, at its regular catalog price of $299.

I had pretty well decided that I was going to go with the HF trailer, until I engaged in a conversation with someone at last week's Appalachian gathering who made some pretty compelling arguments for the Tractor Supply trailer, which he said came in one solid piece, was already assembled, had better hardware and was made in USA.

So while I know there is probably no definite answer to this subjective question, which do you think is the better trailer? I hope to purchase one or the other by the end of the month. We have both HF and TSC stores locally.

Thanks, AL in Asheville

I have seen the TS trailers... and I think they are a good deal for the money. The only thing is some folks have had problems with the way the single tube tongue is attached. It is a bit weak as it only reaches back to the first crossmember. It would be easy (and advisable) to beef it up with a couple angle braces underneith... I think. Still a better deal than the HF bolt together jobbie in my view. They had them on sale here a while back for $295. The axle, wheels & springs are prolly worth $200. so that's a frame for 100 bucks? Hard to beat that.

[Geron]

Agree with Brick -- TS over HF anyday.

and...

If I'm correct you get standard 1" ASE hubs and bearings (Dexter axle). What you get with HF is a crap shoot. Finding replacement bearings for the HF, while possible, can be a royal pain.
BUT. . . like Brick said, you may have to do some alteration on the frame but look at it this way .... you're gonna have to put the HF together also.
G
On second thought those may be 1 1/16" hubs and bearings... haven't checked lately.

g

[sseaman]

If all things are the same go with the USA made product first. So many people arent willing to spend and extra dollar, but complain about all the jobs lost. just my .02

[surveytech]

Like Geron said.......
you can buy seals and bearings almost anywhere for the TSC trailer.
Good luck with the other.

You can also put larger tires on the TSC trailer using standard trailer rims if you want........cant do that with the Horrible Freight trailer.

American welds vs. Chinese bolts.

[goldcoop]

Al-

Not sure if this is real important in NC; BUT TSC frames come with a VIN & TITLE! Makes it REAL easy to get registration & license

HF trailers you only get a "Certificate of Origin" and additional work is required to get title, registration & license...

Getting the TITLE here in PA is well worth (if) any additional cost!

Made in USA is ALWAYS a +++++!

Cheers,

Coop

[packerz4]

having assembled a HF trailer... (not for a tear, but as my utility trailer) i'd go with the TS trailer first in a heartbeat!

+ Made in USA
+ Solid framing
+ You can add support to the tongue... even paying a welder $50 is worth it cuz you don't have to assemble the trailer.
+ I think the TS trailer is black, the red on the HF trailer fades.

i'm gonna check out the TS trailers a little more now, since you posted this. thanks!

tk

[Kens]

I used a TS frame. I agree with all the good comments that were already made.

[surveytech]

I wanted to add an additional coat of paint to mine before I started building on it. When I purchased the TSC trailer the young lady was nice enough to had me the VIN sticker so I could attach it after I painted it. That was cool.
(Vin sticker is a one shot deal, once on it wont come off without damaging the whole sticker)

Another trailer to consider is the 5 x 8 sold by Northern tool. Its not in the catalog or website but a store item only. Built by the same company (Carry-ON) and built a foot wider than the TSC for the same price..299.00
Or at least it was.

store in Asheville..........

Asheville

1625 Patton Ave
Asheville, NC 28806
Phone: 828-255-4742
Fax: 828-255-4750

See all NC locations here........

http://www.northerntool.com/retailstore ... rolina.htm

good luck.

[Podunkfla]

Another trailer to consider is the 5 x 8 sold by Northern tool. Its not in the catalog or website but a store item only. Built by the same company (Carry-ON) and built a foot wider than the TSC for the same price..299.00
Or at least it was.

store in Asheville..........

Yeah buddy... I wish there was a Northern Tool close to me.
The closest is Macon GA or Orlando... I can buy the steel and weld up
one a lot cheaper than I can go get it...
Just the price of living in paradise I guess.

[surveytech]

Yeah buddy... I wish there was a Northern Tool close to me. :(
The closest is Macon GA or Orlando... I can buy the steel and weld up
one a lot cheaper than I can go get it...
Just the price of living in paradise I guess. ;)



Yup.........downtown BFE or would that be the suburbs?

The orlando store is about 45 minutes away but I havent been there yet.
Just hate going to Orlando and in about another couple weeks that area of town will be strictly off limits until after the holiday season is over.


.

[asianflava]

Yeah buddy... I wish there was a Northern Tool close to me.
The closest is Macon GA or Orlando... I can buy the steel and weld up
one a lot cheaper than I can go get it...
Just the price of living in paradise I guess.



Yup.........downtown BFE or would that be the suburbs?

The orlando store is about 45 minutes away but I havent been there yet.
Just hate going to Orlando and in about another couple weeks that area of town will be strictly off limits until after the holiday season is over.


.

I thought I saw a store the last time I visited my parents in Melbourne.



OK I found the link:
http://www.northerntool.com/retailstore ... lorida.htm

Looks like it's Down the street...kinda New Haven Ave is 192. Probably takes about the same amount of time as the Orlando store though.

Melbourne


3555 W. New Haven Ave
Melbourne, FL 32904
Phone: 321-952-4916

[surveytech]

I thought I saw a store the last time I visited my parents in Melbourne.



OK I found the link:
http://www.northerntool.com/retailstore ... lorida.htm

Looks like it's Down the street...kinda New Haven Ave is 192. Probably takes about the same amount of time as the Orlando store though.

Melbourne


3555 W. New Haven Ave
Melbourne, FL 32904
Phone: 321-952-4916

Yup know where that is..........about 1.5 hours from here.
Orlando store is about 45 minutes.
Nicer ride though to Melbourne.
Cows, wetlands etc.


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