trailer????

[rdy2sail]

Hey yall
I am new here and am about to start buying my parts to build my first TD. But I have my first question. I am on a tight budget. Harbor Freight has 2 trailers. one has a 1195 capacity for $289 and the other has a 1720 capacity for $354. I know thats not that much difference but like I said I am on a tight budget. Will the 1195 trailer be good or do I need the heavier one???

[CliffinGA]

That depends on what your building and what size and what materials you plan on using. Mines on a 2000lb trailer and my tear is I guess around 1100lbs. If your going for light then use the smaller one if your going for a longer bigger tear then go with the heavier trailer.

Cliff

[rdy2sail]

I guess i asked too soon. Was just adding up the weight, wood and thinks for td. Plus my wife an i. I think its gonna be too close on the smaller one. Just gonna have to push the build back a bit.

[KCStudly]

I wouldn't include your wife and self in the over the road weight calculation. The load ratings, spring rates, tire loading, etc. are designed around dynamic load conditions (bouncing down the road hitting pot holes and whatnot at speed.

Try as hard as you like , I doubt you will be able to exceed those conditions in normal standing use.

Just look at your estimated build weight and what you expect to carry in it going over the road. My $.02.

[TPMcGinty]

I built a 5x8 Generic Benroy and it came in at 960# empty.

[absolutsnwbrdr]

Hey yall
I am new here and am about to start buying my parts to build my first TD. But I have my first question. I am on a tight budget. Harbor Freight has 2 trailers. one has a 1195 capacity for $289 and the other has a 1720 capacity for $354. I know thats not that much difference but like I said I am on a tight budget. Will the 1195 trailer be good or do I need the heavier one???

It all depends on your trailer design and your traveling needs. For a good compromise, Harbor Freight has a ton of 20% off coupons floating around in the back of all sorts of magazines. Take one of those coupons and get the 1720lb while its on sale for the $349. You'll be out the door for right around $290 + taxes. The 1720lb trailer gets you 5 lug wheels instead of 4 lug, wider and higher capacity tires, and then there will be no question about possibly overloading your trailer with your teardrop and camping gear.

My finished 5x10 teardrop weighs 1100lbs empty. I did build it like a tank, but if I had got the 1195lb trailer I'd barely be able to carry any gear. There are many trips that I have 400-500lbs of coolers, canopies, food, clothing, water, tarps, folding chairs, cornhole game sets, etc. I also have 2 batteries on my trailer, which combined add about 100lbs.

[jeffmutch]

There are plenty of those coupons Zach mentioned on ebay for a buck or two. Just search for Harbor Freight Trailer.

Good luck on your build!

[rdy2sail]

Thanks. I am gonna go with the heavier trailer. Thanks for reminding me about the 20% coupon . I did forget that. That will help a bunch.