Which HF trailer......

[kelvin51]

Im on a budget and looking at the least expensive HF trailer but just curious if it woul be strong enough for a teardrop. Which HF trailer do you guys recommend?

Kelvin

[Woodbutcher]

I bought the larger 4X8, 1750lb trailer from HF. I waited for it to go on sale and I used the 20% off coupon you can always find. It was under 300 bucks. Can't do much better then that.

[RogHodge]

Look on Craig’s list- you can find stuff there for next to if not actually free. The smallest capacity 4x8 will only handle around 1000lbs- that ain’t much- but if you want a small trailer it could be enough. I found mine for $50 but I needed to modify it quite a bit. You can see my build log below. In my area there seems to be a lot of the 1500lbs type- it’ s the middle of the road model.

Honestly I think I might go with new if I started all over- instant gratification, and known history- ease of registration etc. is nice. If you look at the HF site you can download the manual for each and make some comparisons- the biggest question you might need to answer is what do I want to build? If you know roughly where you are going it will help you to get there.

[wannabefree]

The cost of my HF 1740# trailer after 6000 miles:
Trailer - $270
New tires - $90
Spare - $50
Replacement lighting - $70
New axle - $240

Total - $720

Cost of custom trailer - ??

If you do go with HF keep a close eye on the tires and axle. We had tread separation and a bent spindle on the last trip. Could have been real bad.

[Larry C]

Im on a budget and looking at the least expensive HF trailer but just curious if it woul be strong enough for a teardrop. Which HF trailer do you guys recommend?

Kelvin

A lot of builders use the 1195# See the link below. I bought one to use as a utility trailer.

If you have time, keep a constant eye on HF adds and the web site. these trailers are on sale very often. I got mine for $207 after the 20% off coupon which is easy to find.

Last week HF had this same trailer listed at $205 on sale. Plus you could take another 20% off with the coupon. Right now it's at $299.

Keep looking every day, prices change often on these trailers


http://www.harborfreight.com/1195-lb-ca ... ailer-with


Larry C

[Alphacarina]

The cost of my HF 1740# trailer after 6000 miles:
Trailer - $270
New tires - $90
Spare - $50
Replacement lighting - $70
New axle - $240

Total - $720

Cost of custom trailer - ??

If you do go with HF keep a close eye on the tires and axle. We had tread separation and a bent spindle on the last trip. Could have been real bad.

That mirrors my experience exactly

My axle flexed enough that my tires wore out on the inside edge so I've replaced the axle with a 2,000# one from Northern Tool, complete with new hubs for right at the $240 number. I went to 14 inch car wheels and tires and I added new LED lighting and bought a spare

Unless your project is going to be 750 pounds or less, I wouldn't even look at anything less than the HF 1740 . . . . and if your project is likely to go above 1,000 to 1200 pounds, I'd forget about Harbor Freight all together. My trailer project is 1300 pounds and the best of the HF trailers wasn't enough . . . . wish I had just built from scratch

Don

[boardhead]

I used the Harbor Freight 90154 trailer. The gross weight of my tear is 750 pounds. I make sure the tires are properly inflated (60 lbs), and have never had a problem with tire or axle wear.

Don't be concerned about the bent up frame in my album pictures, that was caused by being rear-ended. Fortunately, all I had to replace was the HF 90154.

[eamarquardt]

I got these prices today from Century Wheel and Rim in Los Angleles:

Ubolts $4.72
Springs $34.81
Hanger kit $8.99
2000# axle $84 or with brakes $182.99
plus roughly 10% sales tax

So (round numbers) $147 w/o brakes $250 w/brakes (tax included) if you picked them up in Montebello (LA) for all new running gear.

24 foot sticks of 2X2x1/8 are about 50 bucks and 20 foot sticks are 42 bucks (tax included). Depending on design you'd need two 24 footers or three 20 footers so no more (worst case) than $130 in steel for a new frame. You'd also need a coupler but they are about $25 bucks or less. Got these prices from Nacho's Ornamental Iron in San Fernando, Ca today.

You can scrounge up a set of rims and tires for probabaly 50 bucks.

2bits set a new standard for a simple but well constructed frame with a minimum of material and cuts.

So, with a bit of effort you can have a brand new, custom built frame for about $450. All you need is to cut about 7 or eight cuts on a band or chop saw and a welder.

If you network around I'm sure you can find someone with the skills and tools. Building a frame would take a morning for someone with a bit of experience.

The two experiences above illustrate my belief that the HF trailers can represent "false economy" in some circumstances.

Cheers,

Gus

[hoofhearted]

I'd be interested in a NT or HF trailer only because they come with a VIN# and title. Might save some hassle with the DMV. The trailers/axles can be beefed up easy enough if your tear tends to get a little heavy. I don't know what the bolt pattern is on the wheels but it should'nt be hard to find a 13 or 14 inch rim to mount bigger tires. I'd be a little leary of 12'' inch tires at 65 mph carrying 1,000 pounds on Texas asphalt in the summer.

[starleen2]

. . . I'd be a little leary of 12'' inch tires at 65 mph carrying 1,000 pounds on Texas asphalt in the summer.

Aw come on - I towed these little beauties on the Hot Texas asphalt at 65 mph with 12" tires just fine. BTW - my frame is TSC 4x8 NF rated to carry 1500 lbs

1060 lbs


950lbs

[bobhenry]

I'd be interested in a NT or HF trailer only because they come with a VIN# and title. Might save some hassle with the DMV. The trailers/axles can be beefed up easy enough if your tear tends to get a little heavy. I don't know what the bolt pattern is on the wheels but it should'nt be hard to find a 13 or 14 inch rim to mount bigger tires. I'd be a little leary of 12'' inch tires at 65 mph carrying 1,000 pounds on Texas asphalt in the summer.

Almost all your little trailers are 4 on 4" or 5 on 4 1/2" Make sure the center hub hole will accomidate the center portion of the hub itsself.

I am towing on 12" on the teardrop. The Duro brand tires on the HF are crap ( internal ply seperations) and Duro will not stand behind their product. I replaced all with Carlisle tires and no further problems. I have towed the TD to several gatherings on 8" before getting the bad tires replaced looked a little funky but it made it easier for a fat man to get in and out of.

Here is some previous discussion on the topic......

http://www.mikenchell.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=2244#2244

[bobhenry]

You want to see a drunken Duro tire here are a couple shots...





Got us home (our very 1st outing and no spare )

but it was rubbing on the frame and the outside wall of the trailer (wheels under).

I love the smell of burning rubber but I would rather it be at the drag strip not eminating from under my trailer.

[TPMcGinty]

Have you tried looking at Northern Tools? They have a 5x8 trailer they have on sale every once in a while for under $300. It's the one I used. Works great!