Topic: Harbor Freight storable utility trailer

[eigenvector]

Since there's a thread on Harbor Freight already, thought I'd add my comments about one of their trailers.

They advertise a storable utility trailer - 1200 lb capacity for 250 (or so) bucks.

I thought it was sure thing for me since I just got my hitch installed and was looking for a trailer to tow bikes.

Went down there this morning to take a look and - wow, no thank you.

Trailer looks pretty rinky dink - but most importantly, the wheels were wobbling like the ones on my wheelbarrow.   I can grant that perhaps the floor model isn't put together as good as it could be - but I'm not going to take a chance.  I can deal with the tires being out of true somewhat - but actual hub movement is totally unacceptable.  Time to stop being a cheap-o and just get a real trailer.

[ekpent]

 I bought a good quality used 12 foot landscape trailer with the drop down back ramp and have never regretted it.Paid around $400.00. Great for bikes or all those under mundane hauling tasks that pop up where my truck is more difficult.  Make you more popular with your friends also    

[eigenvector]

I have no doubt about that.  Seems like a decent utility trailer is just the thing to cement neighborly relationships. 

I'm gonna poke around today and next Saturday and see what's what.  I just needed to put out of my head the idea that a cheap solution could work.  Strange, those Harbor Freight trailers get a lot of positive reviews from others on other bike forums.  I can't see it myself having looked at them and spun their (cheap) wheels.

[fmctm1sw]

I had one for a while.  It was an oddball size, between their heaviest rated one and the next lower one nowadays.  1450 lbs capacity if I remember right.  Hauled bikes on it and a bunch of landscaping rocks before I sold it.  Mine was used so I didn't assemble it.  Maybe they didn't put the wheels on it right at the store?

[eigenvector]

Always a possibility of course.  But I just don't want to take that chance. 

Shame, because it really would be a good solution - small, easy to maneuver when empty, holds 2 bikes, light enough to tow with a small pickup.

[rb550four]

A few years back I checked out that HF trailer , The store had to put a tag on it that said it was not built for highway use, I saw it in the window on the last visit, it still wears the tag.
  Tractor supply can set you up with a small landscape trailer large enough for 2 machines for around $800.
That's the one I got, it's been really good, easy to deal with , I think they have some 12 inch high pressure tires that I have blown out twice , but all in all , it's decent.
Next time I'm going with 14 inch tires and a longer trailer because I run a cab and a half truck and it's just easier to back up a longer trailer with a long wheelbase mule....and I could put more bikes on it.

[Duanob]

I had one of those little red folding trailers with 12" wheels although not an HF brand. They cost ~$250 but add on more for plywood deck and sides. It worked great for light stuff like motorcycles and camping gear but I needed something a bit more heavy duty that's why I sold it.