Topic: The ol' Harbor Freight trailer

[eigenvector]

Finally pulled up my panties and bought a trailer.  Seeing how I'll probably never use it I couldn't justify paying 4 figures for one, so I dropped a thin (really thin) dime on a Harbor Freight 1800 lb model.

I am fondly remembering my days working on Erector sets - 10mm bolt heaven this one is, but with a reasonable deck I don't see why it wouldn't be sufficient for the task I'm using it for - hauling bikes.

I fully intend on upgrading the trailer over the winter - first order of business will be gusseting the corners so that the trailer doesn't tend to cockeye.  The deck shouldn't be a structural member.

[RAFster122s]

Stressed skin construction,  erector set is about right.
Needs more than gussets to make it rigid and strong. Would need to strap the bikes down tight using a trailer with leaf-spring suspension. So, use good straps and check them during your hauling (typical trailer needs after strapping a bike in.)

[Desert-SOHC]

I had one that I welded all the channels together on and added some angle iron to bolt the chock to. Had it for YEARS and it worked flawlessly with minimal maint.

[eigenvector]

That chock is really the first order or business, it practically a necessity when strapping down a bike - otherwise you have to play tug-o-war with the tie-downs.

Well, first things first - drive it around empty to see how it rolls and to get some needed practice.  Probably do that tommorrow

[Bailgang]

My kid bought one but shortly after I wired it up and put a deck on it he sold it because he didn't feel like hauling a trailer behind his WRX. The trailer seemed a good value but the quality of the welds really spooked me.

[Duanob]

I would go through the bearings and races before putting it on the road but it should work fine for hauling bikes.

[RAFster122s]

The bigger wheeled trailer will perform better on the road at highway speeds but, wheel balance becomes more of an issue and places don't balance trailer tires.

[bill440cars]

Like to see more, as you get that trailer to better suit the need. I had bought a trailer a few years ago, off of ebay. Wasn't a bad deal and decent price ( though I can't honestly remember exactly how much I gave. Only thing is, it was built for 3 dirt bikes and had a ramp made from wood! Yeah, I figured I could sort out any issues and it did pretty well, with 2 bikes (not too large of bikes). But the front outside tiedown spots, seem to be out there, just a little .ore, to be comfortable. So now, I am having to decide if I look at making improvements or maybe go your route or what. I guess time will tell. One thing, with this one, when I haul the CBX, it goes "SOLO". Not taking any chances. And, sorry, I am on my cell and can't post photos. Don't have internet presently.

[eigenvector]

Haven't had a chance to look at it for a week.  Weather in Seattle took a turn for the worse, to make it even more awful some jerk in Florida tried to steal my bank card number .  Bank disabled the card right quick, but forgot to send me a replacement card .  Had to remind them about it today.  So I haven't had the time or money to put the deck on the trailer.

[RAFster122s]

Best of luck sorting out the mess. Hopefully it is restricted to just that card being compromised.

David

[MoMo]

I had one for several years and was happy with it. I used a 3/4 pressure treated piece of plywood for the deck and a HF wheel chock.  Put quite a few bolts through the plywood and frame rails to solidify the frame work...Larry