The Harbor Freight Fold-Up Trailer Build

[jfslater98]

Hey Mastros. It's been a year. How's it been living with this thing?

[Mastros2]

It’s been fantastic.  The trailer actually has been holding up really well.  I packed the bearings again at ~1k miles but that is more preventative and recommended from other owners.  

Due to our small space, it works really well for us.  I can unfold it and then fold it back up by myself and goes right into the corner of the garage.  Also, it has been quite useful for moving furniture and bikes.

Since the build, I haven’t added anything else to it.  The only upgrade I may do is welding the corners and some more support pieces to it but not necessary at this time.  I have a friend who welds it will be free (minus the cost of beer).  Maybe I'll add better wheel bearings and casters but as it stands, it is great.    

[Mastros2]

One last thing regarding the sand mixed with paint.  

Yes, it is a nonslip surface.  Would I do it again, probably not.  I may add just a tiny bit or find less coarse sand.  The sand really rips your skin from your knuckles every time you accidentally rub your hand on it.  I did overdo it with the sand though.  

[jfslater98]

Thanks for the call back, and the advice on the sand. So I guess the "proper" method of applying the sand would be more of a "dash of salt" kind of application?

[Mastros2]

Thanks for the call back, and the advice on the sand. So I guess the "proper" method of applying the sand would be more of a "dash of salt" kind of application?

Yes.  I really added a nice layer.  When you think you didn't add enough, you added too much!

[jfslater98]

Sorry more question(s): how big was the box it came in. Will it fit in a sedan's trunk?

[Andrew]

Sorry more question(s): how big was the box it came in. Will it fit in a sedan's trunk?

I bet the box fits in a HF trailer



 

[Mastros2]

I think the longest box is 4'.  All boxes are approx 1' wide.  You would be ok if your rear seats fold down.  

[jfslater98]

You would be ok if your rear seats fold down.  

And they do, sweet! Well it looks like I have my afternoon cut out. Managed to fix the dryer today without burning my house down, so think I will treat myself  

Thanks for the guidance Mastros!

[Mastros2]

Not a problem.  Tell me how you make out.  

[ChrisZRX]

This is a 4 1/2 x 8 ft Home Depot Snowbear trailer I bought back in 2006.  I removed the steel sides and built the wooden side racks.  Used pressure treated wood, of course.

Instead of buying a wheel chock for motorycle hauling, I made one out of wood (pressure treated) I had on hand.  I used 2x6's and the side braces are 3/4 inch plywood, also pressure treated.  Each side brace is screwed into the 2x6's with eight 3 inch deck screws, so I think there's no chance it'll break.  It's bolted into the steel floor section of the trailer with 4 bolts.  

The mod has saved a lot of weight and wind resistance.  It's been extremely useful, and it turns my Corolla and Subie Outback into a very useful cargo hauler.  Believe it or not, the Corolla is rated to tow 1500 pounds.  I've used it for hauling home improvement materials, to camping gear and supplies, to motorcycles.      

[ChrisZRX]

Another useful tip, replace your bearing dust covers with Bearing Buddies.

http://www.etrailer.com/Grease-Caps/Bearing-Buddy/BB2441.html?feed=npn&gclid=CMvbzK2DkK8CFYrb4AodU2ZKzg

[jfslater98]

Not a problem.  Tell me how you make out.  

Just completed day 1 of the build. It is possible to put these things together on your own, just takes longer. Plan is to get it kind of working, then get the wood. Then drill the wood. Then treat the wood.

Have some additional tips and observations...

• Compressed air and a Chee-Z-Ayr-Rench from HF makes things quicker, and maybe cuts down on muscle aches. That wrench was sizzling and spitting oil when it was resting  
• Need some big sockets to do this job, for some fasteners. My 21 and 22mm came out of the tool box. Looks like the castle nut for the wheel needs a 31mm/1.25 inch socket, which I do not possess. So it was channel Locked on, just enough to get it not to fall off.
• Even though it folds, the front part is kind of tall, fouled the overhead storage in my garage. Make sure you plan out the build, as there is folding and standing up to be done.
• NJ trailer registrations expire in March, regardless of when you purchased it. Looks like I timed it pretty good.  

Feel good about the progress I made on the trailer, but my pack rat syndrome took a major step backwards today - everything from an old motorcycle battery to discarded packing material laying the floor got used today. The "some day I might need that" neurons were validated... not good.

[Mastros2]

Feel good about the progress I made on the trailer, but my pack rat syndrome took a major step backwards today - everything from an old motorcycle battery to discarded packing material laying the floor got used today. The "some day I might need that" neurons were validated... not good.

Haha, keep that in the back of your mind for the next argument with the wife!

Glad everything went well.