Harbor Freight Offroad Trailer Build Episode 9. A Giant Waste of Time!

Today we continue the Harbor Freight Offroad Trailer build!
This was a rough week lol. It was close to 100 degrees outside and that made a huge difference on output in the shop. The good news is even though a few things didn't go the way I wanted them to, we still made progress on the trailer. Next week... Electrical!!!!
And I guess I need to finish all this paint work as well. So, what would you do? Should I give the vinyl another shot? OR buy some orange paint and do this the old fashion way? Thanks for watching and I hope you enjoy the video! In two weeks, this trailer will embark on its first overland trip!
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#overland #offroad #4x4

[@KrokemOutdoors]

Man, I'm sorry the wrap didn't turn out the way you envisioned it, I feel real bad about it. But it was a great learning experience and I think the paint will be a solid way to go. That trailer is very impressive brother!

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thanks for coming all the way up here to give me a hand buddy! I hope the next time you see this trailer it will be in person on the trail 👊

[@donneraxt1981]

Yeah Orange looks real good .... maybe Orange bedliner

[@jaredourada]

I would use Raptor Liner for durability.

[@MicahBell_1860]

Only things that should have a rendered finish are cement walls. Leave the raptor liner to the construction workers

[@nannuartworks5812]

@@DirtLifestyle You have to heat that vinyl the rough texture will still give you issues. If you have a good surface and put this down and heat it or let it sit in the sun it will become VERY hard to get off without a heat gun.

[@DirtLifestyle]

This week was brutal! We were close to 100 degrees outside and by the end of each day it was definitely more than that in the shop. Needless to say productivity took a hit lol. Next week we are going to knock out as much electrical as possible and hopefully finish the paint. This video just went live and I'm already heading back out to the shop to get started on Next Sunday's trailer video! See you next week!

[@rogerleavitt9480]

You could do a video putting an AC in your shop! Haha!

[@Roks4life]

Box fans are cheap and maybe get one of those window mount AC units set up and between the two you could temper the heat closer to the work bench.

[@donaldbrown6044]

This weekend was the first time we have been below 100 for 2 days in a row in North Mississippi for quite some time. We are also stay about 65-90% humidity depending on the time of day. So I feel your pain. I put the biggest window unit I could find in my shop and it keeps it around 80-85 on those super hot days.

[@shitloveaduck]

We don’t get quite that hot here in Alberta Canada, but have hit 100 a couple days this year in my area and had many days in the 90s. I have a big swamp cooler set up for a fan that blows air through a filter (kinda like a car filter, but 3 ft x 3 ft, and a water container which is then pumped evenly over the filter. It works really well. It’s never cold in there, of course, but more than bearable and it filters the air so hopefully helps when you are painting.

[@jjansen987]

I would do orange bed liner. Take more trail abuse. Keep up the great content!👍💪

[@rdsmith334]

I second the bed liner. Raptor has a tint-able version you might try.

[@ottawander949]

I was going to suggest this too, so I'll add my vote to this idea 👍

[@mikebiron7339]

I third this idea!

[@Smoke-LXXV]

Agreed 👍

[@silverbullet0875]

Yeah orange liner is the way to go jmo 😁

[@richberg404]

IF you are going solid color then YES paint it. Vinyl is great for design. I like the orange. Do both gloss with a ghosted flat paint design.

[@AJvsEverything]

One other upside to gloss is that dust and dirt won't stick to it as easily as it does to matte finishes...the orange looks good...my first thought is always "how hot is it gonna get inside once the sun hits it" and so I tend to sway towards lighter colors whenever possible...

[@keithlea6804]

I agree but orange with black looks so dam good together. Hugger orange my favorite

[@crisnevin7934]

Also, the flatter it is, the more heat it will pick up. The gloss will reflect more of the light leaving less heat energy.

[@nivid01]

What are you talking about mate. It’s the dark colours that cause heat buildup in a vehicle. If you want to keep things as cool as possible, use a light colour (e.g. white).

[@AJvsEverything]

@@nivid01 Did you not read my comment? I said I sway TOWARDS lighter colors for that reason...

[@e.s.bryant765]

paint paint paint. I like the orange gloss, but black gloss would work. Thanks for this run of videos, it gave me some bright ideas.,

[@rouxanh6694]

Its about time 😁😁😁⌚Hi from South Africa 🇿🇦🇿🇦

[@rickyschultz6357]

The orange looks awesome. If you paint, I’d almost consider using some kind of paint protection film over it to keep it looking good, but I know that goes against the budget build. Orange truck bed coating is an option too, but the smooth walls look really good.

[@hombre3000]

Live and learn, Nate! You’re doing so much work and so many things - every so often something isn’t gonna go quite right but you come out on the other side with more knowledge and a funny story to tell. I think the matte orange actually looks great, and paint makes sense for something like this.

[@Billrovid]

The drill taps are great for thinner steel…you use it on thick metal and they break

[@Shiryas]

I really appreciate how you teach with examples of your mistakes and the suggestions for us viewers on how to avoid them. Not just this video but all of your 'build' type videos, the white board sessions are excellent too. While it's an awesome trailer, build, and video series is there any chance of a bomb proof TDI re-build coming next? 🙂

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thank man, I appreciate the positive feed back! The Trailer series should get wrapped up in the next couple weeks, Then I finish building my Tacoma and prep it for Ultimate Adventure 2022. after I get back I will be working on either manual swapping the Discovery (2 episodes) Or I finish building a Top secret project (4 Episodes) I bought. If you have ever seen a show called extreme 4x4 I had a chance to buy my favorite project that they built on the show. I wasn't in the market but I couldn't say no to such an important piece of offroad history. I think I can get it running in a month or so. So I'm thinking I will start building the TDI TJ in November. But this will be worth the wait I promise. And if you like the tdi TJ you will LOVE the crawler I bought from Extreme 4x4 😎. If you know my taste it's easy to guess what I rig I'm talking about...

[@stevenrailey9204]

@@DirtLifestyle man i hope it's the 6x6 burban :D

[@rhino2703]

Love the orange....for sure

[@chrisalexander7024]

Nate, I have my own HVAC company that I started this year after working in the trade for 9 years. Most recent was Local 572 pipefitters and service technicians union. I’d be happy to fly out and install some ductless mini splits in your shop. Heating capacities to -10 ambient and 100% cooling capacity up to 110 on some units. The experience would be amazing. If interested, feel free to reach out.

[@woodcrafter76]

Orange Raptor bed liner would look great IMO.

[@philiph554]

I appreciate the honesty in dealing with the mistakes…it happens to all of us…always an opportunity to learn. I have been considering wrapping the bumpers on my truck…probably go with black, but given all the curves, not sure if I can do it…the only way to learn is try.

[@phillims1]

I love that y share the wins and the losses! That’s how we all learn.

[@theadventuresofsaltyjrover]

The Land Rover in the back ground is what hooked me and trailers I build as well thanks for all the inspiration it keeps me working on my land rover discovery, I have a2002 that I’m working on keep it up I will keep building

[@rebelpatriot_nc_9156]

Orange and black is definitely the scheme! It looks so good!

[@nonsequitur807]

Orange semi gloss with extry lights 👍

[@jameswacker7483]

Try Monstaliner! Great colors and super durable. It has texture to it, but not as much as other bedliners.

[@Ay-Ay-Ron]

Absolutely stay orange! It pops and looks great.

[@RatelLaw]

Thank you for sharing

[@ausoff-road7795]

As an Aussie and fabrication apprentice I really like the story telling that goes with your builds. Most the 4x4 channels i watch are local Aussies but I love seeing the way you do things. We are all jelous how wild you can go on a vehicle. Soon as we take a grinder to the chassis or suspension it needs to be certified (engineered) by an official tester linked to the department of transportation. Can be done but near impossible on anything that has t/c stability control 🥲.

[@lukesdayoff9753]

Giving me inspiration to get back to work on my trailer. Thanks!

[@jesseblanchard9609]

To me the big advantage behind vinyl is graphics. If you want to do fancy cool ass images then vinyl is THE way. But if you are just gonna go with some single color or maybe 2 colors...paint it. No harm in trying something new though. Thanks for sharing it with us, Nate.

[@darrenmackenzie1645]

I love your thinking. You want to experiment and try new stuff . I think the same way. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. It’s all a learning experience. You don’t know until you try.

[@themightylemor]

Orange paint! Love the video. SO APPRECIATIVE when you guys show your “mistakes” and first attempts. VIdoes like these make so much more of an impression than when everything is perfect on the first go. 95% of viewers fail the first and/or second try. Thank you!

[@steventaylor7657]

Yes on the gloss orange. Love the series.

[@jakemodrell3821]

Definitely keep the orange. Looks good!!

[@Adv4x4]

As a fellow builder/video creator it’s so important for us show mistakes when they happen. Some people see this flawless project get executed on video and expect theirs to go the same & get discouraged. The fact of the matter is all projects have setbacks and everyone makes mistakes! Good on you for not just showing the “good” parts man. Setbacks make us stronger when you push thru them.

[@WeekendWrenchTurner]

I love it man 👍🤟 Seeing someone with your experience trying to learn something new and failing and then being humble about it is refreshing!!

[@brianehly1954]

Orange spray on bedliner coating the sides and white or grey top for heat reflection. Also will help seal it from outside.

[@DC-ok6bk]

Great content, educational and very well composed footage/editing/stitching. Motivating to get out there and try projects. Plus, our temps are way cooler than what you have been experiencing 😎

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thank you! Dude, it's been pretty hot for us up here in the PNW. I my body is more acclimated for snow lol

[@dmwi1549]

Lessons learned on vinyl. Thanks for sharing the good and not so good. Waiting for the weigh-in.

[@Natezoinks]

Keep it Orange, paint it! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@rednecklifestyle3438]

Love the color. Keep it.

[@stucko007]

Regardless of the vinyl issues, that trailer is sick!!!

[@nyfo29]

Vinyl can be tricky for sure. I'd go with paint. The side benefit is you can easily touch up any scratches

[@ericnunn8856]

Paint it!! Glad to see Edward 🤙 Thanks for the videos

[@Scoobienorth]

I’m very thankful for this mistake. I’ve had the same thought building and working on things, I’ll get some cheap vinyl to throw over something and cover it up. Now I know it isn’t easy or cheap.

[@RM_Garage]

Ed did a hell of a job on both his trucks. I'm sure he tried his best as you said! Excited for what's to come

[@flyfisher530]

As an SF Giants fan I love the orange and black! We all make mistakes just like that vinyl wrap - don;t beat yourself up too hard Nate. And thanks for sharing all the good and bad parts of doing a build like this!!!

[@gerryhartung736]

AWESOME!!!

[@orlandog686]

The color looks great

[@MikeUtah]

Agree on orange gloss paint.

[@griffinnoyer3297]

Like other’s have said, I really appreciate the full experience you show, including big mistakes. It makes approaching this sort of project much less daunting. I say go for the paint! And the orange/black looks sick, I say stick with it.

[@jamesoddsends4483]

Very cool. I like the orange and black.

[@jimschmidt4089]

Great video, sorry about the vinyl not going as planned but like you said, try new things and always learning. Love how you are so down to earth and can admit you're human. We ask make mistakes, and you come right out and say it. Trying new things, sometimes times it turns out sometimes you adjust. Thank you for being very humble and true to what you do. You build and fabricate amazingly functional and great looking things. Thank you for bringing us along. Awesome channel and content! My vote is flat Orange.

[@basshunter428]

Gloss orange laquer, clear coat, done! Vinyl is great for some applications, but there are obviously limitations and quality varies as well. Paint takes a beating!

[@captainswampy9501]

Not lacquer, it's not durable. Use a modern base coat/ clear coat that uses hardener and cures.

[@user-bj4lp3fr1o]

I installed a mini split air conditioner/ heat pump in my shop. It makes a world of difference.

[@ukn0wjack]

As a carpenter I use those drill taps all the time and love them! They last a long time for me. The trick I use is to put your drill in “driver mode” and set the clutch to a low number. As you tap a little and the clutch kicks in, put it in reverse and back out then go back in, kind of like using a regular tap. The thickest steel I use them on regularly is 1/4-3/8”. If you give them another shot I hope this helps!!!

[@justinstewart3060]

Gloss orange will look awesome 😎 👍

[@ChaBarry]

I've been waiting for your trailer videos to drop. It turned out nice. Spray it, quick and easy.

[@donaldwatson6342]

I agree, gloss orange will pop even more.

[@trevorsenetza5692]

You might want to change out that air filled castor wheel with a solid rubber one. I’ve tried that castor on a gate and it failed. Solid rubber will last longer and not puncture the tube. Just remember to get the same size and not worry about trying to get the exact center hub offset. Since the rim is a two piece and the solid rubber tire rim is a two piece also, you can transfer the tire. Plus those drill/tap bits should be used in the impact driver. Don’t know why, but it does work.

[@WrongTurnAdventures]

Yeah love the colour scheme. Paint will be good.

[@ryanmiller9631]

Just a tip for useing seal sealer. Get yourself a cordless silicone gun makes jobs like this super easy. Also spray your fingers with Isopropyl alcohol, the silicone wont stick to them and it comes out smooth.

[@BigTodd70]

Paint it....you're almost there! Paint is done in no time whereas more vinyl = more $, more prep, wait for it to be shipped, gotta grab your buddies again to help apply the new/improved vinyl.....just paint it! BTW, trailer looks GREAT!

[@Jasper118]

I learn more from your mistakes than your successes so I appreciate your honesty. Of course for my sake I want to see you wrap it but paint would get this thing on the trail much faster and that’s what we want to see!

[@1217heaven]

Orange 🧡

[@MikeCurtis7663]

I love the OSU orange, Go Pokes! Sorry the wrap sucked, but you did learn from it, and so did we! Thank you for all the great content.

[@roypaulcarter4654]

Nice job.

[@davewhited6135]

Yes love the orange!

[@jasonbierig3036]

Gloss orange awesome choice looks good 👍

[@BadgerBishop]

The orange looks good, stay with it!

[@MyShadowblue]

Like others: do the Raptor Liner tintable. Raptor Liner is super easy to do with the gun they sell. I'm a paint idiot and have pro-level results with Raptor. My entire Tacoma was coated! And you should be proud as hell with the way this trailer is turning out!

[@Shakes355]

+1 on the gloss orange. Keep it simple and cheap to touch up.

[@stop153rz2]

Paint! Easy to touch up. Especially with a good primer under the paint.

[@troymanning3150]

Def stay orange!! Gonna look awesome

[@SilasZoeBell]

Thanks for sharing the hard lessons! I’m sure you can make it look better with paint. I think vinyl is good for projects where the vinyl has a print on it like your Tacoma.

[@angelbernes740]

Great chow like always. Paint will be awesome,

[@bearpawartworks]

Orange looks great

[@davelentz7888]

👍👍 Very much enjoy this series. 🍻

[@robertlowenthal425]

Stay with orange 🍻great to see Kelly hanging out

[@ROgletree]

The orange looks great. Nice job on the trailer.

[@danielcgomez]

Agreed ..use paint, and use gloss Orange for sure. Killer Trailer! Looking forward to the next video!

[@projectlaughingjack943]

Glossy orange all the way 👍🏼🧡

[@marcosaguilar2916]

My ideal color scheme for my trailer. Keep it just do it with paint. Looks awesome!!!👍🏻👌🏻👏🏼

[@michaeleasley1368]

I’ve had great experiences with the Greenlee brand of drill/tap combo all the way up to 3/8 holes. Much more durable than any other brand I’ve used

[@roderickhance2088]

Great lessons learned and I’m sure helped a lot of people to not make the same mistakes. All in all it looks bad ass!! I would stay with the Orange.

[@JaredRoso]

I’m digging the Orange gloss paint. Go for it.

[@timedilated6349]

Satin on the paint

[@simon-mouse8739]

Paint is definitely the way forward 👍gloss and the same colour 😎

[@rockyfesta5099]

Tintable Raptor Liner those same areas the wrap is in. Love what you have done to the trailer so far.

[@MajorWeakness]

Orange will look great!

[@timberg7377]

Yes on the Orange

[@oscarpatino330]

Paint! It looks good even raw!👏🏻🙏🏻👍🏻💪🏻

[@CorbettMatthews]

Nate, I'm also building an offroad trailer! I'm about to do a vinyl wrap on it as well, and I want to thank you for showing us all the lessons learned. Its a great build, and as I've been following along as I work on my own. The fact you include your mistakes is fantastic! Watching you I've gained new techniques, or used different products to create my own stuff at home. So many people, youtubers, instagramers etc. hide the learning process, and the mistakes, always trying to show perfection when the reality is none of us making cool custom shit ever get it perfect. Cheers dude!

[@Blackedout04rubicon]

love this build series, even though the wrap didn't turn out the way you wanted. stick with paint, that's what you know how to apply and touch up.

[@christopheradams6118]

Love seeing we all have to get IRL data and rewind sometimes during the creative process. Since you asked at the end of the video - Paint that beast! A good coat of primer and paint will last through years of hard use washes etc. You built a robust piece of equipment, and you can also squirrel away a can of the same paint for touch up or total respray if damage or mods require it. Just one guys opinion :)

[@wylatron]

yup, paint is a good thing, hard to beat

[@rsharney1111]

Gloss orange with a clear coat. You did good with the trailer

[@jackiejoe8930]

If you stay one color orange is good. If you want to hit the vinyl again do high quality and get dirt lifestyle printed all over it. Thanks for showing that the best laid plans don't always work out.

[@bengreen7172]

Yes on glass Orange it would look really good

[@mikeaites4402]

I'd still run it. 👍 I'm loving the trailer.

[@joeashbubemma]

I think you're a great fabricator and designer. At the end of the day, function is what matters. Besides if you're using that trailer, it will be covered in muck in no time so I say who cares how shiny it is, you saved yourself $$$ by doing it all yourself. That's a win in my book all day.

[@chrishenry5945]

Pint or bedliner. I think the most important thing is that you use something that can be touched up because it will get scratched.

[@VetJeeper]

Orange with some blue! Then slap a number 3 on it! Go Broncos!!!

[@piasprojects]

Vinyl wrap definitely looks like a lot of work. I would personally just paint it. The orange is cool, definitely will be seen!! I truly appreciate your transparency with any project you work on and letting us know what works, what doesn't and the best way to fix it. Keep up the awesome work. looking forward to the electrical part!

[@jonmurphy7364]

Def paint it. That orange is dope. I'm thinking that vinyl wouldn't have held up very well after a few encounters with some heavy brush. So kind of a blessing in disguise