Harbor Freight Trailer Build. Full Assembly from Box to Road

In this video, I assemble a brand new Harbor Freight trailer after getting it from the store in a box. I go over the parts, share a list of tools, and build it to road-ready status.

[@jameskleist4019]

Your video is probably the 4th trailer assembly I have watched. Each 1 gave me some ideas to assemble 1 of the Harbor Freight trailers. Thank you for your tips and tricks. 😊

[@mikekrabal]

Thanks for having a look at the video. Others have made far better assembly videos, but I'm grateful mine has been helpful.

[@JohnRodriguesPhotographer]

Tip of the day. When repacking bearings, put the bearing and grease in a zip-lock bag. Knead the grease into the bearing. Much cleaner process for you and the bearing.

[@qwikz28]

I've had my trailer for about three years now and have been thinking of repacking the bearings because I did it quickly by hand just to get it done. This is a good idea, I'll try this. Thanks!

[@ratoneJR]

that method will not pack the wheel bearings.

[@JohnRodriguesPhotographer]

@@ratoneJR been doing it 50 years so I disagree.

[@MrSTOUT73]

When packing bearings you must PACK it, not just knead it around in a greasy bag.

[@AB-kg6rk]

explain your grease packing method please.​@@MrSTOUT73

[@ArialRobison-Firechilde]

I had a Harbor Freight trailer for 12 years. I pulled it all over Texas and Olahoma. I took it everywhere from to Big Bend, Texas to Renaissance Festival. I love that little trailer, then it got stolen out of a "secure" storage facility. I went and picked up another one yesterday. I will start putting it together this coming week.

[@mikekrabal]

Sorry to hear your trailer got stolen. That sucks. I hope my video will be helpful in assembling your new trailer. Safe travels!

[@MrColmarino]

Great built bud!, im buying mine tomorrow and will be using it as a Kayak trailer. Thank you for sharing

[@mikekrabal]

Awesome! I hope your assembly went smooth and that my video was useful. Have fun on the kayaks!

[@tonyrollman3991]

Picking one up tomorrow your video is awesome and will help alot !

[@mikekrabal]

Thank you. All the best on your assembly.

[@hg1027]

Awesome builds! I made a utility box on a HF trailer, and welded a lot of the joints. We bolted everything together for a shakedown, make sure it was square and all the parts were there, and then started grinding and tacking. Not a full seam weld, just a few tacks at each, but it made me feel a lot happier far from home.

[@mikekrabal]

Thanks for checking out the channel! Those tacks sound like a solid upgrade. I just got a tig welder this week and plan to help out the future builds with welds too. Thanks again!

[@qwikz28]

I did the same thing with eliminating the folding mechanism, but took the extra hardware through those holes in the middle to further secure it. I think I can see you added bolts on the outside holes, but a few on the inside holes really made it feel more solid.

[@mikekrabal]

Good idea. Although, I didn't do that, I'm currently using the trailer to build a micro camper. The plywood and framing that I attached to the top helps stabilize it as well. On the next assembly, I'll bolt through the middle. Thanks for checking out the video!

[@OverlandTrailer]

This is a fun experiement. SO glad they switched to locking nuts. Great vid. Thanks for sharing.

[@mikekrabal]

You're right. It was pretty fun. Can't wait to build the next camper. Thank you for checking out this video as well. Do you know of any solid, cheap alternatives to Harbor Freight trailers? Thanks

[@bawbnottheowldbawb7558]

@@mikekrabal "Do you know of any solid, cheap alternatives to Harbor Freight trailers?" USED Harbor Freight Trailers from Craigslist...

[@drewlawson1858]

I am currently assembling one of these trailers and this video has been very helpful. In fact it helped convince me to buy the trailer. I have some left/right issues and do not fully trust line drawings. Seeing the real parts being put in place helped on some confusion points.

[@mikekrabal]

Thank you. My pleasure to help out. A comment like yours makes the whole filming process worth it.

[@AB-kg6rk]

Wat Drew sed.. Thank you sir!

[@niq872]

this was great thanks i plan on build a small camper like the one you are in the future, though im gonago for the tear drop shape because i like the way they look

[@mikekrabal]

I think the teardrop shape is great, too. I wish you the best on your build. Thanks for checking out the video and safe travels!

[@jdshriver33]

I liked and subscribed. Not even two minutes into the video. Good job. I like the subtitles and your editing. Perfect.

[@mikekrabal]

Thank you so much for checking out the video. I wish you the best in all your future projects.

[@MrSTOUT73]

Nice job! My brother and I put one together a few years ago and it took us about 4 hours. Though that also included mounting a piece of 3/4" treated plywood to the frame.

[@mikekrabal]

Thanks for checking out the video! I hope your trailer is still holding up well. They're good units for the price, for sure.

[@annetttt]

Just bought one thanks man

[@mikekrabal]

Thanks for checking out the video. I hope your assembly goes smoothly!

[@fearlesshorsepower8065]

Thank you sir this helped alot 🙏

[@mikekrabal]

It's my pleasure. Thank you for checking out the video. It helps me to keep making them.

[@zackwithrow357]

Very helpful thanks!

[@mikekrabal]

Happy to help!

[@Scrambler85]

For Hobo Freight that is a decent trailer. I'm looking forward to the rest of the build. Definitely a thumbs up 👍

[@mikekrabal]

Thanks for checking out the video. Greatly appreciated.

[@82ndAbnVet]

I too "deleted" the fold up feature. I also welded every joint on it, except for the tilt part. Even if a bolt somehow fails, the frame will still be intact.

[@mikekrabal]

Ain't nothing wrong with that! Thanks for checking out the video!

[@rickharold7884]

Beautiful

[@mikekrabal]

Thanks for checking out the video!

[@EDCKnifeAddiction]

Also, you should clean the grease off the bearings and regrease them. That's only shipping grease that comes on them. Just something i researched and wasnt sure if you were aware.

[@mikekrabal]

Thank you. I have always made that a practice when buying a new dirt bike and greasing everything with the good stuff. I haven't yet done it on the trailer though. I'll have to do that during the next micro camper build.

[@_Teddy_The_Bear]

@@mikekrabal I've heard good AND bad about that grease, however even if you trust that grease, I've seen a couple of examples where the outside bearing was the only one with grease, and the inner bearing is dry. I always repack bearings in any "Kit". Good for my personal peace of mind to inspect them anyway.

[@mikekrabal]

Thanks for checking out the vid, and you're right. Better to be safe than sorry.

[@maxjoey197]

Nice job

[@charlesstevenson5141]

Was looking to see if someone has already mentioned this. I've heard nothing but bad about that cheap Chinese, low temp grease.

[@Arcturian1111]

Good job. I heard it's good to upgrade the axle bearings and tires on this trailer.

[@mikekrabal]

Thanks for checking out the video! You're right, the price point for these HF trailers almost guarantees low quality components like bearings and tires. I pulled my little micro-camper 21,000 miles cross country and back a few times. (built on a used HF trailer) I was getting 9,000 miles out of the tires and I went through one wheel bearing. Not too bad, but could definitely be improved.

[@EfficientRVer]

Nice quick job getting it together. Surprised that eliminating the hinge didn't make any holes misalign. I'd do some extra bolting or welding to attach the front and rear, to make it as rigid as possible as long as you're not folding it. By luck I have a 32mm combination wrench, so I can skip the big adjustable wrench for the bearing castle nuts. Cutting a 2x4 into 16 pieces will let you get both halves of the trailer 2 thicknesses off the floor for easier assembly, then the whole thing higher off the floor for putting on the fenders (stacked 4 high at each corner or 5 in a triangle) I think raising or dropping the hitch ball on the car/truck to get the trailer exactly level, is better than custom-bungling the assembly of the tongue to attempt to match a specific car's hitch ball height on a straight mount.

[@mikekrabal]

Thanks for the insightful tips and for checking out the video!

[@robmarshallofficial]

That seems so simple to build. It wouldn’t be that hard if you could get the parts to cut and make your own and could even weld it together for the main frame

[@mikekrabal]

That thought has been on my mind. I just got a welder this week and am learning to weld. Now it's a possibillity for a future build.

[@JohnRodriguesPhotographer]

I would have inspected the wheel bearings to ensure they they were packed properly. If in doubt, repack with high temp grease. The most frequent failure points on utility trailers are the bearings and tires.

[@SirDiesAlot89]

Thanks

[@mikekrabal]

Happy to help

[@WyattHartsock]

Thinking of buying two of these and bolting and plating them together lol

[@mikekrabal]

Sounds like a fun project! Thanks for checking out the video!

[@microgreensgrower3946]

Have you built the second micro camper yet? Looking forward to seeing what you build! I really appreciate your first one - love the light weight design considering pulling behind my Toyota Prius. Thanks again!

[@mikekrabal]

Thanks for checking out the video. I haven't built it yet. For the past eleven months I've been remodeling a fixer-upper house to live in. It's taken all of my time. I'm finished now and beginning to work in the garage again, thankfully. I have one small project to finish building then I'll begin the next camper in June, likely. It's going to be a wild design this time haha. It's great you plan to pull with your Prius. All small cars are capable! Safe travels to you, friend.

[@stevemizera3891]

I built My Tiny RV.with my kit. It is 2 foot high but extends to six feet when parked. I have two hundred watt solar panels, a 2500 watt inverter.I use a four foot farm jack to raise the roof. I use canvas 4x8 feet canvas for the sides which store on roof when driving. Front and back are clear plastic windows. Everything cost under $2000

[@mikekrabal]

That sounds like a great build. Very inventive. And the clear plastic windows are the way to go. I had glass in my other camper and one of my buddies cracked it. Thanks for letting me know how it turned out. I'd sure like to see a picture of it all set up.

[@nelmar5522]

Square the front and back sections seperatly and then dolt to gether. Blue locktit is advisable too.

[@mikekrabal]

Thanks for checking out the video

[@ginoasci2876]

What kind of sandwich ?

[@oldschooldiy3240]

I went another step, I bolted the front and rear sections together too!

[@mikekrabal]

Thanks for checking out the video!

[@jake6483]

I bought mine 2 years ago for $369 with coupons and then the S10 I was going to pull it with started on fire so that baby is still completely packed up in my garage. I'm glad I found this video so it will give me something to do while I am freezing in my garage this Winter.

[@mikekrabal]

That's a great price. I wish they were still that cheap, as I'm about to buy another one and build another camper. Good luck on your assembly. Sorry to hear about your truck.

[@jake6483]

​@@mikekrabal I finally got around starting to put mine together this morning. And I do not have a single sticker telling me front right or front left. I'm going to compare my trailer to see what all is different between the two

[@geoffhart]

@@jake6483 I also didn't find a sticker, nor any noticeable difference in the metal pieces or diagrams - hope they are all the same :)

[@jake6483]

@geoffhart Everything seemed the same. Overall not a hard job at all, The hardest part is flipping it over without help in a confined garage. An impact driver makes it 10x faster

[@geoffhart]

@@jake6483 Yah - I was considering buying an air rachet just for building this :). Probably spent 2+ hours tightening (and redoing) all those nuts and bolts. But you are right, not hard. And surprisingly manageable weight, for a trailer rated to carry 1500+lbs.

[@crazeguy26]

some towing ball mounts can be use up side down. there say so on the sticker if you not sure call the the Manufacturer with the part number and they will let you know.

[@mikekrabal]

That's a pretty neat trick that I haven't thought of. Thanks for sharing and thanks for checking the video!

[@michaeln.8818]

I have always just put 50psi in any trailer tires up to 3500lbs axles including small boat trailers I run a mix of 70 mph interstate, state , logging roads and two tracks

[@mikekrabal]

Thanks for checking out the video. I also appreciate the suggestion from your experience. I haven't towed a lot of trailers, just these small ones. Your experience is helpful to me and others. Thanks.

[@neotech40]

I had to keep cringing when you'd drop those beams down next to your bare feet! I'd have broken toes for sure, lol. Thanks for your video though, I am just about to go assemble my trailer and it's great to have a good idea of how this thing will come together.

[@mikekrabal]

Hahaha, thanks for checking the video! Six weeks ago I broke the big toe on my left foot at a trampoline park. I was running up the warped wall with socks on and jammed it into the wall. It's crooked now haha. Wasn't allowed to wear shoes in there and would've rather had shoes on for that obstacle. I wish you the best on your trailer assembly.

[@GearJamminSalmon]

I got this trailer, new. After driving from Idaho to Kentucky & back with it, and an 18-month sit under cover in-between, I would do the following to the next one, without fail: 1. I would strip all paint off the frame parts to bare metal, reprime & repaint. After sitting under cover in Kentucky for 18 months, various places on the paint began to bubble & rust formed. I'll disassemble, strip, de-rust & paint again. It's worth it. 2. I would discard the factory axle bearing grease & use Valvoline red. Just added insurance. 3. I would buy two new spare rims, put Class C tires on them & put them on the trailer, saving the Class Bs as spares/local tires. Class B tires aren't really for freeway use, even with limiting speed to 60 mph & dodging all the potholes on I-80 between Lincoln, NE & Evanston, WY. Sometimes, a pothole gets through. And those are DOOZIES. Class C is the only way to go. But for all the stuff I outlined, I love this trailer. It's worth the updates & corrective work. It's a keeper...so I'll refurbish it to that effect.

[@mikekrabal]

Thanks for the tips and for checking out the video I wish you the best on your refurbishing. They are great little trailers.

[@GearJamminSalmon]

@@mikekrabal-- Thank you! Wish you the best, too. I just wish Chinese businesses knew how to paint; sadly, they don't.

[@MrGaborseres]

Thanks 👍 I hope your toes survived unhurt among all the iron lol 😮😊 Hell yeahh 👍Just subed 👍

[@mikekrabal]

Thanks for checking out the video and subscribing! It is greatly appreciated!

[@augiearreola5191]

Here's an idea for a micro trailer camper. Go to a big rig salvage yard and size up a Petebilt or kenworth sleeper bunk

[@mikekrabal]

That's a decent idea! Thanks for checking out the video!

[@jayw900]

That’s an interesting idea. I never even considered that you could just leave the hinge off if you don’t want or need the folding feature. I would’ve assumed it would’ve caused some interference or bolt alignment issues.

[@mikekrabal]

Thanks for having a look at the video. I've now done this with three of those Harbor Freight trailers and so far, so good. If my budget would allow, I'd buy more expensive, one-piece trailers, but these have served me well and are cheap.

[@jayw900]

@@mikekrabal Yep, they are decent as long as you know the limits. I had one many years ago and had no issues. Just recently bought another one for a square drop trailer project. I’m going to try leaving out the hinge as well.

[@mikekrabal]

@@jayw900 All the best on your square drop build. I hope it turns out great.

[@obxjeepguy]

I see they STILL have low pressure valve stems on an 80 PSI tire/rim combo. Yes, there is a difference.

[@scottszczechowicz5699]

My only suggestion would be to use a paint marker to mark all the bolts that you have Tightened then you can do a visual inspection and make sure you got them all.

[@mikekrabal]

Good call. Thanks for checking out the video!

[@mitchcox4479]

Awesome video! I am looking to get the 1720 lb “super duty” trailer from HF. I am planning to haul it with a compact SUV and height to the top of the receiver is 14”. I already have a 2.5” drop/2” rise ball mount. Wondering if I need to flip the coupler location like you did?

[@mikekrabal]

I'm not comfortable recommending any deviation from the owners manuel, unfortunately. But I do have one of those trailers in the driveway and I went out and measured it's coupler height and the height of my truck balll when it was level. The top of the coupler (not the locking pin mechanism) was 22 inches. That's in the standard mounting position. So it sounds like you need to lower it and without being there to see, it's super hard to know exactly what parts are needed in which configuration. I hope that helps but at the same time it sounds like I may not have been much help. I'm sorry for not having the answer on this one.

[@foxmulder7616]

Anyone know what kind of tires one could put on these that would be larger and allow more ground clearance?? Without a new Axle?

[@mackjenkins7721]

Man this was an Awesome video a putting this trailer together. I'm thinking about buying one myself and using it to haul kayaks with. It's way cheaper than a kayak trailer that starting off at $1,200 hundred dollars & going up. Looks very simple and easy to put it together. I really really like how you put the trailer together barefooted 👣styles man. I am a huge barefoot 👣 style person. I was born with very very extremely wide feet that are now sz15 6 EEEEEE wide with very chubby fat wide toes that are equally straight across making my foot very very wide at 6 1/2 inches wide from my big toe to my lil toe. My foot outgrew shoes , socks , & boots when i was 18 years old & flip flops is the only footwear that will barely & i mean barely fit on my foot because my toes are wider than the flip flops straps. When am home i have to do everything barefooted 👣 styles because of me having very very extremely wide feet. I have to drive my car Barefooted 👣 styles because of my foot being extremely wide. So seeing you doing this project Barefooted 👣styles makes me feel good to see that there's somebody else out there doing projects Barefooted 👣 style the way I have to do. I never thought I would have to live my life Barefooted 👣style because of having very very extremely wide feet with fat wide chubby toes that are equally straight across instead of being at a 45-degree angle like everybody else's toes are would cause so much problems in life. Thank you so much for doing that and sharing this video.

[@mikekrabal]

Thank you, sir for checking out the video. Keep on rocking the bare feet! It makes your legs and ankles stronger and more agile. It's the way we are supposed to be anyway. I stay as barefoot as much possible. I hope you can build the trailer you need and that this video helped you. Have a great day brother!

[@mackjenkins7721]

@@mikekrabal oh you are welcome buddy. Oh that is a must! I will definitely keep rocking the Barefooted 👣 Style since that is the only Footwear choice I have. I definitely can agree with you on the straightness & it helps to spread your toes out too. But like i really need my toes to be spread out even more than what they are. My toes are 6 1/2 inches wide from my big toe to my lil toe now & I really don't need them to get any wider than what they are now. I have to take off my flip-flops just to drive my car because of my toes being too wide. My toes are touching the gas pedal and the brakes at the same time. I have to look down at the pedal to see where to put my foot at when driving. You are right Barefooted 👣is the way we are supposed to be. That's awesome to hear that you tried to stay barefooted 👣 as much as possible. I am hundred percent. I am Barefooted 365 day out of the year. I have 5 boys with very wide feet too & they are either barefooted 👣 like me or either wearing flip-flops. My boys hate socks because they are tight on their feet & shoes are crushing & hurting there toes so they're rather be barefooted 👣or wearing flip-flops. People in the neighborhood call us the barefooted 👣 family. Yes this video helped me out & gave me some good ideas how to build the trailer. Thank you so much for replying back. And again thank you so much for doing it barefooted 👣 Style & sharing this video.

[@hankhill962]

Directions unclear, built Class A motorhome with toy hauler. Great video.

[@mikekrabal]

Thanks for checking out the video. That's quite a build you did. Class A's are big. Good work!

[@woof3598]

I wonder if you could set this up to be 2 parts, forward section if you just need a small yard trailer and then atach the back part for plywood hauling

[@mikekrabal]

From some pictures I've seen, it looks possible. I haven't tried it, though. I don't see why not. Thanks for checking out the vid!

[@EfficientRVer]

So, in which of the two configurations do you want to not have lights and a license plate?

[@POLOAZTECA]

The toes were My concern through out the whole video... 😁😂

[@mikekrabal]

Haha! Thanks for checking out the video!

[@craigknoblock3235]

Dang... all done barefoot. This guy is hardcore.

[@TheCriticalChris]

Did you consider using looming and grommets to protect your wiring? Will you be folding up the trailer for compact storage when not in use? Are you concerned about anything getting pinched and exposed wiring grounding out your hot wires, causing the lighting system to fail?

[@mikekrabal]

Thanks for watching the video. Greatly appreciated. I am not sure what looming is, unfortunately. Admittedly, electrical techniques are my weakest point in any build. This trailer will only be used for a micro camper build, so no folding for this unit in the future. By the time the micro camper is built, the wiring will be nicely secured and hidden.

[@charlesstevenson5141]

@mike krabal, its the black plastic tubing with the slit along it for building wiring harnesses. Called wire loom. Really cheap and comes in a variety of sizes. 4x8 trailer, two, maybe 3 packs. Should be able to find it at your local automotive store. Its a lot better for the wiring. Just don't use the cheap knock off electrical tape. Also those blue wire taps, if you start having light issues, thats the first place I look. I won't use them personally. I always solder and heat shrink my connections because I don't like doing things twice lol.

[@MrSTOUT73]

He said he wasn't going to fold it.

[@Prepper_Guy]

Because I have installed floorcovering for 50 years it makes my knees hurt watching you do this work but great job. My brother has had both knees replaced so from experience knee pads are way cheaper. I think I will be doing my first Mini camper with this trailer, so how is this one working for you so far?

[@mikekrabal]

Thanks for checking out the video. The trailer has done really well. No complaints and I've bought another one just like it. If anything it would be great if the 1720 lb rated trailer had the same crossmember on the tongue as the 1195 lb trailer. That's about it. Some folks don't like them because they're cheap. I am always a nickel over broke, so those trailers work well for me.

[@Prepper_Guy]

@@mikekrabal I think for the price it is perfect, especially for a light weight Micro Camper. I priced out the steel and with an axle and wheels it brakes out even, and I don't have to weld. 🙂 I am working on my first and plan to build more commercially, so my first few will be beta testers for friends, we shell see.

[@mikekrabal]

Sounds like a good plan. I have wondered if buying the steel and making a trailer from scratch was cheaper. Thanks for sharing that. I went over to your channel and subscribed. I hope you'll share your builds with us on KZbin.

[@stevemizera3891]

Tried pulling the wire harnes (black connector) apart but could not Having to cut it open. What do you do with the short string of wires?

[@mikekrabal]

Bummer on the connector not coming apart like it should. Maybe some dielectric grease could help. I'm gonna guess that the string of wires you mentioned are the ones that tie into your vehicles wiring, at the hitch. I'm with you, though. I wish we could source better made trailers for the price of these Harbor Freight ones. I'm thinking of getting a welder to make my own trailers in the future.

[@dje7335]

My Uncle just gave me this same model of trailer. It's a hot mess! It'll be a project this Spring. The fenders are rusted out pretty bad. Do you have mfg contact info for replacement parts? Bare knees and bare feet; you just caused my arthritis to flare up! Good work on the assembly! 👍

[@mikekrabal]

I have a brand new set of those fenders that I'd give you for free. I'm in West Virginia, if you're close enough to pick them up. Other than that, I don't have any manufacturer contact info, unfortunately.

[@dje7335]

​@@mikekrabalThanks Mike! That's a generous offer. It's a bit far though; I'm out west. Canada actually (Calgary). Maps estimates 40 hours drive time...😳 I'd love to see the Appalachians but the time isn't good. Thanks none the less! Keep up the good work and protect them knees. This 'ol tradesman is paying the price now... ✌️

[@ericmason349]

Were there the type of nuts with nylon washers that stay snug? Or did you use a Lock Tite type product?

[@mikekrabal]

Yep, that's the ones. Blue nylon inside the nuts. Thanks for the question!

[@EDCKnifeAddiction]

Wait, when did you buy that? I had to order one about month ago, and they said it should be in by mid January. Did you order or just walk in and pick one up?

[@mikekrabal]

Hey, thanks for checking out the video! I bought that thing in May of 2021 in Virginia. Once ordered, it took a month to arrive. I was just in that same Harbor Freight the other day and they said that the trailers are not available again. At least at that location. I hope yours arrives sooner than later.

[@TheCriticalChris]

I too had to do a prepaid order for mine, and it arrived in store a few weeks later, in August, 2021.

[@kevinsorensen367]

And in bare feet? I'm dying 😂

[@johnjacobjinglehimerschmid3555]

I've finally got my 1720lb trailer put together. I'm puzzled. The smallest trailer just has two bars on the tongue. The 1195 trailer has the extra cross member on the tongue and the 1720 doesn't have that cross member. I think having that cross member is a good idea. I'm going to have to see if my tongue has bolt holes there and then hunt down a welding shop and see if they have some cutoffs or buy a length of it.

[@mikekrabal]

I agree, the cross member is a good addition to either trailer. I bolted one on my 1720lb trailer months afterwards, using a piece of angle iron. The main benefit I noticed was that the tongue jack would no longer make the tongue rail, that it was attached to, slightly twist. Otherwise, the tongue is plenty strong. Thanks for checking out the video.

[@marcster13]

I just purchased the 1720 trailer and it came with the cross member. Before I even opened the box I was searching online to see if I could buy it as a replacement part and you can. So that's an idea if anyone does not have it come in the kit.

[@markmurto]

What grade of tires came with this kit? I heard for 2023 the tires are upgraded to 85 mph tires instead of 45 mph ones ????

[@mikekrabal]

The tires are Carlisle Sport Trail. They claim 2 ply on the sidewall, 3 ply in the tread area. Says 1050 lb max load. I checked Carlisle's website. They claim that tire has a max speed of 87 mph. Thanks for checking out my video and I hope this has been helpful.

[@kojakdurham]

Does this trailer tilt for ramp-like loading? The website says it 'tilts for easy loading', but I can't find any pictures or videos of it, and so far, no one has mentioned that anywhere that I can find. Thanks!

[@mikekrabal]

Thanks for checking out the video and the question. Though I'm personally unsure of the answer, I did some digging and found this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJ-uiJeLr7KFn8U In that fella's video he is using his tilting Harbor Freight trailer. The video is from 2013, so there's a chance something could be different with the trailer from then until now. I believe if a trailer is hooked to the car, and you remove the pins from the tongue, then one of these trailers will tilt. I have to admit, though, I haven't tried it. All the best in your search for the answer. Sorry I couldn't verify 100%.

[@kojakdurham]

@@mikekrabal Cool. I'll have to check that one out. Thanks!

[@wolfy1]

Did you have to pre order this or was it in stock?

[@mikekrabal]

Thanks for checking out the video. I pre-ordered it at a Harbor Freight in Virginia. It took about a month to come in.

[@stevengraham185]

Do you think this would work with a Water Tender 9.4 Dinghy Boat ?

[@mikekrabal]

I checked out the specs on that boat at Westmarine.com. Given the boat's weight of 106lbs, the trailer is capable of carrying it. Installing a sheet of plywood on the trailer might help to protect the bottom of the boat. Because the boat is 55 inches wide at the top and the trailer is only 48 inches wide, you'd have to load the boat topside-up to avoid a clearance issue at the fenders. Of course, what's most important is how you strap the boat to the trailer. Be sure to use strong enough tie-downs, and enough of them, to make a safe load. I hauled two kayaks with the trailer in the video with no problem. I used six tie-downs to do so. Better safe than sorry. Good luck and enjoy that boat. Thanks for watching!

[@splatterhead9663]

I know it would substantially add to the cost, but I would be tempted to buy stainless steel nuts and bolts for this assembly.

[@mlindholm]

More likely to gall together, twist in half on removal, and need to be replaced. Any reason why you wouldn't trust galvanized hardware?

[@splatterhead9663]

@@mlindholm I don't know if these trailers come with galvanized or just plain zinc hardware. Having lived in areas where rust is a concern, my go to tends to be stainless. Galvanized never really occurred to me to be honest.

[@calcartier59]

Are the Harbor Freight trailers good for a camper build?

[@mikekrabal]

So far, they've been really good to me. Others would say to never use them. I don't have much money so I've used them several times with no issues. However, I have just started building on a Karavan 6x10 trailer frame and it's much sturdier. But WAY more expensive. Literally five times more expensive. Thanks for the question!

[@suenode1azteca673]

👋RECOMEN TRÁILER

[@mikekrabal]

¡Gracias por ver!

[@drockzthe209]

Barefoot , but ear safety is #1 =)

[@mikekrabal]

Haha, priorities have never been my strong point! And I already got tinnitus. Thanks for checking out the vid! Broke my toe in a trampoline park this year. I got no luck

[@GoldChump]

What is the coupler height on the trailer? ( bottom of coupler to ground?)

[@mikekrabal]

17.5 inches. Thanks for the question!

[@bawbnottheowldbawb7558]

A sandwich, a drink and patience... SHOES, not so much! I chuckled at the no toes harmed comment at the end. You kind of disappointed though me when you didn't use your teeth to strip the wires...Ha! Still gave you a thumbs up though...

[@mikekrabal]

Sorry about the late response. Teeth wire strippin in the next vid, and maybe more barefeet. Thanks for checking out the video! I do appreciate it!

[@JacobWinkle]

I'm in California, was wondering if anyone knows if you need to go get a license plate for the trailer? Using more for picking stuff up at Home Depot or Lowe's kinda thing. Not so much as a camping trailer. Thank You

[@mikekrabal]

Not sure if this is helpful, but my insurance company said these small trailers don't have to be insured. Of course, I'm in WV, though. We do have to plate them here. I hope you've found what you needed by now.

[@JacobWinkle]

@@mikekrabal Thank you, I appreciate the info.

[@Nessal83]

How tight do you turn the bolts? There are no torque specs anywhere except for the wheel itself...

[@mikekrabal]

Thanks for checking out the video. In complete honesty, I didn't torque them to any specific measure. I simply used my impact driver and it seemed tight enough. Afterward, I used that trailer for a side job hauling heavy parts for a stage build and it held up great. No problems whatsoever. I'm sorry I can't recommend how much to torque them to.

[@bawbnottheowldbawb7558]

Use German specs. Goodantite...

[@jaccourt9531]

Which video did you build the camper on this trailer.? I am going to buy the large one they have. To build on it. To live out of needed Ideas.

[@mikekrabal]

I built the rocketship on that trailer. Pulls great. Thanks for checking out the vid.

[@mikekrabal]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jWXEeqafha2lZ7M

[@mikekrabal]

When you're finished your build, I hope you'll share it with us on KZbin. Good luck on your project!

[@billypirtle1443]

In my area harbor freight dose not sell the 5 x 10 trailer anymore mine 5 x 10 was bought in 1983 and the 4 x 8 also tongs are different on them now not like the older ones.

[@mikekrabal]

Same here. I had to travel across state lines to buy that one. Thanks for checking out the video!

[@soyomofo3162]

What is the Torque on the frame nuts?

[@mikekrabal]

The manual didn't say. It only said to torque the lug nuts to 85 - 90 ft/lbs. I used my impact driver and a wrench and used my best judgement. Harbor Freight has a number listed in the manual to call for technical information. 1-888-866-5797 Maybe a person can get the torque specs by calling. I hope that helps. Thanks for checking out the video!

[@GuillermoHernandez-mu5mj]

Wear shoes when handling material like that.

[@davidgarcia-mo4ob]

does a title come with trailer from harbor freight?

[@mikekrabal]

It came with a certificate of origin. I titled it in West Virginia using that certificate of origin and didn't have any problems.

[@wlan246]

Caveats from my build of this trailer a few months ago: o Examine that frame diagram carefully. If you wear reading glasses, bring them. I must have tried, and partially assembled, every permutation of rail location and orientation before I found the right one. o The provided clips for holding wires to the frame are garbage. I'm trying some of those 1" square adhesive mounts and zip ties. We'll see how they're holding on (literally) after a year. o Grounding the lights via the frame of the trailer is unreliable. I spliced the ground wire to both sides of some heavy speaker wire, ran that alongside the wires from the lights, and connected the lights to it directly with splices or wire nuts. o If you do plan on folding the trailer: remember to consider how wires will be routed in both configurations. Make sure the wires won't get pinched in either configuration (or during transition), and leave enough slack at the hinge points. That includes where the tow bars attach to the front section. o When unfolding the trailer, be careful the back half doesn't swing down before the front is level, or you'll be fabbing a new plate bracket. Don't ask me how I know.

[@crclark2866]

My daughter and I assembled one of these over the past 2 days. No way we’d have finished if it weren’t for your video. The instructions are unclear at best and the bag of mixed nuts and bolts aren’t labeled as the instructions indicated. Now we are at the point we need to flip it back over and have no clue how we are supposed to get this 600lb behemoth turned over. How did you get yours flippedb

[@mikekrabal]

Thanks for checking out the video. I think it's great that you two are tackling it as a team. For flipping it back over, I believe I laid out some cardboard to keep from scratching the paint and just forced it over. Lifting it was tough and awkward for sure. I wish I could say I had a good tip, but I'm afraid I don't. It is one of the unfortunate steps in the assembly process. I've assembled two since then and tried to keep them upright the whole time by using cinder blocks to elevate them. That way makes it a bit easier to visualize it as you assemble it, but the cinder blocks are heavy and awkward too. I wish you the best on the rest of your assembly.

[@lenordwilliams6884]

really no shoes????

[@ramoncampa9334]

Shoes, sneakers, maybe sandals, anyone ?

[@mikekrabal]

:)

[@serviceproper]

So confusing. I followed the directions for the front and back assembled and tightened down and squared like it said. But when going to install the leave spring brackets the bolts are in the way… I’m so confused now

[@mikekrabal]

I hope you got it figured out. It seems you just mounted a couple bolts a little soon. That's no biggie. It's tough to do anything perfect the first time. I rewatched that portion of my video and it seems l anticipated mounting the leaf spring brackets later and left out the bolts that would've been in the way. I could've been a little more clear about that, but that was my first time making this sort of video and it's far from perfect. Thanks for watching!

[@geoffhart]

My instructions were also wrong on that point. I had to unbolt the forward section bottom bolt, and replace it with a longer (M30?) bolt, since it was going through 3 layers of steel (the spring bracket, and two frame members at the corner). The instructions has me using 4 of those longer bolts for the two tow arm brackets, but only 2 were really needed there.

[@juansanchez-kg2to]

Do you need a license plate to operate this trailer on the road?

[@mikekrabal]

In my state, yes. (West Virginia) However insurance is not required in WV for these trailers. Regulations probably vary by state. Thanks for checking out the video!

[@juansanchez-kg2to]

@@mikekrabal thank you for responding.

[@marcz239]

Bro I've had my haul master for a while and it's really decked out with led flow blinker and taillight strips and I put car wheels on it, and I just stole your idea of how u installed the receiver tounge

[@mikekrabal]

Thanks for checking out the video! It's great to hear of someone else who likes these little trailers. Sounds like yours has treated you well.

[@robertclark4929]

For the money you have invested PLUS you still have to buy wood ( which won't last) you could have bought a nice used factory built trailer.

[@mikekrabal]

Perhaps...

[@stevemizera3891]

How to subscribe? Well done

[@mikekrabal]

Thanks for checking out the video. If the subscribe link doesn't show on a phone, it may show up on a laptop. I plan to keep building things and sharing them and I appreciate your subscription. Thank you.

[@JoshuaRandallWentz]

Codder pin

[@RonaldBrann-nn4lq]

Not get mine to fold

[@vargr]

Be better to weld the frame together.

[@mikekrabal]

Thanks for watching. Good idea for a future video

[@kellyrowan8962]

put some shoes on for crying out loud, protect your feet...

[@DEEGgourmetrecipes]

Hello, we are an Amazon seller and are selling harbor freight trailer bearings. We hope to cooperate with you in business. Can you make a video on the replacement of wheel hub bearings? We provide you with our bearings for free or give you corresponding remuneration

[@mikekrabal]

I would like to help as soon as I can, however I'm quite busy for the next couple weeks. I'm finishing up another build and video that has a deadline of September 1st. Once I'm done, I can begin. What is the best method for contacting you outside of KZbin comments for planning the bearing video? Thanks for considering me.

[@johngrogan4609]

No footwear? That’s gonna really hurt someday.

[@mikekrabal]

Believe it or not, I broke both of my big toes in the last year. One with shoes on and one at a trampoline park on the warped wall when I would've rather had shoes on. They wouldn't let me wear them inside the park. I'm usually barefoot as much as possible and haven't been hurt from it. One pays more attention to their surroundings when barefoot. Thanks for checking out the video. I didn't realize filming it barefoot would be such a distraction as it's quite normal to me. Have a great day!

[@johngrogan4609]

The video was helpful. The directions that came with kit, not so much. Thanks.

[@klinkster1955]

Unsolicited tip: never wire with those 💩wire taps. Theyre for roadside emergency repairs only. Just a matter of time until it fails. Solder and shrinkwrap the wires instead.

[@mikekrabal]

Though I've never had any problems with them, I do appreciate your tip. It's helpful to me and others, and I'll consider shrinkwrap on the next build. Thanks for checking out the video!

[@ratoneJR]

wow, that trailer is doomed because of improper assembly.

[@mikekrabal]

Been working perfectly for a year. Zero issues.

[@bawbnottheowldbawb7558]

@@mikekrabal Some people just don't know the many ways a West Virginian can make things work. And if it was that bad, I'm sure it would be taken off the road by the Highway Patrol. Ohio, now that's a different story... All manner of vehicles that should NEVER be on the road are on the road. And usually traveling at a high rate of speed. But just wondering for giggles, is there still the West Virginia "Farm Use Only" law for vehicles?

[@mikekrabal]

@Bawb NotTheOwldBawb I always say, if you grow up poor you'll be handy. I wound up handy and often barefoot haha.. I'm not sure of the farm use law, but I still see some trucks spray painted with farm use sometimes. I'm really happy with the HF trailers. I have a used one and that new one. That new one now has a camper sitting on top of it that's more than 3/4 done. I'll have a video of that build in a couple weeks. Thanks for checking out my channel and leaving some thoughts. It's greatly appreciated.

[@KB3M]

Hard to watch anticipating you to dropping something on your bare feet.

[@mikekrabal]

I'm kinda surprised to get so many comments about that. I've stepped on a nail twice in my garage and both times I had shoes on and they didn't help at all. I've never injured my feet with shoes off in the garage, and it's because I'm way more careful. It's counterintuitive I guess, and not for everyone. Thanks for checking out the video. I appreciate it. Sorry about the barefoot thing and the long response. I haven't addressed this in any other comment. I am almost always barefoot around the house and I make it a point to have tough, calloused feet. It's just the way I am. I'll likely not video barefoot anymore, though. It seems to distract from the content. Or, I'll edit it out haha. Have a great day!

[@thebanjoman1963]

I guess shoes are overrated....

[@mikekrabal]

Sometimes I wear them. Sometimes I don't. Thanks for checking out the video

[@geoffhart]

@@mikekrabal I've noticed youtube has a surprising number of viewers with foot fetishes ;) - and they like to let you know, too.

[@rvierra7235]

Can I substitute a burrito for the sandwich or is the sandwich required??

[@mikekrabal]

A burrito is a fine substitution and a possible upgrade. Thanks for checking out the video!

[@shannonbrooks8834]

The time now is 730 AM and now for your local forecast......

[@jimmills1862]

They need to stamp the Parts

[@mikekrabal]

Agreed