Harbor Freight Trailer?? JUNK or NOT??? 1 YEAR REVIEW!

[@710Garage]

If you missed the first part of this video I will put the link here -------> kzbin.info/www/bejne/nn6QgoVmlqyMb68

[@TrueHelpTV]

for $7 they warrant it for 2 years. If literally ANYTHING happens to it for any reason, they will replace or refund, so it's hard not to pull the trigger on one.

[@p.c.windhamparanormalroman4339]

I bought one for the specific purpose of moving my mechanic tool boxes, (I knew my job was about to sell out and needed something to move my boxes) Putting it together was easy as long as you pay attention to the drawings on the instructions and not the written instructions. Uses 3/4 inch ply wood for the decking and set up some railings that I really need to redo. (Had a brain fart and bought 1x2s instead of 1x6s or 1x8s.) Now my tool boxes live on the trailer with my air compressor situated towards the front with a heavy real canvas tarp over it. By the way, with your backing up issue, remember those orange triangular flags kids used to put on their bicycles back in the day? (Yes I know, I just dated myself) If you get a couple of those or something like it, put one in the front of the trailer and one in the rear where they line up with each other and high enough to see over your tailgate then you have a good reference for when you are trying to back it up.

[@710Garage]

i can see this working out well

[@grizzlygrizzle]

Home depot sells thin fiberglass rods for outlining driveways so plow guys can see the edges when it snows. They're about 1/4" diameter and about 4' long. Cut down to what's needed for visibility from the cab, they wouldn't be hard to store behind the seat.

[@georgepetrillo7316]

I 've had my Harbor Freight folding trailer since 1992. At that time time, it was $199. It's a very good trailer. I bought it to replace a rotted out trailer that I used to haul my jetski with.. I still use that same trailer to haul my Kawasaki 550 jetski. When I don't use it, I fold it up and roll it up to a wall in the garage. Takes up very little space. This one is like the one in the video. 4' X 8' and has the 8" 4 lug wheels. It's an excellant trailer. I highly recommend it to others.

[@710Garage]

same here i love this thing!

[@thilltony3362]

The shorter the trailer, the harder it is to back up. A backup camera runs $59 or so. I put one on my old truck and LOVE it. New truck came with Ford backup assist, and that really makes it easy. Next time, use pressure treated deck wood, and paint the top and edges ONLY with deck/porch paint. That will keep water out, and the deck will last a very long time. Decades. If you paint the bottom, it will tend to trap moisture inside the wood, and it will stay damp. I personally like the folding feature. These trailers are awesome for ATV or riding lawn mower transportation. Just pop the pins, tilt and drive right up. Go slow. The trailer will drop down once you get far enough forward. Then pins back in, strap and go. So much easier than dealing with ramps. If you greased the bearings well, and torqued the nuts properly, you can drive as far on the highway as you want. Mine is over 20 years old, has been painted numerous times, has been re-decked numerous times, and just keeps on going. Same original bearings and everything. I think I re-greased them once about 10 years ago, just to make sure they were okay, and they were perfect. When you replace the deck plywood, lay the plywood in place and smack it over the bolt heads with a hammer. Then use the dents to countersink perfectly with a drill. No more curled up corners. Takes a minute or two each, but looks better forever. Do you have the 2x4 stake pockets that came with it? If you use to collect firewood, those come in really handy. Cut some 2x4 stakes about 15" long, and make some sides from either (2) 2x6 or a 2x12. You can stack WAY more wood on the trailer if you do. Will save trips and time. I use mine like this all the time. Great little trailers. Well worth the $$$. Glad you are using yours.

[@710Garage]

all very good points. I know that a shorter trailer is harder to correct but that is in context to a long trailer... so if someone is buying this unit as their first they would have no idea about that. That's why i just made the point of it being hard to reverse. all the rest of the tips you brought up here are great info! thanks for taking the time to watch the video and commenting!

[@skippylippy547]

This is GREAT information, thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us! 👍

[@tireswing]

Do you recommend a particular grease? I am looking to buying one to haul two dirt bikes around maybe an hour or two to the state parks and riding grounds. Thanks!

[@thilltony3362]

@@tireswing I personally like to use Marine Grease, as it's sticky and more waterproof than most other greases. Some like the "Red N Tacky" grease, and use it with great success. The biggest thing is that you put plenty of it in there, and don't overtighten the hub nut. You want it tight, but not so tight that you can feel the bearings thumping when you spin it.

[@Therevdon]

When I did mine, I replaced all of the bolts on the top of the frame with carriage bolts. I drilled through the plywood and ran the carriage bolts through the plywood, then through the frame. Very secure mount and the plywood didn't bow up at the corners. I also used a piece of 1/8 in (If I remember right) plywood under the decking. I trimmed it down to fit in between the side rails so the deck would lay perfectly flat.

[@710Garage]

this is a great idea!

[@Therevdon]

@@710Garage The mounting holes on the fenders aren't centered. So to keep the fenders more stable, I turned them around 180 degrees. The tires poked out the slightest bit, but the fenders stayed tight against the frame and didn't flop around all over the place with every bump in the road.

[@GrantOakes]

I'm going to use steel shims on mine

[@marcelotovar1386]

My 1100 lb trailer has been awesome a couple long distance camping trips And a bunch of dump runs only maintenance is greasing the bearings and double checking nuts and bolts before a long trip great on the highway

[@710Garage]

sounds like what i use mine for... around the yard with the ATV, or short trips where i dont want to haul the big trailer. i love this thing!

[@jaket6007]

I'm definitely getting one this spring! I'd like to have an easy way to haul everything I need, from drywall to a shower and surround, for my duplex renovation with my s10. This should give me all the room I need to make it in a couple less trips!

[@jaket6007]

The small truck should also make it easy to back up with.

[@710Garage]

@@jaket6007 heck ya these things are amazing!

[@jaket6007]

Update: Got it on the 20% off sale and Have yet to assemble

[@710Garage]

@@jaket6007 leave some time!

[@KillianDeaton]

@@jaket6007 how is it driving down the highway? I’m going to be pulling one with my S10 ZR2

[@gregmartell1007]

I welded my frame a used a 12 gauge steel top covered with bed liner. It's been from Decatur Tx to Geneva Alabama 4 times carrying 4 kayaks and camping gear with no troubles at all, plus a lot of use around town.

[@710Garage]

thats awesome news! ive been wanting to take mine for a longer run down the highway but for some reason always get cold feet... maybe this will give me the confidence to go.

[@brandonpratt5130]

Been maybe 2,000 miles total on mine at about 70% weight cap and no issues. Was smaller trips about 150 mi a day and 75mph

[@billypirtle1443]

I got one in 1982 tongue is different than the newer ones I have put 3 sets of tires on it and one set of wheel barons on it its whole like I had both a aluminum 4x8 sheet in 1992 to put on it still use it today lights I put 6 sets on it in 40 years.Been all over the place with this trailer all it hauls was a 3 wheeler back then and my 4 wheel now

[@710Garage]

well thats an awesome review!! ill pin it to the top of the comments! thanks for watching and taking the time to comment!

[@michaelg503]

Thanks for the follow-up video - great information! Purchased (March 2022) the 1700 lb capacity trailer and am now getting around to building it (project after project got in the way). Research on these seems to indicate that the grease that came in the wheel bearing was for shipping purposes only and most folks cleaned out the hubs, repacked the bearings w/ marine (for those using this as a boat trailer) or other grease. Also, the bearings were noted as being "eh" quality. There was also mention about the tires not being that good and many folks replaced the 5.3x12 w/ 175 /80-13 tires and wheels. I know you mentioned that you had not really gone on any long highway trips but was wondering if you (anyone else) experienced any issues w/ the tires/bearings?

[@710Garage]

i had a tire split wide open like a taco. and replaced. but no issues since.

[@michaelg503]

@@710Garage Thanks for the response. Hopefully when the split occurred you weren't doing anything more than going to get tacos before you filling up your trailer! Curious if you've checked your bearings recently since it's been about a year since you posted the video.

[@710Garage]

i had an atv on the trailer, but luckily it was in a parking lot... sucks i had to leave it and go run to grab a tire. ive pulled it apart and checked them and everything looks great on there. lots of grease with no signs of needing more. but again in the last 2 years its only been used a couple times on the road and around the yard ALOT.

[@heartbreakradio1440]

Inflation is so bad. Caused this exact $350 trailer to now go for $500

[@scotchapman9610]

Cool vid. You’d love what I’ve done with mine. It’s the small not fancy one. Mileage- I used Marty’s trailer for 3 One Laps. 3500 miles ish each. No issues. Just checking the bearings and tires.

[@710Garage]

thats an awesome review for sure!!!! thanks for watching!

[@GrantOakes]

Thanks for your insightful review. This is the same trailer I want to use to build a Tear Drop trailer on and tour the west in next year. I plan on welding the frame rails together and then then remove the bolts. Estimated gross weight will probably be in the 750lb area. This trailer should be PERFECT!

[@710Garage]

Glad it was helpful! thanks for taking the time to watch and comment! that means the world for me!

[@JesusJimenez-wn9vi]

Thanks for follow up video. Awesome job. Same thing I need a trailer for local camping etc.

[@710Garage]

glad you enjoyed the video and good luck on your project!

[@dondale68]

For backing,,, Maybe if you added a pole with a tennis ball (Hi Visibility) on it, on the back passenger corner just high enough to see over the bed of your truck... I used to back those construction air compressors hooked behind dump trucks,,, I know your pain!!

[@710Garage]

its more of how short the trailer is. as soon as it starts to turn its all the way lol just takes some getting used to i suppose.

[@AJ-ds9xq]

Man I love mine, I have the one rated for 1100lb I think, I fold mine stores inside the garage, you don't even know it's there..I've been taking it to get stuff from lowes helped few of my friends to take stuff back n forth... so it's great to have one especially if you don't have Truck.

[@710Garage]

i love this thing aswell! its amazing that you can get something so handy for so cheap.

[@zoomzoom8704]

I know this is an old video but for like $100 you can get a dash cam that mounts over your rearview mirror with a huge screen and backup camera. I use them in every vehicle I own. I normally prefer the ones that mount like the OE mirror but this time I got one with a 12 in touch screen running Android (for my 62 dodge) it has a built-in FM station and Bluetooth so I can play my music on the original radio and has gps but normally just looks like a square mirror till you put it in reverse (I hid the camera inside my clear round reverse light housing.)

[@710Garage]

That's a great tip! Where did you buy it?

[@GrantOakes]

@@710Garage I saw one on Amazon and bookmarked it. It's a backup camera that works using Bluetooth and has a range up to 60 feet! www.amazon.com/Digital-Wireless-Difference-Waterproof-Installation/dp/B07FLZ1HSQ/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?gclid=CjwKCAjwwL6aBhBlEiwADycBIID_tfbVZzHGhL4fxqicuW13mvBX2w_NuHLhHF0kygBS91WtLDb89xoCc9YQAvD_BwE&hvadid=238257415116&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9028806&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=14357236062326798895&hvtargid=kwd-392926281303&hydadcr=18258_9816431&keywords=rear+back+up+camera+for+car&qid=1666230410&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIzLjMyIiwicXNhIjoiMi4zNiIsInFzcCI6IjEuOTIifQ%3D%3D&sr=8-1-spons&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.f5122f16-c3e8-4386-bf32-63e904010ad0&psc=1&smid=A2ER62U9Z259ZS

[@710Garage]

@@GrantOakes well thats amazing!

[@edmills12]

If you do decide on getting one spray the inside of cart with bedliner spray after roughing up the surface

[@710Garage]

this is a great idea aswell

[@crdirtrider856]

Cool! Last week I asked a neighbor at a job if he was selling any of his trailers, he had this one and basically threw it at me lol... I mean he was like "I'll hook it up to your truck and make sure it's ready to go when you guys are done today, just get it out of my driveway 🙄" Needless to say, I forgot to get a BOS and he was gonna search for the title... So don't judge please... Definitely needs bearings but after checking all the nuts and bolts I see at least 10 years of making money off a "free" trailer 🙌

[@710Garage]

That's awesome!!

[@edmills12]

The Harbor Freight in Oneonta NY never gets them delivered to them. I tried for 3 weeks. Decided to go to Home Depot!

[@710Garage]

well that sucks :(

[@dcraig-je9ud]

I added bicycle flags to the rear corners so I could see where it is in my mirror.

[@710Garage]

thats a good idea!

[@jamesstephenson8539]

Replace important bolts with grade 8 stuff. Do away with the casters and folding feature. Scuff and mig weld all places where there are joints and then you have a fine trailer.

[@710Garage]

Definitely don't need grade 8 bolts. Even a grade 5 has a larger yield strength than the trailer is capable of BY FAR but yes you could do the things you mentioned to aid in the longevity of the trailer.

[@6garry]

I was raised on a farm in West Texas back in the 60's and 70's we would put a tennis ball on A-Rod and stick it in the back of the trailer or in the front of the the trailer to center the trailer 4" above the tailgate of the pickup

[@710Garage]

ive done this too, but i always forget them when im out and then i curse alot.. lol

[@johnjoe2989]

I have the cheaper one. Mine came with 55mph rated tires and it needs upgraded. If I had better tires I would love my trailer and trust it but since it’s only good for 55 mph. Highways are very slow go for me. Besides that it’s been a trooper.

[@710Garage]

i can understand that for sure. i think i want to upgrade my tires too eventually but these are doing well so im going to wait for them to be well worn.

[@andrewsapp856]

Great video. Can’t wait to buy one to tow my quad around behind my car

[@710Garage]

You should! 100% you wont regret it. thanks for taking the time to comment!

[@andrewsapp856]

@@710Garage thanks for making a great quality video with great advice. Waiting for a coupon before I buy it can’t wait. Thanks again

[@710Garage]

@@andrewsapp856 thanks for taking some time to watch the video and comment. I wouldn't do this if people like you didn't comment and send some support!

[@LukeDuke01.]

It’s for sale in my area for $549 plus tax

[@710Garage]

damn covid!

[@blu2thdude247]

Great video! The info was just what I was looking for. Usually you get what you pay for, but it seems like in this case you maybe get a little more. I was thinking to put a metal deck instead of wood. Thoughts? I do like the ability to fold the trailer to store in the garage. Thanks again!

[@710Garage]

Glad it was helpful! you could for sure do a metal deck aslong as its 2 pieces so you can maintain the folding like you mentioned. i think that would be a great idea. i thought about doing the same, i just had some plywood so thats what it got. let us know what you decide to go with!

[@blu2thdude247]

I’m ready to get the trailer, just waiting a little while to see if I can get it on sale and get a 20% coupon to offset some of the cost of the upgrades. Keep up the good work!

[@710Garage]

@@blu2thdude247 thats a great idea

[@skippylippy547]

Thank you!

[@710Garage]

anything for you

[@rishiagarwal3300]

Brilliant, thanks for the follow up!

[@710Garage]

glad you found it worthwhile.

[@Elsanta666]

I got an used one for 200 and expanded to 6x8 and works great for 2 atvs

[@710Garage]

thats awesome

[@TheGrainDoctor]

Helpful tips as I start my build. Thanks!

[@710Garage]

Glad to help! thanks for taking the time to watch the video and even more comment! enjoy your trailer i know i love mine!

[@rustycrustymakesstuff6528]

You can always add flags or driveway reflectors to the corners. Leave them high enough that you can see them in your mirror.

[@710Garage]

This isn't a bad idea, I just know myself and they won't last long. this trailer takes a beating around the yard with branches and sticks and all sorts of oddly shaped things. So I guess if they were removable then it might work, but then I would lose them 100% lol

[@lightallseasonlawncareexte98]

Thanks for the review very informative

[@710Garage]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Jeffbowhunter1]

Open your tailgate when backing up then you can see it

[@710Garage]

With my tonneau you can't see still. So I'd have to fold that up and drop the gate, then put on the roof reverse cam.. which sounds like too much work lol

[@jakescorpion1]

All short trailers jack knife backing up until you get good at it...

[@710Garage]

im just used to big trailers. so having this so small is for sure something to adjust to getting.

[@TheCriticalChris]

Would you care share any more photos of your ramp rack underneath? What thickness of aluminum stock? How long is it? All the way to the front? What did you use to bend the aluminum ?

[@710Garage]

sure ill get some pics and post them on Instagram for you.. give me a couple days and ill get some up

[@astromann7449]

Ive bent axels on 1100 bolt together trailers that were UNDER loaded. They dont take bumps or potholes hiding in the dark into consideration.

[@710Garage]

alot of things to consider here... how much weight how fast were you going how big was the pothole did you get air how was it loaded ( to the front or back )

[@astromann7449]

@@710Garage Underweighted. Dirtbike. not that fast, 40-50. I replaced the axel with square tubing vs the U channel tube with the stubs welded in. A 3 inch pot hole is shallow but sorta deep for little wheels. Nothing you dont find on a northern road. Ive racked up many miles on these type of trailers to know what fails.

[@ricmarsh7877]

I'd like to buy one & build it into a camper. Any thoughts on this?

[@710Garage]

why not! the trailer itself is great so i think it would be a great base to start out for this!

[@ricmarsh7877]

@@710Garage awesome! I appreciate your input. I bought the 1720 cap. Today.

[@710Garage]

@@ricmarsh7877 awesome!!!

[@LouisianaBlackwaterFlyFishing]

I have had to replace the axle for 23 and free shipping

[@710Garage]

thats good info! you went through harbor frieght for that?

[@wlan246]

Do you have a merch link, so I can buy a "710 cap" ? Been looking for one for _years_ ! 😉

[@710Garage]

I'm feeling super nice today... shoot me a DM on IG or FB and I'll send one out to you!

[@wlan246]

Also, a suggestion on backing up: mount a couple driveway markers (reflectors optional) at the back corners, high enough to see through your back window.

[@710Garage]

Never got a DM from you ;)

[@kontrollme9034]

How much does it weigh. I’m thinking about getting the 1100 pd version to pull my four wheeler when I get my 350z. A 350z can tow up to 1000 lbs.

[@710Garage]

im not 100% sure ( i didnt weigh that when i got it ) but i would guess about 200lbs. you can lift the boxes by yourself when it comes

[@OTAlucard]

I personally dont trust these trailers maybe to haul a generator around your yard/neighborhood. But not down the road because the metal is cheap and the tongue's seem to snap off a lot even lightly loaded

[@710Garage]

youre the first person to say anything like this at all.. do you have any personal experience you could explain?

[@OTAlucard]

@@710Garage friend had one back in 2010 -2009 had camping gear on the trailer it honestly wasn't even loaded that heavily and the metal gave way the welds didn't break the metal had a structural failure and broke off when he hit a bump going down I75 in Florida. The trailer actually pointed down \ this way and went to a stop safely and the tongue was still attached to the truck I don't know where the steel is made but it wasn't of good quality. Angle iron utility trailers are better but C channel for the tongue is probably the best for the under 3000 pound stuff.

[@710Garage]

@@OTAlucard well the tongue bolts on so did it shear the bolts or that mounting plate?? also these trailers are only good for 1750 lbs so if you had closer to 3000lbs on it like you mention no wonder it failed. it was almost double the capacity.

[@OTAlucard]

@@710Garage he had probably 700-800 pounds of camping gear on it. He told me the metal broke also I think they welded it together maybe it was designed to be bolted together only ? It's hard to say.

[@710Garage]

maybe his welds were too hot and hurt the structure more than helped it. you can do alot of damage if you arnt careful. either way, this is the firs time anyone has said anything even close so thanks for the info

[@endtimeswriter]

put some flags on the rear corners for backing up

[@710Garage]

It's so easy to just unhook and walk back. My dually is so wide is impossible to see it

[@MrSTOUT73]

$550 now!!

[@710Garage]

Ya... I'm glad I found it when I did

[@mikesmith4764]

Does it come with a title?

[@710Garage]

Yes

[@alfymo]

I think it's $500 now. I'm annoyed.

[@710Garage]

well thats not ideal :(

[@alfymo]

@@710Garage Just found out it's on backorder until August as well.

[@710Garage]

@@alfymo got any more bad news for us?? lol

[@alfymo]

@@710Garage Got a 4x8 from northern tool. Pain in the butt to put together. Lol

[@710Garage]

@@alfymo so about the same as this then lol

[@robertclark4929]

Go buy a good made used factory trailer for the same money.

[@710Garage]

For 350 bucks?? I couldn't find one even 3x that price local. And what was in the price I mentioned was all rusty and junk

[@xredman002]

all that time wasted on that ramp set up when you could have just fixed your wiring.......

[@710Garage]

Can't please everyone I guess! And also the tilt feature is a much more steep angle to get on than this way. thanks for the comment ;)