Motorcycle cargo trailer (Harbor Freight) build

I wanted to build a cargo trailer that I could use with my motorcycle and my Baja Bug. I found lots of good info on the interweb before I started so don’t go thinking that I’m some kind of brainy fabricator. I stole all the good ideas from people who are smarter than I am and were kind enough to share the info with everyone. I’m posting this video to pay it forward and hopefully, someone else may find some of this helpful.
Good info on using your trailer once it's built: • 7 Mistakes to AVOID Wh...
Check this out for some good ideas:
• Project Small Light We...
Our Retirement Antics also has good info:
• We Love Our Harbor Fre...
One of the best sites I found:
eurekaboy.com/t...

[@deanbenson6879]

Built one 30 years ago, hauled a Moped to Idaho, from Ca...Got back to base, updated to a Sears Escargo pod. I cut it down so I wouldn't clip gas pumps with IT! I carry a 12pac cooler on tongue, spare 1 gal fuel cans on either side. Went back to 8" TIRES after the 12" caused speed wobbles. Load ft heavy! I tow with a BMW R100/7

[@marks146]

I made one of these 15 years ago. I pulled it all around the country without any issues. After I bought a Bushtech trailer I converted the Harbor Freight trailer into a diesel fuel carrier by mounting a 50 gallon fuel container and pump to it. It still serves me well. I did have to replace the wheels and rims 4 years ago due to dry rot, but that's all I ever had to do to it.

[@bobberguy1]

I have the same Harbor Freight trailer with an old Sears car top carrier. You did a much nicer build than me, but I've been using mine for about ten years. It's been from Georgia to Key West, Bangor, Me. and Houston, Tx. Never a problem. I repack the bearings each spring and go!

[@Majorvideonut2]

You could use the grease cap for boat trailers.

[@diddumdiddum14]

Excellent build, I did one of these several years ago and wish I had seen yours first, Learned some good stuff from watching your build. One thing I did to mine was to mount a couple of three inch PVC tubes underneath the platform, rounded caps on the front and screw on plugs on the back. you can roll up a small tarp and slide in them and if you're camping they work great for storing poles underneath and out of the box. Any weight in them helps lower the center of gravity also. Again great looking trailer and I don't think the wife is gonna like you cause now I want to build me another one to pull behind the my new 2015 Goldwing.

[@marklander9177]

Thanks! The PVC tube is a great idea.

[@larryfromwisconsin9970]

I did the same thing with a Northern Tool trailer. Same as Harbor Freight I am sure except I got the Northern Tool Aluminum trailer, a little lighter. I bought my car top carrier off Amazon, probably more expensive than something used off Craigslist but mine is bigger and not very expensive. I towed behind my 1988 Harley Electra Glide Classic from Northern Minnesota to Southwestern Texas tent camping along the way. I am thinking about converting the trailer to a tear drop camper trailer but the bed is only 40 inches wide. A little narrow for two to sleep.

[@larrysmith1568]

I pulled a simular trailer with my 83 wing yrs ago. I loved the bike. One problem. It literally would put you to sleep. So smooth and so quiet. I know of two guys that went down because they fell asleep. I dozed off a couple of times but thankfully never laid it over.

[@trd4d]

I did the exact same thing about 15 years ago. Pulled it with my CB900. Worked great.

[@JoeL-rb8gm]

Absolutely fantastic! I’ve been looking around for trailer ideas to tow behind my Street Glide. Thanks so much for posting such a detailed build.

[@robheathcote8561]

awesome as mate, youve given me a lot of ideas for the trailer for my Wing

[@douglasbussell2111]

Mark-Thank you for the video. You answered many questions all in on place. Would like to see a "After the pull video" to see how well it towed. Great video-Great Build and looks good too.

[@marklander9177]

I loaded the trailer up with about 200 Lbs and took it on a 5 mile test ride and could hardly notice it was there. Hit 80 mph a couple of times and it was not a problem. Very stable. I think lengthening the tongue and setting tongue weight goes a long way in getting a stable ride.

[@nuprin9116]

Awesome job man! Great attention to detail!! That trailer is tougher than any ive seen!

[@marklander9177]

Thank you for that. Spent a lot of time thinking and planning.

[@sawdust9807]

You did a really nice job on that trailer. Think I’ll be following your example when I make mine

[@mar1video]

Great project ! I hope you sealed the holes in that plywood well, because like your mention - overkill on the amount of mounting bolts. Water gets into those holes and sits in there and deteriorates the plywood. You could use silicone to waterproof it. I really love your video ❗️

[@marklander9177]

No sealant but that's a great idea. Here in AZ, I don't get the trailer wet very often and its so hot and dry, wood rotting in not much of an issue. Having said that, I will most certainly seal the holes on the next trailer build project. Thanks for the tip.

[@mar1video]

@@marklander9177 - hopefully many people will follow your advice, because this trailer came out beautiful ❗️ Good luck with your next project. Don’t forget to film it !

[@christophersmith4611]

Did a 6 Pin work over the 4 Pin Light connector? Nice Build!

[@marklander9177]

I'm not sure what you're asking. I used a four pin connector. Glad you liked the video though.

[@christophersmith4611]

In this video when you had the turn signal on the Goldwing all of your Trailer lights were flashing. I notice that you only had a 4 pin connector and was asking if a 6 pin fixed the promblem. @@marklander9177

[@marklander9177]

I fixed it the next day. I made a mistake with one wire connection to the bikes wiring harness.@@christophersmith4611

[@dukeoliver7587]

You've probably got it all sorted out by now, but in case you haven't: replace your stock flasher unit on the bike with an electronic unit, available at any autoparts store. You will need to match the connector pattern with your stocker, as there is more than one blade pattern. What you're experiencing is extremely common with LED taillights. Another thing that can help is running a separate ground to the right side and to the left side, keeping them separate until the connector plug at the front of the harness-- right about where you spliced the connector to your harness should be fine. If all else fails, remove that "convertor" you bought for your lights, and run separate brake and tail lights just like your bike has. You can use a five-flat connector (instead of the four flat you are using now) if you have to do that; use the wire typically used for the reverse signal for the brake signal. I prefer a five round, but that's just because there are more options for anchoring the vehicle end solidly to the vehicle. If you haven't sorted it out, I hope some of this helps.

[@michaelwenzel3196]

Many clever ideas! Very helpful thanks for sharing!

[@marklander9177]

Thank you! I got a bunch of those ideas from watching videos and reading about others who built before me.

[@dragonUSNr]

Looks great!!!! Hope you got that wiring figured out. Post the tow video as well please. Looking to purchase the same trailer for a camper build.

[@stevegonzales3612]

OUTSTANDING 👏 JOB!! I am sure somebody will figure it out for ya!? I thought about going the same route, but I realize that it was easier to just buy a trailer for my 2019 HD Tri-Glide Ultra. Safe travels...👊

[@derekcorreia9692]

Looking good great job. Happy trails !

[@codylovelace2237]

Cooler rack is bad ass bro. I'm doing my own but I'm going bone stock right now. Might do the tongue extension.

[@brianpaquette1685]

A peice of expanded metal is better than a wood base,it wouldn't hold water,but awesome build,great idea

[@azmule71]

Great build Mark!

[@declansills1614]

Looks great! I'm not sure that I have the patience to do so much to improve the trailer, but your results could make it worthwhile.

[@marklander9177]

Thanks! I did kind of go all out. I suggest you do what ever modifications you think will work for you. I particularly like the wiring I did. Makes for a more dependably system.

[@Lastcallrepent]

Radial tire's . Smoothie trailer for sure .

[@Lastcallrepent]

Be sure to put new valve stems on goldwing . Old ones are deadly 😮

[@salheredia5189]

You're a genius Mr. Lander...a genius!! Did I see a Blue Goldwing in the background?

[@marklander9177]

Yes, 2005. I can't take all the credit. I spent a good deal of time studying other peoples builds before I did this. Most of those ideas were not mine.

[@Hemifan4266]

Just a thought, get rid of the stock hitch, you will need a swivel hitch.

[@salheredia5189]

Believe it or not , your welds look just like mine!

[@marklander9177]

Haha! Is that a good thing? They ain't pretty but there is plenty of them and they are solid.

[@martinneps9387]

It looks like a Christmas tree but that's a good thing so people could see you you did a very nice job I have the same trailer but with the smaller tires I'm getting ready to try and do it to a scooter is a scooter the trailer but but I gotta find something to mount it to the scooter a hitch Please comment back very nice

[@joemartin3699]

Looking sturdy I am looking to build a pull behind trailer for my Yamaha FZ1 motorcycle one wheel design.

[@mjerse50]

You did a awesome job mate and it looks great ! ✅🍷🌈

[@jimcaulk6225]

Well it's been two years, I just wonder how you are doing with the trailer. I built the same thing back in 1995. Still got it. but when I built mind I cut ten inches out of the width and welded a longer tougue. Then i found a company in Missouri that would build me a diamon plate box the size that I wanted. Plus 12 inch chrome wheels. Looks a lot different now.

[@marklander9177]

Jim, I've only used it a few times. Shortly after I built it, I got a TimeOut tent trailer. I plan on using the cargo trailer from time to time so will be keeping it.

[@DymondzTrucking1962]

I built my own motorcycle trailer too friend of mine's got a bender and everything we built it out of diamond plate aluminum looks pretty snazzy

[@lesterabram5546]

Thanks, I think I will do the same and get me one of these. Looks great 👍.

[@jasontanner5656]

I like you video. Give me ideas for my future trailer build to pull behind my Jeep TJ. I don't need a big trailer. Just big enough for my wife and I. Small and light weight is the way for me

[@larryfromwisconsin9970]

I did not buy the electronic module. The 4 wire trailer connection will not operate the brake light without a module -- except instead of buying a module I bought an LED brake light bar and ran a 5th wire.

[@jimkennedy8327]

gREAT JOB GUY. I ONLY SAW ONE THING THAT MAY NEED TO BE CORRECTED. ON THE CORNERS OF YOUR TRAILER, YOU LEFT GAPS WHERE WATER CAN GET IN AND COLLECT. OVER TIME THIS WILL CAUSE RUSTING. i ESPECIALLY LIKE THE IDEA OF THE PLASTIC CONTAINER TO HOLD TOOLS, ETC.

[@marklander9177]

The frame is made of u-channel type stock. No water collection going on there. Frame is powder coated and where I live is very hot and dry with only several inches of rain per year so rusting is usually not a big concern.

[@TechnMoto]

Well done!

[@marklander9177]

Thank you sir. I'm planning on building another one to haul my dirt bike. Stay tuned.

[@haroldpetersen5584]

I believe the brake light wire and turn signal for left are reversed!

[@billdeller2029]

I also have a HF trailer kit with cartop carrier. Did mine a lot different and looks more like cargo trailer and not cartop carrier on trailer. Don't think there is a way of showing you. I also put a piece of I think 3/8 or so rubber under spring knuckle where you put the rubber sleeve. Stops all rattle.

[@juntjoonunya9216]

Great work!

[@HrDKnockLife]

Great job. Have you pulled the trailer out on any long distance rides? I built one a few years back and took it on an 11 state 8,000 mile motorcycle trip through the Pacific North & Southwest. It held together and quite nicely. ✌🏽

[@marklander9177]

nothing long like you have. my hats off to you sir.

[@robertcampbell3828]

Looks good but just wondering why you didn't put a swivel hitch on it.

[@marklander9177]

Don't need one.

[@mps9608]

Nice job.

[@2wheeluke165]

“I may just cry” lol, great video. I’m looking to build one of these out for a trip I’m taking in a few months and am wondering how it rides with the spring modifications? Any thing you would do differently? Thanks

[@marklander9177]

rides great. Check out follow up video. Differently? Yes, I would add a flexible flag pole to aid visibility to other vehicles. I worry sometimes someone may try and duck in behind me and not see the trailer. Some have suggested a swivel hitch for safety reasons. I'm going to build another for for hauling my dirt bike and will try to install shocks. stay tuned.

[@2wheeluke165]

@@marklander9177 thanks. I just got done watching the follow up. Glad to hear everything is working out as planned and good idea about the flag pole. I like your style

[@jamesrenfro799]

I am sure you have already figured out that you need to refigure your loading after you mounted the ice chest on the tounge.

[@frankduzok]

Great video!!!

[@marklander9177]

Thanks man! I'm planning on building another one to haul my dirt bike with.

[@frankduzok]

@@marklander9177 looking forward to it. Did you fix the lighting issue at the end of this video?

[@marklander9177]

@@frankduzok Yes! It was operator error. Super easy fix.

[@frankduzok]

Your video presentation was entertaining and your fabrication abilities impressive.

[@MrGuitarfool]

@@marklander9177 What was the problem .....mine is doing the same thing GL 1500

[@billarwood1996]

Outstanding job! I believe you could have just made the trailer you wanted!

[@lcdubs7847]

Great job!

[@marklander9177]

Thank you! I'll be building another one next year to haul my dirt bike.

[@mosmotorcyclejourney9067]

That is so cool. Great job.

[@frankensteinrules6511]

Great job, how did it pull?

[@marklander9177]

Great. Check out the test pull video.

[@davidk1579]

One question, why not paint your trailer the same color as your wing. ?

[@marklander9177]

Having the trailer match the bike was not an issue for me. I'll be towing that trailer with not only my bike but with my truck and Baja bug as well. I'll be starting on another trailer soon. It will be built to haul my dirt bike. Not sure what color it will be. Stay tuned.

[@kennyjones685]

I wish I could come to u and help me make one for my goldwing

[@neildewitt2869]

Great job, but most people don't have a shop or the tools to do what all you fid to make this work.

[@marklander9177]

Except for the welding, most of this can be done with basic hand tools, hand held drill, and a work bench with a vice. Find a friend with welder and you're good to go. Frankly, you can do this and skip all the welding. Just Bolting the wooden base on will tie the trailer all together very nicely.

[@AtasakNantasomboon]

Awesome ❤😊

[@robertarchuleta3643]

The bolt you took out of center should be the pin that goes in locator hole

[@jeffreyengle2762]

Tongue looks too long? Amazing job!

[@marklander9177]

Using a longer tongue makes the trailer track better gives the Bike/trailer package a smother ride over all. It also make it sooo much easier to back it up.

[@jeffnabors833]

@@marklander9177 yup

[@mrwhupazz]

im doing the same thing with the same trailer would like to run some ideas off you and info would be great

[@marklander9177]

I'm no expert but will try to help you.

[@96dodgeram]

Get your safety chains installed , they are required by law . Great build !!!

[@mar1video]

I haven’t seen a safety chains on a motorcycle. Where would you install it to? Same bracket as your hitch ball ? Perhaps that would make sense. I would love to see a synthetic rope strap instead chains. Whoever comes out with such will make a fortune.

[@Richie5480]

I would’ve put an interior light so I could see inside the carrier.

[@marklander9177]

that's a good idea

[@danialhowe9814]

youre wise to powder coat. that HF stock paint would have faded and rusted through in less than a month

[@mosmotorcyclejourney9067]

I'm so gonna do this for my gold wing. I will make it a pet trailer

[@marklander9177]

I think that's a great idea. Would very much like to see that when you're done.

[@mosmotorcyclejourney9067]

@@marklander9177 your on. I'm gonna start getting things together for it. I will keep you posted. My dog will love it.

[@toads_ride845]

Can you post a link to the trailer I can’t find it anywhere

[@marklander9177]

www.harborfreight.com/1090-lb-capacity-40-12-in-x-48-in-utility-trailer-62665.html

[@robertheinkel6225]

As a good rule of thumb, the trailer should be no more than 30% of the bikes weight, and tongue weight no more than 30% of the trailer weight.

[@tunes5077]

Tongue weight should be 10 - 15% of the trailer weight. If you place 30% on the tongue, you'll create an unstable condition. The bike front tire will be too light. Too much weight on the rear tire. You'll crash.

[@flyinggyros9745]

Looks great.

[@kevinjansen2738]

Did you not say you were going to put the axle over the springs ? Did I miss the part where you changed your mind and if so why ?

[@marklander9177]

I think you did miss that part @ 2:48. I'm going to build another trailer to haul my dirt bike and will redesign the mounting of the fender to accommodate the flipped axle.

[@geoffschulz]

Looks like you swapped your ground wire with your left turn wire.

[@MadsWorld34]

i found when it comes to motorcycles there is no such thing as to many tail lights.

[@valentincarbajal2057]

Excelente gringo

[@marklander9177]

Gracias jefe pero no soy gringo

[@juntjoonunya9216]

What's the minimum size welder you need to work on this?

[@marklander9177]

I don't know. I'm a crappy welder. I used a cheap mig welder that I got off Craigslist. The metal for the frame is 0.140" thick. Being able to rotate the frame as I worked on it was a life saver especially when it came to the welding part. I didn't have to weld upside down or anything like that. Probably would have set my self on fire.

[@salheredia5189]

By the way, I ride a 2002 Blue Goldwing. 13,000 miles.

[@salheredia5189]

As long as they hold, I don't give a damn what they look like.

[@liedebunker1253]

The problem is that you have to register.

[@marklander9177]

Absolutely no problem here in Arizona. Harbor Freight sells all their trailers with a title. It was super easy to get it registered.

[@toanogreen]

Follow-up video!?

[@marklander9177]

Done! kzbin.info/www/bejne/sGnZeauFlrGWm80

[@brianshaw9256]

Great job, but on the cheap, you should have just ordered a new one

[@marklander9177]

I built it just the way I wanted. I new one would have been WAY more money and not just like I wanted it. The cost of a new one was one of the reasons I decided to DYI.

[@andypollock9239]

How much does it weigh?

[@marklander9177]

I don't know total weight. I think all the stuff I added to the trailer would be around 40 LBS.

[@graemehill9260]

If your welds are not good , drill and bolt where needed . Better safe than sorry .

[@hopper1415]

aviation grease

[@graemehill9260]

So you have to crawl under the trailer to unbolt the spare wheel !!!!! Could you not extend the drawbar to have the spare on the rear of the trailer.???

[@graemehill9260]

Why are there only 3 wires to the plug . Don,t you have , Brake , Tail , earth and left and right indicators. 5 wires required . Bloody heck , overkill on the lighting . Looking good though . I,m not just an armchair engineer . I build trailers and have built 5 bike trailers including a single wheel trailer . Next one will be a larger single wheeler .

[@graemehill9260]

Chinese bearings are crap . Buy Japanese, pack then properly ( just because there is a lot of grease in there ,doesn't,t mean the bearings are packed properly . Spin the wheel after repacking bearings . There should be NO rumbling noise . Tighten the outer shaft nut , not too tight and not so loose that there in movement in and out .

[@BazzSelby]

Thumbs down, for filming the finished result, in the DARK! Duh!

[@marklander9177]

Sorry you feel that way. I think most people got an up close and detailed view of just about every thing there was to see. Perhaps you could share the finished results of your trailer build.

[@mlrable]

It is said change tire sizes and wheels for better stability

[@HondaGoldwingGL1800]

It looks like you didnt use the original piece of tubing for the tongue. Did you measure the distance from the first cross over to the end of the tubing? If not, do you know the distance you have now? It looks like around 5 feet or so...thanks.

[@marklander9177]

Square tubing is 48" and the ball hitch receiver added a few more inches.

[@HondaGoldwingGL1800]

@@marklander9177 Thank you very much Mark. I am going to build my own trailer using 1/8" wall x 1" x 2" rectangular tubing. I had all the other dimensions I needed except the tongue distance from the front to the end of the tubing...all good now. I think you said that it tows great as you have it and I will start with the tongue length of 48". I dont remember if you were the one that was asking me about fenders, but if you are, I found hundreds of metal fenders on Amazon.

[@mlrable]

I have a two seat car and travel with a German shepherd. I intend to put a removable roller case so i can take all valuables intomh9te room