trailer advice
- Thread starter schmoldty
- Start date
Dust Devil
Well-known member
Buy an axle out of Northern or other supply co and build it yourself with some angle iron. Great excuse to buy a welder,chop saw, grinder and other fab tools.
jakemac
Well-known member
Compare the load ratings and construction. It's always better to get one rated for higher than what you need now, because you never know what you'll be hauling later.
I don't know about the title laws in your state, but around here if you buy used you need to make sure it comes with a title before you agree to buy it. Untitled trailers in New England can be a real headache to get a registration for. Sometimes it isn't even possible because of the hoops you need to jump through. Don't count on the previous owner helping you out, once they cash your check, they don't know you any more. I learned all this the hard way and ended up having to scrap a good trailer because it was easier.
I looked at the HF, as well as ones offered at HD and TSC. In the end I chose to buy a 5x8 beavertail made by Belmont (made in Amish country) from a trailer dealer because it used a better axel, and was constructed better. I've had it for 5yrs and am very happy with it.
I don't know about the title laws in your state, but around here if you buy used you need to make sure it comes with a title before you agree to buy it. Untitled trailers in New England can be a real headache to get a registration for. Sometimes it isn't even possible because of the hoops you need to jump through. Don't count on the previous owner helping you out, once they cash your check, they don't know you any more. I learned all this the hard way and ended up having to scrap a good trailer because it was easier.
I looked at the HF, as well as ones offered at HD and TSC. In the end I chose to buy a 5x8 beavertail made by Belmont (made in Amish country) from a trailer dealer because it used a better axel, and was constructed better. I've had it for 5yrs and am very happy with it.
Seems like this approach always yields a better product from my experience.
creativecars
Well-known member
Building your own trailer can be a great way to have the trailer with all the details and custom touches that you like, but and I mean BUT. 
Building a trailer is not the place to practice your welding skills. You need to practice and become a competent welder before making a project you are going to load and put on the road.
Building a trailer is not the place to practice your welding skills. You need to practice and become a competent welder before making a project you are going to load and put on the road.
Building your own trailer can be a great way to have the trailer with all the details and custom touches that you like, but and I mean BUT.
Building a trailer is not the place to practice your welding skills. You need to practice and become a competent welder before making a project you are going to load and put on the road.
Good point. Crappy welds pulling a trailer 70mph on the interstate might not be the best idea....
carterbeauford
Well-known member
I see so many ****** rusted out steel trailers I decided to buy a good one, 6x10 Aluma with a 3500lb Dexter axle.
they make a 4'6x8
http://www.alumaklm.com/single-axle-utilities/item/1-548-utility-trailer.html
they make a 4'6x8
http://www.alumaklm.com/single-axle-utilities/item/1-548-utility-trailer.html
creativecars
Well-known member
The HF trailer for 370 would probably do you well.
http://www.harborfreight.com/1720-l...-12-inch-five-lug-wheels-and-tires-94564.html
But depending on what you want there are other options. Around here you can pick up a cheap pop up camper for 150 and the frame work would make a great starting place for your intended use.
http://www.harborfreight.com/1720-l...-12-inch-five-lug-wheels-and-tires-94564.html
But depending on what you want there are other options. Around here you can pick up a cheap pop up camper for 150 and the frame work would make a great starting place for your intended use.
MrJason
Well-known member
IMO, skip the HF drama and score a trailer on Craigslist.
If I were in your position, that's what I would do.
Jason
If I were in your position, that's what I would do.
Jason
Bill Ramsey
Well-known member
A 4-wheeler? How far would you haul it? I'd avoid the little 4x8 trailers with 8" wheels. Watch CL for a used 5x10 with 12 or 13 in wheels. Tilt, even better. I did that, and couldn't be happier.
foghorn1966
Well-known member
Rule of thumb for utility, flat deck, or car hauler type trailers.
Buy the next deck size bigger, & or the next axle weight up, than the trailer you think you need.
Buy the next deck size bigger, & or the next axle weight up, than the trailer you think you need.
aaronrkelly
Well-known member
Yeah, Id look around CL.
And unless your dead set your only using it for 1 thing.....and 4x8 will work for you.
Id suggest a slightly bigger trailer.
A 6x10 in the used market shouldnt cost MUCH more.....but makes it a heck of alot more useful.
I got a real nice, clean tilt bed 6x10 bought on CL for about $300 - I think the title said it was a 2007 or so.
Dont remember the manufacturer - all diamond tread steal deck (none of the expanded steel ****).
I think I stold it....but something like that should be able to be found for $500 to $700.
And unless your dead set your only using it for 1 thing.....and 4x8 will work for you.
Id suggest a slightly bigger trailer.
A 6x10 in the used market shouldnt cost MUCH more.....but makes it a heck of alot more useful.
I got a real nice, clean tilt bed 6x10 bought on CL for about $300 - I think the title said it was a 2007 or so.
Dont remember the manufacturer - all diamond tread steal deck (none of the expanded steel ****).
I think I stold it....but something like that should be able to be found for $500 to $700.