Harbor Freight 4x8 trailer. How is SD version different than HD version?

[Joelk]

I have a couple larger trailers, a 7x8 and a 8.5x12, but would like to have a small compact trailer for small hauling projects.

I am also thinking that a 4x8 trailer would make a nice work platform for working on garden tractors, 4 wheelers etc. I have a bunch of garden tractors and MUCH prefer working on something 18-24" off of the ground.

I was thinking I would get the SD version, but I can't find a coupon for it, and I have found a coupon for the HD version.

I don't really need more weight capacity since I can alway use one of my larger trailers for something big/heavy, but I don't want something wimpy.

I know that the SD version has a 2" ball coupler and larger 5 lug wheels.

What other differences are there?

Are the frames made out of the same gauge of metal? What gauge is used on each?

 

[nadogail]

IMHO, the terms SD & HD are apparently subjective and will require definition before the difference between the two can be discussed.

 

[Joelk]

IMHO, the terms SD & HD are apparently subjective and will require definition before the difference between the two can be discussed.

SD = Super Duty and is the term that Harbor Freight uses to describe one of the trailers
https://www.harborfreight.com/1720-lb-capacity-48-in-x-96-in-super-duty-folding-trailer-62647.html

HD = Heavy Duty and is the term that Harbor Freight uses to describe the other trailer.
https://www.harborfreight.com/1195-lb-capacity-48-in-x-96-in-heavy-duty-folding-trailer-62648.html

 

[awdblazer]

i think they only thing that is different is the couplers and tires

 

[dfiler2]

It looks to me like the difference is that the SD has a tilting deck.

 

[vavet]

You might have to take whatever you can get, they’ve been in short supply for several months.

 

[Stuart in MN]

It looks to me like the difference is that the SD has a tilting deck.

It looks like they used the same photo for both trailers.

Its says the HD folds up, which makes it easier to store. It doesn't say if it can also tilt, but the tongue folds down for storage so it looks as though it could be used as a tilting function as well. I'd have to look at both of them in person before making a decision.

 

[madhatter]

the shipping weights are only different by about 4 pounds. Can't imagine one is substantially stronger than the other.

 

[karoc]

Do you plan to just use it for just around house or will you be hauling light load over several miles? I would kinda check into the spindle sizes for the wheel hub to see if there is a difference or not. If you are pulling it over any distance I would also think about bearings,maybe these on trailer are as cheap as possible or they may be very good bearings. Who wants to break down on side road,not me.That's no fun

 

[brownbagg]

huh no way in hell would i use a hf trailer on the highway, maybe behind the lawn mower.
i just dont trust some thing at hf, the home of the jack stands, i think tractor supply be better

but that just my opinion

 

[c4cruiser]

Do you plan to just use it for just around house or will you be hauling light load over several miles? I would kinda check into the spindle sizes for the wheel hub to see if there is a difference or not. If you are pulling it over any distance I would also think about bearings,maybe these on trailer are as cheap as possible or they may be very good bearings. Who wants to break down on side road,not me.That's no fun

I used the 4'x40" HF Trailer for a couple of years to haul race tires and some tools to autocross events. IIRC, the total cargo weight was around 250 lbs and that trailer handled the weight very well. It did have the 12" wheels and the tires worked fine. The trailer came with lights, chains and a 2" ball hitch.

What I did do with that trailer initially was to assemble it, get the frame square, then welded the corners and frame cross members. I used a half sheet of 3/4" plywood for a deck. I also removed the bearings from the axle to make sure they were in good shape and had enough grease. They were in poor shape for what I had assumed were new bearings and hardly any grease. So I replaced the bearings and re-greased everything.

The only hard part of the deal was dealing with the WA DMV to get a license plate and Title. They didn't seem to like dealing with a title for something that came in a box and had to be assembled.

 

[Joelk]

Thanks for the replies!

I am fairly sure that BOTH versions fold up and that BOTH versions tilt.

I noticed similar shipping weights, but ALSO noticed product weights. They indicate:

HD: Product Weight 253 and Shipping Weight 261.80

SD: Product Weight 330 and Shipping Weight 257.40

A lot of WEIRD going on there and I do not trust ANY of those weights.

If you click on "view available parts" it does not appear that there are many parts that are used on both. I did not compare every part, but compared: Front left side rail, Rear left side rail and Rear right side rail. ALL OF THEM had DIFFERENT part numbers and that makes me think that they do use different frames.

 

[Joelk]

I don't know if this is accurate, but I C&Pd this from one of the SD reviews:

"This is an upgrade to their lighter weight "folders"
Heavier gauge steel. 5-lug wheels and a box (not "U") axle. I've found the lighter weight versions to handle more than 2X rated load repeatedly (hauling 1-1/2 tons of rock from the quarry). I expect this one will be even better."