Harbor Freight cargo carrier

[albaran]

I'm building a toy car (1/2 scale Bugeye Sprite) for my grandson and needed something to transport it. Harbor Freight had a great deal on a cargo carrier for around $80. It has a 2" receptacle so I got an adapter to bring it down to 1 1/4" that my car came with. It's aluminum and very light so I wouldn't put heavy loads in it even though they claim 500 lb capacity. I had to modify the part that goes into the receiver because it stuck out too much but otherwise it works fine for the intended purpose.

 

[Richard Cranium]

I mounted a set of extra lights that I could plug into my trailer light plug.
The more lights the better seen.

 

[CitadelBlue]

I saw that carrier on the net as well. It looked pretty stout.

 

[premierplayer]

I mounted a set of extra lights that I could plug into my trailer light plug.
The more lights the better seen.

Extra Lights, Excellent idea.

 

[Ray-CA]

Extra Lights, Excellent idea.

I carry a set of these...http://www.harborfreight.com/12-volt-magnetic-led-towing-light-kit-69869.html and sometimes use this cargo carrier..http://www.harborfreight.com/500-lb-capacity-deluxe-cargo-carrier-66983.html

Ray

 

[wornoutoldman]

I'd like to see the build on the bugeye. Pretty please!

 

[ghlkal]

Yeah, that's a good idea.

Very nice project too. I bet the grandson loves it!

 

[albaran]

I'd like to see the build on the bugeye. Pretty please!

The original mold was in a neighbors attic whose father worked in the fiberglass industry back in the sixties. I borrowed it to make another body. To my knowledge it is one of two known to exist. I cannibalized a Power wheels Jeep for the motors and steering. I made my own frame and my wife is dong the interior. It's still not finished because there are stickers and hotter motors to go. Very honestly, I could have bought three or four Power Wheels cars for the time and expense I put into this.

 

[theoldwizard1]

There is usually one flaw with a setup like this !

The hitch on the car may have a 2" receiver and state that it carry a large load, but a cantilevered load like that is a different story !

Some hitches attach to the floor pan of the trunk for more strength. However, as the load bounces up and down the cross bar twists and the part attached to the floor moves up and down. Both of the motions will cause metal fatigue and failure.

The hitch receiver tube and crossbar must be sized for such a dynamic load. Also the "arms" ("horns") that bolt to the chassis/boxed reinforcement need to sized correctly and long enough to NOT fatigue the metal they are bolted to.

Tighten with a torque wrench and double check after 1 or 2 trips.

 

[Autorotica]

Friend has one for his wife's power chair and it does just fine.

Chris

 

[Crazyjake8493]

That little car is sweet! Perfect use for the cargo carrier. I have the HF steel cargo carrier and I've been happy with it.