Harbor Freight Trailer - Experiences Please

[edl]

Hi All

i am looking for something light duty - pick up bags of mulch, plywood, buy the occassinal piece of equipment (like an assembled blast cabinet) - the kind of stuff you normally lay all the seats down in your suv or minivan and it either doesn't quite fit or beats the heck out of your interior

Have any of you used this 4' x 8' utility trailer from HFT (item Haul-Master # 94564)

if yes, can you pls share your experiences with it?

thanks

 

[NJHandyGuy]

my experiences are this

My step dad had one 4 years ago and sold it he NEEDED something bigger he seemed to think it wasn't all that great i used it one or twice never a problem

The other experience i had was about a year ago i got a call for a tow for one that was not ASSeMBLED correctly guy left it on the side of the road and removed the plate.

 

[gabedad]

looks decent enough - I have this one

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200356493_200356493

 

[davidf]

I just towed one 1400 miles from New York to Florida. Probably maxed out on the weight. I had a Lincoln Tig sitting on the right front and it was somewhat bent down at the end of the trip. Otherwise made it alright. All parts were there and it is a breeze to assemble.

 

[musgofasta]

I have the 4x8 that folds in half for storage. The "Better" model with 12'' wheels.

Overloaded with firewood a few times and it's done great. Tows better when it's loaded down too. Short, squirely, light single axle when it's empty, but it's done everything I've needed it to dragging it around town.

I have only bolted it together so far, but intend on welding the seams in the springtime. It gets a bad rap but fair priced in my opinion.

 

[1fastvx]

I am not sure if you have a U-Hual rental center near you or not. We have a lanscaping business a few miles from our house that is a U-Hual dealer. They have a 5x9 trailer that is built like a brick house they rent for $20 a day with unlimited mileage. I was going to buy one of the HF trailers that were on a super sale, but by the time I figured out how much the tag cost...etc it was not worth it. Another benefit of the U-Hual trailer is they have full size wheels, not the dinky 8 or 12 inchers.

John

 

[csp]

I had one of those 4x8 trailers. Not sure it was from HF, but was exactly the same if it wasn't. I swapped to 12" wheels after a bearing failure, but we were doing 80+ mph for several miles with it, so take that with a grain of salt.

I used mine to tote a snowmobile around and a friend uses it now around his ranch and to haul a fourwheeler every once in a while.

 

[gabedad]

Mine does have 8 inch wheels. I may put larger ones on. I bought it off of craigslist for $50 bucks and it's been great . I did put new hubs and bearings this summer - guess they need grease once in a while huh

 

[edl]

guys - great feedback - pls keep it coming

 

[ishiboo]

Hi All

i am looking for something light duty - pick up bags of mulch, plywood, buy the occassinal piece of equipment (like an assembled blast cabinet) - the kind of stuff you normally lay all the seats down in your suv or minivan and it either doesn't quite fit or beats the heck out of your interior

Have any of you used this 4' x 8' utility trailer from HFT (item Haul-Master # 94564)

if yes, can you pls share your experiences with it?

thanks

They're an excellent value if you have to move light stuff like that. Most people have excellent experiences with the HF trailers, even at the top end and over of loading. From what you say, I think you will be more than happy with the HF trailers.

The U-Haul trailers as mentioned are awesome as well, all the U-Haul gear is custom made and really built. Personally I like owning and being able to leave it places, and none of my projects last less than a month

 

[Painter123]

I had one for years
Not the HF brand one but pretty much the exact same thing
I hauled all kinds of junk from Chicago to CO with it when I moved
It got dragged all over CO with construction supplies on it, Stuff like 20 RR ties or 30 sheets of 8' 1/2" drywall
and all over the place with motor cycles on it, CO back to Chicago, CO to Reno, CO to San Francisco to name a few
Never had any problems with it, But I would attribute that to these --> http://www.bearingbuddy.com/
They will make your cheap trailer last forever, Well...... help a lot at least

 

[gunguy]

Have a 4x8 folder with 12" wheels and is now into its 5th year. My son & I use it to haul a motorcycle and related gear to the track. The longest trip has been about 250 miles one way so not as long as others mentioned here. All we do is pull the bearings once a year for cleaning and repacking, then replace the seals.

It's just bolted together so we check them all about once a year to make sure they're still tight. Never have found any loose.

It's done everything I've needed it to do.

Respectfully,

Jim

 

[mcdtommy23]

I've got the folder with 8" wheels. It's been used, abused, put away wet, and not put away at all. I've hauled loads well beyond it's 900 lb capacity. Ran well over 100 miles doing well over the 55mph for most of the way. As stated earlier, it pulls better with a load than empty. I love having it to haul more toys home. I also use mine to take my buggy to the trails. (buggy weighs around 700 lbs or so)

This was the best $300 or so dollars I have ever spent!

The ref. unit weighs about 700 lbs, from roof top to trailer with a crane. Pic taken this morning. Its been sitting on there for more than 24 hours and it didn't break the trailer.

Pics of the buggy for an idea of size.

 

[patrick66]

I sold utility trailers for seven years. The HF 4x8 is one of the worse POS trailers you could ever pull down the road!!! There is precious little structural integrity to them. The point where the tongue meets the frame is a SINGLE point of contact, taking up the entire load of the trailer and all of the stress! You will frequently see these trailers break at that point. The axle spindles are notoriously weak and they do break. I had people want to use these as trade-ins, and I simply refused them, since they are worth scrap value, tops! The Haul-Master # 94564 DOES have a conventional four-contact-point V-tongue, to its credit. But, for not much more money, you can buy a REAL trailer designed for WORK, that has a floor, side rails, ramps, AND built in the US.

I know people that have built teardrop camper trailers based on this platform. No way in hell would I ever consider that!!! The teardrop build itself may be very nice, but it's only as good as what the frame is built of - and this frame is ****!!!

Spend a few extra $$$ and go to a REAL trailer dealer, where a 5'x8' with no ramps, WITH 15" wheels/tires, full DOT lighting, safety chains, a QUALITY hitch, and a build based on solid angle iron or quality tube steel, for less than $700 - $1,000 (depends on where you live!), and have a trailer that will last for YEARS, rather than have a disposable POS unit (with NO resale value!), made from low-quality Chinese "steel", that MIGHT last a few tows with a light load aboard!

 

[vlpronj]

5x8 non-folding, from Northern Tool. Love it, has made our Honda Element even more useful. Bought a few sheets of 3/4 marine ply, put 2' sides all around. I've hauled mattresses, lumber, mulch, and scrap. No long trips though, and mine does have the 12" rims.

 

[SCscoutguy]

I have had the 5x8 foldable trailer for probably 6 years and it has been great. I got it from my older neighbor who custom built some nice sides for it and have hauled probably 10+ engines 20+ 1 ton axles and a ton of different transmissions and transfer cases in it. I have not had a single problem with it and I have loaded it down way over its weight limit more times than I can count. The way it is setup now it can not be folded up but I doubt I would ever do that anyway.

 

[Stephenw]

I have that same trailer (the heavy duty model) and it has been great. I have hauled 1/2 yard loads of gravel in it with no problems. My only gripe is the paint does not weather well.

 

[denis4x4]

A POS is in the eye of the beholder! Mine's 5 years old and I've pulled in at least a 1000 miles without any problems. Put some side boards on it and pull it behind an ATV for yard chores.

 

[VolksDragon]

I have the 4x8 HF trailer with 12" wheels, and it's been great. I LOVE it's foldability, and I have done at least 10k miles with all manner of motorcycles and gear on the back. I have done 75mph for 1500 miles straight with 600 lbs of motorcycle on the back and I have never had a single issue.

For the money, (I am all in around $450) it's a great option, especially for those of us with limited garage space who really need the folding option.

 

[fatboyf150]

Hey OP, I work for Harbor Freight. If you decide to get the trailer, you have a 30 day 100% customer satisfaction guarantee. If, for any reason, you don't like the trailer, just return it with the receipt and get your money back. That is store policy and good on any product we sell. You just need to keep your receipt for the return.

 

[granitestater]

I have had one of these since 2004. The assembly instructions are very poorly written and mine had a stated capacity of 1800 pounds, I see that now they are listed at 1720 and the instructions on the website seem much better than what came in the box in 2004. I also note that mine was made in the Ukraine. Better than China but I was a bit surprised when I started assembly and everything was metric.

I have had no problems with it. I use it several times a month to go to the dump, pick up large purchases and general hauling. I would recommend it. My only complaint is that if you use the slots in the frame to place 2x4s to mount sides to, it is less than 4X8. Most of the time this is not a problem.

 

[edl]

thanks to all

 

[electrodude]

I put a wanted ad on freecycle, got a trailer within two days. Cleaned it up, greased the bearings, rebuilt the racks, new lights, had about $60 in it total. Sold it before I moved for $400... just some food for thought.

 

[Donnda]

I've has one since '93 with 12 inch wheels. have put 3 sets of tires on it and packed the bearings about 20 times. It still makes a 15 mile jaunt to the dump once a week. It's been a good one for me.

-Donn-

 

[andersen24]

Kind of funny, I was looking at that those this morning to hook up to the golf cart to haul supplies around the property (smaller size obviously). Anywho, in my HF ad I see model#94564 is on sale for 399.99. With the 20% off coupon it would be 319.99...

 

[richashley]

Had one for 20 years. It's been back and forth to Florida from NE Ohio and all over around here. It's on it's third set of tires (larger 8" now, 12" next time) and I've partially welded it together, put a longer tongue on it (it's very hard to back up because it's so short) and redone the wood floor and sides a couple times. It works OK for our purposes, but over the years I've probably spent as much on it as a "proper" trailer would have cost.

 

[redbird1958]

I just towed one about 1000 miles,From Pensacola,Fl. to Dover De. with about 500 lb. on it and it did great, heading back in the A.M.=I will let you all know how it went ! 9/12/13 Just have wheel bearings pack real good,and good tires !==I have 12" tires on mine, and I did not drive over 70 m.p.h.

 

[ChevyEFI]

I've put 1000 miles on one. Not many more on it than that, so I can't say how it is for longevity.

 

[BD1]

Hauling junk on it would work. I would not place anything of value on it. Anything that goes on a trailer is not where it is supposed to be. I would not put my $10,000 Polaris on a cheap $300.00 trailer for sure. Others may and be happy doing it. I would choose the best I could find. Not a place to cut corners in my opinion.

 

[Coopduc]

I say ignore the HF haters and listen to those who have actually owned and/or used these trailers. I borrowed a friends light duty version with the 8" wheels for a trip from Michigan to Tennessee and back over a weekend, hauling my motorcycle. I towed for hours on end at speeds up to 80 mph without issue. This was not a new trailer, but one well used and abused.
I was impressed enough that I eventually bought the heavy duty version (non-folding) with 12" wheels. I put a 5/4 PT wood deck on it and have taken many 1000+ mile trips with my motorcycle on it without any issue whatsoever. Like any kit, the end product is a direct result of your build quality. If you do a poor job assembling it, it will not serve you well. If you build it properly, do a proper job cleaning and greasing the bearings, running wiring and lights, etc, (and use it within the limitation of a light trailer) it will give you many thousands of trouble free miles.

 

[upndown]

I agree, I bought one off CL took off all the folding parts and reinforced a bit. I was given a bunch of pool fencing, cut it and welded it 3 sides and a back gate. Have hauled tons of **** from materials for my cabin to hauling fire wood. Never a problem, just handy to have around.

If you buy used..pack your bearings and check the wiring, I just went ahead and rewired mine using conduit underneath.

 

[retrobuilder]

I avoid driving behind any 8 or 10" little wheeled trailer. They move and bounce too much unless it has alot of weight on it. I'd use one only for local 35-45 mph roads. Unless storage is issue get a used 5x8 trailler with 14" wheels, repack and change hub bearings. Not much upkeep. Keep tires off ground for extended periods.

 

[garrett1812]

I have the folding 4x8 trailer with 12" wheels. Overall a great trailer. I "overbuilt" it with better hardware, additional tie down points, etc. I had not quite as much money into it as a regular ready-to-go utility trailer, but I bought it primarily for the folding feature. In my 2.5 car garage I could fit my two vehicles, ATV, trailer, workbench, and storage. That was not happening with any other trailer.

The issue I did have was getting good hubs from Harbor Freight. I exchanged them at least 6 times, from different stores, and it took 3 months until I got good ones. This also forced me to pay a delinquent title fee on a brand new never titled trailer when it was finally built and I went to the BMV (thanks Indiana!)

 

[sands35]

(wow, old thread)

I have a 4'x4' with 12" tires. I use it as a tire and gear hauler for track days. 4 tires and a poly "job box" to hold the tools and space left over for 3 jerry cans. I'm thinking of getting a small air bottle for dry air at the track too.

Works fine for what it is.

I'll probably build up removable side walls for carrying fire wood and other stuff.

4 issues:
The ground as design intends is to use the trailer structure. Failed 1st day. I installed my own ground wire and it's worked fine for the last 5 years.

The bearing sizes are odd-ball. You can't get them at any retail store I've been too. They are cheep, but need to be ordered from HF. I've repacked the bearings twice without seeing any defects. They barely get warm after hours at freeway speeds.

The tires need to be run at ~50psi to limit bounce, even so it will bounce on bigger bumps. I make sure that I've strapped down the heavy stuff in the job box (jack and stands, etc.) so it doesn't shift. The trailer isn't happy for ride quality unless it's close to load limit, which I'm never at.

You can forget backing up with the short tongue. Just need to plan ahead pulling into gas stations, fast food, etc.

 

[scarpozzi]

Harbor Freight is great for throw-away tools or things with NO moving parts....like anvils.

Anything with bearings or where insurance claims may be needed (like automotive liability), I'd pass on them.

I purchased a garden rake...the metal bends every time I use it and I have to bend it back. I bought a concrete mixer to mix some mortar....worked great for 2 days...then I sold it because the job was done and I didn't need it anymore. Because of the price and the coupons, I got out cheaper than I could rent one for. HF has it's uses, but know that for a little more money you can get a better trailer that's safer.

 

[dawgless2]

I have had one for the last 7 yrs and over load it alot and it still holding up great.

 

[ddawg16]

I also have the 4x8 folding trailer....and have used the dog **** out of it....yea it's cheap, but so was the price....

I've had 20' PSL beams on it....yea, they did hang off the end a bit....

 

[FarmerPete]

I believe that how much you spend on a trailer depends on the value of what you're carrying on it. I wouldn't spend $300 for a trailer and then put a $25,000 Harley on it. I might put a bunch of scrap/junk/garbage on it.

 

[MG44]

I have the 4x8 foldable but mine won't fold because of the floor i put on it.


I have used it for about 8 years, don't use it every week, but about once every 4 or 5 months and it has been so far so good. Only gripe is I wish it had a 2" ball instead of 1 7/8". I tried converting once to 2", and had a hard time finding the coupler that fit the pre drilled holes on the trailer.

 

[jwicker]

I, too, have the HF 12" wheeled 4'x8' folding trailer.
3/4 ply floor and 5/4 deck board sides.
I have regularly hauled a 3 wheeler and a 4 wheeler on it.
It has hauled everything I have fit on it.
Repack the bearings often.

Works for me and the price was right.
But - after the plywood, sides and hardware, I could have prob bought one assembled that didn;t fold for the same investment.

Hindsight: it does fine but I should have bought a larger trailer.
Getting the 3 wheeler and 4 wheeler on it took some re-engineering.
Plus - the narrow 4' width makes it hard to see in the mirrors and hard to back.