Harbor Freight Motorcycle trailer

[Sailormilan2]

I just got the new Harbor Freight ad, and it shows a Haul-Mastor 78" Tag-Along trailer for $359.99. Marked down $40. Rated at 200 lb max capacity for motorcycle use, 16.6 cubic feet. It is in basic black.
It looks decent in the picture. Lot #66771.

 

[Tankereng]

I want to get one of those... But I need a hitch first

 

[Mcreviver]

I would inspect anything you buy from there very carefully. Check all the welds and carry a spare tire and wheel bearings if you're planning any cross country trips. My brother-in-law showed me an enclosed 12 foot cargo trailer he was fixing, that had a hole in the sidewall. The owner was hauling a motorcycle with a Harbor freight front wheel securing device and it failed on a turn.

 

[Gandolkf]

What are the dates on the add? tHEY HAVE A COUPON FOR 20% ON THE 1st on 1 item, the add may be after that? look into that.

 

[racer1735]

What are the dates on the add? tHEY HAVE A COUPON FOR 20% ON THE 1st on 1 item, the add may be after that? look into that.

HF has been running these ads in the major moto magazines for the past 8 months. They usually extend two months out from the date of issue.

 

[schlep1967]

If you look at the harbor freight website it does have a 55 mph max speed. Extra bearings might be a good idea. Or modify the fenders and put taller tires/rims on it to reduce the RPM so you can get up higher in speed. Still way under the cost of a uni-go with less space in it.

 

[Gonzo]

I was in HF the other day and noticed that trailer. I didn't really inspect it closely, but the regular price is $399.99 I believe. I have a mental plan to build something along that line.

 

[racer1735]

Having taken a quick glance at one, I would install new bearings and better tires, then it should be good to go. I'd still keep it below 55 mph as the wheels are pretty small diameter.

 

[Tankereng]

I have the 12" tires on the 4X8 trailer....been all over with it at Highway speeds...no problems... But bearing upgrades wouldn't hurt I'm sure

 

[Sailormilan2]

I went down to HF to check out the trailer and the wheels. Stock wheels are 8" rims(16" diameter tires). One can replace them with 12" rims(20" diameter tires). They appear to be interchangable. However, the 12" rim is also marked "Do Not Exceed 55 mph".
Rough calculations show about 1260 rpms at 60 mph for the 8" rim/wheel combo, and 1009 rpms for the 12" rim/wheel combo.
Here in sunny CA, 55 mph is the max for any vehicle towing a trailer. But, I know some states are as high as 75 mph. So, it is best to be prepared for the extra speed.
I know the load capacity is listed as 600 lbs for autos and 200 lbs for motorcycles. So, I wonder if that 55 mph is for fully loaded at 600 lbs.

 

[racer1735]

I also wonder if the whees are simply stamped steel and not balanced? A cheap wheel out of balance would certainly limit the speed ah which it could safely operate.

 

[Tankereng]

I've had the wheels on my (4X8) HF trailer balanced...only one need a tiny weight....

 

[JPrieST]

That trailer looks interesting. I might go check it out.

BTW every U-haul trailer out there has a sticker on it saying max speed 45 MPH. I've pulled many of them thousands of miles at highway speed and never had a problem. Of course I didn't have to do the maintenance on them later either. Not sure the diff in tire sizes though. Trailers are pretty easy to change wheel bearings and modify tire/rim sizes though, and not terribly expensive.