Harbor Freight is good for some things - my kayak trailer!

[cantdrv55]

I decided it’s time to stop hauling 3 large SOT kayaks on the roof of my car and give my shoulders a break. I found this used HF trailer on Craigslist that needed a little work. I squared up the frame, retightened the bolts, removed the nasty wood floor and repacked the bearings. Next up is wrap the wiring and maybe rattle can paint the frame (or not).

The load capacity is supposedly 1200 lb. The three kayaks, scaffolding the I built and kayak saddles/J-bars probably come in at around 300 lb only. I’ve road tested the trailer already and put around 250 miles on it. It pulls nicely and straight. HF is good for some things.

[DWBOX2000]

Someone on here swore by a Hammer screw remover that they bought from Harbor freight. So I was there recently and saw one. For $7 I would give a try. Anyway a month passes and I need to remove two flat head screws holding a 1987 Mazda RX7 front brake disc. I'm thinking crap, these are never going to come out. I think original discs at 90k. Just awful shape. Then it dawned on me that I had bought this mechanism. Well I gave it a shot and it worked flawlessly. Now I am not sure it will work a second time but it was worth the $7 just for that one time.

Glad you kayak trailer worked out great.

[URY914]

I have an HF trailer. They make a great starting point for all sorts of things. But they are so short they can be a hand full to back up. I always get it close and then just unhook and roll it back to where I need it.

Nice rig.

[fastfredracing]

I tested, and found the limits of my 10 ton floor jack yesterday . A 38 ft one ton motorhome oddly. Bent the frame of my jack, and the seals started to gush fluid .
Mid job, I now have no way to lift it.
Napa, and our local truck supply store, need a few days to get a replacement to the tune of 1600.
Harbor Freight to the rescue !
Got a 22 ton truck jack for $256 with a coupon, they had it in stock .
Lifted that motor home up with no issues. Wonder how long it will last ?
It paid for itself already . I don't have a lot of hf stuff, but appreciate that when in a pinch, they almost always have what you need .

[Seahawk]

Originally Posted by cantdrv55

The load capacity is supposedly 1200 lb. The three kayaks, scaffolding the I built and kayak saddles/J-bars probably come in at around 300 lb only. I’ve road tested the trailer already and put around 250 miles on it. It pulls nicely and straight. HF is good for some things.

Very nice. Trailers work great in these applications. The only thing I would suggest is a 45 degree fore and aft brace running high from the front riser to the back riser base...that will take a lot of stress off the risers. There is going to be a lot of dissimilar aero loads on you scaffolding.

Just watch your speed...check the tire and bearing ratings.

Love it!

[Scott Douglas]

I'm glad you made that suggestion, Seahawk. I was thinking the same thing when I first saw this post early this morning but didn't think I had the cred here to make the suggestion. I would definitely be putting some 45's on that rig if it were mine. Something from the front corners of the trailer up to the cross bar wouldn't hurt either.

[cantdrv55]

Thanks for the suggestions. I used superstruts throughout so it’s plenty strong but it won’t hurt to add more bracing.

[1990C4S]

I would rewire the trailer with real wire. The Harbor Fright wires are not pure copper....mine corroded and turned to Chinese dust.

[Tobra]

+1 on rewiring

I would not want to have that behind me with much of a crosswind.

How is the drainage off that hill behind your retaining wall? I would want something growing on that. I always liked California lilac with poppies in between, friend of mine had that for ground cover and I always liked it. Thinking of ditching my lawn and doing that in front of the house.

[Crowbob]

Don’t drink a glass of water near it...rust.