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Author Topic: Pull behind cargo trailer - great value.  (Read 2023 times)
MarkT
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VRCC #437 "Form follows Function"

Colorado Front Range - elevation 2.005 km


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« on: August 26, 2016, 05:39:11 PM »

Since I rigged up Jade to pull a popup camper trailer, and realized I can't really use it for cargo - not much space left in it after the tent and screen room and fold-in floors use most of it - I was looking for values in pull-behind trailers.  Surfing ebay, craigs list, and other sites, I found used ones started at $6-800 with quality, features & condition widely varied.  New ones started around $1400 up to about 3k. I have a Haulmaster kit trailer from Harbor Freight I've used to haul bikes around the country for 15 years or so - maybe 10k miles on it.  HF stuff is often junk but this trailer has been everything I needed it to be with no problems.  So I took a look at what they might have.

Surprise!  They have a new pull behind trailer in kit form for $379.  The reviews are all good - 22 of them - except one. Looks to be what I'm looking for.  There's a guy selling this trailer in Blackhawk for $425.  Glad he didn't answer when I called.

http://www.harborfreight.com/600-lb-auto-200-lb-motorcycle-capacity-78-in-tag-along-trailer-62644.html#

So I picked one up.

Gotta say, I'm impressed.  This is a quality trailer.  The frame is welded, all the parts are there and they work.  It looks good.

Assembly pretty easy.  The instructions suck but you don't really need them.  As you will read, if you read the reviews, there are some tweaks the Chinese missed but aren't there always?  Not biggies.

My list:

1. No rubber pads to cushion the leaf springs so they clatter.  I used pieces of bike tire.
2. The lock, the screw on the inside end of the tumbler needs loctite. Mine fell off and it locked itself.
3. The hitch latch, they didn't test it works.  Needs some metal removed inside with a Dremel - doesn't open far enough to insert the ball.  The holes for the hitch assembly don't match the width between the holes on the tongue - had to hog them farther apart with a carbide burr on a die grinder. The width of the hitch assembly is significantly wider than the box tube of the tongue - but just cranking down on the bolts squeezes it together sufficiently - these are parts THEY SUPPLIED and they don't fit together.
4. A side light fixture smashed and a couple nuts missing.  Normal for Chinese packing.
5. Can't remove the inside bearings to repack them with quality grease.  Or I couldn't with a hammer and drift, didn't try to use my press.  The bearings should be replaced with quality Timkens IMHO but I'll run it for awhile with the Chinese ones.  The wheel hubs were dry except for the small amount of grease they packed on the bearings.  I pumped them full and will likely add Bearing Buddies. They took 150 shots each from an air grease gun.  I added Ride-on in the tires and filled to 50#.  They are 60# tires on 8" wheels.
6. The top overlaps the bottom so the scuttlebutt is no weather stripping needed.  I installed it anyway.
7. Some said the lights are dim and should be replaced with LED's. They aren't just dim - they use normal 1157 bulbs - but they use a Fresnel lens which focuses the light in the wrong place.  I aimed them up 10° until I either change the bulbs to something else or replace the fixtures.  I added an LED nav lights bar across the back.
8. Doesn't have a tongue holdup stand.  I fab'd a spring loaded one that holds 2 positions.
9. The wires aren't in looms.  More Chinese quality.  I loomed them.  While doing that I discovered they used Scotchblocks at the wire junctions. Even where totally unnecessary, joining 2 wires not tapping into a line - they could have used a wire nut just as easy but they are too lazy to strip nevermind solder. ARGHH!  One had already failed.  I removed it and soldered the wires together.  Expect I will be going over it repairing failures as some of the Scotchblocks are hidden inside the box tubing.  The guy who invented those should have electrode treatment to his 'nads.
10. The 4-wire standard flat plug is difficult to fit over my plug on the bike.  I added grease and forced it.

I'm thinkin if we ever go to war with these yahoos they will lose their ass just from the shoddy workmanship of their tools - probably won't need Willow's Marines. Oh wait, they get their guns and stuff from Russia. OTOH they are surely knock-offs too.
 
The trailer comes with gas-charged pneumatic struts for lid holdopen, a key lock and 2 keys, and two stout lid latches to hold the cover down. Has 600# net load capacity and 16 ft3 volume.  Does not come with a spare or place to put one so I welded a couple bolts under the tongue and mounted a spare there.  Doesn't come with a cooler mount so I fab'd a frame to hold Coleman's nice SS cooler.

Today I took it for a pull.  Was not loaded with stuff, but it tracked so well that once at speed, didn't know it was there.  Slowed acceleration slightly (again, not loaded).  No noticed effect on braking or handling - when fast through some local twisties.

All-in-all a great value.  This trailer as I have it now is comparable to $14-1500 trailers I found while shopping.  And I paid $379 plus some time, parts I had laying around.

This is going on the Darby Memorial Ride.  Now I can haul lotsa Markarita fixn's!







« Last Edit: August 26, 2016, 11:56:27 PM by MarkT » Logged


Vietnam-474 TFW Takhli 9-12/72 Linebckr II;307 SBW U-Tapao 05/73-4
Rams
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So many colors to choose from yet so few stand out

Covington, TN


« Reply #1 on: August 26, 2016, 06:53:08 PM »

I agree, you did well.   cooldude
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VRCC# 29981
Learning the majority of life's lessons the hard way.

Every trip is an adventure, enjoy it while it lasts.
Valkorado
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VRCC DS 0242

Gunnison, Colorado (7,703') Here there be twisties.


« Reply #2 on: August 26, 2016, 07:06:40 PM »

Sweet setup, Mark!  Very impressed.  So, ya think 600# worth of Markaritas will hold us down?   coolsmiley
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Have you ever noticed when you're feeling really good,
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- John Prine

97 Tourer "Silver Bullet"
01 Interstate "Ruby"

Gavin_Sons
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VRCC# 32796

columbus indiana


« Reply #3 on: August 26, 2016, 07:16:43 PM »

Nice, I have that same cooler for the front of my trailer  cooldude
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old2soon
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Posts: 23402

Willow Springs mo


« Reply #4 on: August 26, 2016, 07:31:13 PM »

I have It's twin brother or it's twin sister. I replaced all 4 wheel bearings with Timkens. When I mounted the coupler I cut 1/2 inch pipe to length and put that inside the tongue for the coupler mounting bolts so as to NOT to collapse the tongue. I also shimmed between he coupler an tongue cuz either the tongue was too small or e coupler wuz too big. When I purchased the trailer I also purchased an L E D light set. When I got back to my bothers place after I-16 we found some 4 hole 12 inch wheels with tires mounted for right at $43.00 each out the door-I bought three. Ross fabbed up a U-bolt and I mounted the spare to the tongue. On the inside the 4 body mounting bots have D-rings from H/F so i can use ratchet straps on the cargo in the trailer to keep it in place-old trucker habits die hard. Found some new carpeting near my brothers place and the inside of the trailer box is carpeted.  I also bought those red and white reflective tape like you see on semi trailers and used it liberally on the outside of the box on all four sides and the tongue. If you saw it at I-16 you WILL remember it. On the top on the side I have V R C C logos. On the top at he back I have a decal of the Viet Nam service ribbon. AND when we got rained on the stuff inside stayed dry-no weather stripping. When we left for I-16 I was loaded fairly heavy on the trailer-still on the 8 inch wheels-and walked her up over 100 M P H. NOT even a hiccup. BUT I do lie the 12 inch wheels better. Not as heavy going home and at one stretch bout a buck and a quarter and NO hiccup. I also replaced the grease zerks on the wheel hub with American Made ones!  cooldude RIDE SAFE.
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Today is the tommorow you worried about yesterday. If at first you don't succeed screw it-save it for nite check.  1964  1968 U S Navy. Two cruises off Nam.
VRCCDS0240  2012 GL1800 Gold Wing Motor Trike conversion
RGM
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« Reply #5 on: August 26, 2016, 09:35:49 PM »

Is the Pod plastic or Fiberglass? Looks like a nice setup.
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robin
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Get on it and RIDE!!

Hardwick NJ


« Reply #6 on: August 27, 2016, 04:04:58 AM »

I bought a piggy backer years ago and have had no problems with it 8" wheels pulls great and tracks fine paid just about the same as you and didn't have to do anything to it out of the box.It has a straight axle though so it jumps over larger bumps but still good.
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MarkT
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VRCC #437 "Form follows Function"

Colorado Front Range - elevation 2.005 km


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« Reply #7 on: August 27, 2016, 04:31:31 AM »

Is the Pod plastic or Fiberglass? Looks like a nice setup.


It's ABS.
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Vietnam-474 TFW Takhli 9-12/72 Linebckr II;307 SBW U-Tapao 05/73-4
baird4444
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Montrose, Western Slope, Colorado


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« Reply #8 on: August 27, 2016, 06:47:11 AM »

Very nice setup, I need to find a hitch....

             - Mike
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Riding a motorcycle isn't like driving a car....
    - ya gotta be SOBER!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"You can't drink all day if you don't start in the morning!! "
     -Cody Baird
MarkT
Member
*****
Posts: 5196


VRCC #437 "Form follows Function"

Colorado Front Range - elevation 2.005 km


WWW
« Reply #9 on: August 27, 2016, 07:07:50 AM »

I did some looking into it earlier this year.  Found the Hitchdoc has the most fans.  Got that, pleased with the fit, finish & strength. I got the one with removable ball assembly.
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Vietnam-474 TFW Takhli 9-12/72 Linebckr II;307 SBW U-Tapao 05/73-4
baird4444
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Montrose, Western Slope, Colorado


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« Reply #10 on: August 27, 2016, 04:12:22 PM »

being the cheap SOB that I am I've got a hard time spending more for
the hitch than the trailer!!!  I've been looking for a while and will
continue......
              I'm also stubborn....
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Riding a motorcycle isn't like driving a car....
    - ya gotta be SOBER!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"You can't drink all day if you don't start in the morning!! "
     -Cody Baird
old2soon
Member
*****
Posts: 23402

Willow Springs mo


« Reply #11 on: August 27, 2016, 04:49:30 PM »

being the cheap SOB that I am I've got a hard time spending more for
the hitch than the trailer!!!  I've been looking for a while and will
continue......
              I'm also stubborn....
              Some were in the tech archives re plans for building a hitch. Price I was quoted here-Missouri-a couple years ago-painted-NOT powder coated-was $100.00 Every so often a hitch shows up in our classifieds. RIDE SAFE.
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Today is the tommorow you worried about yesterday. If at first you don't succeed screw it-save it for nite check.  1964  1968 U S Navy. Two cruises off Nam.
VRCCDS0240  2012 GL1800 Gold Wing Motor Trike conversion
MarkT
Member
*****
Posts: 5196


VRCC #437 "Form follows Function"

Colorado Front Range - elevation 2.005 km


WWW
« Reply #12 on: August 27, 2016, 05:47:56 PM »

Dennis thanks for the tips on your setup.  I had to run to town again today so I stopped at HF and picked up their LED trailer lights kit.  Installed, WAY brighter.  Also picked up some D-rings but they weren't made to be secured with 1 bolt.  Started to modify the lower bracket then I said F this I just welded the D ring to the top of the bolt at a low angle.  Solid and easy to setup will work fine for tiedowns.




While installing the LED kit I ran into two more completely unnecessary Scotchblocks.  Removed, hope there aren't more hiding inside the frame but I'll bet there are.  Look at this - the lazy bastards used the damn thing to connect two wires when it's almost as easy to do it right.  This is positively the worst and most failure prone electrical connector I've ever seen.  Certain to fail, not IF but WHEN.  I bought a frame hitch from U-Haul for my Exploder 20 years ago and the tech started to install it with those things.  I yelled at him, got really pissed for his damaging my wires - and he didn't have a clue what he was doing wrong.

« Last Edit: August 28, 2016, 08:03:27 AM by MarkT » Logged


Vietnam-474 TFW Takhli 9-12/72 Linebckr II;307 SBW U-Tapao 05/73-4
Rams
Member
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Posts: 16272


So many colors to choose from yet so few stand out

Covington, TN


« Reply #13 on: August 27, 2016, 06:09:39 PM »




It's the easy and fast way to get it done.   I don't like them either.   Last time I had the brakes done on my gooseneck trailer they informed me that they didn't use the brakes I had so had to change them over to a different style but at no additional charge.   OK, as long as they work, I'm good with that.   

Last week I did the brake job myself.   Found those damn things on every brake on both axles.   Needless to say, they didn't stay on there.   The last thing I need is for my brakes to fail with two vehicles loaded onto my gooseneck.   Folks apparently already think the front of my Dodge reads Porsche.....   uglystupid2
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VRCC# 29981
Learning the majority of life's lessons the hard way.

Every trip is an adventure, enjoy it while it lasts.
old2soon
Member
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Posts: 23402

Willow Springs mo


« Reply #14 on: August 27, 2016, 08:22:08 PM »

Mark-I only used one of the two only holes available on the D-ring mounting plate. I'm with you and hope none of those worthless damn scotch locks are in the frame. Took an evening when it was raining here some time back and soldered and shrink wrapped the electrical connections. Mass production meets innovation! Few improvements and a basic little trailer becomes a nice trailer to have along. The inexpensive part explains most of it. RIDE SAFE.
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Today is the tommorow you worried about yesterday. If at first you don't succeed screw it-save it for nite check.  1964  1968 U S Navy. Two cruises off Nam.
VRCCDS0240  2012 GL1800 Gold Wing Motor Trike conversion
MarkT
Member
*****
Posts: 5196


VRCC #437 "Form follows Function"

Colorado Front Range - elevation 2.005 km


WWW
« Reply #15 on: August 28, 2016, 07:26:57 AM »

Every automotive electrical kit I've bought lately has several Scotchblocks in it. I can't believe the marketing success they enjoy.  I would hope most buyers have the sense to toss them but I doubt it. You won't see them in any kit from me. Wire nuts are almost as easy (though the connection should be soldered before adding the nut especially if different metals); there are other connectors to choose which don't damage the wires, increase resistance, cause moisture exposure and galvanic corrosion.  Or just use the old-school correct method of stripping, wind the wires, solder and shrink-tube them.  Or even liquid electrical tape. Such connections are more robust than the wire itself.
« Last Edit: August 28, 2016, 08:00:55 AM by MarkT » Logged


Vietnam-474 TFW Takhli 9-12/72 Linebckr II;307 SBW U-Tapao 05/73-4
Valkorado
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Posts: 10499


VRCC DS 0242

Gunnison, Colorado (7,703') Here there be twisties.


« Reply #16 on: August 28, 2016, 07:48:24 AM »

On the Darby Ride I might pull off my right fairing speaker cover and show you the heaping pile of spaghetti the PO left me under there.  Lots of those wonderful Scotchblocks under there!   tickedoff  He had wired a turn signal with a barely audible beeper and a 30 second shutoff that I hate.  It was set up with switched 4-way hazard lights that quit working.  Also had some ancient green LED show lights under the tank that took a crap.  When they did work they only worked with switched power (not on Aux) which made 'em pretty useless anyway.  I have some LED strips I'd like to replace them with.  Not much better under the seat, where he has wired an amplifier and trailer wiring in a similarly unprofessional manner.  Anyway, I'd like to pick your brain about it, and maybe try to get your way this fall or next spring and pay you to help get me out of this mess!  Truly a failure accident waiting happen!  I still need to get to Damon's place soon and replace the under mounted air horns that sound like a an anemic goose with some BigBF blasters!
« Last Edit: August 28, 2016, 07:53:47 AM by Valkorado » Logged

Have you ever noticed when you're feeling really good,
there's always a pigeon that'll come sh!t on your hood?
- John Prine

97 Tourer "Silver Bullet"
01 Interstate "Ruby"

WoodyFL
Member
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Posts: 352


Ocoee, Fl


« Reply #17 on: September 06, 2016, 03:04:25 PM »

Getting ready to pull the trigger on this trailer. Installing a Hitchdoc hitch this weekend that I bought from a member of the VRCC. Going up to BRP and Deals Gap 2nd week of October.
Do any of you who pull a trailer use a swivel adapter on your trailers?
The reasoning sounds good, but is it really necessary?

Thoughts and opinions please?

Thanks!

Bob
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2000 Blue/Silver I/S
Ocoee, FL
old2soon
Member
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Posts: 23402

Willow Springs mo


« Reply #18 on: September 06, 2016, 03:55:21 PM »

Getting ready to pull the trigger on this trailer. Installing a Hitchdoc hitch this weekend that I bought from a member of the VRCC. Going up to BRP and Deals Gap 2nd week of October.
Do any of you who pull a trailer use a swivel adapter on your trailers?
The reasoning sounds good, but is it really necessary?

Thoughts and opinions please?

Thanks!

Bob
            Nope-no swivel on the trailer or hitch. My brother-das prez-pulled his trailer down the Dragon going to I-14. He has no swivels. There ARE Limits when pulling a trailer but not THAT limiting. Once you get setup pull it around a bit and NEVER Forget the extra length behind you. AND learn to pick your spots when you park. RIDE SAFE.
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Today is the tommorow you worried about yesterday. If at first you don't succeed screw it-save it for nite check.  1964  1968 U S Navy. Two cruises off Nam.
VRCCDS0240  2012 GL1800 Gold Wing Motor Trike conversion
The emperor has no clothes
Member
*****
Posts: 29945


« Reply #19 on: September 06, 2016, 04:00:25 PM »

Getting ready to pull the trigger on this trailer. Installing a Hitchdoc hitch this weekend that I bought from a member of the VRCC. Going up to BRP and Deals Gap 2nd week of October.
Do any of you who pull a trailer use a swivel adapter on your trailers?
The reasoning sounds good, but is it really necessary?

Thoughts and opinions please?

Thanks!

Bob
No swivel for me either. No problems. Just keep in mind it's going to take you a little longer to stop.  cooldude
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michaelyoung254
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Posts: 308


Huntsville, Texas


« Reply #20 on: September 06, 2016, 05:31:17 PM »

I got one of these trailers at Harbor Freight before we left Huntsville, TX for InZane XV in Spearfish SD.

While assembling, I checked the bearings, and both were almost dry. I too decided to replace the Chinese crap with better quality stuff. As far as the bolts holding the box to the frame, I used some large eye bolts that I picked up at Tractor Supply. http://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/national-hardware-2160bc-1-2x4-eye-bolt-zinc?cm_vc=-10005  I simply ran the nut all the way up, and then put a washer and fender washer under it, and then another fender washer, lock washer and nut. Now it has 4 eye bolts which makes it easy to hook the hold down straps to. I used one of those bungee nets as well as straps. Everything held in place perfectly both ways.

Everything seemed to be fine, but on the last leg of our journey home, the bracket holding the tail light along with the license plate decided it didn't want to come home. Not really sure exactly where we lost it, but it's somewhere between here and Lubbock Tx.   Undecided

I love the idea of adding a bracket for an ice chest.... Think I'll be doing that before we use it again.
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1998 Standard - Pearl Sedona Red & Ivory Cream



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