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Harbor Freight Boat Trailer DIY (No Weld)
#10866322
05/23/15 07:08 PM
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Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 131
TTx
OP
Outdoorsman
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OP
Outdoorsman
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 131 |
Well, took more effort than I had planned for, but with the help of a few TFF guys - I got the wiring complete, and was able to get the entire trailer done since it was raining anyway. I ran wooden cross beams from the side arms of the frame, U-Bolted them through the wooden beams, and then mounted my Malone roof racks onto those. I got lucky getting the trailer brand new for 150, but if you factor in the mounts the trailer still probably ran around 400. Regardless, this is better than chucking them on the roof of my Jeep, and now I just need to get the anchor trolley on the Ascend and I'm good to go. Side note - I know a lot of people had their wiring running on the outside of the frame with zip-ties, I actually ran it completely internally. I tied one end of the wiring to coat hangers and just ran them through the tongue, then through the side frame. Here's the complete version (I plan to continue customizing it to make it look more unique and original. I've seen a lot of really good home made and Harbor Freight trailers that have been done extremely well.)
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Re: Harbor Freight Boat Trailer DIY (No Weld)
[Re: TTx]
#10869068
05/24/15 08:56 PM
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 41,002
CCTX
mapquest
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mapquest
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 41,002 |
Looks great!
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Re: Harbor Freight Boat Trailer DIY (No Weld)
[Re: TTx]
#10888087
06/01/15 08:57 PM
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 384
pyledriver
Angler
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Angler
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 384 |
Did you add the long tongue? The ones I've seen at HF just had the hitch at the peak of the frame.
'Today is the day!' - Mel Fisher
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Re: Harbor Freight Boat Trailer DIY (No Weld)
[Re: pyledriver]
#10888201
06/01/15 09:48 PM
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Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 131
TTx
OP
Outdoorsman
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OP
Outdoorsman
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 131 |
Did you add the long tongue? The ones I've seen at HF just had the hitch at the peak of the frame. No, this isn't a utility trailer - this is the 600lb boat trailer. They only sell them online unless you get lucky enough to walk into the Carrollton store where someone returned one, and they give it to you for $150.00. It's designed for 12-14' boats, or a JetSki. I've seen some sleek customized utility trailers though, and I think most of the guys using those are putting the tongue extenders on.
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Re: Harbor Freight Boat Trailer DIY (No Weld)
[Re: TTx]
#10889088
06/02/15 03:41 AM
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 384
pyledriver
Angler
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Angler
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 384 |
I see! Quest mode engaged...
'Today is the day!' - Mel Fisher
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Re: Harbor Freight Boat Trailer DIY (No Weld)
[Re: TTx]
#11127181
09/25/15 04:59 PM
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 491
YakRider
Angler
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Angler
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 491 |
$150 is a very nice deal you got because it's listed at $499 on its website. The trailer has 8-in wheel, would it be too small to drive safely on the highway?
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Re: Harbor Freight Boat Trailer DIY (No Weld)
[Re: TTx]
#11127369
09/25/15 06:17 PM
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Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 2,120
Brad R
Extreme Angler
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Extreme Angler
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 2,120 |
This is what I have, too. Well, the 8" tires are okay but, of course, they are spinning like a son of a gun. I find no issues, at all, driving 60 and occasionally 65, but if no one is "pushing" me, I stay at 55.
One man on YouTube replaced his 8s with 12s and they provide a much better ride. Now, if you do this, upgrade to 12s, keep both of your 8s so that if you have a flat tire, you can simply swap out both. This will save you needing to buy the 12s and a spare.
I have a winch on mine and whatever one calls the little drop-down wheel.
Too, I replaced the little stock bunks with longer 2 X 6s that I covered with carpet.
Some use PVC pipes as bunk replacements.
One final note: You can take the rather small rear lights and replace them with water-tight sealed rear lights that are larger. They cost $9 a piece, and they are marked left and right, so be sure and get one for each side, a left and a right.
I actually have had very good luck with the trailer, so far, and of course part of this is the fact that I am pulling nowhere near the trailer's limit.
Brad
Last edited by Brad R; 09/25/15 06:17 PM.
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