Harbor Freight's "$1000" trailer

[Kruse]

This trailer has been mentioned on this site a few times and I had a mild interest in it. When it first came on the market, it wasn't available, at least in any of my local stores and was back ordered. I have a couple of larger trailers, but thought it could come in handy after seeing a few videos of it.
A couple of months ago, a coworker needed a few items at HF and I went in with him to pass some time. It was a slow time and two HF employees were just standing in the store and I talked to them about this trailer. They said it was initially a $1000 trailer, but they told me that "in true Harbor Freight fashion", the price had creeped up to over $1200 and they had sold a total of 1 trailer from this store. 5' X 10' and a 2,000 lb. capacity. 13" tires. My wife had initially wanted me to get this, probably to use it for her "honeydew" list.
Anyway, I noticed yesterday that they now have it again at $1,000. (Well, $999.999)They also had a 15% off coupon that expired yesterday. I called my local store and talked to an employee and she said the coupon was valid on this trailer, unlike a lot of previous coupons that were severely limited. She also said they didn't have it in inventory, but they "presale" it and order it in. So I went to the store and made the sale.
The $999.99 price was $849.99 after the coupon was applied. They said they will call me when it arrives. Most purchase reviews are okay, but there are a few complaints. I'll let you know what I feel about it after I get mine and I get it assembled.

 

[nwjones18]

That's a good price and you can make it what you want. I have a 6x12 (not HF just normal trailer) that I use all the time. I was a trailer borrower for years, but just having it there ready to go is worth having something else to keep tires on.

 

[D60]

Nice! I view any low-end trailer as a starter kit. I always modify it with additional crossmembers, spare tire mount, more tie downs, etc. Any 1-7/8" couplers go straight to the scrap bin because I refuse.

When my 13" tires give me grief I'm going 15" -- it's easy with 5x4.5. I'll run P or LT before I touch ST. If I have to relocate fenders that's easy.

It looks like you get a triangle tongue and tongue jack, which is rare at this level. Let us know how it goes!

 

[Nessism1]

I had a 4x8 HF trailer for a number of years, and it came in handy at times. Love the way it folded up for storage.

Can't believe the prices these days; I seem to remember paying about $300 for mine. Maybe less. Bought a sheet of plywood, and some 2x4's for a railing. Hit the plywood with some water seal product, several coats, before bolting it down, and it held up pretty well for the 15 years or so that I had it.

 

[cptbarkey]

Northern Tools, Tractor Supply has a near comparable already assembled trailers at the same price point ($1000). I'd rather purchase one of those vs a bolt together nightmare. I like the idea, but its still too pricey.

 

[supton]

Can't believe the prices these days; I seem to remember paying about $300 for mine.

That's inflation for ya. I too recall paying way less, although the 4x8's are a lesser version of this 5x10.

I still think the cheapo 4x8 fills a spot for the typical FWD vehicle. Large enough to move a couch, not capable enough of getting overloaded to the point of being problematic to the car. Yes, someone somewhere has likely pushed the limits, but in general, when you stand on it and feel how flimsy it is, one is a bit less apt to push the limits. Not the right trailer for everyone, but for some, it fits a need.

 

[BobsArmory]

I had one about that size for years. Wood floor with stake rack sides. Put bearing buddies on the hubs to keep fresh grease in the bearings all the time. Mostly used it to carry a chest freezer and hunting gear for big game hunting out west. Loaned it to a friend and they destroyed it. No sorry, thanks or I'll pay you back. I need to get another for next years Elk hunt.

 

[thastinger]

I still have a Sears 4x8 that I put 2ft tall sides on, can get 1.5 yards of mulch in it.

 

[Rand]

Wow trailers have gotten high.
I was shopping about 5-6 years ago
you could get caravan 6x12 at sams club for 1199 IIRC. powercoated drop sides etc.

I went with a sure-trac 5x8 for $1500+tax fully galvanized.. fold flat gate etc.
its been 100% trouble free.
They dont sell this exact model there anymore but it looks like the price now would be closer to $2500 YIKES!

 

[BobsArmory]

Any 1-7/8" couplers go straight to the scrap bin because I refuse.

Agreed. Anything I have ever owned was swapped to a 2" asap. I have never understood why there is even a 1 7/8" size.

 

[zzyzzx]

Aren't these cheap enough to rent at U-Haul? I am seeing $15-$20 before tax.

 

[supton]

Aren't these cheap enough to rent at U-Haul? I am seeing $15-$20 before tax.

Aren’t those typically pretty heavy?

 

[Rand]

Aren't these cheap enough to rent at U-Haul? I am seeing $15-$20 before tax.

its a major hassle but for once a year not a bad option.

I typically use mine about 10x a year.. but some years less. Also I have needed it for 3-4 days at a time.. so that would add up fast.

but the registration is terrible here.. we dont do any sort of vehicle property tax but a car is around 68$ and the trailer is $50 something.. seems high.

I also need to budget for tires in the next few years.
they are getting old but its in shade most of the day and they seem to be in reasonable shape.
its parked with a concrete paver under the wheels on gravel.
Funny pic.. this was one Rainy MAY when it rained reallly hard after the ground was saturated. That is normally all yard back there.. but I had ducks coming in for water landings all week.