Buy a trailer (instead of a pickup truck)

[freebeard]

That's a good one, with the low pivot point, but I'm thinking of one of these (not mine).

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Indeed, but since you were mentioning to use that in a reverse-trike I thought the pivot would be more similar to that one I see on small motorcycles, closer to the center of the rear wheel.

[freebeard]

http://l450v.alamy.com/450v/fc2caj/c...ler-fc2caj.jpg

why doesn't it fall over? Prolly because the CG is below the line from the hitch to the wheel.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

[gone9]

That was a fun read (Couldn't do every page lol). I tried getting a hitch for my little 1999 grand am it was available but the hitch just wasn't practical weight limit wise so I had to buy a truck.

It is more expensive then renting a Uhaul truck but not much.. They charge by the mile, I have to drive 20+ minutes to the nearest one, then return it, pay for miles, fuel, insurance etc... I don't drive my pickup everyday that's for sure. But for some reason all my friends vehicles brake down and they still haven't gotten AAA lol.

This isn't even all of this but it is a few from 2017 lol. Our house is almost done and a buddy lent us his dump trailer to haul a total of 5.5 yards of rock to our house. Not messing with mulch anymore... it fades, blows away, stray animals and dis respectful animal owners let their animals use it as a litter box etc.

Im sure I'll find some more pictures but Uhaul saved me a lot of money trailer wise. I found some local dealer ships but for a car capable trailer is little over $4k after tax, fees, registration etc.

Anyone use the little harborfreight trailers recently? Thought about getting the largest one since many craiglisters want top dollar for booger welds and just not well built trailers anymore etc.

[oil pan 4]

My 4x8 trailer can carry more than a half ton pickup
I think it's easier to get a lemon pickup, since there are only a few things that can go wrong with a trailer.
For my big trailer I couldn't find anything that resembled what I needed so I built it.

[gone9]

I did do some research but we bought a short sale house and we did lots of remodeling. All the lumber, flooring, supplies left us at the mercy or delivery drivers and with work it was kind of a nightmare. I found hitches for both my wifes 2006 corolla and my 1999 grand am but after everything it was just easier to have a pickup ( I like having one too) I'll admit its more expensive in the long term depending on how often you drive, reg, insurance, maintenance etc but it met my needs with a lot less stress.


plus being a diesel the frame hitch was rated at 10k and I'll move stuff on the side for extra cash to fund my other hobbies. I really enjoyed all the reading though and its nice to see so many being creative with a fuel efficient car and extra cargo.

[freebeard]

Anyone use the little harborfreight trailers recently?

It may have been on a page you skipped, but thems that do say weld the bolted connections and replace the cosmoline in the bearings with actual grease.

[redpoint5]

Here's my HF folding trailer with supposedly 1,800 lbs of dirt (1 yard) in it. It probably took me 20hrs to assemble, repack bearings, build floor and sideboards, stain the wood, and wire electrical. It looks simple just looking at it, but it probably has 80 bolts holding it together. I don't see it as necessary to weld it.

I might have only paid around $200 for this trailer, but if I did it again, I'd probably just pay extra for a trailer already assembled considering the amount of time required to put it together.

The stake pockets are designed for 2x4s, and sits flush with the 4'x8' floor. This means if you attach sideboards to the stakes, you will have less than 4'x8' of floor space (by the thickness of the sideboards) and can no longer place 4'x8' materials inside.

I used 1x4 stakes and cut the sideboards with tabs that when attached to the stakes, fit inside the stake pockets. This allows a full 4'x8' floor.

Since these photos, I have installed the metal corner brackets that allow the boards to interlock, so I don't have to use the ratchet strap to hold it together.

I really enjoy the folding aspect since it takes up very little space when folded up, and allowed me to store it inside my garage. Most people will need a hand to fold or unfold it because it's a bit awkward.

[freebeard]

Anyone use the little harborfreight trailers recently?

Is it even the right question? 4x8 feet is as big as a house.



I've got one of these ones that isn't this nice. It's in parts waiting for new elastomeric snubbers:



It's the metric equivalent of a 1.5x3x4ft box. Equivalent to a 1/4 ton military trailer, but lighter.

edit:
I see I posted that up-page.

For the deck, consider swing-door material, it's aluminum coated so you can sweep it clean. Maybe $100 a sheet.