Assembling Harbor Freight 1720lb trailer

[Garandman]

Decided to use the stock tail and running lights in part because I couldn't get a straight answer on LED running lights.

Ran an extra wire for ground. Soldered all the joins and then used shrink wrap over them. I'll be keeping this garaged or covered so the lights should hold up OK.

 

[farm boy00]

Decided to use the stock tail and running lights in part because I couldn't get a straight answer on LED running lights.

Ran an extra wire for ground. Soldered all the joins and then used shrink wrap over them. I'll be keeping this garaged or covered so the lights should hold up OK.

Usually those cheap harbor freight lights are pretty good. We usually always buy them for our work trailers. Have only had problems with the bulbs a few times. Mostly smash them out. Then we bought the led which ate pretty good. Still on the trailer about 2-3 years later. We found the trailer ager it was stolen this spring and they were still on it

 

[dfkrug]

Decided to use the stock tail and running lights in part because I couldn't get a straight answer on LED running lights.

Ran an extra wire for ground. Soldered all the joins and then used shrink wrap over them. I'll be keeping this garaged or covered so the lights should hold up OK.

Here is my finished HaulMaster trailer, with the LED lights I added.

I used self-contained waterproof LED taillights ($32/pair) and LED bulbs for the side lights. They
work great, and draw much less current.

I also soldered all connections and used a ground wire as you did. I do not believe in the
wire splicer-connectors usually seen on OEM units.

Note that I relocated the taillights forward and used a welded-on bracket to support them and
the fenders. The fenders vibrate a LOT if you do not add supports.

 

[CNC Dan]

One thing that might be worth checking is the wheel bearings for grease, cleanliness and proper preload. You just never know what you have considering the source.

I've heard the same thing. The recommendation is to repack the bearings when you get it.

I have also heard that the paint fades and gets chalky.

 

[Garandman]

//I also soldered all connections and used a ground wire as you did. I do not believe in the
wire splicer-connectors usually seen on OEM units.

Note that I relocated the taillights forward and used a welded-on bracket to support them and
the fenders. The fenders vibrate a LOT if you do not add supports.

I agree: those "quick splice" connectors should be called "quick fail" at least if you live near the ocean as we do.

That's a clever fender/light mod. What did you use to cover the trailer?

I've heard the same thing. The recommendation is to repack the bearings when you get it.

I have also heard that the paint fades and gets chalky.

I confirmed at the store: the bearings are packed in a lubricant to prevent corrosion only. The instructions are very clear you should remove the preservative and pack with bearing grease.

This model is powder-coated, and the finish is quite thick. Fading from the sun isn't much of a problem in New England.

 

[GLyford]

Mine is faded...it is also 10 years old.

 

[jack707]

I bought a tow strap from this place I was dragging a tree with it and it BROKE! never again. Some of the tools I buy are ok nothing special most are hand tools and metric sockets.

 

[dfkrug]

That's a clever fender/light mod. What did you use to cover the trailer?

Glad you like it. When you first pull the trailer, you will see how much the
fenders flap up-and-down. Something has to be done about that.

As for the deck, it is 18 gauge galvanized, which you can get from any drywall/
steel stud supplier for about $80. No cutting needed. I used carriage bolts
and nylock nuts to hold it to the frame.

 

[dirt ditch]

The HF 1090 lb. Capacity 40-1/2" x 48" trailer I have is 5 years old. It's been used for everything from spraying to hauling firewood. Don't use it on the road so never installed the lights.

View attachment 447608

http://www.harborfreight.com - 1090 lb capacity 40-12 half inch x 48 inch mini utility trailer with 12 inch four lug wheels and tires

 

[Duwop]

I bought and assembled one 10 years ago registered it in Va it was a great $300 trailer. I gave it to my son last year and he took it to Fl. If I needed a cheap trailer I would buy another one no problem never had issue with the light kit that came with it.