We Love Our Harbor Freight MC Trailer, See How We Made It Better 

I replaced this trailer with a very similar one in 2023. Watch that video here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-VJ6XAucPbfk.html Here is a video about repacking or replacing the wheel bearings ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-d-aPvuHWBX0.html

I rode for over 50 years and pulled a timeout camper behind my heritage soft tail since 1999. That top link setup is the sweetest idea I've ever seen. Much safer than the ball and coupler. Keep the shiny side up.

I tow a similar cargo trailer behind my Harley Davidson Electra Glide Classic. I spent a little more on the trailer buying a Northern Tool Aluminum trailer. I also upgraded to high speed tires. I kept the standard ball trailer hitch and have had no problem with it. The motorcycle has fallen over onto it's side while parked and it didn't take the trailer over with it. Never noticed any binding during curves but I don't lean so much with an Electra Glide. I did wire straight into my motorcycle brake, tail light, and turn signals. Probably should have gotten a light module to separate the brakes and turn signals but I was tight on time. I use the standard trailer four pin connector for taillights and turn signals then have a separate two pin connector for the brake lights that I connected to a red LED third brake light bar. We tent camp and can haul a lot of comfort items.

Trailer + plywood(2 ft walls) + sm truck cap(roof) = motorcycle camper!🤘

Never would of thought to bring a chair, good thing I watched this video, was really informative

1978 we were one of two who pulled a trailer to Sturgis with a 1974 Honda 750 I might add. Like your hookup.

Put some automotive carpet carpet in your trailer cut and lay the bottom one in and use a automotive contact cement on the under side of your lid to keep it in place it will make it quieter and will not leave rub marks on your equipment your hauling with easy maintenance for cleaning

Removing the leaf springs, and only running the main leaf, will remove most of your bounce, and still carry 200 lbs of cargo. Also putting a piece of garden hose on the rear leaf spring mount will stop the spring rattle.

That swivel hitch solution is genius, I was actually looking at one of those today with the same idea; feels good to see someone whose done it vouch for the idea

Really like watching all of your video's. Thanks for posting all of your travels.. I am planning a bucket list trip out to CA and your video's give me ideas of places to stop and see.

Your videos are always superb! This one is no exception!!

Love it! Gave me some ideas. I have been thinking about buying a trailer but didn’t want to spend thousands $$$. Thank you

A lot of good pointers. Thanks

What a fantastic video! Thank you, sir!

Great Video, thanks for the hitch info.

Not only have the prices really gone up on these, they are also currently unavailable. Hopefully when I am ready to purchase they will be available. Nice video.

Nice set up you have there. I have a tag along trailer as well. I love it, lots of room, easy to pack. I added a mess of LED lights. Then I added a spare tire that hangs under the trailer. I also upgraded the tires. Anyway, great vid, safe rides always... 8:12

I bought the northern tools version. It should have been an easy build. They wired the tail lights backwards. Tried pulling the working through the frame which was rough and sharp, this knicking the wires down to the wire. Had to replace it. They have a custom harness which take 6 wires (3 ground) and converts then to the standard 4 pin flat. I couldn't find that custom harness. Bought the standard 5 wire to 4 pin flat. Now the lights had to be grounded and the connector had to be grounded to the trailer. It took me longer to rewire the trailer than building it. Even the taillights themselves were backwards. It was a mess

nice little trailer.. Buschtec uses the hiem joint on their trailers as well. Smart idea using an isolator for the wiring that's the only way to go.

wow!...nice...thank you. Ride, and stay safe.

I have the same trailer. I bought my in 2015 and have around 100k miles on it. We have made some upgrades . The bottom shell started to get holes in it so I sandwiched it between 2 pieces of plywood which allowed me to use some loops to fasten stuff down. I have found 14-16 psi for the tires to work best. I am going to steal your bumper idea though

After realizing the swivel hitch is almost never going to turn till you get to 35 degrees lean angle , and /or drop the bike ., I got an aluminium block ( in my case round stock ) & drilled a 3/4 inch hole the length of it , cut it in half & joined it together with a grade 8 stainless steel bolt & jam nut 3/4 inch..The bolt is 6 inches & I counter sunk the head so the whole thing can have some extra length. I also put a jam nut against the head so i can tighten the nut without holding the other end.My trailer tongue got swapped out for the top tube from a swing set ,(much lighter & weather proof & pretested !).

Do yourself a favor and purchase a trailer wheel hub in the event that you do have to do a roadside repair. The repair will be quick replacing it as an assembly. Great job with the trailer. Stay safe out there and thanks for sharing.

Those trailers are made by haul master, you can pick them up at many taller and tool retailers. They range from $400 to $700 depending where you pick it up. They are incredibly stable and can carry more than double the weight of the trailer. Mine has a luggage rack installed on it for extra cargo capacity. If your trailer is bouncing around when towing, you have your tire pressure to high. They are great little trailers.

I love your video and I want to thank you for sharing some of your ideas. Last year I purchased an Ironton 40”x48” trailer and added a cargo carrier to it. One of the first modifications was like you I changed out the ball hitch for the heim joint setup. My wife and I ended up riding & pulling the small trailer almost 8,000 miles, through 11 states over a 30 day period from S. California through the Pacific North & Southwest and back over again. The trailer did well. Almost lost a fender in Oregon and a taillight in N. Dakota which makes me wonder does your trailer bounce a lot? How much weight do you think you pack in the trailer? I realize the trailer will bounce more without a load but I’m curious if you’ve heard of or know of anyone modifying the suspension at all? You know to make it function a bit better under lighter loads? What type of horn are you running. Did you mount a horn switch on your handlebars? How did you mount your spare tire under the trailer? I hope you do not mind that I’m picking your brain? I love gathering ideas of different ways to modify things to make them either more practical or to add more functionality or to make things simpler. Again thanks for sharing!

I built quite a few trailers and pull one myself. The HF setup is a good inexpensive route to go. A swivel hitch is great idea however it can be a bit limited on how far it will bend but the 360 spin is a plus. Menards and Northern tool carry the trailers also. I went just a step further and use a PTO shaft and joint for the hitch which fits directly into my hitch receiver so it has at min 120 degrees of movement plus the 360 swivel. 15-18 psi is a good setting. Ha Ha in an emergency all tools become a hammer. Nice setup and a trailer is certainly a wonderful option. Aren't these Goldwing's just the best?

Nice little trailer, serves its purpose for sure. you ever consider spraying it to Match the goldwing?

Great Info...

What camera did you use to film this video? Great clarity. Very rich. Thx!

Thanks for the video from western NC. Just purchased the same trailer used but new to me. Where did you get the T-handle lock on the carrier? Thanks

STILL HAVE A ROTATION PROBLEM.....BUT I GET WHY YOU DID IT

I am seriously thinking about getting the same trailer that you have...I just have to get off the fence and do it. However, when I do, I will make some adjustments. Your trailer is bouncing a lot because you have leaf springs on it. Most people with this trailer remove 2 springs and just run the one bottom spring, but you will still bounce with just doing this. Next, I will pull the complete axle out from under it and toss it. This stock setup uses metric bearings. I will get 2 pieces of square tubing and then buy 2 axles that will use the same bearings for the inner and the outer. The axles usually come with the spindle also. I am a big fan of Timken bearings...have them in my boat trailer. Since I know how to weld, I will weld the axles into the square tubing and set it in place, but not bolted down. The leaf spring will be history and replaced with a torsion setup. I have several friends pulling this same trailer after changing it to torsion axles and there is no more bouncing...just a smooth ride. The tires and wheels will also be replaced with 12" or 14 inch tires and wheels on 5 lugs. The problem that you are having of wearing out the center of the tires is not so much too much air in the tires, but the wheel...it is too narrow from side to side. You need a wider wheel to stop that problem. I will also need to fabricate new fenders as I dont really like the little plastic things that they provide. The swivel hitch that you made looks good. There are hitches like yours that you can buy, but you can also use the stock hitch and make your own swivel with a 3/4 inch bolt and nut...very easy to do and your hitch will rotate 360*. A lot of people also cut 2 inches out on the width of the trailer. Why...I have no idea.

Yes a trailer takes all the work out of Goldwing traveling trying to pack everything on bike is aggravating

I see a lot of guys running the heim joint but I honestly don't think it swivels any more than a traditional ball. Also you do not have a six-pin. You have what's called a five pin. Great job on the trailer though. We have something similar and love it

Been thinking about adding this to my Harley. So what happens in a worst-case scenario if for some reason, the tongue comes off of the ball? Well, then you have the chains, I guess, but can you imagine that trailer fishtailing all over the place behind a motorcycle yanking at it sideways from side to side. My guess is if that ever happens at highway speed the bike is going down in about two seconds just a thought. I don’t know of any way around this unless someone else does, I’m just trying to think this through before I begin towing.

If I’ve got the budget for motel…. The last thing I’m doing is dragging a trailer.😊 but, that being said, my trailer is 500lbs with torsion bar suspension and you really notice it when towing….

Nice video. I am thinking about building the same trailer for my Kawasaki Vulcan 900. Do you think a 900 is strong enough to pull the trailer? I do a lot of camping so it would hold my tent, sleeping bag etc. nothing heavy. Thanks

A trailer is awesome for traveling on a bike I built one but I used a 55 gallon plastic barrow it carries all our camping gear and clothing leave's the bike luggage empty for what ever the wife buy's lol

It is too bad that a set of golf clubs won't fit in it. That would satisfy both of my passions.

Is the axle 48 inches hub face to hub face ? or did you cut it down ?/Are you running one leaf spring only?

mantap om...keren

After looking on the harbor freight website, I have realized they no longer sell this pull-behind trailer!

Building a trailer for mine using bed rails as a frame.

I looked at Northern Tool, and the only trailer they have is $700. I wonder if this is the same one. What do you think?

How much does the trailer effect your gas mileage?

what model trailer is it? I have looked on H/F's website and I can't find it

Can a Kawasaki Vulcan 800 pull this?

Tmi

Yeah that plastic paint is terrible.

Hi...enjoyed your videos and I was going to get a trailer like you have, but then I changed my mind and have decided to build my own, but with the same dimensions...40 x 48. What I need, if you would, is the length of the tongue tubing from the front of the trailer (frame) to the end of the tubing where your coupler link thingy is...and is the tongue the original length or did you cut some of it off? Also, is the tongue tubing 1-1/2" square or 2" square? I am guessing the tongue is about 48"...+ or - a little. My trailer will be made from 1/8 x 1 x 2 rectangular tubing. I am also going to use torsion axles and Timken bearings. Thank you for a little help.