utility trailers

[757Hokie83]

looking into getting one, specifically looking at the 4x8 trailer from harbor freight for $299. Anyone have any experience with these? Do they do okay at highway speeds?

Utility Trailer 4'x8' - Heavy Duty Folding Utility Trailer

 

[ckhokie]

I have no experience with their trailers, but if you're planning on taking out on the highway and lugging anything of value, I would look beyond Harbor Freight.

 

[outofyourmind]

Depends on what you are going to haul.
Whatever you do, get the spare tire when you buy it.

 

[757Hokie83]

not going to be real heavy stuff...with the kiddo on the way, the jeep is going to get mighty crowded when we go to visit my parents...me, gf, dog, baby plus all our stuff....even now without the baby and his stuff, the jeep is pretty packed full. No way we're going to be able to fit everything in once the boy is here

 

[ckhokie]

You check craigslist?

 

[outofyourmind]

so did you get one yet??

 

[757Hokie83]

no not yet. still back and forth if i want to go with a utility trailer or a roof rack for the jeep

 

[outofyourmind]

no not yet. still back and forth if i want to go with a utility trailer or a roof rack for the jeep

If you cant get by with a roof rack, I'd go with that. Trailers can be a pain in the ass. They always seem to pick up nails in the tires and get flats and you end up storing it in your back yard and have to mow around the mother fucker, and then people want to borrow it and shit.

 

[757Hokie83]

the issue with the rack i'm looking at is when its all said and done, its going to be near $800. Plus, it will drop my already bad MPG (between the extra weight and wind resistance, granted i dont know how much of an effect it would have) as it will be too much of a PITA to simple remove when i'm not using it.

as i read reviews on this HF trailer, they seem to say it is alright for highway speeds, as long as you keep a spare with you and plenty of air in the tires...

i think i change my mind on this like 3 times a day

 

[outofyourmind]

Yeah, I didn't realize a roof rack was going to run $800. That seems like a lot.
They must be pretty proud of those.

 

[757Hokie83]

yeah, they're pretty pricey. the rack itself is only like $360 or so

but, then the basket is like 380, and the mounting bracket is like another 70.

the other 2 racks i've been considering have the basket attached, but run between 700-900.

My other option is...i've already got one of these:

and i can get one that mounts at the spare tire, for 175:

however, on the stock tailgate, the capacity is only 50lbs...if i get a new rear bumper and tire swing, for $350 or so, the weight limit bumps up to 250 on the highway

 

[JohnRandle]

I was going to suggest the one that goes into your receiver, but it looks like you have one already.
Why don't you like it, it looks like it'll hold more that the one that goes over the spare tire? It'll definitely hold more weight.

 

[757Hokie83]

I was going to suggest the one that goes into your receiver, but it looks like you have one already.
Why don't you like it, it looks like it'll hold more that the one that goes over the spare tire? It'll definitely hold more weight.

i do like it, but with me, my gf, our soon to be son, our dog, and all the stuff we'll have to carry when we go to visit my folks, or just out of town for a weekend, or whatever, the receiver hitch rack just isnt big enough (will be virtually no space inside the jeep to carry anything)...so if i get the spare tire mounted one, i'll be using both

 

[JohnRandle]

i do like it, but with me, my gf, our soon to be son, our dog, and all the stuff we'll have to carry when we go to visit my folks, or just out of town for a weekend, or whatever, the receiver hitch rack just isnt big enough (will be virtually no space inside the jeep to carry anything)...so if i get the spare tire mounted one, i'll be using both

Might as well get the trailer then. Or ditch the Jeep for a truck.

 

[JuiceTheGator]

Only 200 bucks: Jeep YJ TJ JK Wrangler Basket Hi Jack Bracket for Rear Bumper with Tire Carrier | eBay

That and the hitch shelf you already have should carry a ton of shit.

 

[757Hokie83]

Might as well get the trailer then. Or ditch the Jeep for a truck.

no.

 

[757Hokie83]

Only 200 bucks: Jeep YJ TJ JK Wrangler Basket Hi Jack Bracket for Rear Bumper with Tire Carrier | eBay

That and the hitch shelf you already have should carry a ton of shit.

ill have to look further at that one...where it says "for rear bumper with tire carrier" makes me think it requires a aftermarket bumper with attached tire carrier, rather than the stock bumper that does not have the tire carrier attached.

 

[thedddd]

Seriously call Uhaul pretend like you will be renting one, ask them about which size you should use for your vehicle and let them give you the details.

Also with the state you live in check with the Registration/inspection and fees to own a trailer. With all the hassle and how often you plan on using it, renting might be an option?

And if you live in one of those states that don't care about trailers being registered store it in a secure area because if it gets stolen you can be SOL.

 

[757Hokie83]

Seriously call Uhaul pretend like you will be renting one, ask them about which size you should use for your vehicle and let them give you the details.

Also with the state you live in check with the Registration/inspection and fees to own a trailer. With all the hassle and how often you plan on using it, renting might be an option?

And if you live in one of those states that don't care about trailers being registered store it in a secure area because if it gets stolen you can be SOL.

i'm pretty sure UHaul does not rent trailers to soft top jeeps.

I think i've changed my plans yet again. The Receiver rack that i have has a capacity of 500lbs, more than enough. I'm just a little sketched out about stacking stuff real high on it, even though it would all be strapped down. So, i'm just going to take some lumber and carriage bolts and build side rails that extend up a couple of feet

 

[outofyourmind]

i'm pretty sure UHaul does not rent trailers to soft top jeeps.

I think i've changed my plans yet again. The Receiver rack that i have has a capacity of 500lbs, more than enough. I'm just a little sketched out about stacking stuff real high on it, even though it would all be strapped down. So, i'm just going to take some lumber and carriage bolts and build side rails that extend up a couple of feet

You could also enlarge it a little if you could find a welder that will work with you.