Trailer Up To About $600?

[Loop_Dad]

I'm moving from California to Texas in about a month or so. It's about 1750 miles.

I want to buy a utility trailer that I can bring my motorcycle (about 550-600 lbs?) there, and once I get there I can use it as boat trailer for my inflatable.

I wanted to buy a utility trailer from harborfreight before but I'm very hesitant to do this long drive with it.

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

Can any one recommend a trailer which has a better chance to surviving this long drive? My budget is upto around $600.

Thanks!

 

[woosterken]

Re: Trailer Up To About $600?

u-haul one way , then when you get settled look for a perm.replacement

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Trailer Up To About $600?

u-haul one way , then when you get settled look for a perm.replacement

hands down safest bet tho not the cheapest....

You could buy a used trailer off of craigslist in your target price range tho

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: Trailer Up To About $600?

+1 on the U-Haul trailer and grab a used trailer in TX. You can rent an enclosed trailer to tote extra stuff and security, too.

 

[SilverSS07]

Re: Trailer Up To About $600?

I would pick one up on craigslist. Repack the bearings, buy 2 new tires and take off.

 

[WIMUSKY]

Re: Trailer Up To About $600?

I would pick one up on craigslist. Repack the bearings, buy 2 new tires and take off.

x2, or is it 3?

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

Re: Trailer Up To About $600?

Around me we have Tractor Supply and Farm and Fleet which both sell assembled utility trailers in your price range.

 

[Loop_Dad]

Re: Trailer Up To About $600?

Thanks for the replies guys. I'm still debating myself with this.

I have another question, if I buy a new one, do I have to registered with California and pay full fee, just to drive in the state for 1 or 2 days and pay the registration again once arrived Texas? That sounds expensive.

There seems to be something called temp permit, but it sounds like it is designed for bringing vehicle to repair shops etc. Will try to call DMV, but getting answer buy calling them is not particularly easy...

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Trailer Up To About $600?

I bought a HF trailer that I modded into a jon boat trailer. After squaring up everything, I welded all the joints, so it's probably more solid than how they are normally bolted together. I've had it for 6-7 years and it's been problem free outside of the cheap lights that come with it (they lasted for a couple of years). I tow about 400# with it and probably have 4-5000 miles on the trailer.

For $300, I'd buy another one. Though I bet you're going to be into it $400-500 after decking wood, rails and registration.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Trailer Up To About $600?

if you can get a temp tag you'd be fine OR register it for a year in cali and wait till next year to reg in TX

technically you are supposed to register in tx within 30 or 60 days but it's VERY unlikely that you'll get caught or hassled and if you do it's just a ticket that will most likely get dismissed as long as you go ahead and register in the new state before the court date

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Trailer Up To About $600?

I wouldn't get a non-boat trailer if you are going to be dunking in salt water.

To me, buying a used cheap trailer then taking off on a long haul is asking for trouble. And if you buy it, fix it up, new tires, you are spending more $$ to cover the risk of breakdown (which will only occur at night on a Sunday in the middle of nowhere--and lots of nowhere on your drive). Go with Uhaul mainly since you can't test drive the trailer for a month or so.

DMV laws vary from state to state so you need to know CA and TX law--but the registration, taxes, etc. are covered with Uhaul!

if you buy a trailer be sure your auto insurance covers liability for it.

 

[Brian 26]

Re: Trailer Up To About $600?

I use to (emphasis on use to) have that folding trailer and it was cheap, made with angle iron and bolts, and came with 8" tires. I would not embark on a long trip with one.

Used utility trailers are very hard to find on craigslist for a decent price, I've seen them sell for more than a new one.

One way Uhauls are expensive.

I would shop around for a new 2,000 lbs welded one. I bought this one from my local fleet supply place for $550 and it's worlds better than the folding one.
Big Max 4 Ft. x 8 Ft. Wood-Sided Utility Trailer - Mills Fleet Farm

Most states have a 30 day grace period to register a trailer so if you get pulled over with an unregistered trailer and flash a receipt showing you bought it within the last 30 days you are good to go.

 

[Lil' Bone]

Re: Trailer Up To About $600?

Hey Loop_Dad ( Windddog here)
Sorry to hear you are leaving the area, You night check with South Valley Trailers in Gilroy, they are going out of business so maybe you could score???
Going to miss ya on SJB too.

 

[smassey22180]

Re: Trailer Up To About $600?

I did the same thing for a FL to CA trip a year or so ago. I got a used Wells Cargo for $900. Put on tires and registered it for another $200. I then sold it for $900 a year later. Looking back I should have gone with the u-haul.

 

[Loop_Dad]

Re: Trailer Up To About $600?

Thank you everyone.

I called DMV and Tax Office about temp permit. It's not gonna work for me. Cali DMV is closed today, so I'll have to call them tomorrow.

I called U-haul and they said they'll charge $350. You can buy new one if you add a little bit. On the other hand, I get what some of you are saying that everything will be taken care of by U-haul.

That was a good point that I do not have time to test it out before the trip if I buy used one.

BigMax trailer looks good. We don't have Fleet Farm around here, so I have to look around.

I'll try South Valley Trailers in Gilroy, winddog.

Thanks!

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Trailer Up To About $600?

you don't NEED to test a used trailer.... if it is solid make sure the lights work, go through the bearings, and look close at the tires... buy a couple spare tires and hit the road... Assuming it isn't some beat up 50 year old pos, it will be just as reliable as any other trailer

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Trailer Up To About $600?

BigMax trailer looks good. We don't have Fleet Farm around here, so I have to look around.

Agree, pretty reasonable for what you're getting. Lowes sells trailers that size around here in Vegas...

HC brings up a good point of saltwater eating a non-boat trailer in short order... Not only the frame, but the bearings too. If the hubs don't use garter spring seals to keep the water out, saltwater will have a rust party with the bearings. My HF trailer doesn't have garter spring seals and I've noticed water intrusion a few times while repacking the bearings... Bearings still looked fine, but I'm launching in freshwater and towing a light load. (Yeah, I need to find a garter spring seals for the odd sized China axle/hubs... )

 

[SilverSS07]

Re: Trailer Up To About $600?

I bought a 5x8 trailer several years ago for $250 a few days before I decided to take my motorcycle to Tennessee and ride in the mountains. Never had a problem with it. Between my friends borrowing it it's been to TN/NC about 20 times and even to Washington state and back once. Only other thing I would recommend is not to buy a "home made" job. I've seen some pretty shabby work. Also I would get at least 12" wheels. The trailer just sits around most of the time anymore but sure comes in handy when you need it. Hopefully in a few months I'll be taking the bike up to Pennsylvania. Makes visiting the in-laws much more enjoyable when I can go ride the bike all day

 

[Brian 26]

Re: Trailer Up To About $600?

BigMax trailer looks good. We don't have Fleet Farm around here, so I have to look around.

I'll try South Valley Trailers in Gilroy, winddog.

Thanks!

As much as I like to support independent local shops you're better off going to a big box store. When I bought that trailer from a fleet store it was $550 out the door (sales tax is paid at the DMV when you title it). I called a local trailer dealer that had the same one and it was $700, after their fees and taxes - $950.

 

[Captain Caveman]

Re: Trailer Up To About $600?

I get what some of you are saying that everything will be taken care of by U-haul.

Trust me, the guys at U-Haul aren't giving their trailers a 50-point inspection between rentals either. The only thing you are paying for is their emergency response service if something goes wrong. You're still going to be sitting on the side of the road with a busted trailer either way if something goes wrong. Maybe, hopefully, you've got AAA or something similar as well. For an extra $40 above the "Plus" membership you can upgrade to the Premier level that covers trailer breakdowns. That might be a good insurance move for such a trip.

At least if you buy a new or used, you've had a chance to inspect the trailer for worthiness longer than the guys at U-haul will give you before you sign the paperwork.