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Greetings,

 I was wondering if any of you have the haulmaster mini utility trailer (40-1/2" x 48" bed) typically sold at harbor freight.  I need to know the length from rear to hitch, to know if this will fit in my garage.  The reason why I ask is there is conflicting information on the website vs. in person on the one with 8" wheels and I assume the 12" one has the same problem.  Any help on this is greatly appreciated.

 Also do any of you guys run mini tire haulers with 8" wheels?  I am wondering how much worse they are in ride quality, bearing heat, etc.

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#82 AS S2000

I have the same trailer but I built it half length.  I reversed the axle spring mounts to get the axle more to the center of the bed.  It still tilts and runs the 8" wheels.  I repack these bearings once a year and use synthetic grease.  It pulls great, can be pulled into the 3 digit speeds (so I've heard).  I've had mine for about 10 years and only replaced one hub and bearing.  It will last indefinitely as long as you keep the bearings greased well.  I've gone through about 3 sets of tires.  I started out with a 3/4" plywood bed but recently plan to convert to using the synthetic patio decking boards.

I think the overall length may be in the info packet but think of it as 8 ft of bed with 3 ft of tongue.

It's right at 6'8"

Prevailing wisdom is the 12" tires are safer...but, as has already been pointed out, prevailing wisdom ain't always the "truth"

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In slow, out fast.
In fast, out backwards.

My Trailex Tire Toter uses 8" wheels. When I first bought it (used), I called them to get a couple of missing parts. I asked about going to 12" wheels. The person said that he could sell me 12" wheels, but that I would get a "basketball" effect by going to a larger wheel. He said there was no need to change them. He certainly could have recommended me to spend more money with the company, but advised not to. The trailer empty weighs about 250#.

So far so good. I used it behind the 996 out to Topeka and back in '04. I have lent it to a guy with a GT3 who has used it for a few trips now and probably put 1,000 miles on it this year.

Trailex's Tire Toter:  http://www.trailex.com/viewprod.cfm?id=74&mcat=88&cat_id=88

Disclaimers are that I bought parts from them, and I think it is a great tire trailer.

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Matt Murray

I am perfectly capable of learning from my mistakes. I will surely learn a great deal today.

awesome info!  Thanks for the help.  It looks like you have all used the 8" with success so I might just go with that.  Will look into the axle mod.  thanks again for the info and hope to see you out at an auto-x!

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#82 AS S2000

I guess I replied with the wrong info.  My trailer started out as the 8 ft design.  Some improvements to consider is to get some rubber tubing to use as conduit for the wiring to the lights.  It keeps the wires from rubbing to the chassis over time.  Another thing is to consider using the newer LED trailer lights for longevity.  I get tired of replacing bulbs and housings that don't last due to vibration.  I also mounted the trailer plate directly to the bed frame instead of the trailer plate bracket since it vibrates and cracks over time.  Also mount the fenders with a couple extra bolts to keep it from flexing and breaking.  Most guys mount up a tote box too.  I also used 6 large eyebolts to secure the bed and for use with tie downs.  I use a 4ft 3/4" galvanized pipe nipple with a set of pip clamps to sandwich all my wheels together and then run a ratchet tie in a cross pattern around the whole thing to secure it.  I have used a canopy and airtank secured to it with bungie cords.

The smaller trailer works well too but it's harder to get 4 tires across, that's why I chose to use the wider 4x8 trailer kit.  I can put (2) 275's and (2) 255's across the bed or up to (5) 225's.

Jim

Just went out and laid the tape measure against mine (w/ 12" wheels):  about 81 inches from the hitch to the rear.  Just as with everyone else, I've been happy with mine.  Towed it up and down the East Coast a couple of times, and for 1-2 hours stretches twice a month all year long.  Didn't weld it or add extra hardware, but recheck torques every year and repack the hubs every couple.

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Jamie
'01 Miata, '92 Prelude Si
Speed Demon Racing

The 8" tires will let it ride lower than the 12" wheels.  I had to buy a 4" drop hitch and turn it upside down to get the trailer somewhat level behind my compact cart.

Just one safety note.  I have a 4x8 USGeneral from Harbor Freight that I used for about 4 years before I realized the tongue latch has an adjustment!  I just happened to grab the tongue and give it a shake one day before making a haul and it came right off the ball!  The adjustment is not in the manual but the tongue latch design is so common maybe it's one of those things that everyone (but me) already knows.  To adjust it, release the latch, place it on a ball and with the latch in the up position, rotate it clockwise to tighten the mechanism. It should be tight enough to stay on when latched and loose enough to come off easily when unlatched. DUH!

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DJsilver

more great info, thanks for the info 'pullg'  I think I will go re-check my garage clearances.  I plan on putting plywood on the back half and making an l bracket slot for my toolbox and which to hook bungees too.  I like the idea of eyebolts and think I will do that, will probably use conduit for wiring too.  thanks again.

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#82 AS S2000