![]() 04/20/2019 at 14:19 • Filed to: Two Wheels Good | ![]() | ![]() |
I brought home my first vehicle without an engine!
This is an open deck 4x6 trailer. The previous owner got it recent tyres, new lights, new wiring, and he recoated the trailer for better rust protection. All this with a title for $200.
Here is what it started as: First thing I did was get rid of the sides. Not sure if I’m going to replace them and with what, but I like this look way better. Plus, no walls means no drag when towing.
I was looking for a 4x6 with a shorter tongue because b y my calculations one would perfectly fit in a parking space at home while hooked up. Got that right on the money!
I also checked the wheelbases of my longest bikes and they will all fit with little room for error , though they will fit more comfortably when I get a motorcycle rail installed.
It tows extremely well. Unlike the U-Haul trailers that bounce around on the ball making a horrific racket, this trailer fits nice and snug. It tracks well, responds even better to emergency stops/maneuvers than a U-Haul, and comes in at half the weight, too.
See also, Ford hubcaps!
![]() 04/20/2019 at 14:42 |
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That should serve you well, and I’m not surprised it towards better and weighs less. U-haul trailers are ridiculously overbuilt for what they are rated to do , but I’m sure that serves their interests well for renting folks trailers that are going to be used hard, abused and still need to last a very long time with minimal repair and upkeep.
If you don’t know when it was done last, repacking the wheel bearings is a good idea.
Nice hubcaps.
![]() 04/20/2019 at 15:14 |
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Bouncing on the ball? Improper weight distribution, or if it’s a dual axle, wrong hitch height for the car in question
![]() 04/20/2019 at 15:20 |
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That looks sweet. Plus, sides are super easy to build if you ever need to move furniture or boxes or whatever. Good find!
![]() 04/20/2019 at 15:40 |
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I should clarify that the U-Haul trailers do that when empty on my car . Loaded? Rock solid. I believe it is because the tongue weight of a small U-Haul is like 30 pounds.
![]() 04/20/2019 at 16:01 |
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The wood won’t make any difference in gas mileage-besides whats if did? You drop 2mpg over a 20 mile trip? I’ll mail you the 3 cents!
What the wood WILL save you-running over the flapping tail of the
tie down straps that got
loose. (seen it
toss a
bike off a trailer!) The not fully attached caliper on
the bike you just bought. The table that you can’t fit in the car.
I’ve hauled things way to long -and seen way too much- to even think about something open + flat like that!
![]() 04/20/2019 at 16:15 |
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In this case, my concern about drag is more having to do with stress on the car. The U-Haul motorcycle trailers are a real drag when they’re empty, which really sucks at highway speed as it’s basically almost foot to floor just to maintain the speed limit.
If/when I replace the rails they’ll be with something that allows decent airflow. Either way, I wanted to get rid of the current rails because they were definitely pretty beat.
![]() 04/20/2019 at 16:23 |
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Nice!
![]() 04/20/2019 at 17:58 |
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Probably so that one associate can hook it up, or rental person. Can’t get sued for pulling a back out i f the trailer tounge is light enough. 50 Lbs usually calls for a team lift (as needed)