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DIY for Homeowners

How to Fold a Harbor Freight Trailer

6/30/2021

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text by Vicki     Sign up here to join our weekly email newsletter!
The single reason we purchased this DIY trailer from Harbor Freight was it's ability to fold for compact storage. 

Finally, in this last video Steph shares how to fold and store it. It's not just simply folding it in half and standing it upright, there's a few steps to perform before you can do that. 

Trailer Essentials:


  • HAUL-MASTER 1195 Lb. Capacity 48 In. X 96 In. Heavy Duty Folding Trailer (Harbor Freight)

  • PITTSBURGH AUTOMOTIVE Foldable Metal Wheel Chocks, 2 Pc. (Harbor Freight)

  • HAUL-MASTER 1000 Lb. Swing-Back Bolt-On Trailer Jack (Harbor Freight)

  • HAUL-MASTER Trailer Jack Wheel Dock (Harbor Freight)

  • HAUL-MASTER 600 Lb. Trailer Dolly (Harbor Freight)

  • HAUL-MASTER Four-Way Trailer Light Tester (Harbor Freight)

  • HAUL-MASTER 1200 Lb. Capacity 30-1/4 In. X 72 In. Convertible Aluminum Loading Ramp (Harbor Freight)

  • 40 In. 300 Lb. Capacity Low-Profile Creeper, Blue (Harbor Freight)

  • 3-IN-ONE Trailer Hitch Gel Lube (Amazon)

  • Husky 16 ft. x 1-1/2 in. Ratchet Tie-Downs (2-Pack) (Home Depot)

  • Ryobi 18-Volt ONE+ Lithium-Ion Cordless High Pressure Inflator with Digital Gauge (Home Depot)

The first step in folding the Harbor Freight utility trailer is to get underneath to remove a bunch of bolts.
Getting ready to fold the trailer requires getting back underneath to remove the required bolts. We purchased a creeper from Harbor Fright to make it way easier to get underneath. Plus, it's super fun and the grandkids will love rolling down the driveway on it! Grandma win!
The Ryobi battery powered ratcheting wrench makes it easy to remove bolts.
We shared about this Ryobi battery powered ratcheting wrench in an earlier video, but needless to say, it is a game changer! It makes taking the bolts out effortlessly! We would highly recommend this tool.
There's a carriage bolt on each side near the fender that has to be removed.
There's a carriage bolt on each side near the fender that has to be removed.
Removing the carriage bolt from the side.
The carriage bolt on this side came out easily, but on the other side, the fender was in the way, but we did manage to get it out.
How to fold the Harbor Freight utility trailer.
Once all the appropriate bolts are removed, we can now fold the trailer in half.
Bungee cord the the folded trailer together.
Once folded in half, we secured it with two bungee cords we put together since we didn't have one long one.
An alternative to using bungee cords to secure the two halves is to use a 2x4 screwed into place.
Our friend, Stephen, uses a 2x4 screwed into place rather than bungee cords. Personally, we think this is a much safer solution than the bungee cords.
Backing the trailer into place to stand it for storage.
This little alcove, used to store the trash cans, turned out to be the perfect place to store the trailer.
Lifting the trailer into a standing position.
This thing is HEAVY. Steph and I could not do it so Larry was called into help lift it upright.
To fold the trailer tongue assembly, Steph removed the R-clips and L-latches.
To fold the trailer tongue assembly, Steph removed the R-clips and L-latches. This is heavy and awkward as well. Use caution and watch your head.
Folding the harbor freight trailer tongue assembly for storage.
Pay attention to the wiring to be sure it doesn't get pulled out of place.
Although in this location there is an overhang, but we decided to add a little more weather protection with a tarp we secured with a Husky ratcheting strap.
Although in this location there is an overhang, but we decided to add a little more weather protection with a tarp we secured with a Husky ratcheting strap.
Here's the harbor freight utility trailer in the standing position.
The trailer, in the standing position, rests on these casters. They seem to be a bit on the flimsy side so we won't be moving it very far in this position.
The harbor freight utility trailer covered and stored in place.
There is still room to store the trash cans here.
The trailer accessories are stored together in the garage
The trailer accessories are stored together in the garage.
After storing the trailer, we've decided we will probably store it folded in half rather than standing since Steph and I can't manage it on our own. 

Another possibility would be to store it in the garage in the folded state and just move it out when the space is needed. It rolls really easily. 


Please note: This is not a sponsored post. 

FYI: We are not professionals, and we don't claim to be. This is what we found worked for our project. Yours may need a little different approach. Safety first!

FYI: Affiliate links are being used on this page. Purchasing via these links help support MDP!

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