Budget Harbor Freight Off-Road Trailer Build. Making An Overland Trailer On The Cheap.
Budget Harbor Freight Off-Road Trailer Build. Overland Trailer DIY.
Let's turn junk into slightly better junk! Today on Dirt lifestyle we are going to take a common Harbor Freight trailer that we got for free and build a one of a kind overland gear hauler. This is one that I have been getting asked to do for years and I'm pumped to finally get to it. I hope these videos inspire you to build something yourself. I'm not a professional with any special skills. I'm just a dude who likes to build things from scratch and share it with those of you who are interested!
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#overland #offroad #overlandtrailer
Many people have these Harbor Freight trailers and parts laying around from old builds. I'm digging the vibe of putting this stuff to use instead of throwing this stuff out! Nate don't let the Karen's and Kevin's of the internet bring you down.
Reduce reuse recycle !
I thought Todd was the male version of Karen?
@@andrewbias780 i think its Chad
Well said. 😊👍👍 🦘🇦🇺🦘
No, they are Kyle's!!!
This is your build, man. You can't do it wrong. Forget about everyone else. They should be watching these videos to pick up tips and tricks, and to gain ideas; not to follow a build plan. There is, most likely, not going to be anyone else out there that has the same combination of parts laying around to throw this together that you have. And you are not going to have the same parts they have.
The "budget" builds are more realistic and what a normal guy would do in the driveway or garage. I dig it and can't wait to see how it turns out.
Dude, I hope you see this. Let me remind you that you're an inspiration to us all who don't quiet have the experience and knowledge you have. You give us that push that some of us need to get out and discover the abilities we have and to get in that garage, I want to thank you for that. I look forward to your content and your next video!
A lot of people don’t have a “happy place” anymore so they get stuck on forums and social media trying to destroy other peoples’ “happy places” to help with their own unproductive misery. You rock Nate, do your thing and I’ll keep my half of the deal…watching. :)
Nailed it🤘🏾
F a bunch of Negative Nora Karen's!!
Agree! It's like social media exists purely for people to just be a holes to each other.
Already having a Vin is exactly why I started with a Harbor Freight trailer. I had the dang thing licensed, and registered, before I even got home to start building, and the actual WA title was in my just a few weeks later (pre 2019). Now I have a great off road teardrop, that is completely 'Upgraded' as parts 'wore out'.
Paying for that vin tag haha people try to steal them off trailers too, I mounted my tongue jack covering my tag so no one takes it
I like leaving the brakes on axles and mounting a handbrake to the trailer tongue. If you unhook you can yank a break instead of blocking tires.
The fabrication videos are honestly my favorite, its very refreshing to see these amazing builds come out of a shop that is achievable by most people instead of out of a $250k shop that not many have access too. You're fab videos have been a super big inspiration for me, not only in deciding what I want to do for my build or future builds, but just the confidence of actually being able to fab up some of these things instead of buying a run of the mill part and not learning anything. I love the concept of reusing parts you have laying around instead of going out and buying thousands of dollars worth of metal to build something. Keep up the great work man and ignore any haters.
Don't stress on the haters Nate. You have clearly spelt out the plans and vision for these trailer projects and if people are to daft to understand the concepts and reasons they aren't worth listening to. Telling you that base for budget trailer is wrong would be like having someone whinge that you didn't use a 69 Fastback body when your project is all about restoring a Miata.
This... Golden! Needs to be top comment!
Starting with the dot hate. Who cares what they think! Modify the heck out of it! Ain't no cop ever gonna care that you made a better trailer
Really like that you’re using thrift store parts! Because for a lot of people, me included, starting from like a old trailer is much easier and less of a daunting project then starting from scratch! Watching closely!!
I started with a pop up trailer frame and built a crazy trailer and even ended up having to replace the axle and install new mounts for it and all. After one trailer I'm ready to build one from scratch. Start toying with one and you'll realize it's actually easier than you think
If they don't like what you do they don't have to watch. I like a guy who think out of the box and builds from left over parts. You are one of the channels that is interesting to watch. Keep it going I'm a fan.
I like your presentation style. Very informative and you explain why you do things. Your though process shows that you are intelligent and think things out.
I think reusing an exiting trailer is an awesome idea. It also shows people what is possible when you think out side of the box. I personally watch your videos for the unique perspective that you show of what is possible when you just roll with the plans that are in your head and troubleshoot on the fly. I’m the same way I follow an plan that I see in my mind, a lot of time it’s just down right fun to roll to the finish and then have people look at you with amazement of the finished product
Dude, I'm not a fabricator but I love what, how and why you build what you build. Keep what you are doing. Best.
Outstanding fabrication skill. Heavy breathing for that Gladiator in the background.
Nate don't sweat the haters, sure there's many ways to build, you do you. I've enjoyed watching your channel get ideas. Then I take ideas and build my style. Keep up the great work.
Nate, I grew up in a junk yard and a lot of what we did was from parts we had laying around. It’s easy for keyboard fabricators to talk SH&T watching another man work. I dig the channel in its entirety. You do you brother, keep it up. Excited to see the series come together. 🤙🏼 Wanks are gonna hate bro.
I'm so glad you are building this with this trailer. I have this trailer and my wife has been on me to build her a camping trailer.
Glad you are into it! I love these kinds of projects 👊
I love that you are using old junk! And those welds!! Love it.
I love this build . You are rebuilding a random parts trailer. Do what you want it’s your trailer.
Don’t worry about the naysayers I think you are a very talented person I wish I could do half of what you make, keep up the good work.
Thank you 🙏 Honored to have you watching my friend
I really appreciate how open and honest about your feelings of negativity online. I think a lot of people would benefit from remembering the phrase “there’s more than one way to skin a cat.” I like the concept you have for this trailer and I’m looking forward to this build.
I love the phrase, "more than one way to skin a cat". Was there such a high demand for skinning cats they needed multiple ways to do it? The other one is, "kill two birds with one stone." That phrase has been around so long the pinnacle of bird killing technology was stones? Is there anything we say today that hopes to have that sort of longevity?
@@shepelkstone haha very true. Perhaps we should adapt a phrase to modern times. Maybe something like “there’s more than one type of device you can use to access the internet.” Then again that somehow sounds less profound despite being far less morbid.
Forget the comments and build it the way you want. Cant make everyone happy. You know what your doing and keep doing it. Love the fab videos keep them coming. Great job love this concept.
Alright, you've had a whole day. Give us a second video already!! I can't wait!!😂
I didn’t think I’d care to see this, but it’s actually really cool. That’s a sweet little budget build trailer right there. I’m actually pretty dam excited to see where the rest of it goes. Nice!
that sudden change of project design when your in the middle of a build has got to be one of my favorite parts to the build itself! it brings a little more excitement and interest into completing the project. Somethings drawn on paper don't always have the most appeal when you can actually put your hands on it and look at it from different angles. Embrace those design changes and definitely go with the flow!
You’re worried about negative comments, you should see the snow plow I’m cobbling together to put on my tractor for the winter, lol! Keep it up, Nate, you do awesome stuff, and inspire us to do awesome stuff too!
You do what you want your way and everybody else can take a rolling donut……carry on and watching……👍👍👍😁😁😁🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
I had to stop at 13:40 to tell you, you are doing one hell of a job. Keep it going, I can't wait to see the future videos on this project.
It's your trailer and you did it your way. Nothing wrong with that. It is good that you used the harbor freight trailer and showed the points that need improvement. Seen other videos that use harbor freight trailer and just build on top of them and they don't last.
The value of a used Harbor Freight trailer just went up. 👌🏾
To take a literal hunk of junk, and turn it into a gem, RIGHT ON! Looking forward to the next thrilling episode. Thanks for the video. Jon
I am soooooo looking forward to this series. The fact that you're building off of an existing, budget frame is awesome. Influencing people to work with what they got helps them be more creative. And realistically, the only limits on a project are creativity, money and time. Thanks in advance for all the ideas!
Its funny how each state has different rules for trailers, homemade or customized. Like you said this is going to be a budget build. Use what you have and drive on.
Yeah, in Oregon if the trailer is under a certain GVW it doesn't even have to be registered.
@@chadalcock7275 this like the only reason i keep my stuff registered in oregon
@@chadalcock7275 Same in Ohio. All you need is a scale ticket showing the trailer unloaded weight.
Some people are never wrong, in their own minute brain, and no matter how much you show them your theory or POV is on point. Let them put their feet even further down their own throats. I've been trying to work out a trailer gear/tent and now I have inspiration. I'll get a utility trailer and build it to fit inside the utility frame where I can take it off when I need to haul garbage away and put it back on to go hunting or just camping.
It's like watching the A-Team during their prep montage as BA welds up the vehicle to take on the bad guys coming to town.
I enjoy seeing budget builds of almost ANYTHING. As somebody that likes to try to learn to do things myself, videos like this are very valuable!
Agreed. These are the only videos of his that I watch, the ones of him building stuff! I know how to go out & have fun but the building I love to watch for any new tricks or tools. Especially budget builds because they seem more attainable to the average Joe like me.
Agreed! I love these fab videos, the way Nate shows and explains things makes me feel like I could pick up a welder and do something like this myself.
Awesome build. Love that you take unused, discarded items and create one of a kind things.
Great job, using what you already have and thinking outside the standard box ... Recycle and reuse is a great moto to live by . Dont let the haters get you down.. You have a wonderful platform to build what ever you want . The girly man complainers have nothing .. Remember talk is cheap... You are the builder doing great things inspiring others to be productive . Love your work...
Your reasoning for making your trailer from the Harbor Freight one made so much sense once you explained it. When I'm welding stuff at home it makes no sense to my lady until I explain it and then she's like, " well yeah!". I am restoring my father's 1960's truck bed trailer right now and I was thinking, "Dang this guy works really fast!" until you said that it had taken you a week. Then I thought that sounded about right compared with the kind of progress I would make. Just do what you want to do, post up some videos about it, and let the chips fall where they fall. Most of us are better off having watched your videos than not. Those that are not were probably at least entertained so win win. Also, sometimes I might be watching a video about something not seemingly related to my project and then, Bam, their video gives me an idea that I end up using on my project.
I like it! I think this is a great start IMO!
This video couldn’t have come at a better time. Last weekend I took my harbor freight trailer (modified; longer axle, spacers, bigger wheels, rooftop tent) and sadly the whole upper part of the trailer and some frame bolts came apart. I almost threw it down the mountain. I barely made it home but when I did, disassembled, and threw away the trailer. Same day I bought a 1975ish Ford Courier trailer bed truck conversion and just finished building it this weekend. Welded roof rack, bigger mud terrain wheels, and my old Tacoma Bilstein (stock) shocks (not judging, just sharing my life 😂 ). I’m sure your HF trailer will be the best out there though. So I’m excited for this series. Keep them coming.
Not all of us have a work space, I really enjoy hanging out in your shop. You give really solid advice without over explaining. I love watching the custom fabrication stuff, keep it up man! cheers.
Looking forward to seeing the rest of this build. Do worry about other people's negative comments. Your in there doing it and sharing with the word. Keep up the good work
I love watching your build videos! You're not obligated to defend your build choices to every (or any) critic on the internet. Really looking forward to the rest of this series, Nate!
Great to see a budget build. Not everyone will love it but that’s fine, everyone is a little different. Looking forward to seeing the rest of this build!
You are a stud man, everyone is welcome to do their own if they like. Otherwise build for the rest of us that just watch and absorb ideas for our own stuff.
Some people dont have a ton of disposable income but they have a ton of parts laying around. Good on you for making a badass trailer out out of another mans trash.
Those two haters that gave a thumbs down must be heartless! Lol! I always love what you build. I don’t have the equipment, the space nor the skills. But you make me wish I did! Keep them coming!
Should put air bags in this bad boy for leveling, or maybe on the "no budget" like you did on the disco!
Air shocks might be cheaper 👍👍
I’m putting 4 drop-leg jacks for leveling. I’m attaching them with hitch receivers, so I can remove them when in motion. We were camp, level ground is at a premium.
@@jeffandrews7335 I was thinking of using the round trailer jack style for mine for the sole reason there’s less time fabricating anything, just weld it on and go
Wouldn't the air bag suspension be bouncey though? I think hydraulic shocks would help eliminate bounce and rebound.
@@herbwheeler4470 no you'd still have your typical shocks
Glad you are recycling old parts and not throwing them away. That's why we keep everything. Keep up the good work.
You are skilled, you know what you’re doing. You don’t need all those TPS reports. I haven’t shown any of my build videos yet. Mainly because no one will watch them and also, I used a gas less welder, for the last time. Great job Nate!!
I love the idea of the center tube for strength through the entire chassis, well done. I know you are not that far yet, have you figured out ways to level it when you are setting up? Do you need to secure it so it's not so bouncy while trying to sleep? I saw someone else comment something about using an alternator on the yoke of the diff to charge the trailer while driving - that sounds like a great idea, just need to do the math for the right size pulleys and a way to mount the alternator and tighten the belt. Please do the Watts link, if for nothing else, it's rarely done and I'll bet there are a large number of viewers that have no clue what it is or why you would use it - pros/cons. And you do a very good job of explaining things for those that are not educated in the mechanics of how that stuff works. And of course, love the using spare parts for a build. I rarely read the comments, let alone comment myself, but I really enjoy the builds, all of them. I just like to see how other people work around the different issues of building something instead of just buying what someone else built.
I like your way around the government regulations about getting a title for your trailer by using a scrap H.F. trailer. That was great thinking. Best part of the build so far.
Really excited for this series! Everyone loves an off road trailer
This is your channel this is your KZhead. This is your content. You do you! I love watching all your work on everything! Builds and adventures! Thank you for your videos!
I like the "silk purse from a sow's ear" aspect of this project! I wish I had your welding skills. Carry on!
I hope you read this: Do your thing man! I love seeing you work and learning what you do! There are always those guys. Utilizing parts and things you already have is what a lot of people do who just don't have the money. I keep talking about building a trailer and I've had different idea methods and appreciate this build you're doing. The negatives can really weigh on you and bum things out but TRUST there are 10s of thousands of us that appreciate what you do and always send positive comments and vibes your way. Build what and how you want and share it with us!
Looks like a worthy project sir, thanks for taking us along. My goodness do I hear you on getting anything government related done or changed, though you all sound worse south of us here in BC in that regard. Shocks are a good idea on a utility trailer!!! I've got to see about that on my firewood hauler utility trailer now! Thanks and stay well.
Bro this thing is legit. I love it because this crap is SO DAMNED EXPENSIVE and somebody handy can have a lot more fun for a lot less cash doing it this way.
Looks cool. Can’t wait to see the finished product
Super pumped for this - going to be a huge inspiration series for a lot of us!
I love recycling old parts like this! I just built a transmission crossmember out of the old track bars I removed from my YJ lol
I’ve always wanted to hook an old alternator up to the pinion on one of these truck axle trailers and use it to charge a battery bank. Not efficient, I know, but an interesting bit of engineering. Keep up the good work!
Thanks, I enjoy all of your videos, as a former fabricator I really enjoy these videos.
I love this build and look forward to the future uploads! It’s a very realistic representation of what the average joe can do with what is already laying around or can be purchased for super cheap. With sound fabrication and a little forethought you can build exactly what you want without breaking the bank. Keep up the good work 👍
Nate!!!! You did it right. Your killing it with design and fab. I love watching when you build and do it more on the fly than planning down to fine details. Most people can talk because they cant do. Keep up the good work.
I'm a Harbor Freight employee in North Idaho and a Jeeper as well. Fantastic video!
Nate. That is very innovative just using logic to get around a problem. That is what all the key board engineers can’t do. Looking forward to the next episode.
Awesome job! Did the same thing myself a couple of years ago with an old utility trailer I had sitting around. Fun project and saved me a ton of 💰. Keep up the great work Nate!
Nate, I love watching your videos. Hands down, you create great content and I love your rationale when building projects. I always look at what can I learn from you today. Not well you should have done it that way, or this way. Your builds are built with the best common sense and budget will allow. Keep up the awesome content!
I love your builds. You're an artist. Create your art, your way.
Putting your mental well-being before the YT comment section is fantastic and even better to let your community know that before you go dark. Excited to see the outcome!
Love the build Nate! Helped my grandad make a trailer for a welder out of one of those harbor freight frames about 15 years ago he still has it! Use what you got man! Love it!
Love it. I'm a budget, home hobbyist welder. This is a wish list, yet practical project. I'm loving the channel. Keep it going!!
My dad bought a harbor freight trailer from a guy. Just recently, I rebuilt the whole thing. Tore it down. Cleaned up any and all rusted/paint chipped areas. Welded everything back up. Repainted it. Installed new taillights. It’s mainly used as a yard trailer that has a “dump” feature, but can be used to haul small, lightweight, items.
I just want to echo what everyone else has said to just be another voice of positive, gratitude and support! I absolutely LOVE you and your videos! I love and appreciate how real and honest you are. You aren’t some macho ego seeking person. If you can’t make it up it, you aren’t afraid to use your winch. You’re just real and honest! People relate to that. I do too. It’s so awesome and refreshing to see videos like this. I feel that’s where most people are and what people want. If I had an unlimited budget, I’m just buying the trailer I want, paying someone to do it or most likely know how to do it myself. Most people have parts laying around, or can get them, and shows us that it doesn’t have to all be custom perfection, to be amazing and do-able. It’s wonderful to see the mindset of using what you have and figuring out and making it work. So, THANK YOU!
Thanks Nate! Keep building. Your builds are my Happy Place. I spent a lot of time on the Craft Side, fabricating for work before entering the management space. You encourage me to pick the welder back up and improve my ride.
Love this idea with a budget build with what you have laying around. Wanted to do one like this but never got around to doing it but this has re-sparked my interest and my wheels are turning with ideas again. Keep up the great work and content!
Negative comments, they can do one, for me your creativity is spot on and I learn allot!
My first utility trailer was cut from and built from a pop up camper. It worked great and I didn't draw anything either. Just keep plugging away, I enjoy seeing the creativity.
I've been wanting to see something like this! Wife and I want to try to build an off road and I suggested the HF body as a starting point since I know nothing of vehicle frames.
Nate, as someone who has a lot of creative thoughts about how to do things and make them work, but doesn’t have the tools or time with something like a welder, I enjoy all your fab videos!! One day I’ll have those and in my opinion, there is no real wrong way to Fab something!! Keep them coming!!
You go ahead and do your thing. If someone doesn't like what you do, they can scroll past. I love what you are doing and please continue your great job.
Perfect build idea! You have a VIN and plates, GO FOR IT! Instead of installing batteries, have you thought about a power station, like the Jackery w/ 100w solar panel? That way you can plug in anything you need in the trail. Great build!
I always thought about do this (recycle/modify a trailer) for Overlanding, glad to see you doing it. Excited to see how it goes. Keep going!!!
"if I feel like the computer is making me feel bad feelings, I'm just gonna go back in the shop and build" kids these days need to learn this.
Kids these days don't have workshops, budgets, or even shop classes at school. I know because I'm a kid (18) in these days. I would build all day if I could, but my wallet is thin and my garage is nonexistent.
@@marcustruman1015 I circumvented that by programming, learning electronics, physics, and watching a lot of machining videos. No need for wallet or garage there, and once you have both there's a lot more stuff you can do. Maybe you live in the city but if not, try and find a cool neighbor who will let you fabricate stuff in a less savory part of his yard/terrain - get one of those energy counters so you can pay him for the electricity you use, and tell him you'll help him out with any such fab needs he may have. Regardless, my point was that people can't seem to turn off their stupid social media these days - in any situation. It's like they have brain damage. People are making fun of you online? Look away, take a walk. I had to deal with plenty of that s in person and learn how to handle it. I'm convinced people keep themselves so bored that it's literally more fun for them to get bullied online than to do literally anything else. Just find something to do, maybe find a metalworking shop with cool people, tell them you wanna do it for free just to learn if you have time, or look for an internship/apprenticeship so you can get some money while you learn. If you know people you may find a friend of a friend has an uncle with his own shop and things may work out well. Even if you're useless and plan on staying useless, just close the facebook/twitter tab and go watch a movie or play a game. Jeez.
@@marcustruman1015 and also, do you think most kids back then just up and had had workshops or budgets or shop classes?
You're doing this on a budget, who cares what people think. You said you were going to build one from the ground up later, so this one is just a practice run. Love the video my friend and God Bless...
I think maybe some of the frustration comes from all the promised builds that have made no progress. I think lots of people would love to see you actually build one of the things you've been promising for months. The Diesel truck, the Tacoma, the Gladiator, the TJ. We are all waiting for these, but we keep getting these videos of other random things. The full build of the Disco was my favorite group of videos. Don't fall into the trap that happened with the Liberty, where you made huge awesome promises, then had to bail. You don't have to promise us 40s on everything, just get building on them.
So pumped for this i was planning on building exactly what your doing and i never though to use an axle from a truck I was stuck figuring out how to make the stock axle work. I was gonna use the same wheels i have on my fj for bonus spares.
This looks great so far man, love the recycling aspect of all this!!
Nate, thank you for another awesome and inspiring build series! I appreciate you skill, humility, and out front honesty to all things fabrication and offroad. Keep it up and know that your willingness to share and inspire is a huge benefit to this community and beyond. Absolutely awesome stuff coming from your channel and I look forward to all your future plans, builds and adventures.
I have never seen you build anything that is not creative! Keep it up, I enjoy all your ideas..
Super excited to watch this project come to life. The seam being up on the receiver tubing of that tongue will bother me the whole time though 😂 favorite off-road channel hands down!
I had old jet ski and trailer. Trailer now goes camping.
Nice
Build build build. Your happy place is also my happy place. Keep up the positive energy and awesome builds.
Great video. Don't listen to the negative comments. There will always be a lot of people out there that will hate on something you do. I think this was a great idea using a Harbor Freight trailer. There are a ton of old Harbor Freight trailers kicking around out there. The average person that has a few extra bucks already spent it on there rid. It is awesome you are using recycled materials. It gets people to think outside the box. Please keep up the awesome work. As you know you have a ton of fans.
This is cool as hell man. Added to my bucket list for when I get my xj near completion. Good work.
I haven't looked forward to a video as much as this one in a long time. Very nice! I actually have one of these trailers I might do this to 😎
I love that you put it together with parts on hand and a harbor freight trailer starter :)
Oh...I forgot to say...this is the build I have been waiting for. Thanks for starting it.