Old utility trailer, worth it?

I would buy a new trailer in a heartbeat if it was in the family budget, it's really tight right now, kids in college and other things.

So I was walking by my neighbors house with the hounds the other day and they ran up his drive to play with his dog that was out. Anyway we get to chatting and he ends up giving me this old utility trailer sitting under a bush in his drive, I didn't even see it till he pointed it out, it had been sitting there since 2001. Whaddya think, would you use it? The wood is still OK though it's on it's last legs. I got the wheels off, new ones are about $50 a piece. Thing is, it won't tow level with the hitch that's on my SUV and the hitch is rusted in place in the receiver.

 

The dogs are wondering why it isn't hoked up to the hitch.
Looks to be in fairly good shape. I'd hook it up and drag it home.
Take a wire wheel to the wheels and repaint, and same with the frame if you don't like the rust.
You might consider getting some new u-bolts, and greasing the bearings too. Take it home.
That would make a nice little wood hauler.

 

Shoot yeah I'd use it. The floor is cheap and easy enough to replace, when you need to. +1 on greasing the bearings (easy to do but easy to over tighten/smoke the bearings if you've never done it, ask if needed). I wouldn't worry too much about it not sitting level. Towing may unseize the hitch. Nice find, your car will thank you for it.

 

Get a drop hitch ball setup to help it sit more level. 20 bucks.

 

I'd take it in a heartbeat! It will clean up fine.

Greg

 

Check around for a receiver that will elevate the hitch point - you might be able to flip your current one over.
The axel will probably need bearings ~$30-70 if you add grease relief fittings - easy DIY to knock the races out with an oversized socket.
The cancer on the axel shaft is marginal, just bang the C-clamps with a hammer and make sure they are sturdy, those would come off with a flame wrench if required

 

Try putting a chain around the hitch and a heavy sling around a tree. Lube the chit outta the receiver and give a tug. When you put it back in use a little anti seize. Towing may or may not break it loose. We had to beat a friend of mines out from the back once.

 

Kroil or a mixture of 50/50 acetone and transmission fluid, spray soak and BFH

 

Pb blaster your insert, then do the chain around a tree as mentioned, bfh, or just back it into a nice hard rock or concrete wall.

Definitely grease the bearings with those little 8" wheels. Get a spare tire also if it didn't have one.

 

Heck that's a great free trailer the deck is in good shape all it needs is a little spit and polish.
Good suggestions here.
I had a hitch stuck in the receiver on my Tahoe I thought I was never going to get it out, I did get it out by lubing it and beating on it.
Don't give up easy, keep at it, chances are very good it will come out
Go out there with a hammer and knock it around a bit to break some of the rust loose, soak it down with PB Blaster liquid wrench or transmission fluid mixture wait for a day, soak it down again and try to get it out, if beating on it doesn't work, hook a heavy chain to it and snap the chain hard tell it comes out , if that doesn't work,, soak it down some more and hook the chain to a tree.
If that doesn't work heat it up good and try it again

I was just wondering why do you need new wheels or do you just need new tires?
Like everyone has said check out those bearings repack or replace them

 

Kroil FTW!!!!!!

I had a hitch stuck in my grand Cherokee's receiver. It was crusty. I swore it would never come out. Kroil, and towing my 3000lb ski boat over a bumpy road freed it.

 

Kids in college and five dogs eeek. That will dig a deep hole into anyone's pocket. But, heck yes, take the trailer and fix it up. You know you will do it right before you put it on the road working.

 

I read the acetone ATF mixture is significantly superior to anything else tested. Forget where I saw that. Kroil, PB Blaster are also good. Mouse Milk is great, but pricey, overkill for what you are doing. Liquid Wrench is cheapest, but often effective.

Greg

 

Hey wait a minute!
I think I have a couple of eight inch trailer wheels and tires, taking up space, if they are what you need you can have them for shipping.
If you end up having to buy new ones I would go bigger, might have to fudge your fenders though, but maybe not

 

+1
Oh yea , one more thought, if it don't move at all with a big hammer, check for welds

Free is good, put it on CL for $150 if you end up no wanting it .

Gross Vehicle Weight (weight of trailer & load) 2000 lbs.
Several thing it can be used for:
around the yard at the least
semi repaired & licensed, can haul lots of wood & "STUFF" .

I'd put some time & a little money into it. new bearings & some rustoleum primer & paint, hitch & lights.
What's one cost similar at Lowes & HD ? Looks like 5' X 6" 1600 max load.

Fun project & has a lot of potential for someone who needs a trailer

 

Wow, lots of helpful comments and suggestions, even offers of tires! What a great place FHC is!

The trailer is mine, sitting in my yard, just trying to decide what to do, will keep you updated.

 

DaveGunter,
Good decision. the price is right and as bogydave says, If you see it ain't working out put it on c-list for $100-$150.
keep us posted on the progress.

 

I would do as he says. I would definitely do the bearings.

I would spay PB blaster all over that hitch and I would take a hammer and beat that hitch and if I needed get a big lunch and come at it from the back with a 5 pound sledge.

Or see if you could pull it out with another truck. Just dont load the strap up so that it it breaks free it slingshots back at the pull truck.