Liberty Garden 712 Navigator Hose Reel Review: Worth It? (October 2026)
The Liberty Garden 712 Navigator suits a wall-mounted setup where you want the reel to rotate as you pull out the hose. It holds up to 125 ft of 5/8 in hose and has a storage tray, but mounting hardware and the garden hose are not included.
On this page (7 sections)
- The Liberty Garden 712 Navigator at a glance
- Is the 712's hose capacity enough?
- How does the 712 compare with other Liberty Garden reels?
- What should you check before mounting the 712?
- How do you attach a hose and avoid leaks?
- How should you wind and store hose on the reel?
- Who should choose the Liberty Garden 712?
The Liberty Garden 712 Navigator is a manual wall-mounted hose reel with a rotating carriage. It holds up to 125 ft of 5/8 in hose, includes a 5 ft leader hose and has a storage tray, while the garden hose and mounting hardware are separate.
The main reason to choose it over a basic fixed reel is the pull-up knob that lets you rotate the carriage and lock it in one of 8 positions. If you want a floor-standing reel or an automatic rewind, another style may fit better.
The Liberty Garden 712 Navigator at a glance
The 712 is a rotating wall reel for controlled manual hose storage. Its 18-gauge steel body has a bronze powder coat finish, and its carriage turns through 360 degrees when you lift the knob.
Liberty Garden 712 Navigator Reel: Best for a rotating wall mount
- Holds up to 125 ft of 5/8 in hose
- 360-degree rotating carriage
- 5 ft leader hose
- Storage tray
A manual wall reel with a rotating carriage that can be secured in one of 8 positions. It includes a 5 ft leader hose and a tray for frequently used tools and nozzles.
Pros
- Rotates through 360 degrees
- Can be secured in 8 positions
- Includes a 5 ft leader hose
- Storage tray keeps small tools close
Cons
- Garden hose is not included
- Mounting hardware is not included
- Needs a suitable wall mounting point
The storage tray holds frequently used tools and nozzles, while the 5 ft leader hose connects the reel to the water source. The garden hose and mounting hardware are not included, so plan for both before installation.
What the 712's rotating carriage changes
The rotating carriage lets you point the reel toward the direction you need to pull. That can be useful when a fixed reel would make the hose rub around a corner or pull across a narrow path.
The knob also lets you secure the carriage in one of 8 positions. You still need to choose a wall location that gives the hose a clear route across the yard.
This is a manual reel, so the rotating feature doesn't rewind the hose for you. If you're comparing reel types, our guide to garden hose reels explained covers wall, cart, crank and box designs.
Is the 712's hose capacity enough?
The 712 holds up to 125 ft of 5/8 in hose, which suits many home watering runs when the faucet and wall location are planned well. Measure the route from the reel to your farthest regular watering spot, including corners and slack for movement.
The included 5 ft leader hose adds reach between the reel and water source. It isn't part of the main garden hose capacity, so account for where the faucet sits when laying out the installation.
A hose that is too long can be harder to wind neatly and may crowd the reel. For a yard that needs more reach, compare reels designed for longer hose capacity and verify compatibility with your hose diameter.
The product information for the 709 alternative gives different capacity figures in its title and feature details. Check the manufacturer's current capacity guidance if that model is on your shortlist.
How does the 712 compare with other Liberty Garden reels?
The 712 stands out for its rotating carriage, while these alternatives focus on material, mounting flexibility or a simpler fixed wall setup. All four are manual reels, and none includes the main garden hose.
| Reel | Main distinction | Hose capacity | Placement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberty Garden 712 Navigator | 360-degree rotating carriage and storage tray | Up to 125 ft of 5/8 in hose | Wall mount |
| Liberty Garden 704 Cast Aluminum Wall Reel | Cast aluminum body and storage shelf | 125 ft of 5/8 in hose | Wall mount |
| Liberty Garden 708 Steel Wall Reel | Steel body and storage shelf | 125 ft of 5/8 in hose | Wall mount |
| Liberty Garden 709 Wall or Floor Reel | Rubber boots for floor placement | Up to 125 ft of 5/8 in hose in feature details | Wall or floor |
The 704 has cast aluminum construction and a shelf, while the 708 uses steel and also includes a shelf. The 709 adds the option to stand on the floor with its rubber boots, so it can work where a wall mount isn't practical.
For a wider comparison across styles, see our guide to best hose reels for different yards. If you want to compare brand-specific alternatives, our VEVOR vs Giraffe hose reel comparison covers two retractable options.
What should you check before mounting the 712?
Check the wall material, mounting point and hose route before installing the wall-mounted 712. The mounting hardware is not included, so the fasteners need to match the wall and the reel's mounting points.
Choose a location where the reel can turn without hitting a window, downspout or nearby corner. Then check that the hose can reach the areas you water without crossing a door or a main walking path.
The reel arrives assembled, with the handle needing attachment. Read the assembly and installation instructions, and use fasteners suited to the surface rather than choosing them by appearance alone.
Our guide to mounting a hose reel to brick or stone explains the extra care needed for masonry. For other wall and post setups, use the steps in how to install a hose reel.
How do you attach a hose and avoid leaks?
Connect the garden hose to the reel's brass swivel water connection, then check the joint for leaks before winding the hose fully. The 90-degree swivel is designed to help prevent hose damage as the reel turns.
The 712 has all-brass fittings and comes with a 5 ft leader hose. Make sure the connection is secure without forcing the threads, since cross-threading can damage a fitting and cause a leak.
Turn on the water slowly and inspect each connection. If you see a drip, shut off the faucet and check the connection before use.
Follow our guide to attaching a hose to a hose reel without leaks for a careful connection sequence. If the leak appears at the inlet or along the hose, see how to fix a leaking hose reel.
How should you wind and store hose on the reel?
Wind the hose in even layers and keep it from crossing over itself, so the manual crank can take it up without binding. The 712's rotating carriage can help line the reel up with your pull direction before you wind.
Release pressure from the hose before storage and avoid sharp bends near the reel connection. Keep the frequently used tools and nozzles in the tray so they stay close, but don't overload it with items that could fall during rotation.
The reel stores the hose on the wall, but it doesn't enclose it in a box. If you want the hose hidden, compare the trade-offs in our guide to hose reels and hose racks.
Who should choose the Liberty Garden 712?
Choose the Liberty Garden 712 if you want a wall reel that turns toward your hose path and you plan to wind the hose manually. Its 125 ft capacity and 5 ft leader hose suit a measured route where the water source is near the mounting point.
Pick the 704 if cast aluminum construction is more important than a rotating carriage. The 708 is a fixed steel wall reel, while the 709 is the option here with floor placement as well as wall mounting.
The 712 is a weaker fit if you need automatic rewind, included mounting hardware or a reel that stands on the ground without wall mounting. Start with your placement and hose route, then compare the features that change your daily use.
For another rotating reel option, compare the Giraffe Tools hose reel review. If your decision is between manual and retractable storage, our guide to retractable vs manual hose reels lays out the difference.
Frequently asked questions
How much hose does the Liberty Garden 712 hold?
The Liberty Garden 712 Navigator is designed to hold up to 125 ft of 5/8 in garden hose, and the hose itself is not included. It comes with a separate 5 ft leader hose for connecting the reel to your water source.
Check your hose length and diameter before buying.
Does the Liberty Garden 712 rotate?
Yes. Pull up the knob to rotate the carriage through 360 degrees, then release it into one of 8 positions to secure it.
That lets you orient the reel toward the area where you're pulling hose, though the reel still needs a solid wall mounting point.
Does the Liberty Garden 712 come with mounting hardware?
No. The 712 comes fully assembled apart from attaching the handle, but mounting hardware is not included.
Choose fasteners that suit your wall material and the reel's mounting points, and check our guide to installing a hose reel on a wall or post before you start.
Is the Liberty Garden 712 automatic?
No. The 712 is a manual reel with an attachable crank handle, rather than an automatic rewind model.
You pull out and wind up the hose yourself, and the rotating carriage helps change the direction of the pull.
Compare it with automatic hose reels if you want spring-assisted rewinding.
