Next trailer purchase

[Flyin6]

So, I find myself in the market for a new cargo trailer. The primary load I need to carry are two things I just purchased which look to be around 8' ea in length. I need to post the exact dimensions, but since they have not yet been delivered, I can't measure me-self.

Each one weighs around 1,700 lbs, 3400 total and lets throw in another 500 for good measure, so just under 4K will get it done.

The other thing I need it to do is carry my mower around which is probably under a ton, and to haul stacks of boards around after I mill them up on the saw mill.

The local dealer and my last three trailers have been BigTex and all have worked gloriously.

I want it to be sub $3K if possible so I can continue to eat this month ;-))

What do you knuckleheads have to say?

[dave945]

I’m looking forward to seeing which toys you bought. If you are running out of garage space up there at the casa, I’ve got a few garage stalls available.  :)


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[Flyin6]

This is a pretty good approximation:

[dave945]

Those look fun, pondered getting one or two for the kids as well. Is that where you were heading Saturday morning?  I had a Don sighting on 75 south just below Crittenden.


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[Flyin6]

Those look fun, pondered getting one or two for the kids as well. Is that where you were heading Saturday morning?  I had a Don sighting on 75 south just below Crittenden.


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Dave- Korrekt! Off to a great weekend in the mountains and forest.

Near my sisters house is a natural waterfalls with a rocky ledge and a good sized plunge pool. It's 33 feet straight down and the kids all took the "plunge"

We went wheeling in the daniel boone, ate until we couldn't, slept in a cabin, played with dogs, watched horses and generally mixed it all up with family.

There was a BLM sign in Berea...which someone had taken a knife to! Man, gotta love the Kintuckee!

[Bigdave_185]

Don I’d tell you buy and enclosed trailer.  Storage plus function.  Keeps them out of the elements, you will also be able to sleep in it if needed

I have ever more hated hauling open trailers.  Everyone sees your load, neighbors make judgments, people ask to borrow what they can see


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[Bigdave_185]

The google also says your length is a little over 123 inches


Don’t forget you add bumpers which increase length usually


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[Flyin6]

The google also says your length is a little over 123 inches


Don’t forget you add bumpers which increase length usually


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Holy frikkin tamole!
10' ea!!!!!!!
OK, I am still getting over the shock of buyin' need to catch ma breath and seriously consider this trailer. Enclosed could work...

[Flyin6]

Yep, the specs say 123" length. I wonder where it is???

Take a look at the pic. 87" wheel base and tires are darn near at the corners.

[Bigdave_185]

Can’t open on mobile phone


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[Atkinsmatt]

Bad thing if you go enclosed is a lot more hand loading of the lumber.

[Bigdave_185]

Bad thing if you go enclosed is a lot more hand loading of the lumber.

He has a dump trailer for that stuff


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[Flyin6]

Yea, so I seem to have reached a "Y" in the road of my life. Sitting at a point where a lot more of it is in the rear view mirror and anticipating road bumps in the remaining time. I am beginning to realize I am not 30 anymore.

I have been rethinking my life and what I realistically can and want to do.

What does that mean?? Well, I think I realize I cannot build the ponderosa out of my farm without incurring a couple lifetimes of work, so I am going to really downsize the scope of that. I think I'll pay someone to throw up a pole barn to park stuff in and make a tool room there. With that done, I can convert my "Shed" into a pretty roomy small cabin.

I won't need a dump trailer, 16K big to do that, so I think I'll put that up for sale. If I just get a 20 foot equipment trailer I can carry most everything, even firewood, so that's what I'll do there. Gravel will be from dump-trucks from now on.

And as for the big excavator, I'm going to sell that too. I need to fix that upper cylinder, but with that done, I'll send it on its way.

I'll likely sell off one of the John Deere, or scrap it since once the green paint falls off it will likely melt in place...I no longer like Deere at all. I'll keep the big Deere and call it a day. I just gave away one of my bush hogs and will keep the rest of the implements.

My truck can tow everything so we are scrutinizing the Suburban. Likely, I will not sell it, simply because I have SOOO much invested in it. But I am selling the topper from the Duramax truck and will install a steep cage/hoop instead to hold Kyacks or the roof top tent. It is looking possibly like I use the truck to tow the Hondas, and let her tow the camper with the Suburban. But I have noted that a ZR2 could easily tow the camper as well.

Having driven the silverado way (like WAAY) back into the daniel boone forest, I find it very off road capable. It could get me way deep into anything wide enough. So that truck becomes the number one truck as far as priorities go. The burb is about to undergo it's final test (Of my patience) I purchased the Flex-a-lite silverado electric fan kit and will trash that unreliable stock junk and install the 37" tires which are sitting in my driveway. With that done, it should be rock solid, with 5600 CFM of fan capacity it is more than is needed for an 8.1 gasser. The tires will cut the RPM some, so if I'm happy with where that lands, its a keeper. If not, it may go bye-bye

We are looking at purchasing a super-C class RV built on an international truck chassis with a truck diesel and spending some time adventuring, dragging something like the 4-runner or a jeep. That will take away time I would have used building everything and servicing everything else.

[Bigdave_185]

Sounds like you’ll have extra $$ to buy a enclosed trailer and a flat trailer for equipment.


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[Flyin6]

Sounds like you’ll have extra $$ to buy a enclosed trailer and a flat trailer for equipment.


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Yea, will have the $$$, but do I want to spend it???

We're talking about which direction we should head off on

[Bigdave_185]

Enclosed trailer all day long for valuable equipment!


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[Flyin6]

Enclosed trailer all day long for valuable equipment!


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She likes the idea, I am considering it

[Bigdave_185]

If you get a 20 you have a place you can store both, they are locked in a parking lot, the helmets can be stored in a shelf, fuel is stored and secured, things don’t blow out of a closed trailer either.  Plus all season they are not being used they have a mobile shed to keep them in instead of mommas garage spot or out in the elements to weather

Here in Utah it’s a winter thing, I push the mowers into the trailer, the garden tiller, the non winter used items.
Out of site out of mind

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[Flyin6]

If you get a 20 you have a place you can store both, they are locked in a parking lot, the helmets can be stored in a shelf, fuel is stored and secured, things don’t blow out of a closed trailer either.  Plus all season they are not being used they have a mobile shed to keep them in instead of mommas garage spot or out in the elements to weather

Here in Utah it’s a winter thing, I push the mowers into the trailer, the garden tiller, the non winter used items.
Out of site out of mind

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Yea, all that makes sense. I think I'd need a 22 though. Looking at these things, at 123+ inches that's like a tad over 20.5 feet.

I have been chatting it up with the Kat. Murphy bed, high cabinets, floor like yours, a couple winders and a gun port or two...Done!

[KensAuto]

Agree with Dave on that one (did I just say that?). My ranger stays in the trailer. Don't have anywhere else to put it under cover.
They're just so useful. Ask my daughters and family about saved moving expenses. :rollseyes

[Flyin6]

located so far:

https://www.trailersuperstore.com/shop/homesteader-8-5-x-24-enclosed-car-trailer-extended-tongue/


seems that the 22' units are hard to find, but a 24' is mo-easilyer to lokate

[Flyin6]

Agree with Dave on that one (did I just say that?). My ranger stays in the trailer. Don't have anywhere else to put it under cover.
They're just so useful. Ask my daughters and family about saved moving expenses. :rollseyes

OK, numba two for da enklosed traileer

[Bigdave_185]

located so far:

https://www.trailersuperstore.com/shop/homesteader-8-5-x-24-enclosed-car-trailer-extended-tongue/


seems that the 22' units are hard to find, but a 24' is mo-easilyer to lokate

If you went 26-28 you could keep a bed up front.   
Make sure you get heavy axles and your damn tractors can go inside or better haul a vehicle.   

I don’t let folks borrow mine for moving Ken. The last borrow cost me lots of time. Won’t do that again.   

But it’s hauled trucks, cars, jeeps and sxs and snowmobiles and the neighbors case and my whole home. It’s handy


Don.  Make sure you get the extra height unit so if you get larger tires the sxs still goes in the ramp

Verify for an RV style door latch on the man door so it locks from inside and so you can’t get locked in the trailer on accident. two roof vents are better then one, upgrade interior lights.  And if you order they can cut windows in for you at the factory

Call if you don’t understand any of that word vomit


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[KensAuto]

I don't lend mine out either Dave, that's the problem, I went with the trailer on those moving jobs.
Glad you mentioned the height thing.

Don, really pay attention to that. Those side by sides won't fit in some of those standard height trailers.
Second thing is try to get a v-nose.
The reason I got my dmax is because my old 1/2 ton would barely pull my 20 footer because of wind resistance, even though the trailer is pretty light for it's size... even the diesel notices it above 60mph.

[Bigdave_185]

I like the V for the almost free storage. They don’t count that in measuring length.   Square box is the measuring length and the V is cheddar


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[JR]

I would go enclosed and longer too. Mostly for what everyone has listed above. Nice toys, like 100hp?

Heavier axles too. If you need a couple/3 pallets of something you will see.

[wyorunner]

I too really liked owning our enclosed trailer, 18’ with a 2’ V nose. Pulled well behind the duramax. Pulled it 5-6k miles when we moved in 2014 from GA to AZ. We had it hooked on for about a month all over wyoming Utah Arizona. Then like others have said, great for storing things when they are not in season. We got a smokin deal on ours to, was something  like 3800.  We sold it for 2900 in 2015 when we were slated and later removed from a position outside the U.S.

[Flyin6]

Wow! This has been enlightening to say the least!

It is causing me to relook the whole thing and my thoughts for what I wanted or thought would suffice.

I was looking at a lightweight 20 foot car hauler where the aft SxS would hang over a bit, but still get me in something that is not too long. But most of you are crapping all over that argument and suggesting I get longer.

So I will set 24 foot as the shortest and look at 24-28 footers with a V-nose, HD axles, extra height and red.

I included "Red" because although the texas redneck has not weighed in, he eventually will and will recommend I buy something which is red.

;-))

[Flyin6]

So, Dave, how long is yours?

[wilsonphil]

 V nose is the way to go.

Invest in axle and wheel upgrades now. I recommend 16” wheels or better.  If you tow a lot 2ea spares for the trailer.  For awhile there were only chinaman tires available but I think Goodyear started making them in the US again

[stlaser]

Don, 36’ all aluminum gooseneck (exiss brand are REALLY nice)! 

[Bigdave_185]

Don mine is 24 with an additional 3’V   7 k axles and 8.5 wide.   Has a dove tail  also.

Hook onto one and take it for a drive before you buy.  Some I have pulled just simply don’t pull well and others just glide right behind.   

Extra length hitch is nice also so you can get into the bed of the truck too


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[Bigdave_185]

Let see

Running list to look for:

Axle rating
+ tire size
Man door RV style
24 foot length
Red in color
Extra length tongue

Anything else I am missing?


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[Bigdave_185]

They do Have a screwless(?) side panel version.     Instead of self tapping screws to hold the side panels on its magical and no screws.  I would suggest that option also.   My screws back out from time to time and I have also had some bust off.   

I’ll get a few links to put here

I know nothing of this brand trailer but it had screwless side panels.

https://www.bestchoicetrailers.com/all-inventory/enclosed-car-hauler/screwless-exterior





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[Flyin6]

Let see

Running list to look for:

Axle rating
+ tire size
Man door RV style
24 foot length
Red in color
Extra length tongue

Anything else I am missing?


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Added height, I think someone mentioned...

[Nate]

i have owned 3 different enclosed trailers all in the 28' length.  and all i can say is dont look at anything other than a wells cargo!  they are the oldest and still the best quality trailer manufacture in the US.  did i mention that when i bought the wells cargo one that i have now, i bought it directly from the factory in waco, tx.?  they also have 2 plants in indiana... https://wellscargo.com/plant-locations

with wells cargo, you can actually special order exactly what you want and the cost will be about the same as if you bought one off the lot....but you would have exactly what you want instead.

[JR]

I special ordered a 20ft from Ebay about 12 years ago. Was a great trailer. Glued panels, all LED, 8.5 wide, really anything you wanted. You could even order the metal spacing and size! It was 1/2 the price of anything local and I picked it up in Las Vegas which saved $$$. They only charged for the base trailer, all the options were totaled diff so way less taxes.

You can get name brand off ebay and save $$$ if you drive, this is a killer deal I think and it matches the Max.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/8-5X24-24Ft-Plus-18-V-Nose-Auto-Mobile-Enclosed-Cargo-Race-Car-Classic-Trailer/233634756059?hash=item3665b775db:g:cJUAAOSwgZteHIN4

[Bigdave_185]

i have owned 3 different enclosed trailers all in the 28' length.  and all i can say is dont look at anything other than a wells cargo!  they are the oldest and still the best quality trailer manufacture in the US.  did i mention that when i bought the wells cargo one that i have now, i bought it directly from the factory in waco, tx.?  they also have 2 plants in indiana... https://wellscargo.com/plant-locations

with wells cargo, you can actually special order exactly what you want and the cost will be about the same as if you bought one off the lot....but you would have exactly what you want instead.

I’d argue the wellscargo.   Knowing who they employ in the plant here in ogden. 

I’d make sure the wall studs are 16 centers, they were square tube not the Z channel and other then that they about are all the same.


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[Bob Smith]

i have owned 3 different enclosed trailers all in the 28' length.  and all i can say is dont look at anything other than a wells cargo!  they are the oldest and still the best quality trailer manufacture in the US.  did i mention that when i bought the wells cargo one that i have now, i bought it directly from the factory in waco, tx.?  they also have 2 plants in indiana... https://wellscargo.com/plant-locations

with wells cargo, you can actually special order exactly what you want and the cost will be about the same as if you bought one off the lot....but you would have exactly what you want instead.

I’d argue the wellscargo.   Knowing who they employ in the plant here in ogden. 

I’d make sure the wall studs are 16 centers, they were square tube not the Z channel and other then that they about are all the same.


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Dave, have you looked at the workforce the other guys are using to build trailers? Most companies pay by the units built, not hourly, which doesn't help quality control either. The pay isn't the greatest so the companies get the workforce darn cheap, the components cheap, then try to sell products for less than the other guy to keep sales going.   It is all about materials used and a darn good inspection before taking delivery.

[Bigdave_185]

I’m sure they are all bottom of the barrel fab guys. 

We had a anchor rip off the dump trailer last month. Zero weld penetration. Sad quality all around the world


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[JR]

Looking at my new PJ it is the same way as I posted. Just a few minutes with a grinder and trueing a few items would have made it that much better.

[Flyin6]

I will be purchasing someone's enclosed trailer when I sell my dump...or maybe I'll just purchase someone's trailer and keep the dump...???

Adding to the stuff is counter to the direction I wish to go

[JR]

My 1st run to the dump and I was glad I had it. Miss my 22ft, but the dump is great specially if you need to add gravel and not order 20 tons!

[stlaser]

I’ve owned a couple nice dump trailers, prior to owning one an older smart guy once told me to let the professionals haul stone. So I always have and do not regret it. I have hauled pea gravel and sand on occasion but that’s where I draw the line.

[Bob Smith]

Shawn, I agree with the rock hauling. Now if I only need a couple ton to freshen up the driveway or put in a small pad I will haul it.

[Bigdave_185]

I think the idea of hauling rock can be a wide range.  Rock /4’ boulders are another level.  Gravel?! All day long.   


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