trailer suggestions .

[da prez]

  I am looking to purchase a cargo trailer. 12 or 14 foot dual axle  ,V nose, barn doors. Medium duty.
 I do not need a heavy duty nor do I want a Harry Homeowner trailer. I checked into rentals and decided , a purchase will better suit us. Our property up north will need the trailer for material hauling and storage. I have been looking at the fliers on trailers and everyone sells the best. I used to work on them as part of my job. I will consider used or new. The list is a wish list.

                             da prez

[six2go #152]

You need to take a Saturday road trip to the North Side of Elkhart,IN. On rte 19 you will find so many trailer sales it will make your head spin. If ya can't find something there, you're darn hard to please. 

[cookiedough]

You need to take a Saturday road trip to the North Side of Elkhart,IN. On rte 19 you will find so many trailer sales it will make your head spin. If ya can't find something there, you're darn hard to please. 

agree,  Indiana is where I went from WI all day of driving got factory direct pricing a NEW 7x23 enclosed  snowmobile trailer with ramp door front and back extra height, fully decked out inside with extras for 6600 out the door pricing.  Dealers around here in WI want for same trailer 7900 bucks, worth the drive to save a grand off new pricing, minus gas of course.

I do not think brand matters that much since they all claim they are the best, yada, yada, yada...

I would though get an aluminum framed one vs. steel frame if going to keep it more than a few years due to rust here in the midwest and also lightness, although loaded up with 2 ATVs is around 4500lbs.

[cookiedough]

  I am looking to purchase a cargo trailer. 12 or 14 foot dual axle  ,V nose, barn doors. Medium duty.
 I do not need a heavy duty nor do I want a Harry Homeowner trailer. I checked into rentals and decided , a purchase will better suit us. Our property up north will need the trailer for material hauling and storage. I have been looking at the fliers on trailers and everyone sells the best. I used to work on them as part of my job. I will consider used or new. The list is a wish list.

                             da prez

may I ask why BARN doors in back vs. flip down ramp door?  Never understood the reasoning behind one would want barn doors in back since can drive vehicles up the ramp door much, much easier.

[da prez]

I have some 16 foot and 18 foot material to haul.  Maybe I should just rent an open trailer or have those items delivered. I also have parking issues at some shows. I guess I will reconsider the door options. I am trying to do a fits all.

                         da prez

[Rams]

I have some 16 foot and 18 foot material to haul.  Maybe I should just rent an open trailer or have those items delivered. I also have parking issues at some shows. I guess I will reconsider the door options. I am trying to do a fits all.

                         da prez

My only advice would be to consider what the average or normal load is most likely to be, length, width and height and buy an appropriate trailer for that.   There's always going to be that load that comes along that's the exception.     I assure you, you can't build a shop big enough or get a trailer long or wide enough that will be perfect.      Have the really long or big stuff delivered.    The perfect trailer will handle 98% of the loads you will ever need to haul.    

Big trailers become a challenge for parking in the long term.   And, just as a reminder, once you have that trailer, you will become the local go to guy for all those folks who don't have a trailer and want to borrow yours.    Don't ask how I know this.......     Most of my trailers are goosenecks, most folks can't pull a gooseneck so, I don't get asked to loan them often......

[cookiedough]

sounds like my trailer being 7x23'' V-nose would be perfect in aluminum framing for that 7-8K range.

I looked at a used 7x16' aluminum trailer with no ramp door in front like mine,  locally in pretty good shape over 10 years old and sort of used regularly and he would not budge off 5.5K so decided to buy new for under 7K and glad I did since like you say,  there will always be that one time you will need that extra 2-3 feet to haul more or longer items inside.  

Is 18 feet long square and another 5 foot V-nose in front tapered down so really only 21 feet long tops for any decent storage that last 2-3 feet in front V-nose is almost useless width wise.  Dealer in Indiana told me to go 23 foot vs. 21 foot I wanted since most get 23 foot since ONLY 200 bucks more in price to get is all so glad I did that even though as you say,  parking 23 feet plus 2 feet tongue in front plus 19 foot truck is a PAIN in the BUTT to park but I like the skinnier width being 7 feet vs. 8 feet wide.  I have popped a few curbs with rear tire luckily doing no damage to the fender wells while making normal road turns that are sort of a sharp turn like into gas stations being the biggest pain in the butt.  I have to find semi-trucker gas stations since normal local gas stations do not work very well that I found out.  A 1/2 ton truck pulls it pretty well about 2900lbs. dry weight but loaded down with ATV's etc. inside is about 4600lbs. which can feel the weight but not too bad needing trailer brakes here in WI for anything over 3500lbs. total in weight required by law.  I could get by without them am sure, but much over 4500lbs. trailer brakes am sure do help some.  Unloaded at near 3000 lbs. I can pull with my mid sized SUV V6 but suspension sort of sags on the SUV since not a truck 1/2 ton frame underneath.
  
Yah,  as soon as I got my new trailer, the old feller up the street who just moved in asked me to borrow my brand NEW trailer to help him move his items to his new house just built up the street.  I declined since his cousin, the RICH  house builder  up the street who built his house, has all kinds of trailers to borrow am sure so go ask relatives vs. neighbors NEVER met him before.  Glad I declined since am sure would have come backed wrecked or damaged of some kind as well after finding out more about him that he is annoying and has money to burn so go buy his own fricking trailer.  He even asked my nice older neighbor widowed lady up the street whom I shovel her driveway to move in with her until his house is built.  Takes some NERVE to ask A STRANGER even if NEW neighbors to move into their house and even borrow a new 7K trailer of mine.  NO THANKS...  

I have a cycle and 2 ATVs stored inside the trailer and some other larger items so is like a one car garage is nice to have for DRY storage if nothing else.  A 7K trailer 7x23 is probably just as cheap as to build a ONE car garage, plus more versatile to move stuff since in May have to bring up to daughters college to haul stuff from dorm to her house sharing with college roommates stuff as well.

You will find out by looking at craigslist that used 5-10 year old aluminum framed trailers like mine are still going for over 6K in price so buying new for even 8K is worth it unless the used trailer is mint condition which most are not.  i got mine factory direct from Indiana mfg. who makes them at the plant and got extras inside so you may be able to get one closer now to that 7K range new.  ONLY thing I wish I would have done is spend the extra money and got instead of leaf spring suspension the dexter axles that give you more clearance underneath and supposedly better ride quality but the ride does not bother me with leaf springs, but have scraped the leaf spring bolts underneath since only like 4 inches ground clearance on inside of tires where leaf springs bolts are hanging down. 

[Avanti]

....     Most of my trailers are goosenecks, most folks can't pull a gooseneck so, I don't get asked to loan them often......

Fifth wheel and or gooseneck trailers can also be turned around in a smaller space. But you need to be aware that the trailer wheels track to the inside of the towing vehicle in a turn. I prefer a fifth wheel over a bumper pull as long as I do not need the truck bed as other space.

[da prez]

I am familiar with trailers and driving and not putting anyone down. I drove truck and oversize loads. I am looking for what brand and quality. Used is no problem except value for the dollar. At auctions , I have seen trailers bought for what a new one would cost. I know the suspension brands , and with our property up north , I need the ground clearance.

             da prez

[MarkT]

I have some 16 foot and 18 foot material to haul.  Maybe I should just rent an open trailer or have those items delivered. I also have parking issues at some shows. I guess I will reconsider the door options. I am trying to do a fits all.

                         da prez

My only advice would be to consider what the average or normal load is most likely to be, length, width and height and buy an appropriate trailer for that.   There's always going to be that load that comes along that's the exception.     I assure you, you can't build a shop big enough or get a trailer long or wide enough that will be perfect.      Have the really long or big stuff delivered.    The perfect trailer will handle 98% of the loads you will ever need to haul.    

Big trailers become a challenge for parking in the long term.   And, just as a reminder, once you have that trailer, you will become the local go to guy for all those folks who don't have a trailer and want to borrow yours.    Don't ask how I know this.......     Most of my trailers are goosenecks, most folks can't pull a gooseneck so, I don't get asked to loan them often......

Interesting.  I have never been asked to borrow my pretty-new enclosed 7X20 trailer parked out in front.  Might be the caliber of neighbors - ranch country, many have their own such equipment, folks around here are self-sufficient and mind their own business.  I'd have to turn them down anyway because I've learned not to loan equipment since borrowers seem to not respect other's stuff, and it's not just a trailer - it's George's home.  George is the red trophy bike below.  I'm not running a rental business here - I make my living with my equipment.  I don't lend - or borrow. Unless it's from a rental business.  And then - generally their rental price is nearly half the purchase price, so it's just not a good deal for me.  I could buy it, use it for however long needed, sell it on Craig's list and be way ahead.  I used to have "partners" in my first big bike trailer.  I built it to haul up to 3 bikes. It was my first welding project to teach me MIG welding.  One of the 2 "partners" would always return it with significant damage - and w/o even offering to pay for it.  After the 4th time I kicked him out.  Paid him his share of the asset less the cost of the repairs.  He would always say, "I don't know how that happened - we came back to the trailer and there was the damage."  It was obvious the damage was caused by running into stuff, or forgetting to retract the corner support posts.  His teenage son cranked the bike's wheels THROUGH the 15/16" outdoor plywood deck by overtorquing the ratchet straps.  They didn't know how that happened either.  And he was ostensibly a "Christian", always going on about Jesus this and Jesus that.  His wife had cancer, was in the hospital.  He once said she had "gone home" - I said hey that's great, glad to hear it.  He said, she had "gone home to Jesus".  And this guy was saying these lies about the trailer in front of his son.

Have no suggestions on brand/price.  I like mine; it has the ramp back door, but it's single axle so is lighter, can pull with 160hp Exploder, doesn't require brakes, but has less load capacity.  Also costs much less than tandem axle.  Is perfect for George to live in and get hauled to pavement.

Oops.  My trailer is quite a bit smaller.  My rememberer has a bug I guess. The box is 6X14, and tapered in front.

[cookiedough]

for about the same price 7-8K as an inline 7x23 snowmobile trailer,   my 2nd choice or even possibly first choice if needing better ground clearance,  still fully enclosed, and lighter as well,  I would go this route.

https://madison.craigslist.org/trb/d/side-by-side-4-place/6532572708.html

I was going to get one of these but decided against the extra 1 foot wideness fitting alongside my house, but pretty sure even a cycle with windshield would fit inside fully enclosed, just have to duck your head some walking around is all.  It also being tons lighter and better ground clearance to me sounds like the best all around useful enclosed trailer out there that fits the most needs.

And YES,  good used aluminum framed trailers even 10 years old are darn near going for full retail pricing, or at least asking price.  When I bought mine, the mfg. says every single year the price of aluminum keeps going up and so do their prices about 200 bucks on each unit every single year.  To save 1-2 grand tops used on something you will probably keep the rest of your life seems foolish not just to buy new in case you have any unforseen issues in first 1-2 years can take to dealer to fix for free.

I do not buy into the hype of one trailer mfg. is built better than the next whether RnR, United, Haulmark, Ameralite, Forest River, and the list goes on and on.  Get best pricing possible since one dealer can be 100's more than the next dealer down the road. If can get factory direct though mostly in Indiana, is usually 100s, if not up to 1 grand,  cheaper as well. 

[Rams]

I have some 16 foot and 18 foot material to haul.  Maybe I should just rent an open trailer or have those items delivered. I also have parking issues at some shows. I guess I will reconsider the door options. I am trying to do a fits all.

                         da prez

My only advice would be to consider what the average or normal load is most likely to be, length, width and height and buy an appropriate trailer for that.   There's always going to be that load that comes along that's the exception.     I assure you, you can't build a shop big enough or get a trailer long or wide enough that will be perfect.      Have the really long or big stuff delivered.    The perfect trailer will handle 98% of the loads you will ever need to haul.    

Big trailers become a challenge for parking in the long term.   And, just as a reminder, once you have that trailer, you will become the local go to guy for all those folks who don't have a trailer and want to borrow yours.    Don't ask how I know this.......     Most of my trailers are goosenecks, most folks can't pull a gooseneck so, I don't get asked to loan them often......

Interesting.  I have never been asked to borrow my pretty-new enclosed 7X20 trailer parked out in front.  Might be the caliber of neighbors - ranch country, many have their own such equipment, folks around here are self-sufficient and mind their own business.  I'd have to turn them down anyway because I've learned not to loan equipment since borrowers seem to not respect other's stuff..............

Well shoot, I didn't know you had one.........    Is it in use the second and third week of June?   

Could be a lot of different reasons or, a combination of the above, can't say but mine no longer get loaned out.   Have had it happen too many times, damaged trailer, flat or blown tires, lights or wiring screwed up, bent tongues, fenders torn off.   Loaned one out one time and it came back crushed from being run over by a semi.    It seems the borrower's ball broke and the safety chains were not in use, the trailer changed lanes directly into the path of an oncoming 18 wheeler.   The borrower couldn't afford to fix what was left.    That was the last time I loaned one out.    I blame myself, should have known better.

[f6john]

Ron, it’s always a good idea to carry extra bearings, hubs, grease, cotter pins etc too!

[Rams]

Ron, it’s always a good idea to carry extra bearings, hubs, grease, cotter pins etc too!

Yes John, would be nice to carry extra axles and tires to.  Not just one but multiple spares.   Unfortunately, I need some space for the load.  

Edited:  Yeah, I've experienced a few challenges trailering over the years but, the difference is, it was my trailer.     Sometimes it's the trailer, other times it's the truck or, the winch, straps or even the load but, I've never screwed up another man's equipment.

Check your email.

Rams

[MNBill]

I bought a 7x14 Stealth v-nose all aluminum with a ramp door and torsion axles. I added a cabinet in the front, went to the local junkyard got an RV fuse box and a converter.  I added air on the roof and wired it for 110, 12 volts, TV and a car type in dash stereo. Two wheel chocks for bikes and I now have a trailer that I sleep in (air mattress), store my bikes in and transport my bikes. It is still small and light enough I can push it around on cement with two bikes in it. Stealth was cheaper and the only issue I have found it the fenders over the tandems are flimsy, not strong enough to sit/stand on. 

[cookiedough]

I bought a 7x14 Stealth v-nose all aluminum with a ramp door and torsion axles. I added a cabinet in the front, went to the local junkyard got an RV fuse box and a converter.  I added air on the roof and wired it for 110, 12 volts, TV and a car type in dash stereo. Two wheel chocks for bikes and I now have a trailer that I sleep in (air mattress), store my bikes in and transport my bikes. It is still small and light enough I can push it around on cement with two bikes in it. Stealth was cheaper and the only issue I have found it the fenders over the tandems are flimsy, not strong enough to sit/stand on. 

that is what I want to do sort of and be able to sleep in it with air mattresses and sleeping bags, but probably buy a generator instead.  Wife does not like that idea wants a hotel instead darn it...   Would save a ton on hotel bills....

[Jess from VA]

Wife does not like that idea wants a hotel instead darn it... Would save a ton on hotel bills....

Get a Microtel sign for the trailer and put a mint on the air mattress.  

Sorry.

I've done these kind of calculations too.  I would want the trailer for all it can do, rather than a bunch of spendy motel rooms only for a place to sleep myself Cookie.  There is no return or investment on motel expenses (though a happy wife can be worth ... everything).

But if the trailer would cost $2000, you will only save money on motel rooms after spending $2000 on motel rooms first.  (not counting all the other things a trailer can do for you of course)

[cookiedough]

Wife does not like that idea wants a hotel instead darn it... Would save a ton on hotel bills....

Get a Microtel sign for the trailer and put a mint on the air mattress.  

Sorry.

I've done these kind of calculations too.  I would want the trailer for all it can do, rather than a bunch of spendy motel rooms only for a place to sleep myself Cookie.  There is no return or investment on motel expenses (though a happy wife can be worth ... everything).

But if the trailer would cost $2000, you will only save money on motel rooms after spending $2000 on motel rooms first.  (not counting all the other things a trailer can do for you of course)

shower and bathroom would be nice though is only thing a hotel has that sleeping in a trailer does not, but if only for 1 night, can get by without showering and there is enough public places for a bathroom except that dire emergency needing one ASAP of course...

[scooperhsd]

Get a portapotty for the middle of the night

[cookiedough]

Get a portapotty for the middle of the night

or a 5 gallon bucket with a hole cut on top of the plastic lid....

neither one will the wife go for am sure....

Say, this just popped up somewhat locally but am sure is bigger than you want as well as guessing steel framed vs. aluminum and heavy as heck to pull around and massive.  One of those things on used trailers would have to go see to inspect but being 2010 unless used heavily,  should be in pretty good shape.

Not sure I would want to pull it around a lot though and ground clearance will be an issue on uneven pavement.  I come VERY close to scraping the back of my 7x23 inline snowmobile trailer everytime I pull it out of my inclined driveway which is not that steep of an incline.  It would make a good storage trailer though if left on even pavement sure beats building a big one car garage for 1/2 the price.

https://madison.craigslist.org/tro/d/24-foot-trailer-car-carrier/6554628946.html

[cookiedough]

just noticed this one not too bad price a little older but if in good shape even though metal framed,  would do the trick I think under 4 grand.  Probably can get it for 3500 or so one would hope?

https://madison.craigslist.org/snw/d/haulmark-enclosed-snowmobile/6550072175.html

[da prez]

The one in Baraboo is interesting for the price. I'll have to go check it out.  Thank you. I am still looking tho.

              da prez

[cookiedough]

The one in Baraboo is interesting for the price. I'll have to go check it out.  Thank you. I am still looking tho.

              da prez

I agree, not bad priced since has finished ceilings and plywood sides on the inside as long as the metal/steel frame is in good shape not too terribly rusted and no visual leaks inside or out and the floor decking is solid,  3500-3800 seems like a good deal vs. buying new for 7 grand or so.   Color is not too much of an issue as long as you can deal with white.  It is about how long you would want it guessing 10 feet plus 5 foot v-nose inside,  taller height underneath, not too big nor too small, and dual axle.  Only thing I wish it had was aluminum frame vs. steel frame.

Baraboo is only near 2 hours from the IL border so not too far to check it out one weekend.  One thing I have found out though that if used trailers are in good shape and decent priced, they sell quickly.

[RudyF6]

With so many variables in construction and features, I would only add that you may want to look at the roof style. Had a flat roof snowmobile trailer, always had puddles or ice in the dips between supports. Usually had a leak or 2 every couple years. My friends with rounded roof caps never had trouble with that.

[MNBill]

A friend of mine got a good deal on a snowmobile trailer that was used. After he replaced 4 rusty electric brakes it was not a good deal anymore. Remember to check the brakes as well as the underside... these trailers are used in heavy salt and snow.

[da prez]

  I am not looking for a snow mobile trailer. I rent sleds if I want one. I need a trailer for moving furniture and construction material. The one in Baraboo was gone before I was able to contact them. I like the info , and still looking. Today I will go to a local dealer to have a financial shock. I want to do the ground work. Next week end , a trip to Indiana.

                                                da prez

[cookiedough]

sorry about the one in Baraboo WI,  am sure it sold ASAP since like I said,  before I bought mine new from Indiana factory direct,  good used trailers snatched up ASAP within days.  Almost have to take off work same day or next to buy it otherwise by the weekend they are gone.  They are out there used in good shape, but I got sick of looking so also bit the bullet buying new from Ameralite factory direct in Indiana some 6+ hour drive away or so just to save about 1 grand off local trailer dealers.

At least buying new you get what you want and if so,  get aluminum framed not only holds value better in the long run, but no rust, or at least not on the aluminum part anyways.  Also at 7x23' size trailer being mid-sized or slightly bigger than average,  weight becomes a factor pulling with 1/2 ton truck so aluminum is way to go IMO.

good luck!!

[MarkT]

For those looking to camp in their trailer - here's a sleeping mattress intended for camping but it's absolutely the best there is.  Far better than an air mattress.  Far better than most beds.  I got one for our Timeout camper.  I'm a big believer in sleeping well and you can't beat this one.  It's also the most expensive.  Worth it.  It's self inflating then you top it off.  To pack it away I use an electric inflator by Coleman to suck the air back out.  If you are camping next to your truck, no problem with that.  BTW I don't recommend shopping at REI they are doing anti-2A stuff lately.  I bought mine from a kayak supply company.

Read the reviews.

Oh forgot to mention.  This is the queen-size one.  It's also available in single, considerably cheaper.  And there's a kit to fasten two singles together.

The REI version is green.  The kayak one is orange.

https://www.rei.com/product/113720/exped-megamat-duo-10-sleeping-pad?cm_mmc=aff_AL-_-38931-_-52463-_-NA&avad=52463_a11aae38d

I bought the mat from austinkayak.com - got a good discount by signing up for their spam which took the price down 15% IIRC.  Still spendy, but what a great sleeping mat!  You can set it's firmness easily and no coldness penetrates the mat.  Makes for a great sleep!

Here's the mat at the Kayak place where I got it.  Still has the 15% discount.

https://www.austinkayak.com/products/23449/Exped-SynMat-Duo-Sleeping-Pad-Orange.html

You can find a lot of other places with reviews on this mat as well.  Amazon I think.  Just google it.  Or duckduckgo if like me you avoid google's data mining.