Buying a trailer, Input?

[jimmytee]

Buying a trailer.  Looking at a couple of new enclosed trailers. Horton Hauler Hybrid and a Freedom Trailer. Both manufactured in GA. Anyone have any input on which is better or experiences?

[Dave Ritsema]

You might want to ask Cookiedough... I know he has been doing quite a bit of research. I live in the trailer capital of the USA, Lots of choices here.

[cookiedough]

Sorry, never heard any of those 2.  Lots of good new trailers to pick from and most are perfectly fine am sure and similar. 

What I found out is you can save some dough (at least 4-500 bucks if not more depending on size of trailer) if you buy from a dealer very close to the mfg. plant and that dealer, probably a higher volume seller,  will tell you to go directly to the factory where they make them and to pickup there, not at the dealer.  Saves shipping costs for the dealer am sure.

I'm looking at a 7x16' dual axle enclosed trailer with 18" v-nose from Royal Cargo (or MTI) from Indiana, seems to be the mecca area of trailers, for 3600 where as in WI dealers are selling them for around 4200 or more. 

I priced out from same dealer a 6x14' single axle enclosed in hopes it would work and price was super low at 2325 vs. WI dealers same trailer over 3 grand.  If only my 2 ATV's were 8' long vs. 9' long being 2-up ATVs. 

I'm willing to drive 3-400 miles to save that kind of cash, 2 full tanks of gas now that gas is not 4 bucks per gallon.   

I'd suggest making sure you verify what you want inside will fit by trying them out if dealer is willing to let you just test them out in their lot. 

[R J]

If you are going to pull 2 items inside, go for a dual axle unit.

It will pull easier and will not bounce the inside units around that much.

There is a lot of  (B O U N C E)  in a single axle trailer, unless you have an Air-Ride suspension on it.

This is a full Air-Ride suspension on this trailer.    Plus the deck goes up and down via air suspension.   Twist a valve, deck lowers to the road, unload the bike and twist the lever back.  Air pump raises it back to travel height.

[jimmytee]

Thanks for the input guys. What I'm looking for is a single axle trailer. I understand the advantages of a dual axle trailer, but I'm trying to keep weight down considering what the towing vehicle is. A Honda Pilot. If I was using a V8 pickup or SUV , then a dual axle might be more of a consideration. I borrowed a friends 6 x 12 enclosed Freedom trailer last November. It pulled really well. So I'm looking in the 6 x10 or 6 x 12 sizes. Actually, the 6 x 10 would be just fine.  Locally, the 6 x10 they are asking $2700 brand new throwing in a spare wheel/tire. I have not priced the Horton Hauler yet. A place up in Louisville has the same size in a Homesteader for $2300. The guy with the Freedom trailers was all about the quality of the freedom trailers and named off a few other brands that he considered worthy contenders. He didn't have much good to say about the Homesteader line though. ??? He claimed they had inferior parts and construction. Looking them up on the web, all three brands are supposedly built in GA.   The guy with the Freedom trailers says he honors the warranty fully for 5 years, so that may be a consideration. I'm not opposed to driving some distance for a deal, if the deal is worth it. Where in Northern Indiana? I know that area has been a major RV hub, hadn't considered cargo trailers.
My main use for the trailer is the occasional cargo hauling needs,  and to haul one of my bikes when needed. This year to Inzane, it is looking like we'll be trailering. I would much prefer to ride, but our schedule and the spousal unit are wanting to use a trailer. SHe has never rode that far . Not sure how her mood would be after 1300 miles there , riding all week and 1300 miles home. She has to be on a flight on Monday following the trip to Inzane. We won't have time for delays from stormy weather and I don't want to be divorced after riding through 1300 miles of stormy weather.

[Dave Ritsema]

Elkhart IN is the trailer capital of the USA. I am about 20 minutes from there and my wife works in that industry, however her place makes full size RV's.

If you find something in Elkhart I would be happy to take a look at it for you, take you to dinner when you come and pick it up and put ya up for the night too if you need it. 

[jimmytee]

Thanks Dave, I'll take that into consideration.  Been a couple years since I was up that way. Last time was work related. Actually working on some HVAC in Elkhart. After that, ran a couple service calls in Michigan, City. I grew up, til the 6th grade anyways, 16 miles south of Laporte. I'll check the web and see what's advertised up there.

[Jess Tolbirt]

northern tools has enclosed trailers as well as lowes and home depot

[Atl-Jerry]

I bought my 6x12 V-nosed enclosed trailer a couple of years ago from Diamond Cargo here in middle Ga.  and picked it up from the factory.  I found one of their marketeers located in Fla thru ebay and "bought" thru them, thus saving sales tax.  Their only involvement was a 10 minute phone call,  they placed a sales order on the factory on my behalf, otherwise the factory doesn't deal directly with the public.  I paid $18xx, single axle, ramp door, side door, 6.5' interior, black to match the truck.  A couple of things I would do different are, .030" skin thickness and screwless exterior.  These greatly enhance the appearance.  They also offered floor tiedowns for $20 each, big mistake not to take them since they add an attachment to the frame for each one.....bonehead choice on my part.  I don't know who is the cargo trailer capital, but for some reason, middle Ga has tons of factories building these things. 

[cookiedough]

P.M. sent your way.

tons of good 6x12 trailers to pick from and most new carry a 3 year warranty.  Am sure you can find one in/around that 2 grand mark worth buying.  good luck. 

[CaribouHunter]

You may want to consider a DropTail, they are not enclosed but man what a well made product.  My Valkyrie came with one in the deal, it's for a single bike, but they have 2 and 3 bike models. Made in Texas.  The back drops down, drive your bike up to the wheel lock, get off, and then put the droptail back up with the hand pump, takes about 6 strokes and it locks into place.  I love it, very
smooth ride, and very light weight.  It folds up and stands up in garage to save space.  Very well made product. 

[hubcapsc]

The lady in the office downstairs saw me leaving on Chewie
the other day... she mentioned that she and her husband
have a nice enclosed trailer (the kind you haul your bike
in, and the sleep in once you get there) that they want to
sell... they had to trike their bike, and it won't fit anymore.

-Mike

[Flat6Valk]

I pull a trailer with my bike in it year round.  I work around the country (construction).  Before I started pulling my Bike with me I had a flat with a single axle trailer.  Had I been pulling a bike in it at the time I would have lost it I am sure.

For the last nine years I have been pulling my bike all over the country.  Dual axle.  For safety reasons a dual axle trailer is the ONLY way to go.

As far as weight goes.  Yes its heavier but pulls better, holds the load better, and stops just fine with brakes on the axles.

Why take the chance?

Greg
Flat6Valk

[cookiedough]

I pull a trailer with my bike in it year round.  I work around the country (construction).  Before I started pulling my Bike with me I had a flat with a single axle trailer.  Had I been pulling a bike in it at the time I would have lost it I am sure.

For the last nine years I have been pulling my bike all over the country.  Dual axle.  For safety reasons a dual axle trailer is the ONLY way to go.

As far as weight goes.  Yes its heavier but pulls better, holds the load better, and stops just fine with brakes on the axles.

Why take the chance?

You don't see many dual axle trailers in the size he wants, 6x12'.   I have seen them I think, but very rare.    I don't really see the need, but just my opinion.  7x14' on up and yes, get a dual axle trailer.  Cross my toes and fingers, but I have not had a flat tire while trailering on all my single axle trailers.    I agree though,  my brother had a flat on his pop up small camper doing 70 mph on the interstate being pulled by a small s-10, and wasn't pretty.  Tossed that s-10 around like a wet noodle. 
Greg
Flat6Valk

[Flint]

I have a Horton hauler, bought it in SC last year. Its a 7x12x7 dual axle vnose.
I wanted the 7' width and height so I could put my UTV or 2 bikes in it comfortably.
Its built well with a 3/4 pt floor and 3/8 walls, square tubing instead of a z strip in the walls. Ramp door, 6" frame, extended tongue, brakes, floor tie downs and a  spare tire. Weighs 1990 pounds. Picked it up for $3500 new, best deal I could find. Father in law lives in NC had him pick it up for me.     

[Flint]

Here is where I bought it.

http://columbia.craigslist.org/grq/4979064649.html

[jimmytee]

Thanks cookiedough for the info and everyone's else's input. My main reason for limiting size and keeping to a single axle is towing weight. If I were towing with a larger vehicle, then I probably would look at a tandem axle.

[cookiedough]

Here is where I bought it.

http://columbia.craigslist.org/grq/4979064649.html

yah, the price difference it appears for a 6x10 vs. 6x12 is only a few hundred bucks and the ONE time you need that extra 2' you will kick yourself in the butt for not spending the extra 200 bucks is all.  Extra height is nice as well even if only 6" more so you don't bump your head entering/exiting since most trailers stock size is UNDER 6' door opening height. 

If you can stay local 6x12' for say 2500 vs. driving 300 miles to save just a few hundred bucks is all, I'd stay local.  But, for me,  same mfg. trailer vs. same mfg. trailer is worth driving 300 miles or so more to save 500 bucks plus.

I had to do that in 2007 buying my current triton ATV88 open trailer for my 2 ATV's.  I drove near 150 miles more so away than my local Triton dealer only 13 miles from my house since I saved near 400 bucks.  I even told my local triton dealer even if you cannot match the other dealers identical trailer price, be within 150 bucks of it and I'll buy it from you.  They did not agree to it, so bought elsewhere. 

I'll give the local dealer their chance to match or come close, but if not,  I will go elsewhere.  It is money in my pocket saved.  Some do not agree like my old local tire/gas station retailer downtown.  He buys 100% local groceries costing much more from same mom/pop grocery store and new vehicles every 1-2 years from local higher price dealer even if it means 2x's the price, he is a firm believer in ONLY buying local.  He says he has to since is a long time retailer in same small town and has to be loyal otherwise they won't buy gas, etc. from him either. 

[jimmytee]

I called the guy in for the trailer brand you messaged me. His price was the same if not a little more than what I can get here locally, but thanks. I'm going to pick one up tomorrow I believe. Still a little mixed feelings about trailering the bike. I could just have her drive and I ride.

[jimmytee]

This is what we ended up buying. It cost us $2650 off the lot which included a spare wheel/tire, bike tie down points and tax.

[Jess from VA]

I have a question.

If you were traveling and wanted to camp out in your trailer along the way, is there a way to lock yourself in from the inside, but not have some joker be able to lock you inside from the outside?

[jimmytee]

I have a question.

If you were traveling and wanted to camp out in your trailer along the way, is there a way to lock yourself in from the inside, but not have some joker be able to lock you inside from the outside?

Uh, I suppose if that was ever a consideration, it could be done. I camp in hotel rooms though. After I came back from the middle east, I said I'd never be camping again, and that holds true today.

[Jess from VA]

Well Jimmy, I completely concur when the alternative is a tent on muddy ground to be packed back on a bike.  

But for an extended trip in beautiful country with nice cheap camping areas,  I think it would be nice to be able to cut motel costs camping in a trailer off the ground and out of the weather, esp those RV-type places where there is laundry, electric, wifi, showers, and maybe even a pool.  Only hitting a motel every 3-4 days could save hundreds.  Admittedly, most women would not go for this, but solo it seems like a viable plan.

It looks like if you were inside, a joker could padlock you in (or jam a stick in the hasp).   Not that that is likely, but imagine being locked in and then they steal your truck and drive away with you in back.  Even with my 1911, the idea of shooting up my own trailer and truck while blind is not appealing.

[jimmytee]

Well, I suppose if that was your intended purpose for buying a trailer , there are options out there for just that camping. Not in our budget or pulling ability without also purchasing a real truck  

That being said, I suppose a creative individual could modify the above trailer to ward off such concerns.

[cookiedough]

I called the guy in for the trailer brand you messaged me. His price was the same if not a little more than what I can get here locally, but thanks. I'm going to pick one up tomorrow I believe. Still a little mixed feelings about trailering the bike. I could just have her drive and I ride.

I'm surprised if you are talking about me,  that the guy didn't quote you around 2 grand mark or with optional upgrade rims say 2300,  since he said if I buy it from him and pick it up at mfg. of royal cargo in Middlebury, then a 6x14' enclosed trailer just like your pick but longer would be 2325 in price (plus 200 for upgraded aluminum rims), plus tax of course.    He quoted me this week 3600 for a dual axle 7x16' royal cargo trailer bone stock without upgraded rims/floor tie-downs, but that is about 1 grand cheaper than dealers around me. 

It looks like this trailer is 6x10' correct, not 6x12'?  If so, I would think 2 grand or a little over depending on options is do-able?  If 6x10', my preference would be 6x12' since am sure you will find other uses for the trailer besides hauling your cycle and 2' doesn't seem like much, but it can be when something doesn't fit inside, plus cost difference can't be that much more and weight not much more either.  I sold my 2007 chevy crewcab 5'8" bed soon after my vacation trip ATVing with family in 2007 and bought a 2007 Toyota tundra Double cab 6'6" bed partially due to that reason of not enough bed space was not able to get all our stuff in that small of a bed.

Either way,  your pic shows a VERY nice trailer as well and if you are happy with it, that is all that counts.  That charcoal gray finish with diamond plating looks very sharp (my #1 color choice) as well as upgraded rims that won't rust is a smart move as well.  I like the looks, very nice!  Perfect size for just a cycle hauler if that is your sole intended purpose, will be perfect.    Just make sure if your dealer didn't throw it in as a slight cost upgrade,  4 heavier duty floor mounted tie-down rings, preferably flush mounted.  

[jimmytee]

Yeah, Cookiedough, I talked to Scott, and he said that indeed the price you got was valid but that the 6x10s were not much cheaper. He quoted $22 something hundred and that was without any tie downs or other stuff. Yes the trailer I bought came with flush floor mounted tie downs etc...  All that you see for $2365. It then cost me $125 for a spare wheel/tire plus tax which brought the off the lot price to $2650. It was in Louisville, so pretty close to me. I priced several and this seemed to be the best deal with features and build quality. I know it's a crap shoot, but that extra 2 ft. just seems out of place behind the  Pilot. I'm sure it wouldn't have made that much difference in towing, but I'm betting that the 6 x 10 will be sufficient. Occasionally hauling the bike is the main deal ,but surely there will be other times we're glad to have it.

[cookiedough]

glad you got a decent deal and I wouldn't travel that far either just saving 200 bucks or less.   

I still would have got the 6x12' for a few hundred bucks more at most, but that is just me.  The Valk will fit inside with about 1 foot to spare in a 6x10, just thought would be nice to have that extra 2' for extras in front or for other needs besides just towing the Valk. 

It's that one time when you need 2' that will make you wish you had it.   The Honda Pilot will be fine either way am sure, after all, it is a Honda even with the V6 engine probably as well. 

[jimmytee]

Need a good 8-9 ft for either the F6B or the Valkyrie. Either way, the 6 x 10 has that covered plus it has the additional wedge space up front.

[cookiedough]

My luck on a used trailer might be over.  I was about ready to bite the bullet and order a new steel framed 7x18' trailer with vnose for around 4600 new having to drive to Indiana about 6 hour drive one way to pick it up.   

Just yesterday a craigslist locally 30 miles away is all posting came up for an ALL aluminum (NO rust or rot on frame) used 2004 (looks like 3-5 years old) RnR enclosed 7x16' with a whopping 3 foot vnose (most are 18 or 24" v nose thus needing 7x18' vs. 7x16') with tons of options like electrical outside plug in with 4  inside electrial power outlets, power inverter with battery use, lighting inside wired in front and back and side door, white vinyl walls and ceiling, aluminum rims, d-rings, tiled floor, seating bench in front, rear stabilizer jacks, RV styled upgrade side door with 2 locks, small cabinet, stereo with speakers, 3 wheel chocks for cycles, 24" side aluminum wrap on sides and front, aluminum 12" kick plate extension in back with 6" strip between gap in rear door and flooring, in GREAT shape overall, no dents to speak of and no rust or rot on underneath of flooring on bottom of trailer. 

Only 2 things I dislike is the year being 13 years old, but stored inside no fading or dents of charcoal gray siding and 2 roof vents vs. 2 side vents I would prefer.  Plus,  NO clear title yet since he just bought it from his company he worked for and will take 2-3 weeks to get the title in his name.  He was firm asking 5K but today in person driving there after talking to him went down to 4750 which I offered 4500 tops since OEM tires since 2004 but no dry rot and in good shape overall no cracks, etc.  still but due to age, will need to replace with new radial tires in next 2-5 years for sure just due to age for 100 bucks each almost. 

I researched it and new now this RnR all aluminum trailer based in Three Rivers MI runs with all the fancier upgrades 6600, out of my comfort zone being aluminum at that price.  Also,  I wish it had the extra 6" height but is 6' inside just enough to stand up in being 5'10" with 1 inch or so to spare with shoes on, but will fit my 2 ATV's or 1 cycle and 1 ATV inside no issues with a 5'7" rear door opening.   I don't plan on buying a UTV needing 6-12" taller door opening, so no worries there for awhile.  Am sure the one time I bonk my head on the door opening I wish it had the extra 6" height though. 

He came back and said just now 4600 will take it once he gets his title in his name in 1-2 weeks, UNLESS of course someone is dumb enough to give him say 4750 in cash or more with no clean title signed off first which I doubt will happen. 

But, with my luck,  someone will offer 4750 or more and he will take that over my 4600 cash price.  I am comfy up to 5K tops, but for an all aluminum trailer weighing near 500-600 lbs. lighter vs. a steel 7x16' trailer with no rust issues, is probably worth it but only if had newer tires on it vs. 2004 OEM tires which will need to be replaced probably in next 3-5 years just due to age more than anything else costing me 400 bucks more - there goes my 5K total limit. 

I know say 200 bucks in price difference is not much in the grand scheme of a 4K+ trailer, but OEM 2004 tires to me brings down the value by 400 dollars, thus the 5K vs. 4600 pricing.  I'd gladly pay 4750 and done deal (assuming he gets his title soon) if the tires were say 2-5 years old vs. 13 years old even if stored inside and not weather checked.

Anyone ever have an enclosed trailer with OEM tires being over 15 years old that lasted much longer than that?  I shouldn't say that is not possible though since I know my dad's old small fishing boat he bought new tiny say 8" boat tires for that thing way back in the early 90's and stored in his basement out of the weather and cold (say 60 degrees constant under the house) and the tires are still going strong some 20+ years later. 

Wish me luck and cross my fingers no one comes and offers say 4750 in the next week or so, but with NO title in hand,  I doubt anyone would be dumb enough to hand over that amount of cash with no title signed off on by the buyer? 

We verbally agreed on 4600, but he did say if a better more substantial offer (guessing means 4750 or more of his 5K asking price) comes along before he gets his title in next week or so, he reserves the right to take that instead. 

I've always wanted an all aluminum 7x16 or 7x18' trailer due to about 500lbs. lighter and NO rust ever, but the extra 1400 vs. a steel trailer that size is too rich for my blood.  I've got to draw the line somewhere, but 95% sure another all aluminum trailer in that size will not come along locally ever again.  Crossing my eyes, toes, and fingers all at the same time.   

If bought in another week or so,  I'll have my hands full cleaning it up, but more so moving the basketball hoop full of 210lbs. of sand into the grass out of the way where it is at now,  moving somehow without destroying it a 7x7 resin storage shed to who knows where in backyard, and cutting down the huge lilac bush all alongside my garage now, on top of moving the clothesline in the backyard somewhere else as well concreted into the dirt hole right now. 

All these chores sound like a 2 weekend project, if not more, just for a total length 21' enclosed trailer to fit somewhat alongside my garage still sitting 3 feet into the grass as well (I don't have a lot of room to spare only near 7' of concrete and 7' of grass to lot line and this takes up 9 of the 14' alongside house to lot line)

I will at least get 2 ATV's and my scooter inside there along with a few odds and ends out of my garage now and be readily available by just dropping down the rear ramp gate anytime I want from the backyard once the lilac bush, storage shed,  and clothesline is moved somewhere else.  I then might be able to actually use my 20x24' garage for more than 1 vehicle inside of it while 2 vehicles sit outside right now'    One whole side of garage is my 2 atv's, Valk, scooter and lawn mower.  I surely wish I lived in the country with a huge pole barn. 

[Rams]

 

But, with my luck,  someone will offer 4750 or more and he will take that over my 4600 cash price.

"Snip" 

We verbally agreed on 4600, but he did say if a better more substantial offer (guessing means 4750 or more of his 5K asking price) comes along before he gets his title in next week or so, he reserves the right to take that instead. 

Care to share this guy's contact information?