Utility trailer shopping

[ebinmaine 71,580]

I know this has been brought up a few times before but I figured I would see if there's any fresh information or thoughts from you folks.

 

I'm looking at the 16 ft length of this trailer:

 

https://lakeregiontrailersme.com/atv/

 

 

USA made. Local company with a great reputation for sales and service. Lightweight. Nearly 7 ft wide, which I need.

This would give us the capability of hauling four or five tractors depending on tow vehicle and cargo arrangement.

Also would make it much easier to go get stock at the lumber yard.

 

Thoughts. Comments. Questions. Suggestions.?

[Sparky-(Admin) 22,679]

Is an aluminum trailer out of your price range. I know they are more expensive. My next one will be all aluminum … I hope. 

[ebinmaine 71,580]

6 minutes ago, Sparky said:

Is an aluminum trailer out of your price range. I know they are more expensive. My next one will be all aluminum … I hope. 

 

 

Up here they are close to double overall to go from steel to aluminum in a 7 ft wide to get the kind of weight capacity I want.

As much as I love the idea I just couldn't justify that.

[SylvanLakeWH 28,002]

Thoughts:  

 

Side load is nice.

 

Is rear ramp quick connect for easy removal? Mine uses slip on side pins and it is great for removal when traveling empty... I just put it in the bed. Way less wind resistance.

 

Tandems - I would get another spare.

 

Price seems fair.

 

[ebinmaine 71,580]

10 minutes ago, SylvanLakeWH said:

Thoughts:  

 

Side load is nice.

 

I wasn't actually shopping for that on purpose but if I get a 16 ft trailer I can put one tractor at the front, sideways.

Four more facing front to rear.

 

 

10 minutes ago, SylvanLakeWH said:

 

Is rear ramp quick connect for easy removal? Mine uses slip on side pins and it is great for removal when traveling empty... I just put it in the bed. Way less wind resistance.

 

Definitely a valid point although I will very rarely move this trailer empty. 

This one may have the option of folding the gate flat on the floor when empty.

 

 

10 minutes ago, SylvanLakeWH said:

 

Tandems - I would get another spare.

 

Good idea.

10 minutes ago, SylvanLakeWH said:

 

Price seems fair.

 

 

[Handy Don 13,577]

Gross and tongue weight vs. tow vehicle limits?

Five tractors = around 3,000 and the trailer is probably another 1,200+ (12 2x8x14’ PT planks alone are 720 lbs!)

[squonk 43,202]

The way trailers rust in today's world. If I was getting a bigger trailer I'd go aluminum in a heartbeat. Now that I have a "tinker toy " tow rig. If your current trailer still functions and a bigger trailer is a luxury, hold off and save for the light weight. 

[JoeM 8,100]

In Maine are trailer inspections required on a tandem trailer? In pa we have to do a yearly on any GVW over 2999. 

 

I like the 16 foot, nice for those long lumber hauls too! 

 

I like the tongue jacks the tilt up but not sure that is available on that size trailer. I had one when the lowering the tail gate it would hit the top of the jack. 

[ebinmaine 71,580]

3 hours ago, Handy Don said:

Gross and tongue weight vs. tow vehicle limits?

 

With the current tow vehicle we would be limited to four tractors. 

 

3 hours ago, Handy Don said:

Five tractors = around 3,000 and the trailer is probably another 1,200+ (12 2x8x14’ PT planks alone are 720 lbs!)

 

I believe the dry weight of the 16 ft model is about 1500. 

 

 

[ebinmaine 71,580]

3 hours ago, squonk said:

The way trailers rust in today's world. If I was getting a bigger trailer I'd go aluminum in a heartbeat.

 

For the record I agree with that in principle...

But unfortunately up here it just isn't realistic. I've spoken to half a dozen different builders that use trailers all year long and I've also spoken to a couple of very good reputable trailer dealers.

On the aluminum trailers, the axles, shackles and bolts and brakes and often the wheels are all made out of steel.

 

What is the part that goes bad the most often up here? Axles and shackles.

 

This trailer will never see salt on the roads, so it's a moot point anyway.

 

The weight savings would be nice, but not necessary at this point.

 

3 hours ago, squonk said:

Now that I have a "tinker toy " tow rig. If your current trailer still functions and a bigger trailer is a luxury, hold off and save for the light weight. 

 

 

It's not about saving versus spending.

 

It's about spending the right amount of money on the right item.

 

Up here you can't get a 7 ft wide aluminum trailer unless it's special order. There are two manufacturers more than happy to make one but they obviously charge a premium.

 

7 x 16 ft lightweight Steel trailer. $4,000.

 

7 x 16 aluminum trailer. It's a guess at this point but I'm being quoted between $7,000 and $9,000.

 

I can get a super common stock built readily available ENCLOSED aluminum trailer that size for $9,900.

I certainly would not have a custom built open trailer built with that kind of price difference in mind. It would be silly not to buy the enclosed trailer.

 

I might get an enclosed trailer in the future. But not right now.

 

 

 

[ebinmaine 71,580]

2 hours ago, JoeM said:

In Maine are trailer inspections required on a tandem trailer? In pa we have to do a yearly on any GVW over 2999. 

 

Off the top of my head I'm not sure but I actually hope that they would be. I like to know when things need attention.

 

 

2 hours ago, JoeM said:

I like the 16 foot, nice for those long lumber hauls too! 

 

I like the tongue jacks the tilt up but not sure that is available on that size trailer. I had one when the lowering the tail gate it would hit the top of the jack. 

 

This particular trailer is not built with a folding Jack but I'm sure it's an option that could be installed later.

[MainelyWheelhorse 1,261]

@ebinmaine I’d bet Alcom the maker of Aluminum Snow Pro and Mission trailers without a doubt charge at least a kidney…. Have you looked at Big Tex? my brothers have two Gooseneck and a landscape trailer, and haven’t had any major complaints I know of.

[ebinmaine 71,580]

8 minutes ago, MainelyWheelhorse said:

@ebinmaine I’d bet Alcom the maker of Aluminum Snow Pro and Mission trailers without a doubt charge at least a kidney…. Have you looked at Big Tex? my brothers have two Gooseneck and a landscape trailer, and haven’t had any major complaints I know of.

 

Big Tex are great trailers. Heavier than I need and a lot more money. 

[JPWH 6,314]

I think a bifold rear gate would be worth the add if the rest of the features would suit you.

[Achto 29,170]

8 hours ago, ebinmaine said:

I wasn't actually shopping for that on purpose but if I get a 16 ft trailer I can put one tractor at the front, sideways.

Four more facing front to rear.

 

An average  takes up a 3' x 5' foot print. 7' x 16' = 6 tractors all facing forward or backwards. Can easily fit 6 tractors in a 7 x 16 enclosed.

[ebinmaine 71,580]

1 minute ago, Achto said:

 

An average  takes up a 3' x 5' foot print. 7' x 16' = 6 tractors all facing forward or backwards. Can easily fit 6 tractors in a 7 x 16 enclosed.

 

Remember I build mine BIG for forest use. 

Trina's mid 60s tractors are all about 5' to 5" 1" long. Her widest ones are 38" + across the rear chains. 

 

My three are 41", 42" across the back tires or chains. 

 

My 42 and her 38+ equals 80" minimum width needed.  

Six would certainly fit if we loaded right. 

 

[ebinmaine 71,580]

 

 

Rear ramp folding or removable. 

Extra spare tires. 

 

Also occurs to me I'll need a few extra fastening rings bolted through the floor. Maybe E track??

 

[SylvanLakeWH 28,002]

31 minutes ago, ebinmaine said:

 

 

Rear ramp folding or removable. 

Extra spare tires. 

 

Also occurs to me I'll need a few extra fastening rings bolted through the floor. Maybe E track??

 

I'd also add a front hand crank winch with a windlass... mine is cable, but I think I prefer strap...

 

And, a small front tongue box for "stuff" would be nice.

[Handy Don 13,577]

From experience, I’d pay attention to the tongue length and dimensions. My trailer’s “A” style tongue is good and strong but I daren’t mount anything outside the rails lest it further constrain my turning radius.