The New Tractor Hauler

[grnlark 489]

I've been going back and forth for a while thinking of ideas to build my own tractor hauler trailer. I even went so far as to buy a boat trailer a few months back, register it as a homemade and started drawing plans of how I was going to stretch it, widen it, weld it etc. But after doing all my calculations, I took a step back and was like........I'm going to have how much into this by the time it's done? So, I decided to bite the bullet and be a little wiser. I sold the boat trailer and all the goodies I had already bought for it. I started looking at smaller conventional enclosed trailers, then stumbled upon this. For us tractor guys (in my opinion) THIS is the way to go. An enclosed snowmobile trailer. The trailer itself is super light because its all aluminum - 400 pounds to be exact - and the deck is 8.5' x 10.5'. I can put 4 RJ's (or Bantams ) in it with ease or three C series sized tractors. The trailer is rated for 2500 pounds. This particular one I grabbed is a 2011 that the guy never registered. He said he used it twice (had a baby) and its been sitting idle ever since. He sold both of his sleds and just had the trailer left. The paint on the rims are perfect and not even faded. The aluminum frame is still spotlessly shiny and not even remotely chalky yet from oxidizing. It has interior lights too which is pretty cool. He gave me the manufacturers title and bill of sale so I'm ready to go. All I'm going to do is lightly sand the ply decking, paint it grey and install my (20) new flush mounted tie hooks.

[Jake Kuhn 1,579]

Very nice matt! :handgestures-thumbup:

[KC9KAS 4,744]

Very nice....What does something like that set you back?

[grnlark 489]

Very nice....What does something like that set you back?

he was asking $2200 and we settled at $1800. Used ones (not virtually brand new like this one) hold their values very well between $1200-1500. Some others I looked at in the $1200 range were pretty beat, were going to need new decking, bearings re-packed etc. etc. This was a little more than I wanted to spend, but I was figuring my custom trailer would have all said and done probably been around $1200 - AND it wouldn't have been enclosed.

Edited February 2, 2013 by grnlark

[Sparky-(Admin) 23,106]

Are you still using a Subaru station wagon to tow it? Isn't it going to be a bit heavy once its all loaded up?

Good looking trailer nonetheless!

Mike..............

[VinsRJ 723]

Mike... the Subee is long gone... :angry-nono:

[grnlark 489]

Mike, I launched the Subaru because the miles were high. I leased a Jeep as a tie-over vehicle until the kids get out of daycare. So, towing this thing will be no problem.

[stevebo-(Moderator) 8,527]

Looking good Matt. I have been on the prowl for an enclosed trailer as you know... Problem trying to buy one right now is that Bike Week is coming and the conventional enclosed trailers are all going fast....

[varosd 1,185]

Matt, a real WH hauler!!! Now, how much with the Red paint set you back!?! just kidding, leave it since it has the retro Airstream look :D

[Ken B 3,189]

Mike, I launched the Subaru because the miles were high. I leased a Jeep as a tie-over vehicle until the kids get out of daycare. So, towing this thing will be no problem.

Looks nice Matt! Curious, how many miles were on the Subaru?

[Shuboxlover 480]

What does that weigh??? Looks nice and light, but well built.....VERY handy to keep the horsies dry!!!! JEALOUS!!!!!!!!!!!

[grnlark 489]

Looks nice Matt! Curious, how many miles were on the Subaru?

Ken, the Subie crested over 100k during the summer which also expired the warranty. Engine-wise it was fine but the tranny had been slipping for a while - sure as a result of hauling the trailer and tractors all the time. With the kids in school, I just wanted something under warranty to bridge the gap until they got out. My cousin works for Lia Autogroup corporate so he gave me a rediculous deal on the Jeep. It wouldnt have been my first choice, but as a three year "rental" its perfect.

What does that weigh??? Looks nice and light, but well built.....VERY handy to keep the horsies dry!!!! JEALOUS!!!!!!!!!!!

400 pounds. I can move it around the driveway with one hand.

[tunahead72 2,543]

Mike, I launched the Subaru because the miles were high. I leased a Jeep as a tie-over vehicle until the kids get out of daycare. So, towing this thing will be no problem.

Matt, I'm tossing some trailer and vehicle ideas around myself. Just curious, which Subaru model did you have, and what kind of Jeep did you get to replace it?

Very nice trailer! :handgestures-thumbup: