Trailer type advice/opinions...

[taxx]

I am about to buy a trailer to tow my trail ride back and forth and for whatever else I might find the need to tow/haul...

Here is my delima/choice:

For those of you that have used one or the other or both what are some advantages/disadvantages to both.

Both trailers are 18' tandom axles (no dove tail) and both have brakes.

1) This trailer has electric brakes (I have a brake controller), 80" between the wheel wells, not sure on the make but it is made in danville, IL. buddy works at the local bobcat dealer and can get me a great deal on a repo proly a tad under 1500. Trailer is rated at about 12k gross. Trailer has fold up ramps. Low mileage. In great shape all the way around.

2) Trailer has surge brakes. 8' wide, bed is over the wheels. Don't know the make, has new bed, ramps that stow, lockbox (not an issue I have one to put on anyways). And I forget the rate of the axles but it is atleast 7k. Could get into this one for just under $1k.

Pros and cons I can think of:
- 1 has lower CG since the bed is lower to the ground - is this an issue?
- Brakes - surge or elec? have used both but not elec enough to have a firm oppinion on the two and for the price diff could convert it over later I am sure. (1 will have sales tax too I am sure).
- Truck needs 79" for the tires (and I don't run full width, and can't gaurantee this will not ever change), so the 8' bed has loads more room to play with.

anything else? what am I missing? what sounds like a better setup? How will the two tow differently or the same with a load?

 

[Alec]

I'd go with #1.

The brakes sound better, and the CG is an issue. Folding ramps are also much easier. Also the load rating is a plus. Think about it: the second trailer's axle rating of 7k is maxed with the weight of the trailer, truck, and gear.

 

[taxx]

I say 7k atleast. I really don't know, all I know is the guy hauled a 1/2 ton on it a few times (not that that tells me anything. Will find out tomorrow, just want to be prepped ahead of time incase it works out well cause the price difference is nice too for something that gets used maybe once a month. But I want something that I can keep for quite a while too and use for other things if need be.

 

[taxx]

height diff is not all that much I guess now looking at these two pics (these are not the two trailers)

 

[taxx]

...

 

[RiverRat]

The Superduty wont care which trailer you get

Can't help on the trailer but I prefer using electric brakes over surge.

 

[Crankcase]

Surge brakes don't even compare to electric brakes.....go for #1...

 

[burnin_up]

unless the bed is waaayy off the ground, and you dont plan on racing through the twisties with a loaded trailer, CG is the least of your worries. I think you would behappier with 1 in the long run, even if its a little more, sounds like a higher quality and electric brakes are a huge +.

What are the differences in railings? Or do either even have them?
A railing like in pic 2 will limit/hinder your extra-curricular hauling of large items, or help if you plan on loading up loose goods like firewood, furniture etc.

The fold up rails--hinge style? Removable or not? These can be a pain and get in the way when folded up against a load, say the back of your explorer. Even if they are easily removed, where do you put/secure them then? I prefer stowaways...because they get outta of the way by design. One less thing to worry about.

I would really think about what else you already know and what your friends will think they can haul on your trailer. Might as well get whichever is going to get used the most.

 

[SplashMan]

#1

 

[jasonb]

is that zuk in the bed of that truck? wow!


i'd go with #1 if nothing other than the brakes. those prices are low enough that you could sell without losing much it if you ever went full width and get a new trailer.

 

[taxx]

thanks for all the info. Spoke with my dad this am too, he has had more trailers than I ever will and he went with me to see number 1. He is impressed with it and urged me to go that route too. Besides it should still have some warrantee left and has stake pockets wich will make it nice for hauling firewood! Number 1 it is as soon as the bank gets the paperwork figured out from the repo....

ironic isn't it? Pulling a repoed trailer loaded with a repoed truck (my X was a repo when I got it too)

 

[Michael]

I own number one. Mine has a small dovetail, and the fold up ramps. 12K gross with elec brakes on both axles. With my ex on the trailer it will stop just as fast as my F250 empty. Tows like a dream. Bear in mind though that a trailer built for that kind of weight is heavy. Mine weighs 2900# empty before I put a tool box on the tounge. Just a little more for you to consider.

 

[taxx]

its 2300lbs empty. No biggy, don't even feel that little weight back there. I have towed considerably more with my truck or an equal not a problem at all as you know with a similar tow rig.

 

[Lefy]

Tows like a dream.

if was funny walking by the competitor towrigs and trailers for the nuerock competition, at paragon.
all i saw was f250s and 350s.
not a dodge in sight.

what i sight watching this tube buggy on 46 inch micky thompsons 454 propane injection beast of a crawler on 2.5ton rockwells. getting towed behind a 350. it was sick.