All this talk of Utility Trailers.....

[DonCT]

I wanted to get opinions on this trailer:

(broken link removed)

I'm looking at the 5x8. I can pick up a used one for $400. Is it worth it?

The HF one Velvetfoot was looking at looks great also, but what would you use for flooring? Regular plywood or OSB? What about moisture and rotting?

I know, questions questions questions....

 

[ecfinn]

Don,

From my research, a trailer without a tringulated tongue area will not be very strong. That model is better suited for hauling around lawn mowers and other lighter weight equipment. You can only really put about 1500 lbs in that thing and that's less than a 1/4 cord of oak. That's actually the same brand of trailer I bought, except I bought the 6x10 used from this page.

(broken link removed to http://www.carry-ontrailer.com/product/5x10WF_OT.htm)

I've been pretty impressed with the quality of it so far.

Eric

 

[DonCT]

Eric, thanks for the info If you don't mind me asking, what did you pay for your used trailer?

That's the kind I'm looking for, but the local trailer dealer here wants between $850-1,200 for a 5x8 2,999 weight trailer similar to that one.

 

[ecfinn]

That's about the price I was quoted for a new one as well. Most of the better ones were at least $1200 if not more. I ended up paying $800 for a 6x10 that was gently used for about 5 years, near as I could tell. I was ready to drive about an hour and half west to Lancaster PA to get one for about $900 that I'd have to pay $1200 for locally. I would check around and keep looking on craigslist for trailers. That's where I found mine after searching for about 2 months. That's how when I saw the trailer I knew it was exactly what I wanted and bought it on the spot!

I did find there are a LOT of different trailer manufacturers... Might want to check out some of them and see if there are any other hidden local dealers.

Eric

 

[Harley]

I wanted to get opinions on this trailer:

Don:
The only other thing I'd maybe caution (other than the tongue) is the flooring that's on that trailer. It looks like the wire screen that they usually use for the tailgate. That's OK, but if you start dropping a couple of heavy rounds into it, it will bend rather quickly, and eventually break some of the welds. I would add some protection to that if you get it (even a heavy sheet of plywood) to spread the weight and impact.

 

[kd460]

Don, to answer your question about decking. Home cheapo or Lowes has pressure treated plywood. I think I used 5/8 or 3/4 on mine. It is about 12-15 years old, always stored outside, no cover, etc. While the plywood looks weathered, it is still solid. The underside looks like the day I bought it.

I have also considered when I redo the decking (when or if-I was thinking about customizing for a built in ATV ramp)) I may consider pressure treated 5/4 decking boards. But, I admit, I wonder how the new fangled "plastic wood" would work. I think it is heavier than 5/4 and definetly heavier than plywood.

Still, biggest bang for the buck is pressure treated plywood. I think I used deck stain on it twice in those 12-15 years. KD

 

[DonCT]

Tanks

 

[joshuaviktor]

In flemington nj, there is a guy who buys old tow behind rv trailers, rips off the rv part of it, and sells the double axle trailer left over for about 600. try to find someone like that locally through craigslist, local classifieds, etc.

Good luck,

Joshua

 

[DonCT]

I've seen those, but I wonder about quality. Are the "Campers" part of the structural build of the trailer? Plus, I think they're just ugly 8-/

 

[kd460]

Nah, the shell of a camper is just a shell. The shell really does not add anything structural to the frame. Ever see one crumpled up on the side of the highway (usually it's someone pulling a 28 footer with a sable). Any ways, if you can find a tandem axle "camper" frame, and are willing to do some work, you can come up with a real nice one. You will need to do some welding, wiring, cutting of wood and metal, etc.

If your not up to that, just get one like your looking at or similiar. I have been building a small one in my spare time from scraps, free parts, etc. I have about $75 bucks into it and many hours of cleaning old metal, cutting, grinding, welding, painting, etc. Almost done, BUT, just seen an ad at Harbor Frieght, a small utility trailer similiar to what I am building for about $100 more than what I have into mine so far. I wonder what my labor is worth. Probably more than that $100 bucks!

I admit, my welds are looking pretty good, after all I did get plenty of practice! Mine is probably built stronger than the HF one, but, better off just buying one unless you need a reason to spend time in the garage, get yourself all dirty, cut your hands, burn your legs with weld spatter, welders flash to the eyes, and get grinding dust all over everything in the garage. Can you tell I'm getting tired of this project? KD

 

[DonCT]

Oh trust me. I looked at just getting the parts and putting it together myself, but that ends up almost just as expensive. Plus I don't have access to that type of building equipement, nor do I have the experience.

Somehow I feel that I'm gonna end up either

A) Getting that newer trailer for $1,200

B) Getting a cheaper trailer from HF or whatnot and have it break on me (but hey, it was cheap right??)

C) Just keep hauling wood in the back of my Escape a 1/4 cord at a time.....

Oh well..... :-S

 

[velvetfoot]

It remains to be seen how the HF setup will work with firewood (I bought the 4x8 folding model yesterday).
I don't anticipate a big load.
I'd like to be able to weigh the assembly loaded just for laughs.
Maybe I can find a scale at some point.
The folding aspect appeals to me at this point, but who knows.

 

[DonCT]

Velvet, please keep us informed as to performance and quality on that bad boy!!

 

[BrotherBart]

It remains to be seen how the HF setup will work with firewood (I bought the 4x8 folding model yesterday).
I don't anticipate a big load.
I'd like to be able to weigh the assembly loaded just for laughs.
Maybe I can find a scale at some point.
The folding aspect appeals to me at this point, but who knows.

Check with your local landfill. You can usually pay a couple of bucks for a weight ticket. Some do it for free.