First Time Buyer, Enclosed Trailers and Towing

[milligan]

I've been using a cheap mesh utility trailer for brush, mowers, and such. Nothing heavy enough to even need a full size truck for. I'm looking to purchase a larger enclosed trailer to house general contractor tools, pick up lumber, and sometimes fit two ATVs into it for vacation. My truck is rated for 7200lbs towing (5.3L, 3.43 gears, 2014.) I've got some very basic questions and would appreciate any advice that you guys could give.

 

- A trailer rated at 5000lbs means the gross weight correct? So if the trailer weighs 2000lbs and is rated at 5000lbs, then I could put 3k worth of stuff in there?

- I did not get the factory brake controller, so what would be a good aftermarket unit?

- Does the length of the trailer matter much when I'm looking at handling dynamics? How long could I safely go? I'm looking at up to 16ft, but will probably settle at 14ft.

- What is a good brand? I saw the thread where the guy had his enclosed trailer's roof cave in from snow and I'd like to avoid that.

- What should I expect the general price range to be?

- Any other advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

Thanks.

[Smoothbassman]

Lots of questions on this one. I'll answer what I know.

 

Trailer rating is total weight of load and the trailer.

 

Brands, there's lots of there. You need to decide what's most important. Weight, looks, door style, smoothness of ride, ect. Then seek one out that meets your needs. United, Featherlight, Aluma, Wells Cargo, Lightning all make good trailers. They all just have different options.

 

I went with an aluminum skin, fully finished interior, LED, Lighting, torsion axel, ezlube hub, 14 Foot United trailer this last time. Combo camping, ATV hauler. It meet all my needs. Out the door $3,500 (leftover 2010 model in 2011) you just have to shop around to get the best deal.

 

 

Brake controllers, I like the Tekonsha Electronic Brake Control P3. Just works awesome. My personal preference though. There are cheaper ones that work just fine.

 

 

Just shop around. I had to drive an hour to get the deal I got. Be patient and do some research before you commit.

 

Good Luck

[milligan]

Thanks a lot for the information. Your trailer looks really nice. Are you able to easily get two ATVs in your hauler? I'm thinking the 14 footer is probably where I need to be.

[Smoothbassman]

I can get two quads in there no problem. Three if you turn them sideways.

 

Just note I have v nose which gives me about 2 to 3 more feet to work with. If you go with a flat nose 14 feet is all you have.

 

Also if you have any 2-up quads like me, you need a 16 footer or a riser on the front quad to haul two of those.

 

 

I can haul this one and another 4x4 quad in there at the same time.

[milligan]

I think one of those side-by-sides my be in my future. I may have to go with a little taller trailer to get one in there.