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Trailer recommendations

werked

By werked
in Towing, Hauling & Hitches

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werked Enthusiast

werked

Posted
Posted

Here's the deal. I'm looking for a trailer for our 3 atvs. At a minimum it would need to be 6x14, don't really want to exceed that. I want something light enough that I can manage moving it by hand around the yard if needed. Don't want to drop the coin on an aluminum trailer, so I need to find a good balance between a well built yet lightweight trailer. I know some of you guys have more experience with this stuff than I do, so I'm coming to yall. Also, it would be nice if it had removable ramps for sideloading the quads and I need a rear ramp for the times we won't trailer all 3 of them....needs to be bumper pull as well.

Thanks!!

 

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ember1205 Senior Enthusiast

ember1205

Posted
Posted

Some general things about towing to consider (some or all of which you may already know or have thought about):

 

- Aluminum trailers carry a price premium, and are often not "worth" it. When you're talking about enclosed trailers where every last pound counts, there is sometimes good value in aluminum. For a lot of the "open trailering" stuff, however, galvanized is a better option - especially if you'll be towing the trailer when and where there's salt on the road.

 

- The lower your cargo to the ground, generally the better. It makes loading and unloading simpler and also makes for a smoother tow.

 

- The more solid tie-down points you have, the better. While you can use things like the rails on a landscape trailer to secure cargo, having actual tie-down points is more solid.

 

- Weight distribution is important. Having your cargo positioned correctly when towing makes it safer AND smoother to pull.

 

- Companies like Anderson, Big Tex, and PJ (just to name a few) make really solid trailers. And if you shop around enough, you can find pretty good prices on new ones (I had to travel 2.5 hours each way to get my Equipment Trailer, but I saved $2000 over buying it locally).

 

- If you're looking at something like a landscape / utility trailer, and the measurements are close, it isn't big enough - buy a longer one. :)

werked Enthusiast

werked

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I've been browsing the pj and big tex in my area....just trying to find one in the size I need that will safely carry 3000lbs is proving a little difficult. Most of the ones I'm seeing have a 3500 lb axle but the payload around 2k. Keep looking I guess. It will be loaded with 3 polaris sportsman 570s, with bumpers/Brushguards, loaded cargo boxes, full tanks of gas and additional gas cans....it all adds up pretty quickly.

 

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ember1205 Senior Enthusiast

ember1205

Posted
Posted

3000 lbs of cargo is not in a "sweet spot".

 

Most trailer manufacturers will produce a 2999lb trailer (under 3k gross weight - magic number for a lot of states) and that will typically not be able to manage more than about 1800-2000lbs of cargo, regardless of construction material.

 

When you move above that number, you start getting into dual axle trailers and trailers with brakes - both of which increase the cost, and you might as well have a much better built trailer as a result.

 

You'll likely be looking at 5k-6k type of trailers, maybe even a little higher.

werked Enthusiast

werked

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Maybe I need to start looking at different options then, ugh. I could potentially carry one atv in the bed making making my trailer search more manageable. I really hate to have that hassle tho. I'll keep looking and see what I can come up with. Thanks for all of your help/info.

 

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Panik Enthusiast

Panik

Posted
Posted

Just a thought....I would suggest getting something a little longer if you can, as well aim for a 5-7k rated trailer. The reason I would suggest more length is that within reason have greater space allows you a lot greater flexibility in balancing a load. From my experiences that is something that really cannot be understated.

 

There is a huge difference in carrying several thousand pounds of tongue heavy load and the same weight properly distributed for your truck. It can completely change the handling characteristics from a nightmare to pleasant This maybe something you are already aware of but it bears bringing up for other folks as well.

 

Additionally a 5-7k trailer will likely bring two axles with brakes on both which is a very nice thing in heavy traffic and panic situations. It also gives you flexibility in what you can tow. I remain surprised at the variety of things I need to move with my 20' trailer. As an aside I run a very small subcompact tractor and with a loader and brush hog it takes up every bit of 18' of deck space (I have a toolbox occupying the very front of the deck). I can imagine 3 atv's plus equipment could take up a good amount of room.

werked Enthusiast

werked

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Yea, the atvs sideloaded tight with one another would be approximately 150". Due to storage restrictions I really wanted to stay as small as possibe, but I agree with everything you've said....I'd rather be safe on the road and struggle moving that beast around the yard. I only live on 1/2 an acre in a subdivision and to move the trailer into the backyard requires doing it by hand....not a huge deal bc hopefully a trailer dolly would make it easier. Ok, I'm going to broaden my search for a larger dual axle trailer w/ brakes. The sierra didn't come with the factory brakes so that will be another added cost/mod to consider also.

I did do some more calculating. The dry weight of these machines are 702lbs. Assuming gas weighs 6lbs a gallon, 3 full tanks would add around 40 lbs of weight. 2 of the machines will more than likely stay mostly stock so very little added weight, the other I'd probably estimate close to 925lbs with all of the added accessories. This brings the total weight to a hair under 2400lbs. So, this may change the game somewhat....any advice, recommendations in this range??

 

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ember1205 Senior Enthusiast

ember1205

Posted
Posted

You've accounted for full tanks of fuel and some mods - what about mud and such on them after riding? Extra fuel in the gas cans? You also have to account for coolant, oil, brake fluid, etc. Granted, some of these amounts, if present, are small. But, they are not accounted for in dry weight. I would still suggest you look for a 5-6k trailer with brakes instead of trying to stay under the limits where you don't need brakes. Also - if you can get a dual tandem axle trailer, get brakes on BOTH axles. It's usually about $100 or so more for this option, but you will be grateful in the long run.

 

Panik is dead-on with the statement about having extra room front-to-back to ensure that you are able to balance the load properly so that you get the best experience and highest safety when towing. 150" is 12.5 feet. Look for a 16' trailer which you should be able to easily find in the landscape/utility style. If you come across an 18', that would be even better.

 

I wouldn't worry about not having the factory brake controller as it isn't terribly hard to add. And, while it will add to the overall cost, you can find quality ones used at a fair price (I actually have a Prodigy P3 that saw almost no use that I'm selling - have the box, case, paperwork, everything - PM me if you want to this route and I can send you photos).

ember1205 Senior Enthusiast

ember1205

Posted
Posted

Car haulers and equipment trailers are extremely similar. The ETs are typically a bit heavier build and rate higher for gross weight, they will also often have folding ramps standard where car haulers have pull out ramps.

 

Many car haulers have "open" sections in the middle to reduce overall trailer weight. The one you linked to obviously does not.

 

As far as sideloading goes, you'll still be about 18-20" off of the ground.

werked Enthusiast

werked

Posted
  • Author
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Still trying to decide. Need to make a decision pretty quick tho. Quads are coming this week and fam wants to go riding this weekend. I think I've decided not to go with a car hauler bc I'd like to have the ability to use it for other things as well....lumber, furniture, etc. Currently looking at a couple different dual axle utility type trailers.

 

Sent from my Note 4

  • 2 weeks later...
nekkidhillbilly Enthusiast

nekkidhillbilly

Posted
Posted

have a gatormade dealer around. I have a 2011 16 foot flatbed style car hauler with a wood floor. it sounds like what you need also. it was 1800 bucks with a spare back then. its like the one below but has a spare on the right side.Car_trailer_low_boy_16ft_x_82_ATV_traile

  • 2 months later...
werked Enthusiast

werked

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Update on my trailer quest. Brought home a 16 ft tandem MaxxD today. It's a sweet trailer and very well built. Looks even better loaded down with the toys!!d4982d3860d46d962c9d057f1bf25db3.jpg686f17f3444d29f787e064f53a78a497.jpg

 

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