trailer size

[eastxbbqman]

Anybody know the minimum size flat bed trailer to haul a lwb pickup on? Dont want a car hauler, it will have to be multi-purpose.

[68gmsee]

I would measure across the two front tires for width first since a lot of trucks have been changed around. The next thing to consider is the trailer side rail height for fender width clearance. I used a narrower 77" flat bed with standard side rails once for my stock 68 but it was a fairly tight squeeze. The next time I used what I believe was an 84" wide bed and it had better side clearance.

If you're buying one and intend to haul the truck again in the future go with the widest width you can get. I believe it's 84" but someone else may know for sure.

[Tynee]

In my experience a 16' flat is fine, but width will really limit your options. I need a minimum of 81" between the fenders to get my truck loaded.

[Shyguy]

I have a 84 inch wide, 16 ft long flatbed I use for hauling these trucks. It holds the trucks good and pulls real easy. I made removable side boards for it so it can be used to haul other stuff.

[eastxbbqman]

Thanks guys. Thats the info I was needing.

[rsavage]

I just bought a new 18" X 83"car hauler which includes a couple 3 foot beaver tail. It has a solid treated wood bed and stake pockets to put sides on when used for other purposes. I think it will work out well in a variety of ways.

[Mike C]

I started with a 16' angle iron trailer and hauled a Longhorn on it. No problem hauling it, but loading the broken truck up the short, steep ramps with a come-along sucked. I now have an 18' steel floor car hauler with a dovetail that I move cars on since I do that quite often, and it loads, unloads, and tows way better with a vehicle on it. Because it has no rails, I've even hauled dualies on it. I understand wanting the multipurpose trailer, but if you will haul vehicles all the time, get the car hauler.

Then when you get a chance by a cheapie 16' flatbed for other stuff. If that's not an option, at least get an 18' trailer with brakes on both axles and 15" wheels for more tire choices. Mine originally came with 14's and sufficient load capability of the tires has been an issue.

[68gmsee]

I was looking at trailers some years back and found that car haulers are twice as expensive a regular flatbeds. The 84" I used belonged to a buddy that does construction work. He had two solid slide out ramps on the trailer. A battery powered winch loaded it with no effort.

I guess it winds down to a financial decision as to which one to go with but if I get one, it's going to be a regular flatbed since hauling vehicles is rare in my case.

[eastxbbqman]

So a 76" wide probably wouldnt work? Im not to good to consider climbing out the window!

[Mike C]

You'll have to measure the tires outside to outside. A 4x4 with big tires on it won't fit on the 76" trailer. A 2x4 with original tires might. With wide tires and wheels, probably not.

[SS Tim]

Bumper to bumper they run about 17.5'. But as was mentioned width is everything and more is truly beter. Suprised we have not heard from Vintage Windmills yet, he towed an intresting load not too long ago. A trailer like his is hard to beat for utility.

[68gmsee]

Originally Posted by eastxbbqman

So a 76" wide probably wouldnt work? Im not to good to consider climbing out the window!

As I mentioned and SSTim noted above 84" is what you need but you could use a narrower trailer if the sides were removable. Even with an 84" wide trailer you have to climb out of the windows if you drive up on the trailer.

I recommend rented borrowing or buying a battery operated winch for loading it though. Harbor Freights has some on sale on occasion but not sure about quality.

[PAWS 72]

I bought a 84''x18' about 7 years ago when I had my 73 Mustang. I wanted a 20' but couldnt get one at the time because they were out. But the 18 is really done me well over the years.

Go with the 84'' if possible. It is the widest that you can get a bumper pull.But a goose neck you can go 96''. That is the widest legally.I used to sell enclosed trailers and that is what ALL manufactures have told me.