Trailer? (its a dirty word)

[BR3W CITY]

So I'm an all-out "Drive it there you p*ssy" type of guy....but even I can appreciate the NEED to trailer your junk around from time to time. Its about time I purchase a trailer for my rig, but could really use some advice. I'd like something for the occasional track weekend, and mainly because I'm moving and anticipate the need to be able to relocate my truck and gear several times in the next few years.

Absolute base requirements: I'll be towing it mainly with my 05 Yukon (5.3, 4wd), and it needs to be a trailer large enough to take my '66 and some spare parts. Budget is flexible, but under $6-8k for something with options or $3-5k for something more minimal.

MUST tow behind my Yukon (no 5th wheels or gooseneck hitches)
MUST carry my '66 and a few spares
MUST have onboard brakes
MUST be well built and safe.
PREFER extra room for a toolbox or workspace (if enclosed)
PREFER room for spares/tire rack/ramps (if open)
PREFER side access to contents (if enclosed)
PREFER lightweight to make it easier to tow on a normal truck.

Sooo...what do you guys recommend? I'd really like an enclosed trailer for security when parked, and an allweather work space at the track. I understand weight will increase, as will cost. I'd love to hear from all your experiences with trailering.

Oh, and for the open trailer guys, do you car cover/tarp etc to protect your ride? Tips?

Thanks!

[71Dragtruck]

Likely way over your budget, but I run a Alcom all aluminum trailer, helps my wife owns part of a trailer dealership so got mine at cost, it's pretty optioned out so $$$$ even at cost but was worth every penny. My first trailer was a cheap one and regretted not saving up more or even taking a small loan to get something better from the start, this one was a custom order how I wanted it.

Some pics the factory sent me when it was built.

[71Dragtruck]

Some pictures while setting it up, wife bought me AC for our anniversary last year have to put it in yet.

[BR3W CITY]

Thats awesome, but probably twice what I could spent haha. I don't mind something gently used, but I've seen how some people treat trailers.

I love the idea, but probably need to take it down a few notches.

[71Dragtruck]

Yeah this is a far cry from my first trailer for sure, but if I could go back I would have definitely went a bit better the first time, regretted some missing features but I just didn't have the cash.

Things that are a benefit with this non bells and whistle things, all aluminum to save weight, and larger capacity axles. The cabinets and such, can save and build your own they are way over priced, escape door a gift from heaven I'm too old to climb out windows and winching in and out is a hassle. Lighting mine is all LED inside and out on the 12v side, again can save with a non finished ceiling and do it yourself, same as the 110 and inverter.

I highly recommend e-track, mine is resessed from the factory, but also can add surface mount down the road, that's what I did in my snowmobile trailer, if you are tall the extra 6" ceiling height and taller door again, old trailer smoked my head lots exiting, new trailer never.

This thing was a gift to myself, so yes I went overkill, but you can keep the price down by just choosing some basic gotta haves that are non can add later items and build from there as you go.

[Super73]

I will try to post some pics of my new to me used enclosed. Again probably more than you are looking to spend ($11k) but it is a 28' triple axle that got registered in CA as a 9,999lb.

It came with:
etrack (not recessed)
Wireless winch
100 gallon under water tank with pump and spicket
60 gallon fuel tank, pump and handle
All axles were just gone through
New tires
New battery
Three 110vac T8 fixtures
12vdc lighting
Two exterior 110v halogens (I will be swaping out)
Front work bench that folds up
Cabinets


I added about $3k worth of:
Tool boxes and tools
8kw generator (dual purposed for the house)
Lots of exterior led lights
Inverter

Much of this needs to be installed.



But spending a little more, we'll will make you much happier. Definitely get more than a 7,500lb rated trailer if enclosed.

[BR3W CITY]

Originally Posted by Super73

But spending a little more, we'll will make you much happier. Definitely get more than a 7,500lb rated trailer if enclosed.

Why is that? I see a bunch of 6300 and 6900# ones listed for sale.

[Marv D]

Heres the issue,,,
A nice enclosed capable of hauling the truck and a gen and some tools is going to be a 28' minimum, and 3500-4500 pound (steel or a ~3500 ish aluminum) A 'NICE 28' TAG is going to run $14000-$18000+ depending on options, bells and whistles.

So add your truck and you have a 8500 to 10,000 pound trailer behind a 6000 pound Yukon. TRUST ME,, not fun.
So now you need a $70,000 1ton, crew, duramax, 4x4 to 'comfortably' haul your stuff around anywhere you want to go

So now you got this truck,,,, you might as well unload the enlosed trailer and get something more along th elines of a toy hauler so you 'can' take the family camping, and to other events.

Well now that you have a toy hauller,, hey these side by side ATV's are the rage and for a mear $28,000 you can get a polaris 4seater 1000 that will haul your butt and the family camping hunting to sand dunes to the mountian trails... all sorts of fun outdoor adventures

BUT WAIT THERE's MORE

Now we need new guns, another RZR, at some point you say forget the truck and buy a nice diesel pusher coach...

LOL,,, You see the trend here!!

GET WHAT YOU WANT THE FIRST TIME. It's wAY cheaper

[Super73]

A bare bones 24' steel trailer is likely +3,000lbs. Put tools, fuel, cabinets, winch in there and you are +4,500lbs. Toss your truck in the trailer nd you are above the axle rating.

Even if you come in slightly below the axle rating, think of the wear an tear on the bearings. In is not fun changing axle bearing in the breakdown Lane with semi's whizzing by at 60mph...

Wheel, tire, brakes etc. Are also bigger and better on a 9,999lb or 10k trailer.

[hotrod 80]

I just bought this one .
http://www.racingjunk.com/Used-Trail...m-Dallas-.html

[Super73]

Couple pics of my dirty trailer.

[ranger danger]

On a budget and with the weight limitations you have (Yukon) Id just get something like this one I found on my local craigslist for $3000.

14-Ft x 8-Ft wide ALL ALUMINUM Tilt-Bed car trailer. The Deck is 14-Foot and it measures 6'-4'' Between the Side Compartments. #6,000 GVWR with Surge brakes and 16" x 5-Ft Aluminum Ramps. Had new Brakes and tires installed last year.
ONLY $3,000

[ranger danger]

Or this one.

2003 Exiss aluminum trailer. 6'8" x 17' bed total measurement 8' x 21' $4500

Or this one.

For sale is this Featherlite open trailer. REDUCED PRICE. This is a model year 2012. This trailer is a 7000 LB Capacity.
2 rubber torsion axles with electric brakes; 14' foot bed with 3500# axles, with E-Z Lube axles. Two ramps with storage underneath trailer (6' long ramps). Removable fenders with stainless steel fender latches, LED clearance lights, LED stop/turn lights (Qty: 2), 2 5/16" coupler, This trailer has a total length of 19 Feet. Crank type jack. This trailer is Great for small tow vehicles. The overall foot print allows parking this trailer in tight spaces. Small to medium cars load easily and tow down the road with ease. All aluminum construction (will never RUST) makes this trailer very light. (1400 LBs). You can easily move this trailer around with a trailer dolly. Feel free to email me for additional information. I can deliver within 50 miles of Stockton at no additional cost. Call show contact info or email me.

[BR3W CITY]

So I keep seeing ones like this on craigslist for 5-10k. They look a bit cheaply built.


I don't need anything like a 28' heated shop trailer. I just need something that I can feel comfortable with my truck on, and if possible a few spares. This is the problem when my "fun" truck has more torque than the tow rig lol.

[Marv D]

Only 2 things to say:
ACCESS in and out of the truck once it's in the trailer is a MAJOR issue with these things. They are not exactly narrow cab. A lot of enclosed have access doors on the side, 'few' have anything like my JimGlo. After 3 back surgeries and loosing a lot of mobility, I found what I honestly think is the ideal enclosed car trailer.

http://www.small-block-chevy.com/trailer.htm

Not light at 4600 pounds empty, and you get what you pay for.

[hotrod 80]

My advise is buy as much axle and tire as you can afford or find . Trailer break down issues suck bad .

[James the III]

A guy around here has 5k in his..
it's a used uhaul box truck.. with added ramps.. and he added a side door to get out after driving it in..
the overhead.. for spares and tires/slicks..
You know like drag racers and circle racers used to do even the pro's before everyone needed to out do the jones..

[Wasted Income]

I'm gonna suggest simple, since it works well for me.

I have an 18' dovetail open car hauler that I've owned for 15+ years. It's been a workhorse for me, and in my opinion is more versatile than an enclosed trailer for variety of "non car" stuff. Hauling big loads of project steel, scrap steel, my bridgeport and lathe, etc...much easier to load, secure, and keep an eye on that stuff on an open trailer. I'll probably move to an enclosed trailer some day, but I'll still keep this one around for those needs.

My buddys gave me grief last time I trailered my truck to the track....I have a nice truck and trailer...why wouldn't I use them and not worry about breaking? I mean it's a 2 hour drive each way to the track. Bose and ice cold AC for the win. lol

[BR3W CITY]

Wasted, thats actually a great point (the non-car uses).
If I could build a little bulkhead or something to shield the nose from road garbage (its WI, we suck) then that might be a plausible solution.

If I can ask, how much did that 18' run you?

[hotrod 80]

I also have a 18' open dove tail I bought 20 years ago .

[BR3W CITY]

Thoughts? (I appreciate the help gents)

This one is cheap, and looks beefy, but I 'd have to swap the hook for like a 2" ball....and I don't see its static weight listed.
https://milwaukee.craigslist.org/tro/6000770692.html

[mongocanfly]

That looks like a lot of trailer behind the axles..I'd be worried about it dragging or getting hung up everwhere I went..
if getting a enclosed I'd go with a v-nose..much better.
My trailer is a 20ft open tilt deck ..I love it..got 5k axles under..

[Wasted Income]

Originally Posted by BR3W CITY

If I can ask, how much did that 18' run you?

Oh man, it's been forever ago...it was a couple years old when I bought it. I want to say around $2k.

[hotrod 80]

I gave $1200 for mine 20 years ago . It is on its 3rd deck and 4th set of trailers . Take the axle capacity and subtract it from the weight of the trailer and that will give you the trailer capacity .

[71Dragtruck]

Hey Wasted Income, if I were you I'd cross those tie down straps, I know more than one guy that learnt the hard way why.