Trailers -- Any suggestions?

[700R]

Well...the time has come for me to get an equipment trailer. I don't have a use for a trailer but a handful of times a year....but lining one up when I do is rough.
Basically, I just want to know what some of ya'lls experience is with a few brands. I'm looking for a 10-12k trailer...18' long (maybe 20'...but don't want it too heavy), and somewhere around $3500.

Big Tex
PJ
Pro Line (re-badged Quality trailer)
Hooper

I have noticed that the BT and PJ come with LED lights, adjustable feet on the ramps, and what looks like a better jack...but they are $500+ more than the others.
The Big Tex 12ET is just what I want...but at nearly $4300, it's out of the budget.

I would probably be happy with any of them with as little as I will use it...but if I'm gonna spend the money, I'd rather get the most for it.
I haven't gone to kick tires on any of them yet...the closest dealer (pro-line) is 30 minutes away, and the other one is 45 mins. I'm going to try to get out to them this week if I can wake up in time (3rd shift)

 

[WM75Guy]

I have 2 Big Tex trailers. The 12GP is a 12K 20' GN, the 50LA is a 7K 14' BP. Have not had any issues with either. I have looked at PJ trailers. If I get another it will be a PJ 30' lowpro hydraulic dovetail.

 

[tractchores]

I would look at used on craigslist. i got mine for $1200, it's a 4 ton 20' cam superline. I'd be more focused on the capacity and length than the brand. Its amazing what you can find cheaply if you look for a few months. I use mine a handful of times per year and agree its very nice to have one VS renting or trying to borrow one.

If you're set on those brands I know a lot of people who like big tex

 

[Parkanzky]

I have a 14k# low profile tilt-deck from Load Trail.

*NEW* Low-Profile Tandem Axle Tilt Deck 14,000 Lb 6" Channel Frame Load Trail Trailer Manufacturing

I've never been a fan of ramps and I love having the load riding low.

 

[two_bit_score]

Have you considered Diamond C?

Diamond C Trailers

NEW LONDON TRAILERS, INC
13001 E. LYNCHBURG SALEM TPK
FOREST, VA 24551 USA
434-525-1211

Don't know anything about that dealer. Just found them on the website.

I'm probably going to buy a Diamond C for the next new trailer I get. They seem to be well made and people who have bought them like them.

Let us know what you wind up with.

 

[two_bit_score]

double post gremlins at work again

 

[700R]

I would look at used on craigslist. i got mine for $1200, it's a 4 ton 20' cam superline. I'd be more focused on the capacity and length than the brand. Its amazing what you can find cheaply if you look for a few months. I use mine a handful of times per year and agree its very nice to have one VS renting or trying to borrow one.

If you're set on those brands I know a lot of people who like big tex

I have been looking on CL for a while now. One out of every 150 listings might fit my needs...but then the price is around $3k for it. I'd rather buy new for $500 more...
I'm not "set" on those brands...those are just the brands that the local dealers carry. I've got to be able to lay my eyes and hands on the trailer before I buy it.

Have you considered Diamond C?

Diamond C Trailers

NEW LONDON TRAILERS, INC
13001 E. LYNCHBURG SALEM TPK
FOREST, VA 24551 USA
434-525-1211

Don't know anything about that dealer. Just found them on the website.

I'm probably going to buy a Diamond C for the next new trailer I get. They seem to be well made and people who have bought them like them.

Let us know what you wind up with.

Yes, that's the main dealer I will be using (other than the Pro-Line dealer). I didn't see any Diamond C's in their current inventory that would work for me. I did see a few models about a year ago when I was up there looking though...

They used to have Gatormade trailers up there too.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I deal in boat trailers part time and I will bet my next paycheck that 9 times out of 10 buying used will cost you more than a new one in the next 12 months. They usually need bearings, tires, brakes, deck boards, new wiring, ect.

We just had a guy in the last month buy a used 3 axle 28' boat trailer. He complained it was eating tires. It also had bad wiring and needed new bunk boards. He brought it to us and we discovered all 3 axles were bent. It also need new wheels because 3 we found cracks in.

He paid $1200 for the trailer but has since dumped $3400 into it to get it usable. In my opinion it's still not right.

I could have sent him a factory new, disc brake, LED Light, 3 axle trailer for right at $4500

Chris

 

[newbury]

I deal in boat trailers part time and I will bet my next paycheck that 9 times out of 10 buying used will cost you more than a new one in the next 12 months. They usually need bearings, tires, brakes, deck boards, new wiring, ect.<snip>

That may be because 9 times out of 10 the buyer didn't check things out enough.

One key in buying used ANYTHING is to determine WHO and WHY of the sale.
Who is selling it? Do you think the seller is trustworthy?
Why is it being sold? Don't need it anymore? Upgrading? Loss of business?

I bought my '07 Hudson used as part of the package when I bought my B7610. The seller seemed to check out as trustworthy, didn't need the trailer without the tractor.

Concerning

in the next 12 months. They usually need bearings, tires, brakes, deck boards, new wiring,

all of that should be checked before buying AND tires and deck boards rot in place. Aren't tires supposed to be replaced about every 6 years or so ANYWAYS?

And if the OP only needs it a few times a year, versus towing it every working day, some things will last a lot longer. I didn't grease my bearings from '09 until 2012. Didn't move the trailer either.

I've been paying attention to used trailers for several years because my son wants one. If the OP travels he may be able to find better deals for new that makes it worth the drive. For example what seems to go for $2,000 in the DC area I can find for $1,500 in Memphis. It's not worth the drive EXCEPT when I visit relatives who live there.

And to the OP - have you considered Hudson?

 

[sklunk]

Also check

Cam SuperLine:
CAM Superline construction & dump trailers

Bri-Mar:
Bri-Mar - Dump, Equipment, Tilt and Utility Trailers

They aren't too far from you (southern PA). All the people I know that own either brand have lots of good to say about both.