10K trailer - Gator?

[sandman2234]

I would be interested in hearing why "Don't buy a trailer without LED lights" is a factor. Yes I realize that they draw less amps, and I actually own a Big Tex 20+5 gooseneck trailer with LED lights, but I also own several trailers without LED lights that have given me very good service for many, many years. My last tractor hauling trailer had the standard replaceable lights used by trucks for years prior to the "LED movement" and they were easily replaceable, and CHEAP to buy when they went out. Can you say that about any LED light?
David from jax

 

[crazyal]

I like to modify things. When it comes to trailers I find they often skimp For trailers I usually weld stainless steel bolts to the frame near the lights and brakes for a ground that never fails. I also like to put the wires in a conduit vs clipped to the frame. Also look at the brand of the axles. Make sure they are ones you can easily find on the internet. Sooner or later you will need parts (like brakes). While the internet is great for getting almost anything it's not so great if it's a Friday afternoon and you need to use the trailer Saturday. Local dealers are much more likely to have what you will need in stock depending on the brand.

 

[Oldtractorfixer]

I would be interested in hearing why "Don't buy a trailer without LED lights" is a factor. Yes I realize that they draw less amps, and I actually own a Big Tex 20+5 gooseneck trailer with LED lights, but I also own several trailers without LED lights that have given me very good service for many, many years. My last tractor hauling trailer had the standard replaceable lights used by trucks for years prior to the "LED movement" and they were easily replaceable, and CHEAP to buy when they went out. Can you say that about any LED light?
David from jax

LED lights are much more trouble free. In a damp climate the lights get moisture inside. That corrodes the socket and the bulb losses it's ground. Also makes the bulb hard to replace. You can clean it up temporarily but end up replacing the whole light. This of course happens when you are ready to go. It happens most often when the trailer sits for awhile.
LED lights are sealed and don't have these problems.

 

[Oldtractorfixer]

The sealed incadecent lights are better than the non sealed but they burn out too. And not a lot cheaper than the LEDs. I have yet to change out an LED except when they got knocked off. So led is cheaper in the long run.

 

[AllDodge]

I see a lot of gators and know a few that have owned them. Know some that love them and also know some that would never own another. I'll just say, when looking at trailers don't just walk around it, wear your work clothes and crawl under them. Look real close at the welds and how its made. You don't have to be a welder but it does help. See if the cross braces are weld on both sides and show some penetration, not just look like a round bead and doesn't go the entire length

Do they have a named brand axle and brake system or some across the pond name

 

[aczlan]

Stake pockets are not adequate for tie down.

Why not? Most of the flatbed semi trucks rolling down the road use them for tie downs.

Aaron Z

 

[AllDodge]

Have to agree, stake pockets not adequate
Better not say anything to all those truckers on the road. That's all I use to chain down my backhoe and dozer on my 10 ton tag trailer

 

[newbury]

If you are SURE you will NEVER chip the paint, then get a powder coated trailer.
If you do chip the powder coating, rust will creep underneath the powder coating, and the coating will eventually come off in slabs.
Powder coating is durable,.....until it gets chipped!<snip>

I think a GOOD powder coating should not do this. But I've seen many powder coatings that are basically "easy peel". At least it is easy to get all the old paint off.

 

[1010]

I'd go gator! Or buy as much trailer as I could afford within reason. I've used bumper pull for ever and just got a 20+5 gooseneck, with a metal angle iron dove tail, 3 fold up ramps, two 10K jacks. Stake pockets and bump rail. It's everything I was looking for. USED $4500. I love it, and so glad I was patient on looking.

What I'd look for, 2 7K dexter axles, brakes on both axles. ezlube hubs and 16 inch wheels.
Stake pockets are wonderful with a bump rail around the bed.
You drop a chain through the pocket and hook the pocket edge furthest away from the load. It won't slide either.
This is what MSDOT looks for. If the chain was to get slack for some reason the load is still hooked since gravity holds the hook on the stake pocket.
And if you needed a wood rail for mulch or a parade float haha,, it could be used for many purposes when hauling other materials.

 

[Fallon]

Have to agree, stake pockets not adequate
Better not say anything to all those truckers on the road. That's all I use to chain down my backhoe and dozer on my 10 ton tag trailer

I'll kind of agree. It's just a pain to get chain though stake pockets at times & really hard to get it properly tight. Even non-sharp corners can destroy straps quickly when tightened down.

Most stake pockets are beefy enough, but it's a usability issue. There is an easy solution there though
PJ Trailers Heavy Duty Stake Pocket D-RING Rated 11,780 lb., Pack of 4 Amazon.com: PJ Trailers Heavy Duty Stake Pocket D-RING Rated 11,78 lb., Pack of 4: Automotive