16' Utility trailer gate or ramps which is better?

[s219]

I would agree with you on the trailer use ending up being more than you plan for. I bought my trailer to move my tractor when necessary. Since buying it about three months ago, I've picked up a few dozen pallets, hauled three loads of firewood logs (1.5 - 2 cords each load), and toted home a "whole house worth" of used vinyl siding to put on my new shed. I've used it to move my tractor exactly once.

Next year, I plan to build out some sides for it that sit in the stake pockets and will drop some plywood over the board decking to create a more solid surface. Then I'll be able to load gravel, mulch, dirt, etc and drive right on with the tractor to scoop it off and move it around.

I estimate I have towed my tractor about 40 times since I got my 7x16 tandem trailer earlier this year, but that was planned. The unplanned stuff, as you suggest, continues to amaze me. I've picked up numerous loads of gravel, crusher run, and mulch, brought a few stacks of pallets home for firewood storage, picked up two 20' culvert pipes, transported a bunch of lumber and plywood, picked up a 16' farm gate, and transported a load 12 foot logs. Far more than I would have ever thought about doing before. And that's with a tow vehicle that can only pull 5000 pounds, reducing my effective cargo load on the trailer to about 3400 pounds. I could be towing another 2000 pounds of cargo with a bigger tow vehicle, but so far everything has been working out pretty good. I still can't find an honest excuse to get a big truck .

 

[Soundguy]

my 16' trailer has been used and abused. it gets towed at least weekly or used to anyway.. it has droped off some now that i have the larger gn.. but even now it handles stuff to small for the deckover... feed, hay, parts, small tractors.. large tractors hanging off the rear and bucket curled on the tounge.. etc..

buy mor ethan you currently need and you won't be unhappy. IE.. if looking at a 16' tanden landscape or utility trailer.. consider 16' and 18-20' car haulers or equipment trailers with or without dovetail.

 

[timswi]

TIMSWI, that is a fine looking trailer you have there, what is the GVW? Can I ask how much that trailer cost? I have seen doolittle trailers make trailers with a GVW of 9,800 pounds. I might call and find out how much they want for them. I know a trailer will just be like my compact tractor, once I get a trailer I will find out there are so many more uses for it than I thought, just like my sub-compact tractor. Thanks again, after hearing everyone's opinions and advice I know much better what I am looking for when it comes to buying a trailer, don't think I will find a used one like I want. Most of the used ones here in Missouri don't even have brakes and they still want $1,200 or more for them. I looked at a Doolittle the other day (Doolittle trailers are made about 20 miles from where I live) it only had brakes on one axle and all 4 tires were almost slick, and they wanted $1,600 for it!

Thanks..its 7000#, brakes on both axles--$2700 or so base price.

 

[grnspot110]

My 16' car-hauler started out with 3500# axles, when it came time to start hauling a 7500# (JD 720D) tractor I took it back to the local builder & had them change to 6000# axles (frame is plenty heavy enough). Started out with slide-in ramps, after cancer treatments, the ramps were just too heavy to handle anymore! Took it back for a ramp-gate that would handle the "Diesel", springs on the hinge pins, I later added the garage door springs.

As for the gas mileage, I never noticed when I was pulling with the 6L Chevy, now with the 5.3, I do notice a difference, but not enough to worry about (most of my towing is within 50 miles). My maximum tow load now (trailer included) is no more than 7000#, used to be 12,000+.

As for the original post, it all depends on your usage! ~~ grnspot

 

[Gary Fowler]

Ok. I officially don't like you, then.

Big Tex?

I got it from Trout Trailers in Conroe, Texas. I think they have them fabbed locally for them. The few issues I have found with it is that it has no paint under the deck and wires are just ran in guides tacked to the frame which is standard for most trailers, but some high end have conduit. I put some plastic split tubing on it where I could. The paint is not a big deal here as we dont have road salt to contend with.
The ramps are covered with a hinged locking flap that is nice but the ramps are only about 5 feet long and would work better with my TLB if they were about a foot longer but they still work ok as they are.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I never understood the "Ramps Too Heavy" thing??? I am only 5'10 and 165# and my 5' ramps slide in the rear of the trailer. Just pull 2 hitch pins and pull them out. They slide right out and into place in about 30 seconds for both.

I could see if the ramps had to be stored on the tongue or in the bed of the truck, that would require some toting them around, but with the right trailer the are perfect.

Chris

 

[grnspot110]

I never understood the "Ramps Too Heavy" thing??? I am only 5'10 and 165# and my 5' ramps slide in the rear of the trailer. Just pull 2 hitch pins and pull them out. They slide right out and into place in about 30 seconds for both.

I could see if the ramps had to be stored on the tongue or in the bed of the truck, that would require some toting them around, but with the right trailer the are perfect.

Chris

My 5' ramps were stored under the sides of the trailer (not enough room to bring them out the back) & heavy enough for the 7000# tractor (3" channel iron sides & 1/4" x 1-1/2" cross pieces) . After handling them four times/day, they wore me out! Like I said, this was after cancer treatments! ~~ grnspot

 

[Soundguy]

I never understood the "Ramps Too Heavy" thing??? I am only 5'10 and 165# and my 5' ramps slide in the rear of the trailer. Just pull 2 hitch pins and pull them out. They slide right out and into place in about 30 seconds for both.

I could see if the ramps had to be stored on the tongue or in the bed of the truck, that would require some toting them around, but with the right trailer the are perfect.

Chris

1'm 5'4 ( 5'6 in boots ) and weight 130 # courtesy of some heart problems a couple years ago.

I have 5' hd ramps and a 3rd hd center ramp for trikes.

I store them ON trailer wedged under tires for my small flatbed. my deckover GN has even heavier / longer flip up withanti squatting feet.. mid way down as they come off the beavertail..

I've never had a problem moving ramps.. it's usually the easiest thing to do if I've got the trailer out..

 

[Diamondpilot]

Dont get me wrong, my ramps are heavy, but sliding them strait in and out is kids play.

Chris

 

[meburdick]

Dont get me wrong, my ramps are heavy, but sliding them strait in and out is kids play.

Chris

Just theorizing here...

It seems to me that the ramps that are often categorized as "too heavy" are the ones that are hinged, or completely removable (meaning they would slide into slots in the side of the trailer as opposed to the end). With ramps that slide directly into the back of the trailer, you're generally "dead lifting" them, which is the least strenuous part of lifting a ramp. So, I could see why ramps that are heavy could still be pretty manageable.

My fold-down ramps are heavy but generally manageable. Still, one day, I lifted something in "just the right way" and my back was tweaked for the better part of two weeks. Once your back has been injured, you're always more susceptible to problems in the future...