Agonizing Over Enclosed Trailer Size

[davey4000]

I need an enclosed trailer to move from GA to NC. I plan to "transition" and will make several trips. I have an 8.5 x 24 enclosed car hauler trailer, but it's just a little too big when fully loaded for my tow vehicle. My tow vehicle is a 2000 Ford F-250, 2WD, 7.3 diesel. I have a flatbed trailer to move my tractors.

My dilemma is that I want to maximize the capacity and not push the envelope too much by once again getting too large of a trailer. I'm trying to choose between a 7 x 14 box or a 7 x 16 box with V nose. I know 2 feet doesn't sound like much, but I'd be willing to sacrifice if it really made any difference at all.

Suggestions appreciated. The distance is 300 miles one way.

 

[radioman]

Hmm- what are you moving? your apt as bacholor or family house of 4 ? Do you already have land at your destination or a place to stay and store the stuff ? Just becuase you have a large trailer and feel it might be too much fully loaded, it might be a better choice. Given the fact you can spread out the load better. Here's another idea- How large of a flatbed trailer do you have? Do you need a instant shed ? What if you bought a used cargo van enclosure and mount it on your flatbed trailer? After you are done with your move, you be able to remove it and have a instant shed!

OR you could just not move the stuff yourself, except whatever you feel fits you in the larger trailer and mvoe tractor with flatbed and pack everything else in ABF trailers and let them drive it down there for you regardless how heavy it might be.

 

[davey4000]

I'm moving everything in my current house to my new house to be completed in about two months. By transition I mean that the old house will not be sold right away and we'll be living in both for a few months.

 

[CinderSchnauzer]

I have an 8.5 x 24 enclosed car hauler trailer, but it's just a little too big when fully loaded for my tow vehicle.

I'm sure this is too obvious or not practical for some reason BUT - don't fill the 8 x 24 full.

Seems to me that would be a lot less expensive than buying a new trailer.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I'm sure this is too obvious or not practical for some reason BUT - don't fill the 8 x 24 full.

Seems to me that would be a lot less expensive than buying a new trailer.

I was thinking the same thing.

Chris

 

[Raw Dodge]

I have an 8.5x20.I wish it were a 24...I have zero trouble pulling with either of my tow vehicles,also i pull my 33 ft camper easily.I find it hard to believe your tow vehicle even knows that 24fters behind you...you got plenty of truck.

 

[Robert_in_NY]

Why is the 24' trailer too much for your F-250 diesel? I don't see it? As long as you have a brake controller in your truck and brakes on the trailer and load it properly I don't see any reason to buy a smaller trailer then what you already have. If anything I would want a bigger trailer as I doubt you can really overload your truck and trailer just moving household items. If your worried about weight then mix heavy items with light items so you don't get extremely light or heavy loads.

I have an F-250 with 5.4 and an F-250 with 6.0 and both are extended cabs with 4wd and I won't hesitate to pull 5 ton with them. I don't think you are putting more then 5 ton behind you loading that 24' trailer with stuff from your house unless your moving a bunch of steel.

 

[Big Bri]

i have a 24' halmark that i pull with a 97 f350 and (please don't call the police) have pulled with my my 2000 f150 4.6 and it would pull it with a 2400lbs race car plus gear (tires ice chest tools)75mph. i know your your f250 will pull it fine.
good luck on your move.
brian

 

[newbury]

I need an enclosed trailer to move from GA to NC. I plan to "transition" and will make several trips. I have an 8.5 x 24 enclosed car hauler trailer, but it's just a little too big when fully loaded for my tow vehicle. My tow vehicle is a 2000 Ford F-250, 2WD, 7.3 diesel. I have a flatbed trailer to move my tractors..

Get larger mirrors and a backup camera.
Looking at the trailer life specs I expect your 250 should be able to haul 12,500 lbs. Unless your crossing the Rockies on the way, like others have said, your 250 should do fine.

I am also in the process of looking for transportation, moving a 5 bed household from DC to MS. I'd love to have your setup.

But I do like the suggestion of putting a cargo van enclosure on my trailer.

 

[scoutcub]

I'm curious....are you just uncomfortable pulling your loaded 24" trailer? Was it swaying, or just feeling too heavy? As others have stated, your 250 should have no problem pulling a (legally) loaded 24' trailer. I pull a 30' H&H enclosed which is a heavy trailer (6000+empty) and my 350 pulls it fine loaded down. Perhaps airbags for the truck if it's sagging, or a weight distributing hitch for the trailer? Or, as already mentioned, don't load it as full. The smaller V-noses will help you a little on aerodynamics, but rob you of a lot of usable space.