Enclosed trailers?

[PapaPerk]

Hello,

Seriously considering buying an enclosed trailer. I'm very familiar with quality brands for dump and flat trailers. However I don't know much about quality enclosed trailers. Do you all have suggestions?

I'm look for min 6x12 with v-nose. Will haul zero turn, ATVs, small tractor, etc. I may consider a bigger one. Would be nice to have 4500 lbs load capacity for larger antique tractors.

Thanks for any help.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Look closely at the side panel, roof, and floor fit. Leaks are a pain. Also look at floor load specs per SQ FT. It may be rated to haul 5 tons but that that doesn't mean it can handle 4500# in 4 contact points of the tires.

Also look for solid tie down points to haul the weight you plan, that's something most enclosed trailers lack.

Other than that is standard stuff. Quality tires, axles, welds, wiring, paint, lights, ect.

Chris

 

[JimRB]

I got a v-nosed box trailer a few years ago for hauling around bicycle race supplies. Maybe a ton of supplies. The frame is not impressive. Wall framing not impressive. Price was low. If I was serious about hauling heavy things I would really look underneath to see what they used between the box tubing to hold the floor up. My horse trailer had bent light guage sheet metal for supports. It now has 2x2 angle iron. The equipment trailer has similar light guage bent metal between the box tubing. That equipment trailer creaks more than any trailer I have used.

Anyhow if you go to trailer lots you amy discover all "value line" trailers are pretty wimpy. Some manufacturers have heavy duty framing which will add some weight but gives you more substantial anchor areas.

If you lived in middle Georgia you would discover there are a large number of box trailer manufacturers around. Kind of like Indiana and their travel trailer industry.

 

[PapaPerk]

Look closely at the side panel, roof, and floor fit. Leaks are a pain. Also look at floor load specs per SQ FT. It may be rated to haul 5 tons but that that doesn't mean it can handle 4500# in 4 contact points of the tires. Also look for solid tie down points to haul the weight you plan, that's something most enclosed trailers lack. Other than that is standard stuff. Quality tires, axles, welds, wiring, paint, lights, ect. Chris

Thanks for the feedback! Is there any manufactures you would recommend? I was looking at Featherlite on the net.

 

[PapaPerk]

I got a v-nosed box trailer a few years ago for hauling around bicycle race supplies. Maybe a ton of supplies. The frame is not impressive. Wall framing not impressive. Price was low. If I was serious about hauling heavy things I would really look underneath to see what they used between the box tubing to hold the floor up. My horse trailer had bent light guage sheet metal for supports. It now has 2x2 angle iron. The equipment trailer has similar light guage bent metal between the box tubing. That equipment trailer creaks more than any trailer I have used. Anyhow if you go to trailer lots you amy discover all "value line" trailers are pretty wimpy. Some manufacturers have heavy duty framing which will add some weight but gives you more substantial anchor areas. If you lived in middle Georgia you would discover there are a large number of box trailer manufacturers around. Kind of like Indiana and their travel trailer industry.

Thanks for the info! I didn't realize the trailers were so weak. I need to study more!

 

[oldpilgrim]

Check out the Pace trailers. I've had one for 20 years and it's still in great shape. I know many others who have them who are very happy too.

 

[ultrarunner]

I bought a 7 x 16 Pace used and no complaints... the floor is sturdy, I have D ring tie downs and the ramp is very convenient...

Over the last 6 years my only repair has been to replace one row of ramp hinge screws.

Only other issue is the molded ABS? where the front meets the roof does have a few cracks that I covered with black tape.

I had looked a real nice... read expensive trailers that were 4 to 5 times what I paid.

 

[Thomas]

Also vents top and bottom.

 

[terryknight]

featherlite makes a nice trailer (had two) but they are not cheap

 

[Gafn]

I bought a used Wells Cargo tandem axle 16' trailer in 2008 - it was a 2000 model.
It is 7' wide 6' 6" tall,Two 3500# axles with a GVWR of 7700# empty weight of 2070# leaving a payload of 5600#.
No tie downs, I had to install them.
This 15 year old trailer has no leaks, and parts are readily available. Smashed a light, had one in 3 days from the internet.

Good luck in your hunt...

 

[HHR]

Check out the Pace trailers. I've had one for 20 years and it's still in great shape. I know many others who have them who are very happy too.

I was under the understanding that Pace is no longer in business.

 

[newbury]

<snip>
I'm look for min 6x12 with v-nose. Will haul zero turn, ATVs, small tractor, etc. I may consider a bigger one. Would be nice to have 4500 lbs load capacity for larger antique tractors.
<snip>

If 4.5K is your MAXIMUM capacity you should be able to get by w/ a dual 3,500 lb axle rig. But if you need to go much higher then you are looking at dual 5K axles and they are fairly rare in off-the-shelf pre-builts but can be ordered.

I've been looking for a 7x16 enclosed 10K trailer for about 4 years and only have found a few used, and they were pricey. I've gotten quotes from quality mfg's for about $4.5K. My primary purpose is/was to haul my household from Alexandria, Va to Fulton, Ms, about one trip every three months.

We are VERY gradually retiring to Mississippi and take our time "putting a load together". I've driven down U-Haul rental trailers, 26' Penske rental box trucks and what fit's out "lifestyle" is to gradually fill a trailer then drag it down when the stars align.

SWMBO however put her foot down at buying another expensive "toy" to park in a driveway and another option, renting a UHaul trailer is about $600 a pop.

So last year I put sides and a roof on my equipment trailer.
First I added sides so I could better carry mulch etc.

Then I added 3/4x4x8 sheets of plywood for sides.

and used 1/2x4x about 6.5 for the roof. I went with only 4' sides because I've found that unless I'm REALLY diligent it's rare I HAVE to pack much over 4' high (like a freezer)

I standardized on 3/8 16 bolts for fasteners. Mostly flat 4" U-bolts, as you can see on the uprights, but also a lot of straight bolts w/ washers and T-nuts. This standardization on the bolts let's me put it all together and take it apart with my trusty 9/16 socket on my DeWalt 20V max drill. It would be a true pain to bolt/unbolt w/ a manual socket wrench

And when I'm done it all comes apart for bigger toys which WOULDN'T fit in an enclosed trailer.

.

It takes me about a slow day to disassemble and probably a slow day to reassemble by myself. Materials cost was about $800.

Sure I'd like a fully enclosed trailer but this let's me get by w/ one trailer in suburbia and a 20' driveway. Plus SWMBO is happy.

So PapaP good luck in finding a trailer to suit your needs, be careful in getting something that won't handle your max weight needed. Also if you list your location we might be able to give you pointers to resources near you.

/edit - almost all the wood is PT

 

[DFB]

I also have a Pace 6x10, single axle new 15 years ago now...came with finished ceiling, interior lights, roof vent, racing flag check lino floor, D rings, and 6" of xtra height...sweet

I suggest getting dual axles also

My 18 ft dual axle utility trailer is Carmate brand, extremely well built.

 

[PapaPerk]

I was under the understanding that Pace is no longer in business.

They have a functioning website.

 

[docone]

Take a look at "lift off" stock trailers, they are designed with jacks to lift the enclosure off the deck for dual purpose applications and come in many configurations.

Cheers,

 

[joeyd]

Interstate Trailers makes different levels of enclosed trailers with many options and customization available. They have 3 plants located in Idaho, Arizona and Arkansas. They sell them through Trailer's Plus outlets, over 30 stores in the western US.

 

[PapaPerk]

I bought a 7 x 16 Pace used and no complaints... the floor is sturdy, I have D ring tie downs and the ramp is very convenient... Over the last 6 years my only repair has been to replace one row of ramp hinge screws. Only other issue is the molded ABS? where the front meets the roof does have a few cracks that I covered with black tape. I had looked a real nice... read expensive trailers that were 4 to 5 times what I paid.

That's a good looking trailer! That's kinda what I'm looking for.

 

[Pete6114]

If i was to buy one today, it be a Neo All Aluminum. Got a Pace and wouldn't recommend it..

 

[ultrarunner]

That's a good looking trailer! That's kinda what I'm looking for.

I think I got lucky... just about to give up when this one came along for $3200.

Had only been used for motorcycles... took out 6 Motorcycle Wheel Chocks so I'd have a clear floor.

The guy was going bigger and decided to sell.

The 7' size lets me see down the sides of the trailer with my truck mirrors... have also towed wider and didn't feel as comfortable to me.

My neighbor uses a 8 x 22 full height trailer for his business... seems like a monster to me... besides it would be too big for my 1/2 ton Silverado.

 

[bullbreaker]

I'am not saying its the best ETC but heres my 2005 Continental car hauler , 20'x8' high and high enough to drive my Bota L3400 w/FEL into it.
I have tie downs in it, its paneled, 4 inner lights in /on roof, stabilizer bar and load levers, upgraded batt from small mini they come with to deep cycle marine, 4' side cargo door upgrade from 3' standard, 2 roof vents, no leaks . Been very pleased with this unit .
I pull it with my 2011 F250 4X4 Diesel (def) 6.7 . I currently have a workbench in it .