Entry Level Trailer Comp

[One Acre Farm]

I need help deciding on an entry level 5x8 enclosed trailer. I cannot get a straight answer about who makes junk and who has something decent, not great, (I only have 1600 or so) but decent. Any thoughts? Most recently, I was trying to compare a Cargo Mate vs a Carry On.

Let me know

 

[Diamondpilot]

I have never owned a enclosed trailer but have owned dozens of boat and car haul trailers and one big Goose Neck.

Look at how the welds came out, the wiring is run, the tires rating compared to the GVWR of the trailer, the way the finish was applied (paint), the way the door seals and the lock, ect.

Hope this helps.

Chris

 

[foggy1111]

From my experience: Check for a good quality roof with a good seal at all edges. To me a one-piece roof made of fiberglass is the real deal.

Also, if its gonna leak...its going to be from the roof or the front or the doors. Door seals can be a big issue. Check for good closing system too.

Another thing is wiring....good wire management and ICC wire certification is tops. Check details to framing materials and weld quality.

I always look at cross-members and spacing to meet my needs. Not sure how heavy duty you need....so, cannot advise.

Then their is axles, suspension and tires........

 

[nikdfish]

We have a 6'x12' Carry-On we have been using since '05. No real issues other than a bad ground on a fender mounted clearance light. It has held up pretty well, never had any leaks or broken components. We used it moving the young'n into her new place (multiple trips of about 250 miles each way) and later for moving our household goods from WV to NC (also about 250 miles one way) - probably close to 10K miles so far.

If doing it all over again, I'd look for a more aerodynamic design - like the V nose version. I feel like the sail area of the big, tall, mostly flat, nose adds as much to the fuel consumption as the weight being pulled ... only a few miles per gallons difference between pulling it empty & pulling it with 2K lb. inside. It is as big a trailer as I would be willing to pull without trailer brakes & I generally don't want to pulll it if the weather would make for poor traction (i.e. snow, ice).


Nick

 

[Diamondpilot]

I have a degree in Aero Space and I can tell you the V nose would only help slightly. The tow vehicle does a good job at cutting through the air, the issue is the rear end. The majority of the drag comes from the blunt back end of a trailer.

With new technologies and building practices the camper industry are starting to round off the rear ends of high end trailers. The low end stuff is still square due to price.

Chris

 

[timswi]

I have a degree in Aero Space and I can tell you the V nose would only help slightly. The tow vehicle does a good job at cutting through the air, the issue is the rear end. The majority of the drag comes from the blunt back end of a trailer.

With new technologies and building practices the camper industry are starting to round off the rear ends of high end trailers. The low end stuff is still square due to price.

Chris

That's true but I don't know how they could round the rear of a cargo trailer and keep it weather tight. Possible I guess, but difficult and probably expensive.

 

[Diamondpilot]

That's true but I don't know how they could round the rear of a cargo trailer and keep it weather tight. Possible I guess, but difficult and probably expensive.

Yep. I have seen some semi trailers with a rounded off rear that uses a clam shell door. It will take a while for it to catch on but will be worth it in the long run. They are going to Single Wheel tractors and trailers and also skirting under the trailers.

Chris

 

[Bikewanderer]

They're all junk. If you want nice be prepared to pay for it.

I had a doolittle 5x10 and wasn't unhappy with it, loved the LED lights. I'd say it was one of the better brands based on what I saw, but it wasn't great by any means.

 

[HHR]

Aluma makes a very well built 5x8 trailer. The downside is the higher price.

 

[silvertramp]

I bought a 6x12 Haulmark in '95. Still have it. Probably towed it 30+k. It's got a metal arched roof that has yet to leak. Pony up for the ramp door. Haulmark is probably more like a mid grade trailer. Some of the cheaper one's were indeed trash. It took me looking around awhile at a multi brand dealer before I could see the diff.