Feedback on Gatormade Trailers, please.

nate_m · Nov 17, 2008

I will soon be purchasing a trailer to move my JD2520 around on.

There is a GatorMade distributor not too far from me and was wondering if anybody had any experience, feedback or other useful info about the quality of these trailers.

Here is a link to the trailer I would be purchasing.
http://www.gatormade.com/trailers/trailerpages/gt-xt.php

Probably a little overkill for just my 2520 but if there is one thing I've learned from reading through the posts here is that it's best to plan for more than you currently need.

Your feedback is greatly appreciated.

Diamondpilot · Nov 17, 2008

Looks like a good trailer and well built. I am in Somerset all the time. Its not a bad drive from SW Ohio, maybe 3 hours. You should call them and see what it will cost if you drive down and get it.

Are you 100% sure this is the type of trailer you want? It looks more like its engineered toward the professional and not so much the home owner. Like a BobCat trailer. You may be better suited with something that will allow you to haul other things easier like cars, loose materials, ect. The stand up rear ramps will prevent you from ever having something 20' long on it like a full size truck or a tractor with a FEL and bush hog.

Chris

gemini5362 · Nov 17, 2008

nate_m said:
I will soon be purchasing a trailer to move my JD2520 around on.

There is a GatorMade distributor not too far from me and was wondering if anybody had any experience, feedback or other useful info about the quality of these trailers.

Here is a link to the trailer I would be purchasing.
Gator Made Trailers :: Trailers - Utility Trailers - Gooseneck Trailers - Equipment Trailers - Trailer Parts - Gator Made Trailers, is one of the largest open air trailer manufacturers in the US and the largest in Kentucky for the preceding 11 years.

Probably a little overkill for just my 2520 but if there is one thing I've learned from reading through the posts here is that it's best to plan for more than you currently need.

Your feedback is greatly appreciated.

Not a bad looking trailer I dont know the price but seems well built. I would modify the hitch if that is an option and have them put a bulldog hitch on it. I dont know anyone that has regretted getting a bulldog but I know several who have regretted not having one. The other thing I might wonder about is how long your 2520 is. If it has a front end loader on it then are you going to be able to load it with the front end loader in front of the trailer axles. I have a 4940 Montana and when I put it where the front end loader is at the front my tractor sets behind the axles. I have to put the front end loader over the front rail to get far enough on the trailer then I worry about hitting my truck with the loader. I have a 16 foot trailer also. The next one I get will be longer. I also wind up having my brushhog hanging off of the end of the trailer if I am going somewhere to mow. How are you going to be able to do that with the mounted ramps ?

davkir · Nov 17, 2008

I agree, looks like a real nice heavy duty work trailer. I also much prefer the Bulldog style.
Looks like only one set of brakes is standard, I would want them on both axles and also at least one spare tire and mount.
(I've never had them, but if I were buying new and planning on keeping it a long time, I would go for the LED lights.)

nate_m · Nov 18, 2008

davkir said:
I also much prefer the Bulldog style.

gemini5362 said:
I would modify the hitch if that is an option and have them put a bulldog hitch on it. I dont know anyone that has regretted getting a bulldog but I know several who have regretted not having one.

Thanks for the feedback.

I assume your not talking about this bulldog hitch pictured here.

I googled bulldog hitches and found a few pics, etc but I am not really grasping the concept and why it's better than a standard ball hitch receiver. Is it more secure? easier to align? Do I need anything special on the truck side?

Diamondpilot · Nov 18, 2008

It allows the truck and trailer articulate more without binding. A standard ball and hitch will only articulate a little over 15 deg or so before binding. Not a big deal unless you drive over some rough off road terrain.

Chris

davkir · Nov 18, 2008

I find them easier to hook up and latch then other types, but it's not a big deal.

Bulldog Hammerblow trailer hitch ball couplers

gemini5362 · Nov 18, 2008

davkir said:
I find them easier to hook up and latch then other types, but it's not a big deal.

Bulldog Hammerblow trailer hitch ball couplers

davkir's website shows what I am talking about. They do not have to have anything special on the truck side it hooks up to a ball hitch. I find they are a lot easier to hook up and less likely to have problems getting them to go on over the ball. I think they hold better. I believe that if you look at bumper pull trailers that haul livestock you will see most if not all of them with bulldog hitches. I was told that was mandatory to have bulldog style hitches on the livestock trailers but I dont know that for a fact. In my opinion for what it is worth. They are not that much more money when you order it with a new trailer and I think they work quite a bit better.

gemini5362 · Nov 18, 2008

I am going to crosspost here just because it fits both threads. For ease of alignment I found a camera at SAMS club that is wireless so you dont have to run wires into your cab. The camera mounts over your license plate. The LCD monitor for it is a 7 inch color monitor. You hook the camera power into your backup lights and it comes on when you are backing up to the trailer. They are 109.00 at sams. I just purchased one (they are a new item) It makes backing up to your trailer and hooking up so easy even I can do it in one try.

wkpoor · Nov 19, 2008

On the subject of couplers both of mine use the heavy duty cast steel type that automatically couple when you lower them on the ball. I think they are 25K rating. Best ball couple mouse trap I've seen yet.

gemini5362 · Nov 19, 2008

wkpoor said:
On the subject of couplers both of mine use the heavy duty cast steel type that automatically couple when you lower them on the ball. I think they are 25K rating. Best ball couple mouse trap I've seen yet.

do you have a link to those couplers. sounds interesting

J_J · Nov 19, 2008

wkpoor said:
On the subject of couplers both of mine use the heavy duty cast steel type that automatically couple when you lower them on the ball. I think they are 25K rating. Best ball couple mouse trap I've seen yet.

How about a picture and a brand name or web site. Thanks

gemini5362 · Nov 19, 2008

J_J said:
How about a picture and a brand name or web site. Thanks[/QUOTE

QuickBiteCouplers.com / New Revolutionary Trailer Coupler makes Trailer Towing Safe, Secure, Easier

is this the one you are talking about I bet they are not cheap though. I think I will stick with my bulldog hitch

Crash101 · Nov 20, 2008

I have the Quickbite 7700 AXT stainless steel adjustable mount on a custom built 20 foot trailer. I got too tired of trying to hook up my previous trailer by myself. Back up, get out and check, determine how much to turn the wheel, how far to back up, get back in, back up more, opps, to far,, etc etc. Now I install the sight poles and back into the trailer, it automatically connects and all I have to do is insert the safety pin and store the sight poles. Couldn't be easier. I think I paid around $175 for it, but believe me, it's worth it. If I buy another trailer, I guarantee it will have a version of this coupler installed

abrannan19 · Nov 20, 2008

We just put a deposit on one..we have been looking at them for a LONG time..finally broke down yesterday and bought this 20+5

Gator Made Trailers :: Trailers - Utility Trailers - Gooseneck Trailers - Equipment Trailers - Trailer Parts - Gator Made Trailers, is one of the largest open air trailer manufacturers in the US and the largest in Kentucky for the preceding 11 years.

all LED's side mount tool box and 5 chrome wheel simulators..ended up getting all the options for free..about 1k in options..needless to say I think they are a very well built trailer with good customer service and good reputation.

Currently they are negotiable too. We saw the trailers in person at the AG show in Moultrie GA and Shawn from Gatormade (KY location) has been a pleasure to deal with..they started building our trailer today and should be ready next week.

Thus far I would highly recommend them..we had a good friend of our that went with us to the AG show he is a welder and a fabricator..I didnt know gatormade was gonna have a booth..but I was happy they did..I had our friend look over the trailer real good and he was thoroughly impressed..and he has a PJ and said if he had it to do over again he would highly consider the gator over the PJ..plus he is a John Deere guy and they offer that color for 150 bucks more over black!

Hope this helps with your decision!

wkpoor · Nov 20, 2008

do you have a link to those couplers. sounds interesting

I don't know if this is my band or not as I'm not home to check and my rating may be off but this link is the kind I have. They are called auto engage couplers and do work slick. Especially behind a tractor as I can just lift the ball into the coupler from the seat and it latches itself. To release I lower the hitch set to fall when I pull the handle. When hooking to the truck you just lower and watch the handle raise itself and then return to latch position. Slick I tell you...Slick.
Cast Couplers - Welcome to Buyers Products Company

jcmseven · Nov 20, 2008

I have had three GatorMade trailers and have made a few posts about them over the past two or three years. I think they are one of the best made utility trailers around. They are very well-made and have features not commonly seen on ANY level of trailer. They also track really well when pulling. I can highly recommend them. Right now, I am between tractors and do not have a utility trailer (sold mine to a friend who uses one much more than I do) but when I buy, I will go with another GatorMade.

John M