Looking for advice on buying a trailer

[Rollerskate]

I am interested in buying a utility/landscape trailer to use for a variety of purposes such as moving my tractor (Kioti CK20 with FEL & BH) around, hauling all the debris I have cleared, picking "stuff" up to rebuild a weekend place, etc. The tractor weighs in about 4,000 lbs. I have a 99 Suburban with trailer hitch that is rated for up to 6,000 lbs. We already us it to pull a horse trailer. I am thinking of maybe a 16', dual axle trailer. I am not going to use it for commercial purposes, it is just for my personal use. Though I do expect some friends will find a few uses for it too.

I have been looking around the net and visited a couple of dealers. Given how beat up used units look, I am thinking it would be just better to buy new. I am figuring on paying $2,300 - $2,400. From what I have seen they all sort of look the same to me so I am wondering if there is much difference between trailer manufactures? Ringo and Big Tex available from the two dealers I have seen. Are there some basic or special things I should be considering?

Thanks,
Rollerskate

 

[ronjhall]

Rollerskate

I have a 16' trailer that is rated for 7'000 lbs. It hauls my <font color="orange"> Kubota </font> B 2910 without any problems in Michigan.
I paid $1400 for it new.
Here is a link to Big Tex model that I have.Click Here

The same trailer with diamond plate may be what you are looking for. Click Here

 

[Spencer]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I paid $1400 for it new. )</font>

That looks like a great deal. May I ask where you bought it?

Spence

 

[ronjhall]

Spencer

Bought it at the end of the year 2002. They normally get over $1600 for that model.
Check them out.
Hitch House
Address: 54000 Grand River Ave, New Hudson, MI 48165
Phone: (248) 486-9355

 

[Docsknotinn]

I paid $1800 earlier this year for a 6 x 12 Single axle. The biggest upgrade was the rubber torsion axle which is worth its weight in gold. Rides so much better than a standard axle. I also have sealed bulb lights that are welded to the frame Vs the standard bolt on style that burn out bulbs every time you hit a bump. Don't forget a spare tire and carrier. I also upgraded to 15" radials. Another nice feature is a Marine grade jack. The brand of mine is B&M.

 

[RonR]

Wow, the prices of some of these trailers seems high to me. I looked at a PJ brand trailer (made in TX), single axle, wood floor, 5X14 with gate. It was nicely built. Has removeable side rails and stake brackets. 3500# axle. Has a 4" thick channel iron frame, wiring in conduit, no brakes, and lists for a shade over $900.

I think it will haul my BX2200 fine, and won't break my bank......

Best wishes,
Ron

 

[tawilson]

I just bought a Cam Superline dump trailer. They also make a range of equipment trailers. Check one out if you get a chance. They are a quality trailer and add a lot of little touches that you might not notice when shopping. I also bought another brand 18' equipment trailer and now wish I had bought one of theirs. The whip on the Cam is molded one piece and goes to a distribution box and is plenty long. They weld a short length of pipe to the inside of the A-frame to put the plug in when not in use. The ball mount is bolted on and so you can adjust it's height. The jack is 2 piece with a pin so you don't have to crank so much. The safety chains are heavy duty with spring clips. Another thing to look for is a rechargable battery in the breakaway switch. I bought a beaver tail trailer which has some advantages for loading equipment but it drags in the back end more than I like. I think I would have been just as happy with a flat bed trailer. Don't be afraid to buy a little bigger than you need. You might be glad someday.

 

[lamarbur]

being your in CT, make sure each axle has brakes, a breakaway switch is also minimum requirements. I have a 18 ft 12,000 Bri-Mar, which in Ct has to go through a DOT inspection because it is over 10, GVW.. Have two chock blocks also..

 

[Docsknotinn]

Thats about the same as here in $$. A 6' wide runs around $1200. I was not after the cheapest trailer I could get but the one with the best ride. I pull my tractor 9 hours round trip to my property and ten miles through the woods. There is a big difference between the el cheapos that bounce and sway down the road. Like any thing else its all relative to your needs and what you are comfortable spending. The same company that built mine is in the $2200 range for a dual axle. Radial tires and other upgrades add a bit of expense in a hurry.

 

[MossRoad]

I wouldn't feel comfortable hauling my $10,000.00 + investment on a single axle trailer that also has no brakes.

Just my opinion. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif