Multi-use trailer Opinions?

[LMychajluk]

We're looking at trailers for various uses, but don't really have the room to store more than one.

Ideally, we'd want this for:
1) Use w/ a Polaris Ranger SxS UTV
2) Occasional Car Hauler (rarely...)
3) Occasional 'Utility Trailer' (material runs at HD, etc...)
4) Occasional Tractor Hauler (Kioti CK3510se w/ Loader & Backhoe, filled tires, ~6k lbs.?)
5) Occasional hauling of rental equipment (Skid Steer, Mini Ex, etc...)
6) Maybe some light hauling around the property (pulled by the Ranger or tractor?).

I'm thinking an aluminum equipment trailer, rated for 10-12k, with stake pockets so we can make some wooden side rails would be almost ideal. I'm thinking if the trailer itself is in the 2k-2.5k lb range I should be able to stay within the weight limits of the tow vehicles. My biggest question is - would this type of trailer be completely unsuited for any of the things we'd like to use it for?

For reference, something like one:
Low Profile

Or, I'm kinda liking this full-tilt style:
Custom All-Aluminum Trailers, Truck Bodies, Boxes For Sale | Alum-line
(Not a lot of details on specs, though...)

The low deck and low weight of the examples above are key points to me.

Thanks for any opinions!

 

[i7win7]

Get power tilt, you can load 2 pieces of equipment. Ramps are a PITA. Can't find it now but, I've seen photos of flatbed power tilts that go up to a 40-45 degree angle - useful for loose materials.

 

[4570Man]

Get power tilt, you can load 2 pieces of equipment. Ramps are a PITA. Can't find it now but, I've seen photos of flatbed power tilts that go up to a 40-45 degree angle - useful for loose materials.

Tilts add a lot of weight and double the cost to save a few minutes with ramps.

 

[Reb954]

Tilt beds can make life interesting when in snow or icy conditions too.

 

[LMychajluk]

Tilt beds can make life interesting when in snow or icy conditions too.

Probably won't be using it much in the dead of winter, but good to know! I was more interested in the tilt for loading the tractor w/ attachments, but a beaver tail w/ ramps on one of the low-boys doesn't look like it'll be too much of an issue either.

 

[coobie]

Low profile trailer with spring loaded assist ramps.EBY makes a fine trailer.

 

[CADplans]

Multi use?? I had a flatbed trailer, sold it, and bought a 10X6.5 foot dump,, that was 20 years ago,,
The guy that sold it to me (new) said it was designed to move a skid steer, and haul materials.

Move a car? a local guy will do it with a rollback for $45,, I ain't hauling a car,,

The dump has done 100% of what I have needed,, and saved my back in the process.

2000 pound each culvert headwalls

 

[hslogger]

It looks like you are fixin to go top drawer first time. If you have the dough, get tilt steel or aluminum, your choice, and I would favor a tilt with a solid deck up front. A hydraulic damper as opposed to no cylinder is no fun at all. I've had a few trailers and never could swing the first cabin job but that's what I would go for.

 

[Tomtint]

I have a few trailers that I use for all the same reasons you posted. What I can tell you is that my low profile full tilt is the one I most often use. It's easier, faster, and just less hassle than my ramp trailer. The deck needs to be shoveled off in the winter..but they all do.
Mine is a Downeaster 20' 10k steel full tilt. If I had it to do again, I would get a galvanized or aluminum 12k with a stationary section in the front ..not the full tilt. And fork pockets on the side to store them when I'm not using them.

 

[LMychajluk]

Multi use?? I had a flatbed trailer, sold it, and bought a 10X6.5 foot dump,, that was 20 years ago,,
The guy that sold it to me (new) said it was designed to move a skid steer, and haul materials.
...

I think a dump trailer has too many issues for what i need. Among them:
- One large enough to haul the tractor (16' min) will probably be a HD and be >4,500# empty and over 10,000# with the tractor in it, which will be more than I want to haul. I could possibly go aluminum dump, but that's still 3000#+ empty, and probably pretty $$$.
- Tricky to load tractor due to the deck height. Skid Steer / Mini Ex not so much? Low-profile dumps seem to have their own issues.
- A 4500# trailer to haul around a 1000# SxS seems like overkill and a waste of gas. (Unfortunately, it's too wide for gate on the cheap Uhaul Util Trailers....)
- Can't be used for a car, and I don't know anyone that will tow a car 100+ miles for $45. Heck, I don't even think they'd load the car on the flatbed for less than $75.



If anything, I may consider buying a small dump trailer down the line (but again, I don't want to have to store >1 trailer...), but I also have fairly easy access to places that rent them if I need to.