Utility trailers - what should i know?

[JBF43]

Where did you find that information? I have lived in Fl all my life and have never heard any such, not saying it isn't so but I would like to know where that information is located.

I was told that by a state trooper and the tire store where I bought my replacement tires for my car hauler. I have been searching online for documentation stating this, but with no luck. When I bought my car hauler it had car tires on it but was homemade so I didn't think anything about it until the tires needed replacing. that's when the tire store informed me that they were supposed to be 'trailer only' tires.

 

[Lineman North Florida]

I was told that by a state trooper and the tire store where I bought my replacement tires for my car hauler. I have been searching online for documentation stating this, but with no luck. When I bought my car hauler it had car tires on it but was homemade so I didn't think anything about it until the tires needed replacing. that's when the tire store informed me that they were supposed to be 'trailer only' tires.

10-4 yeah I don't doubt that about certain tire stores, but I don't believe that there would be much that anyone could cite you for or cause you any grief for using LT tires on a trailer, but like anything else you never know. The one trailer that I have them on has a 3500 pound single axle and it seemed like everytime I turned around it would blow a trailer tire, got tired of it and put LT tires on it and haven't had any issues since.

 

[LouNY]

I believe the trailer "rated" tire came from using mobile home axles for utility and equipment trailers.
The original tires were labeled on the tire sidewalls for mobile home use only these 7.00 or 8.00 by 14.5 tires
are not allowed in most states that require trailer inspections. You can get the same sized tires that are
"trailer only rated tires".

From a trailer tire spec sheet;
"The Deestone D292 is a highway terrain, all season tire manufactured for trailers. This tire is NOT MEANT TO BE MOUNTED ON LIGHT TRUCKS, as its construction will not support the weight and performing style of such vehicles. It can ONLY BE MOUNTED ON TRAILERS."

 

[Tractorable]

I have a 2006 DOUBLE A flatdeck utility quad trailer 7x12 (manufactured in Northern Alberta, Canada) - 7 ft wide between the wheels (lower profile and centre of gravity), by 12 ft long deck, single axle with 3500 lbs capacity. It is capable of hauling 3 full sized quads (4 ft wide, 7 ft long) side to side across the trailer. I have also hauled my BX23S tractor, loader, backhoe combination (weighs about 2800 lbs), and it fits. Granted there isn't much room to spare in length. The Silverado pickup, or the Nissan Murano can transport it around, and my Arctic Cat 4x4 quad (650 lbs) can not only ride ON it, but it can also PULL it around the yard, loaded up. it has 2x4 pockets along the edges, in case sides are needed at some point. It has full sized highway rated tires, wooden 2x6 inch deck planks. It is convenient and easy to haul, pulls along nicely, you hardly notice it. The ramps are for light to moderate duty, and they are now beginning to bend after years of use (I am re-inforcing them) - the ramps are stored, hidden under the deck. I will keep this trailer, it is so useful, and friends borrow it regularly.

I have also hauled a Chevy Cavalier, a Pontiac Sunfire, a Honda Fit, a Chevy Chevette, a Mazda pickup, and a VW Golf, as well as lumber, siding, dirt, and garbage ... it is a good trailer, and I bought it 12 yrs before I had my tractor. For general utility, it is great. Most of those vehicles noted were in the 2400 - 3000 lbs weight range.

My next purchase however ? - I would definitely like a 22 - 24 ft long, 7 ft wide (min), tandem axle CAR HAULER trailer at this point. An EQUIPMENT trailer (heavier duty) would be an optional second consideration, but probably more than i would need. I have a number of vehicles that I'd like to move around from time to time. In spite of what I just noted above, I think that it would be much wiser for me to have a tandem axle for moving vehicles and my tractor. Imagine a blown tire on the single axle, when you are hauling a vehicle or the tractor ? It would be difficult to replace a flat tire with the spare, due to all of the weight on the 1 remaining tire. At least with tandem two axles, four tires, if you blew out one of the four tires, you would still have a fighting chance, even if only to limp the trailer off the road and out of the way, while you sorted out the spare.
- tilt trailer would be great for my needs, but much more money
- a winch is planned for my next trailer, as that would make loading easier, especially if you had to move a non-running vehicle

I want/need a trailer of that length because I have classic vehicles etc that are 19-20 feet long. Although the wheels would likely fit on a 16 foot long trailer, I certainly don't want the ends of my El Caminos hanging over either end. Tandem axle trailers are far more stable on the road, especially when carrying a load - less prone to the trailer wobble that single axle trailers are known for.

I have no current need for a cargo trailer. I have PREVIOUSLY thought about a horse / cattle trailer (they are extra heavy though) to haul my quad around ... it would essentially be hidden from view (theft prevention). Decided against that, as only the truck could move it.

View attachment 754437 Simliar to this one

Have you seen the new Diamond C tilt with pop up 12K winch? Pretty slick.

I just ordered a 24ft one.

 

[alexpops]

I just welded a receiver hitch to the front rail and use a harbor freight winch with snatch block.

 

[marksold187]

Honestly my Home Depot has been selling KAravan utility trailers and I’ve had my 5x10 for 4 years. Single axel with removable drop gate and drop sides and front rails. 2700 load rated and with that much sand recently it barely squatted the springs. 15” tires, PT wood deck.

 

[scaredychicken]

THIS is amazing

Ground loading, and no ramps

Ground Loading/Ramp Free Trailer Plans

Want your own Ramp Free Trailer? Check out our full free trailer plans for building your own trailer from scratch. Step by step instructions, drawings, sketches and tips to help you on your way!

www.trailersauce.com

 

[ultrarunner]

Don’t see many Air-Tow trailers but the zero load height makes them ideal for many applications but expensive.

I’ve used them to move machine tools like my Bridgeport mill and Southbend lathe and even the smallest single axle Air-Tow trailer has 3500 pound cargo rating…

Air-tow Trailers

airtow.com

I missed an older model years ago for $1800!!!

 

[DABit]

I have a 12 foot Big Tex trailer. I found that pulling it with my ATV the jack is mounted to far forward and hits my rear light. I like the trailer, its not the problem just not designed for that use. I would recommend a tandem axle for weight capacity and if one tire goes flat on the farm you can still get it back to the shop. I have wood floors in all my trailers (3) the thing I would stay away from would be expanded metal. I run the heaviest rated trailer tire I can buy, just cheap insurance on the road. If you run short distance you may not need those.

 

[bcp]

If you buy a trailer with an A-frame coupler with tongue jack, your tailgate may not clear the tongue jack, it you have a pickup.

Trailer Jack - Rear Gate Interference - Ford F150 Forum - Community of Ford Truck Fans

2015 - 2020 Ford F150 - Trailer Jack - Rear Gate Interference - I am having issues with the top of the trailer jack hitting the edge of the rear gate when lowered. I've been very careful using it but know it is just a matter of time till someone releases the gate and I end up with a broken...

www.f150forum.com

Bruce

 

[tradosaurus]

I used to own a small single axle utility trailer I bought for $300 from a former co-worker. It was just for hauling stuff to the dump. I have, then, basic experience with trailering, but I need more knowledge to find the right one.

I figured out I cannot afford a big trailer and the truck it would take to move my tractor. I need a smaller one that can haul purchases home like a SxS (2800 lbs +/-), attachments I may buy in the future, and to help move things around the property. (trailer will be moved by pickup, tractor and SxS). Minimum size will need to probably be 6'x 12'.

Things I need to know:
pros and cons, given my needs, of 1 axle vs 2 axles
Must-have features...I simply don't know what I don't know
Recommendations on manufacturers and retailers
Tires - is it worth getting upgraded tires for predominantly off-road uses?

Any other advice is welcome. I have 2-3 months to figure out what I need. Thanks!

I bought a Big Tex 7,500 lb axles (dual) trailer back in 2018.

I rarely used it (maybe once a year) and sold it to the local Kubota dealer this year for $500 more than I bought it new.

My tractor can be picked up and brought back by the local Kubota dealer for a small fee and if I really need a trailer for something that can't be delivered I will rent one from U-haul.

Don't know if my SxS (Honda Pioneer 700) could move a loaded 6ft x 12 ft trailer.

 

[Grjfer]

@bcp it amazes me the number of manufacturers that do not take this into consideration. My 5x14 was very close to the tailgate. Only way it would clear what if I was completely straight and there was no deviation in level of the tailgate versus the trailer. While doing some other modifications I had that move back about 4 in and it has been fine since.

 

[mowingken]

Tony check out Big Tex web site. I have a 7 ft x 16 ft Big Tex that I paid 2800.00 new in 2017. Double axels rated at 3500 lb each, electric brakes. I can carry a 31 hp JD compact utility tractor with loader and bucket and a 5 ft grooming mower all at once. Hope this helps.

 

[jigs_n_fixtures]

Trailer and LT tires what are the differences:

Trailer tires are designed for a max speed of around 70-mph. LT tires are designed for max speeds of 106-mph.

The sidewalls of the LT tires have more flex designed in so the the contact patch of teh tread maintains better contact during the suspension travel of a truck, particularly the front end, which has a whole bunch of things happening as it moves through it’s travel. LT sidewalls typically have half as many sidewall ply’s as they do tread ply’s.

The sidewalls of trailer tires have very little flex. The suspension on a trailer, moves up and down, unless something is worn out, or broken. The lessened flex in a trailer tire makes it less capable of moving in crosswinds, making the trailer more stable in those adverse conditions which frequently cause issues and accidents. Trailer tires typical have close to the same number of sidewall plys, as they have tread ply’s.

 

[tradosaurus]

Tony check out Big Tex web site. I have a 7 ft x 16 ft Big Tex that I paid 2800.00 new in 2017. Double axels rated at 3500 lb each, electric brakes. I can carry a 31 hp JD compact utility tractor with loader and bucket and a 5 ft grooming mower all at once. Hope this helps.

That price is at least double now.

 

[Skeletor]

I’d like to get a car trailer as I think it would be a kinda do all trailer for me. Anyone think the prices are gonna come back down to earth? Looks like a decent car trailer is in the 6500 area for a 10k rating.

 

[caver]

There used to be numerous trailer manufacturers here in Sikeston. It's a pretty cut throat high volume low price business back when it was booming. I knew one of the manufacturers but he switched to specialty trailers like corn head trailers. Rice over near Popular Bluff makes a good trailer. I notice the more smaller manufacturers list axle rating but never the payload rating. If you get wood get pressure treated if it will live outside. I had to replace the wood on mine after maybe 5 years. I also slap some cheap piant on top of that and it seems to help. Mine is MF Orange to make it stick out like a sore thumb if stolen. For the member who lived on a military base (forgot who) I had a non running Suzuki street/trail bike stolen off a base in Guam in the early 80's. I suspect a co-worker tipped a local off. He later got drummed out of the Navy. he was hinting at it disappearing and I said That's called insurance fraud. He never brought it up again and maybe 2 months later I noticed it was gone one day out in front of the barracks.

 

[MossRoad]

I’d like to get a car trailer as I think it would be a kinda do all trailer for me. Anyone think the prices are gonna come back down to earth? Looks like a decent car trailer is in the 6500 area for a 10k rating.

 

[MossRoad]

I’d like to get a car trailer as I think it would be a kinda do all trailer for me. Anyone think the prices are gonna come back down to earth? Looks like a decent car trailer is in the 6500 area for a 10k rating.

We’ve had our 18’ car hauler since 2002. Has a diamond plate deck and brakes on both axles. 7000# trailer with 5500# load capacity. It was $2500 back then. Was well worth the price. We’ve used it countless times to haul the tractor and attachments to our remote property, the Little League park, my wife’s church, friends’ and relatives’ houses, etc. We’ve also used it to pick up mulch, gravel, black dirt, firewood, furniture, mattresses, and yes, even cars!

As I mentioned in a previous post, I made simple side walls out of 2x12s with 2x4’s that fit in the stake pockets/tie downs. They are easily removed or added as needed.

I put a pickup bed tool box on the front and keep an assortment of tie downs, chains, straps, load binders, tarps, a shovel, an axe, a machete, sledge hammer, spare lynch pins, can of spray lube, some tools, paper towels, and a bunch of other stuff as needed.

Really happy with the solid metal deck. It allows me to carry materials that can’t fall through the spaces VS a wooden plank deck, and allows me to drive the tractor right up onto the trailer and scoop items off with the bucket, toothed bucket, forks, etc., without worrying about damaging a wood floor.

 

[Skeletor]

We’ve had our 18’ car hauler since 2002. Has a diamond plate deck and brakes on both axles. 7000# trailer with 5500# load capacity. It was $2500 back then. Was well worth the price. We’ve used it countless times to haul the tractor and attachments to our remote property, the Little League park, my wife’s church, friends’ and relatives’ houses, etc. We’ve also used it to pick up mulch, gravel, black dirt, firewood, furniture, mattresses, and yes, even cars!

As I mentioned in a previous post, I made simple side walls out of 2x12s with 2x4’s that fit in the stake pockets/tie downs. They are easily removed or added as needed.

I put a pickup bed tool box on the front and keep an assortment of tie downs, chains, straps, load binders, tarps, a shovel, an axe, a machete, sledge hammer, spare lynch pins, can of spray lube, some tools, paper towels, and a bunch of other stuff as needed.

Really happy with the solid metal deck. It allows me to carry materials that can’t fall through the spaces VS a wooden plank deck, and allows me to drive the tractor right up onto the trailer and scoop items off with the bucket, toothed bucket, forks, etc., without worrying about damaging a wood floor.

I read your post earlier and I felt kinda stupid cuse it didn’t even occur to me hey put up sided and you can move wood dirt and whatever. I was leaning a lot more towards dump trailer but they cost a lot more almost double.

I’m not really finding metal deck ones. What length do you have? If I wanted to tow my cars my challenger is the fattest I think it weighs like 5k haha she’s a big girl. If I get dirt I could scoop it off of either side. I could probably get my log lengths cheaper too if I go pick them up. I’ll have to talk to my log guy and see.