Who bought a trailer?

radman · Jun 4, 2005

It would be helpful to know your intended purpose. I have multiple trailers for different reasons and convenience. I currently have a 30' titan gooseneck dual tandem axle (25K), moveable beaver tail, pull out ramps; a H&H 24' electric tilt bed (14K); a titan 14' dump trailer (14K), electric lift, with pull out ramps; a H&H 18' enclosed cargo trailer (7K), and an H&H 5x10 tilt bed (3.5K). The 24' tilt is used the most and probably the handiest for east loading. I don't believe anyone manufacturer is the best. Compare quality and construction and most will be in a similar price range. Most I bought used and were in very good condition. If you are not in a hurry, you can find good used ones but sometimes used equal abused or they want near new prices. Prices of trailers have gone up significantly in the past 1-2 years due to steel increases. I bought a new 20' H&H skidsteer trailer last year and 1 month later decided to get the 24' tilt bed. The dealer gave me what I paid for the trailer on trade-in for the 20' because the new trailers went up $500.
For most people on this board, a 16-18' trailer with 7-10K capacity would satisfy most general hauling needs. The longer and heavier trailers are always my preference. A 2-4' longer trailer doesn't add much more to the price. Some of my trailers have torsion axles instead of leaf-spring and I feel the ride is much smoother on the heavier axle trailers with torsion axles. Watch out for the crossmembers between the frame. They vary from angle iron to channel iron and spacings vary from 12" to 24". This is where construction often differs. The frame thickness, crossmembers, axle capacity, length, ramp types and options drive the different prices. Radials ride smoother than bias.

AntrimMan · Jun 4, 2005

Radman, my intended purpose is to occasionally move my l3130 over to relatives and friends homes to leand a hand.
I have looked around and decided on 20' 5 ton, the rest is not critical since it's only occasional use, 30 mile excursions.
I have been waiting for the trailer dealer to call me when the 20's arrive as they are expected for a fortnight already. I feel like I'm doing the dealer a favor when I call. I am not impressed by the service so far, at least this fellow didn't insist that 18' was long enough. Today, after putting it off again and again, I had a local towing company take the machine over to my BIL's place to start on his workshop. The machines BH90 hung about 2' over the end of the 20' deck because the winch takes up about 2' of the 20' available. It cost $150 for a 60 mile round trip, half of which was carrying the machine. For the number of times I will have to travel this seems like the most efficient soultion.
Thanks very much to everyone who contributed, at this point all I can say is I haven't bought one yet.
Here is a going away pic.
Best of luck,
Martin

AntrimMan · Jun 4, 2005

here is another going away pic
Martin

LBrown59 · Jun 25, 2005

( here is another going away pic
Martin )
=========
I'd rather have that truck than a trailer.

tractorbetty · Jul 9, 2005

We are going to buy a longer deck-over trailer from Kaufman's to replace our Holmes 18ft beaver/dove tail. They manufacture trailers, so you eliminate the retailer as far as price is concerned. They'll customize them and you can order them in a variety of colors (if you want to go crazy and trying to match it to your tractor). Kaufman's may be a bit of a drive from RI.

http://www.kaufmantrailersales.com/

AntrimMan · Jul 12, 2005

I spoke with Kaufmanns several times. They are by far the least expensive source. Thanks for the suggestion.

Here's the sticker...
they load the trailers on top of each other if you choose to have them deliver. They cannot be sure what day it will be delivered. When it arrives you cannot be sure it is on top of the pile. You must have equipment to off load. I can't pick up a 3000# load. The truck won't get down around the bend in my driveway so I can't use a winch in a tree or a home built derek. They suggested I have a local lumber yard or maybe a sawmill unload it for me, that won't work out for me.

The drive is about 13 hours on a good day by my estimation. They are located in central NC. Pulling a trailer home through five or six states without tags could mean an explanation to every state trooper along the way. If you figure gas cost for the ride each way it is better to have them deliver and pay the approx $300 fee, if you can unload. There is no NC sales tax if they deliver but the RI DMV will correct that without even a smile.

In the end I can get the tractor hauled for $150 each way and the trailer is way more than that so that's what I did.

I looked at pictures of the H&H tilt models and when and if I choose to go the trailer route I will seriously consider one of them. It's easy to say that since I am not spending any money and talk is cheap.

Let us know how the Kaufmann works out for you.

All the best,
Martin

ssrdotto · Jul 18, 2005

( I am getting serious about buying, I have some questions, I'll keep it short....

What manufacturer?
Premier
Did you buy direct or was a dealer involved?
Dealer
Picked up or delivered?
Picked up (In A hurry)
Wood or metal deck?
Metal
Equipment or skid steer?
Car hauler
Dovetail or all flat?
Dovetail
Radials or bias ply tires?
Radials
Did you de-rate the capacity?
no, In MD it's either 5k or 10k mines 7500
Would you buy the same again, why?
No, I need a wider trailer for 2 of my Vehicles although it's perfect for my tractor. Paid 3,000 in 2000 non tilt(Never had any thing scrape) trailer brakes on one axle only
Thanks in advance,
Martin
)