7k or 10k trailer? (1 Viewer)

[Sam Stewart]

I'm reviving this thread because, wait for it, I STILL haven't bought a trailer.

I know it's ridiculous. I was looking at them last year and around the first of this year. Too much going on with the mini, my daughter (she's 1yr and 4 months now) and just life in general.

So, here's an update. I have about $1200 stashed for a trailer right now. I've been scouring CL and the forums to see if I run across a smoking deal on a used one. Let's just say what I've seen is less than impressive and the people selling them must be on some kind of mind altering substance based on the prices they are asking. I know someone in the business that can get me a pretty good deal on a new one if I decide to go that route. The one I was looking at is just an entry level Big Tex. 7k, 16 ft, no dovetail, brakes on one axle, nothing really fancy. I've pulled a couple of different trailers since this thread came about and I really think that it would suit my needs just fine for towing the mini a few times a year. The deck is 19" tall so it might be a pain if I had to tow a car or something with low ground clearance but the chances of that are low. And I don't want to be swapping trailers but if I did get to that point I could sell that one and buy a longer/bigger/dove or whatever.

So, the plan is right now to see if I stumble on a good deal (for something that actually worth it and doesn't look like it was sitting in the woods for 20 years) and keep saving. If I get close to the $$ for a new one I'll probably just go that route. Thoughts? Comments? Complaints? Suggestions?

 

[se2000]

$1200 won't buy you something ready to go. Trailers depreciate twice, once when new and second at the end of there life.

I paid way more for a broke trailer that needs new deck, a couple of rails, lights and other stuff. Granted it is a 7 ton, not 7 k. Too bad my Tundra didn't come with the tow package. I am adding it piece by piece. But a similar new trailer is $6k.
Mine is by a busy road and I get lots of people stopping by trying to buy it for $500 or so. Doing that is like finding and old corvette in a barn, or a hot 21 year old girl with a grampa fetish. Yeah it happens but less likely than hitting the powerball.

 

[Sam Stewart]

There are cheap ones out there. Someone in the GA club recently picked one up for 1100. 7k with brakes, came with tie downs and a tool box. It happens. Just have to be right place, right time, and have cash.

But, worse case, I'll just buy the new one.

Sent from another Galaxy

 

[Sam Stewart]

So, I've actually found quite a few local in the 800-1200 range. Don't know if any are worth even that. Going to try to check some out in the next week or two. I have a small event coming up next weekend so it will def be after that before I can pick one up anyway.

 

[Sam Stewart]

Ok. So I had a friend offer to loan me his trailer for the next 3 years (he's in the military). It's an equipment trailer that needs some work. I don't know a whole lot about it but for the price I'm willing to put a little work in to it. Heck, even if I had to put axles, suspension, etc on there it would still be way cheaper than buying a trailer.

Now, that being said. I am still going to save up to buy my own trailer. I was reading back over the thread and a lot of people have suggested to buy a 10k if I think I will ever need it. Which makes sense, since I will likely own the trailer for a VERY long time. So, the one I am looking at is a Big Tex 10ET. Which is a 10k wood deck trailer with fold up ramps, 32" dove tail, removable fenders, 7k jack, brakes on both axles, etc. Here's the spec sheet: http://bigtextrailers.com/pdf/10et.pdf

 

[Mace]

I'm not a fan of dovetail trailers. A straight bed is a lot nicer IMHO

 

[Sam Stewart]

I'm not a fan of dovetail trailers. A straight bed is a lot nicer IMHO

I haven't pulled a dovetail so I can't say one way or the other. For the price and all the upgrades I feel like this is a much better all around trailer. The other one was seriously a no frills kinda deal and in the end it's a big investment and a long term one. I don't really like the idea of possibly dragging the dove all over though. I'll take that into consideration.

Sent from another Galaxy

 

[Mace]

That's why I don't like Doves. I get tired of listening to them scrape all over the place. And so far, everything I have towed on my 18' flatbed has gotten up and down without issue.

 

[Elbert]

my trailer has a dove on tail end...its not much of a angle, and I would agree that if they have a pretty good downward slope...you will drag your "@$$" around a little. My trailer just happened to have a dove..it would not have been a deal breaker either way. I've got my trailer sitting fairly level under tow...so that makes a difference. All things equal I would be fine without the dove on my specific trailer....on some of the trailers where the decks sit a good bit higher I can see the desire or the design of the dove being an asset when loading (reduce ramp angle). I kind of fell into the deal on my trailer and I've made a number of mods over time. I think the bigtex and PJ trailers are some of the best out there, like many I have what I could pay for at the time.

It is easy to drag the rear of the trailer at times...but I've learned to watch for that and go slow, and it does limit you at times where you can back up. Again if the deck of the trailer is fairly low a dove is not really a benefit that much or at least in my viewl...I'm generally on the pavement or gravel road..etc with the trailer so the dove has not been that big of a deal...I do try and watch out for it.

 

[Elbert]

Ok. So I had a friend offer to loan me his trailer for the next 3 years (he's in the military). It's an equipment trailer that needs some work. I don't know a whole lot about it but for the price I'm willing to put a little work in to it. Heck, even if I had to put axles, suspension, etc on there it would still be way cheaper than buying a trailer.

Now, that being said. I am still going to save up to buy my own trailer. I was reading back over the thread and a lot of people have suggested to buy a 10k if I think I will ever need it. Which makes sense, since I will likely own the trailer for a VERY long time. So, the one I am looking at is a Big Tex 10ET. Which is a 10k wood deck trailer with fold up ramps, 32" dove tail, removable fenders, 7k jack, brakes on both axles, etc. Here's the spec sheet: http://bigtextrailers.com/pdf/10et.pdf

Bigtex makes some good "stuff"... I think that trailer is a good setup and covers the requirements well... http://bigtextrailers.com/10et-pro-series-tandem-axle-utility/ I think you want a 3/4 ton pickup to pull it though.

 

[RAYJON]

watch here they are repo's mostly every once and a while a really good deal goes thru...

CrankyApe.com - Online Powersport and Cargo Trailer Auctions


look at the sold stuff several newer trailers in your price range....

 

[orion]

I went through this same dilemma earlier this year...found that used trailers are mostly junk, and sell for nearly the cost of a new one! I checked Craigslist and other places for a good 3-4 months, looking for any decent option..and found nearly none.

I don't get it...no way am I paying $2000 for a 10 year old trailer with a bunch of obvious wear and tear, and needing new tires...when I can get a brand new one (same exact make/model) for $2500!.

Anyway, I was in the same place as you - Buy a "car hauler", dual 3500lb axles, with roughly 5000lbs load carrying capacity...or a bigger "equipment trailer". My FJ60 is right around (my estimate) 4500lbs unloaded. Add a full cooler, spare tools, generator (on occasion), etc...and I'll be over the 5000lb limit real quick.

So I decided on a (new) Big Tex ET10, like you mentioned before. Dual 5200lb axles, with 7000lbs of carrying capacity.

It's pretty good for the $$$. Compared to a normal car hauler...you can stand on the front corner and jump up and down, and the trailer twists/flexes noticeably less. Full 6" C-channel for the frame versus the 4" found on a lighter trailer really makes a difference. Plus, the comfort of knowing your axles and tires are up to the task is nice when you're 500 miles from home.

Anyway, that's my "dos centavos"...

- Brian