Tips on buying a trailer

[FZJ80 in KC]

For those that trailer their 80's, could you please share some things I should be looking for in a trailer?

Things I am wondering about:

GVWR?
axle ratings? (3500 lb axles, or higher?)
Receiver size (not really trailer related, but most of the 2" hitch receivers seem to only be rated to 5k?)
Opinions on price points / brands / etc.

I'll be towing with the 2015 Yukon, 5.3.

Plan is to buy a trailer and pay to store it. Time is so tight to tackle my punchlist of things on the rig right now, and I am happy with the DD that I bought, so really feels like time to stop driving in and out of the trails (let's face it, the way I wheel, this has always made the most sense).

And Cash is 2 now, so planning to start bringing him and Eli on our trips now. Doesn't make sense to risk driving the rig to and from anymore.

Thanks guys!

Mike

 

[2fpower]

I found width is the issue, with the lighter axle (lawn maintenance trailers) having narrower between wheelwells, so you have to make them strong enough to drive over.

Anyway, i have a bobcat trailer and love it. Yes, overkill, but it is 19 years old now, and still going strong. Been all over -- as far as Maryland, Texas, Canada, Utah.

 

[FZJ80 in KC]

I found width is the issue, with the lighter axle (lawn maintenance trailers) having narrower between wheelwells, so you have to make them strong enough to drive over.

Anyway, i have a bobcat trailer and love it. Yes, overkill, but it is 19 years old now, and still going strong. Been all over -- as far as Maryland, Texas, Canada, Utah.

I might want to come over and take a little closer look at yours. Shoot me a text on any days this week that might work okay after work? Wanted to pick your brain anyway.

 

[milemarker60]

As Kelly mentioned, width is your friend and I've never bought too much trailer. Most car trailers have two 3500 lb axles but you can easily and inexpensively upgrade the springs and even the hubs if you want. A lot of the used ones you'll find only have brakes on one axle which is fine but I can really tell the diff in having both axles with brakes on my current one. Rockwell has a trailer parts distributor in Grandview that will sell to the retail public and most all use Rockwell or Dexter which are interchangeable. I'd pull a spring and take with you to ensure the lengths match up. You can get better prices by setting up an account. I upgraded the springs on mine but left the hubs alone.

Best advice is find a partner that isn't in the club so no conflicting schedules and buy "half" a trailer. I own 1 1/2 trailers (One Half of Three trailers). Also makes it nice when all your friends find out you have one and want to borrow it. "I'd be happy to loan you my half but I can't loan out my partner's half".

 

[2fpower]

Kessler got a heck of a deal on a new 20' long trailer last year. Heavy duty too. Seriously, about same price you could buy used one for on C list.

 

[FZJ80 in KC]

Kessler got a heck of a deal on a new 20' long trailer last year. Heavy duty too. Seriously, about same price you could buy used one for on C list.

Paging @Robkc

 

[ccasteel]

I have had 2 trailers over the years and storage was the issue. As much as I want another for convenience, I just rent when I need it. Storage fees add up quick.

Sharing is a great idea if they take care of things the same way you do. Especially if they can store it also.

 

[Robkc]

Hull trailers on FB has been doing killer deals with regular prices. Gravity tilt, wide enough, upgraded axels for about $3000, some were going as low as $2195. Some one can probably work out a storage deal around here where you don't have to pay too.

 

[Robkc]

My bad - those were Manual tilt not gravity tilt pricing Prices | SLTrailers.com. You could get by with 16' but bumpers and spare hang over quite a bit. I went 20' and it is too long, extra length really affects turning radius.

 

[1MAC]

If you buy used, please go through the tires, bearings and brakes thoroughly. Also do your homework on safe trailer use.

 

[SammyT96LX450]

Mike this is where I got mine. 5k axles. I think it was 2300 bucks
All Inventory | Columbia, MO Utility and Flatbed Trailers | Trailer Trendz

 

[FZJ80 in KC]

View attachment 1764763 Mike this is where I got mine. 5k axles. I think it was 2300 bucks
All Inventory | Columbia, MO Utility and Flatbed Trailers | Trailer Trendz

That's a great deal, thanks Sammy!! Is yours and 18 footer?

 

[SammyT96LX450]

That's a great deal, thanks Sammy!! Is yours and 18 footer?

20 I believe.

 

[Robkc]

Just a refresher as I believe several are still looking for trailer options. 16' is OK if ramps store under but with spare and baskets on rear bumper and flip up ramps you really need 18'. Look for at least 81" or even 83" wide to prevent running up on fenders when aired down. Get the 5000# axles and 16" D or E rated tires. 15" tires are generally maxed out and wear quickly under the heavy load of an armored 80. I found a good deal on mine at www.trailertown.com just north of Kearney on I-35.