Trailer guru needed- buy a stout trailer or light trailer and upgrade?

[arcteryx]

I need some advice from some trailer gurus.

I am in the market for a car hauler/utility trailer. I can find dual 3500 axles, wood floor, pipe top trailers all day long for 1000-1500 range. However, I dont want However, I dont want 3500 axles, I want 5200. These are priced in the 2500-3300 range. That is a pretty big jump for heavier axles and tires.

Here is where I need some input. Is it cheaper to buy a 7000 lb trailer and upgrade the axles/tires or should I bite the bullet go for the 10400 GVW? Would I come out ahead doing the axle/tire upgrade myself? thanks.

 

[Corbet]

I don't imagine you'll be able to come out much ahead by upgrading a lighter rated trailer after you buy axles, springs, maybe wheels and tires. Then is the frame of the trailer going to handle the increased weight?

If you need a 10,000lb trailer just buy one IMO.

 

[SWITAWI]

^^^x2. At least start with something built for the task at hand at a minimum. I don't like spending money any more than the next guy, but an inadequate trailer is just more money down the road for upgrades, repairs, and possible damage to the trailer frame or your precious cargo. A better trailer up front is like insurance you only pay for once.

And carry a decent-sized extinguisher when you haul (or all the time, for that matter). I've seen the result of a trailer brake/axle fire that burned down the back half of an aluminum enclosed trailer and most of the race car inside it. Not pretty.



PS. I'm no 'guru' by any means. Just raised by a guy with a lot of trailers...

 

[arcteryx]

Thanks guy. I have talked to a coulpe of dealers and yea, it seems you should get what you want up front the first time.

 

[arcteryx]

To close, I ended up getting a 7700GVWR car hauler with steel bed and brakes. It tows very nice. Thanks for the help

 

[greentruck]

What's that puppy weigh?

 

[arcteryx]

2080. It's a parker and the factory rates it a 7700 GVWR, which is rare for 2 3500lb axles. every other one I looked at was 7000. I was staying away from the metal ones b/c when one of our cruisers is on there, we're about maxed out. It's nice having the extra 700 pounds for security

 

[SWITAWI]

Sweet. Those look nice. Does it have the axle parking brake/tilt bed for (un)loading?

 

[arcteryx]

no tilt bed. While nice, I figured it would be another piece that could break. Just a steel bed hauler.