Trailer options

[NCFJ]

Heather and I have been talking about a new trailer for a while and have decided that we want to do it this year if possible. We have been looking and there is not a whole lot out there within our criteria..

-Single car Goose neck
-Double open ramp
-Brakes
-Double jack up front
-Good ground clearance


We want this trailer to perform several duties aside from hauling. The open center and taller frame structure will allow me to use it at the shop to pull rigs up on and get at them from underneath with a pressure washer. The other use is while off roading. If a rig breaks down it can be winched on the trailer and access would be similar to that of a 4 post lift.

Heather found this one this morning and I contacted the company and they said they can make it a goose neck for an additional $800, did not get a price on a second jack. The company custom builds so options can be added during the build. I like the lack of fenders, they always get mangled over time. May go with 7K axles.

ANy thoughts? Know about similar trailers ? Something you wish you had on your trailer?

http://www.take3trailers.com/Ultimate-1-Car-Hauler.html

 

[Burt88]

Add a good toolbox up front and two removable jacks to the rear corners. Store the two jacks in the toolbox. Lots of overkill tie down points. I've always had to re-weld those or add them where I wanted them. I also used receiver mounts for my winch so I could remove it and lock it up, as well as use the winch for more than just the trailer. I like the idea of carrying two deep cycle batteries maintained on a trickle charge from the truck and, if you're hauling long distance, two spare tires. The reason for 2 batteries is to always have a back up and allow for use as a 24-volt power source when needed. Personally though, I would do heavy duty fenders. When a tire peels apart at highway speed everything around it can get major damage.

 

[NCFJ]

Hey MIke, thanks for the suggestions. The boxes are on the radar but I want to see how I use the trailer first. Access to the underside of a rig is more important than storage at this point. I a a huge proponent of a winch on a cradle, have two currently. My current trailer has a 2" receiver, I use a warn 12K Power Plant that also has a compressor so it pulls dual duty. I'll have to add a pulley at the dovetail.

I like the dual battery idea, something that can be added at any time. Long term plans include a pop up tent mounted on the goose neck so dual batteries will improve that set up.

I'd probably add some substantial flaps to the trailer but no need for fenders under the ramps as far as damage goes.

 

[elkaholic]

Clear LED lights mounted under the trailer pointed up. Lights up the underside of what you are towing to make tiring the rig down / working on it easier in the dark. I have sealed beams in my 12 year old aluminum flatbed and it is the best addition I ever made to the trailer.

A tool box built into the neck over is always nice as well.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

I thought you just made that curved wand for your pressure washer so that you didn't have to get underneath.

 

[NCFJ]

Good morning Johnny
The trailer will just make things easier. I have wanted a ramp trailer for the reasons stated since I first saw one. IF it can do double or triple duty that is what I am looking for. Otherwise my current trailer just sits around for months at a time.

I like the idea of upward facing lights Sam. I have seen some LEDs in the past that are about 2-3" long with bolt holes at the ends. That might be the route. I am going to hold off on the tool box until I start using it, get a feel for how it all works out.

We considered a two place goose neck but it just winds up being too long for comfort. When I consider taking a two place to places I've taken my single, no way.

 

[elkaholic]

The sealed beams I have are the cats meow. Flip the switch and suddenly you can use both hand s for work rather than one hand for the light and one for the work . Will add pics in a few. I mentioned LEDs since technology has come a long way. When I bought the LED tail lights for it, they were $75 each

 

[elkaholic]

 

[NCFJ]

I really like the lights Sam, you are ahead of your time

 

[Rice]

I have not read the entire thread too carefully but I will add you cannot have enough anchor points.

Like the raised frame.

 

[NCFJ]

I had to add anchor points to my current trailer, there were none on the deck. Guess you were expected to wrap around to the bottom of the frame. You are right on the mark Rice.

One feature this trailer has that I've seen in the past but never really paid attention to is the tie down system. I generally tie to the axles, I'll probably take a while to feel totally comfortable with this system and use extra straps to the axles.

http://www.take3trailers.com/Soft-tie-System.html

 

[mtweller]

While I can't come up with a good reason why, I really don't like that tie down system. I wanted to say it's too dependent on tire pressure, but so are other methods (albeit not as much IMO). My trailer needs an overhaul - paint and some TLC for the floor boards. I love the idea of the extra jack up front b/c I can't disconnect the trailer while loaded.

Mine is low, and drags sometimes, but is a tradeoff for not needing ramps to load / unload anything w/ 33's or bigger. There are times I wish it weren't so low for sure. Lights would be nice, and I love the idea of the open center. It just limits the versatility, which you probably don't care.

R

 

[Rice]

Interesting idea. Like you I tie to axles. The "soft tie" looks like it would be fine as long as it is tires only (i.e. no sudden shocks). A tie down rail like the bottom picture is nice to have, in addition to it helping protect the side of the trailer.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

Don't goose-neck trailers usually have a dual-foot jack system like the semis do or is that considered a high-end feature?

http://info.thetrailerspecialist.co...When-Purchasing-a-Gooseneck-Equipment-Trailer

 

[Roxx]

I like the tilt option on a trailer. It eliminates the need of a second person to stop the car if it doesnt run.

I like the lights idea.

 

[NCFJ]

My current trailer is also low and drags more often than I care for. But same as you Ramon, anything 33" and up requires no ramps. I'll sacrifice on the ramps. I am not sold on the tie downs myself but they are not a deal killer.

Trailers generally come with a single manual center, the double that you picture Johnny is a worth while upgrade. Jacks on the rear corners as Mike suggested are also a worth while option.

 

[elkaholic]

Actually, the over the tire method is really a good one, especially if you use tire bonnets such as the custom ones that Macs makes.

On the 200 since it is IFS, I go through the wheel spokes. Everything else is to the axles, but I am planning on adding track and using wheel bonnets for both the 73 and the 200.