Enclosed Trailer ????

[TridentLM]

I have been in business < 1yr & use 7*14 open trailer, the loading & unloading can take alot of time and energy. (the truck only carries yard debris) I rec'd funds @ a monthly cost of $93 for 36 months, to purchase a 6*12 Encl w/Single Axel. Based on current inventory of equip and the desire to grow business, is this a good investment and would I regert the choice w/in the next 6 - 12 months. I have followed similar threads and am looking for F/B.

[kc2006]

if you think your going to grow out of the trailer then yes its a bad choice. I have a 6.5x10 open and its too small already and I'm just starting. I intend on getting at least a 14 or 16 footer mid season.

I'd say either keep saving and get a bigger enclosed if you feel you need it, or build your open trailer to be left loaded at night. I'm building a large 2'x2' box for the front of my small trailer as we speak to hold gas cans, blower and other equipment and my trimmers lock down plus the trailer is backed up to a tree so no one can get the mower off. i'd hate to downsize on a trailer, extra space is always needed.

[Toy2]

Get the enclosed, it will be worth it, i have a 6 by 12, it has shelves to carry everything from extra blades to snack food. I have water, a homemade urinal, you name it, plus I just back it in and make sure its locked and your done,,,,,,you don't have to worry about someone ripping you off. You will be able to focus on your jobs!! :)

[MowerMoney]

Last year I bought a 6 x !2 enclosed trailer (my first year). This year it is too small already. Wish it was at least 7 x 14, or bigger. Course then I'll probably need a bigger truck as well. I'm currently pulling the 6 x 12 with a Dodge Dakota V8 whick pulls it okay but won't take much extra weight in the box.
Go with the biggest trailer you can afford. You will fill it up in no time.

[nobagger]

If you can swing it enclosed are the way to go IMO. But a 6x12 I think is way too small but if you get a bigger one then another dilema comes into play, do you have something big enough to pull it? If yes then I would look into AT LEAST a 7x16. They all close up fast when loading it up full of equipment. I talked to over 5 companies in my area when I was looking for an enclosed and not one of them had anything under a 18ft. and they were packed full! :waving:

[Freshcut Lawn Care]

I have considered an enclosed trailer as well and would like to get a 20 footer.

My only question would be around re-fueling my riders, walk behinds and gas cans.

Is this a problem or a PITA?

Please comment.

Thanks Very Much!

[ztoro]

I have considered an enclosed trailer as well and would like to get a 20 footer.

My only question would be around re-fueling my riders, walk behinds and gas cans.

Is this a problem or a PITA?

Please comment.

Thanks Very Much!

you can get small fuel doors on enclosed trailer so you can bring the pump into the trailer...

Other wise I fill a couple of 5 gallons then fill the mowers then fill the jugs up again.... Is it a hassle? not really take an extra 5 minutes....

[Freshcut Lawn Care]

The small doors seem like a good add idea, but wouldn't you really need 2 people to fill the mowers, without the hoses falling on the ground? :D

[Green Pastures]

I currently have an 8 x 20 enclosed.

If I had it to do all over again I'd have started with an 8 x 22 enclosed.

Pay your money and get "Line-X" sprayed on the floor, ramp and 2' up on all the walls as well. That was the single best money I've spent since starting the business.

[br549oicu8]

Line X on the floor?? Good idea. What did that cost???
Tell me all about the advantages. I have 2 enclosed trailers and paint the floors with a commercial grade enamel mixed with fine sand for grip when wet.

[ztoro]

Line X on the floor?? Good idea. What did that cost???
Tell me all about the advantages. I have 2 enclosed trailers and paint the floors with a commercial grade enamel mixed with fine sand for grip when wet.


I six foot truck bed around here cost around 400-500.... So you can kind of figure out the pricing from that.... Its not cheap but you can basically hose out your trailer...... the wood is protected from virtually everything..

[Eclipse]

Pay your money and get "Line-X" sprayed on the floor, ramp and 2' up on all the walls as well. That was the single best money I've spent since starting the business.

I was thinking of doing something like this myself. I wasn't sure that the Line-X would stick well to wood though?

[stumper1620]

if you think your going to grow out of the trailer then yes its a bad choice. I have a 6.5x10 open and its too small already and I'm just starting. I intend on getting at least a 14 or 16 footer mid season.

I'd say either keep saving and get a bigger enclosed if you feel you need it, or build your open trailer to be left loaded at night. I'm building a large 2'x2' box for the front of my small trailer as we speak to hold gas cans, blower and other equipment and my trimmers lock down plus the trailer is backed up to a tree so no one can get the mower off. i'd hate to downsize on a trailer, extra space is always needed.
I got a 16' last year and its not big enough, you may want to line your equipment up as tho its on the trailer & measure it, 16 is just a touch too short for everything to line up. I am looking to go to a 8.5x20' or maybe 22' enclosed by next year

[ztoro]

I was thinking of doing something like this myself. I wasn't sure that the Line-X would stick well to wood though?


from what I heard Linex has a great adhesion to wood...

[Green Pastures]

The Line-X installed cost me $1200. My trailer is 8' x 20'.

I had it sprayed on the entire floor, entire ramp and 1' up the walls. It's been there going on it's 5th season and is in excellent shape. There is a 1 inch square chunk missing from one of the wheel wells where I ran into it with my 61" Z-Master, other than that it is still stuck everywhere.

When I do it over again, and I will, I'll have it sprayed 2' up the walls.

It's benefits are it's COMPLETELY impervious to anything, chemicals included. Nothing penetrates the Line-X and get's into the wood floor, NOTHING.

It can get wet and is not very slippery.

You can clean out the trailer with a hose or a powerwasher and the Line-X is right back to brand new looking. Have you seen the inside of an enclosed trailer without Line-X after only a month of daily usage? NOT pretty......

Most enclosed trailers come with a factory floor warranty, read the fine print....evidence of one spot of oil or gas or any chemical and you warranty is null and void.

Line-X is the ticket for the floors of enclosed trailers.

[Green Pastures]

By the way, a goof friend of mine also in the business put down epoxy garage floor paint with sand mixed into it at the same time I did the Line-X.

The paint is completely worn off now, and was severly degraded after only one season.

His floor will have to be replaced this season, IF he makes it through this season.

[Eclipse]

Thanks for the feedback :)

I was thinking of painting it as your friend did but after reading your post I have forgotten about that idea. Thanks for saving me the time and aggravation there.

I'm dropping the trailer off next Tuesday to have the Line-X done :blob3:

One other quick question, why 2' up the walls vs 1'?

Thanks again.