Enclosed trailer , what do you guys think?

[eddings]

I think I want an enclosed trailer for my business this year. I want to hear some pro's and con's from some people who have been in the bus. for a while.

[KrayzKajun]

I love mine! Keeps everything locked up. always get one a little bigger than what you need at the moment because you will need the extra space 2morrow.

[Total.Lawn.Care]

Pros:
Equipment is Secure, out of weather and Out of sight.
Equipment can be more organized.
Nice, Four Sided rolling billboard for advertising.
Place to go dry off or change clothes in the even of rain.

Cons:
More Trailer weight and more drag, less fuel economy.

[KrayzKajun]

Nice, Four Sided rolling billboard for advertising.


So true! So true!:usflag:

[Poncho25]

I agree with what everyone said but want to stress the idea if your going to invest into an enclosed one, def get one larger then you need, hell you can even go bigger then that :) if you don't have a shop you can even put a work bench inside the trailer for blades, storage is great and just as they all say, out of sight ... out of mind...less likey to get theft. I just wish i got a larger one. Mine is 6x14 double axle, should have got the 18 or 22 long one..

[Total.Lawn.Care]

I agree with what everyone said but want to stress the idea if your going to invest into an enclosed one, def get one larger then you need, hell you can even go bigger then that :) if you don't have a shop you can even put a work bench inside the trailer for blades, storage is great and just as they all say, out of sight ... out of mind...less likey to get theft. I just wish i got a larger one. Mine is 6x14 double axle, should have got the 18 or 22 long one..

Mine is the same size. I already had it, so i was lucky in that aspect, did not have to buy one. However, depending on how this year goes as far as growth and paying down/off personnal debt, I might have a new one at teh end of the year. I have already stuffed mine and could use an 8x20.

[boxsky]

Ditto. Go with bigger then needed. I have a 6x12 and wish I would have gotten a 7x16. For me that would be ideal. The width is more a porblem then length. I can only get a 52" deck in, with a 7', i could get a 60" with no problem.

Not only is a enclosed more secure, advertising space, but it aalso keeps your equipment cleaner from the elements. Not to mention no hot seat when you get to the job.:laugh:

[Total.Lawn.Care]

Ditto. Go with bigger then needed. I have a 6x12 and wish I would have gotten a 7x16. For me that would be ideal. The width is more a porblem then length. I can only get a 52" deck in, with a 7', i could get a 60" with no problem.

Not only is a enclosed more secure, advertising space, but it aalso keeps your equipment cleaner from the elements. Not to mention no hot seat when you get to the job.:laugh:

Or wet seat from the morning dew when you start your day in your neighborhood...

[LawnTamer]

I have one of each, and I would agree with every single thing said so far in this thread. I would only add 2 more cons to the enclosed trailer.
1. Reduced rear visibility. If you aren't good driving w/ mirrors, you will be.
2. Not as easy to access handhelds as on an open trailer, not a big deal, you just have to go into the trailer to get things, with the open, you just grab it.

All in all, the enclosed is usually preferable especially if you don't have a garage/shop to keep all your equipment in. It may be a matter of $$$ too. An enclosed really is a moving billboard for your company.

[GreenN'Clean]

Pros:
Equipment is Secure, out of weather and Out of sight.
Equipment can be more organized.
Nice, Four Sided rolling billboard for advertising.
Place to go dry off or change clothes in the even of rain.

Cons:
More Trailer weight and more drag, less fuel economy.

Pros:
Plus you can use it as a bathroom. I always carry around a gatorade bottle to use.

[boxsky]

Pros:
Plus you can use it as a bathroom. I always carry around a gatorade bottle to use.

I forgot about that part. How TRUE

[KrayzKajun]

Pros:
Plus you can use it as a bathroom. I always carry around a gatorade bottle to use.

:clapping: :clapping: Never leave home without one:clapping: :clapping:

[Tadams]

NEVER drink the warm Mountain Dew!

I don't have an enclosed trailer but I do have a box truck so it's kinda the same. I agree that it keeps your equipment dry and cleaner. But the biggest thing I got it for was the advertising. I had a truck and trailer with the truck lettered up and a sign on the gate of the trailer. Well, I was at a customers house and we were talking about other stuff that she wanted done. I look over at my truck (we were at her front door and not a very big front yard) and I see Sanchez loading up the mower. I then admire how good my truck and trailer look. I then look at the name and number on the truck. I knew what it said but I could barely make out the name and number. Right then is when I realized that if I couldn't make out the number then no one else could either. No one else is gonna squint and try to figure it out. It was right then that I realized that I wanted to be able to see the name and number from a block away. I put them both as big as I could on the side of the box.

[Runner]

There are only 4 cons in purchasing an enclosed trailer, and those are minor. The inability to easily fuel the equipment is one, but again, it can be dealt with. I've had the idea to make homemade hatches cut into the side(s) to allow the fuel pump hose to fit through and allow for inside refueling. It wouldn't surprise me to see manufacturers incorporate this idea right into the design of some of their future models. Also, it would be a good idea just to use a big can or two, and two people could fill the mowers relatively fast with a fast volume funnel by using the cans to transfer the fuel into the trailer and then into the equipment.
Second, you have a gas mileage issue from weight and wind drag. the security outweighs this though, I believe.
Third, you have a vision issue while driving. When you have a large enclosed behind you, you have just entered into a whole 'nother caliber of driving. You have to be COMPLETELY aware and and knowledgeable of all your surroundings - esPECially when backing up.
Lastly, it is so much easier in most cases to just walk OVER to a trailer and get whatever you need at easy reach, instead of having to go inside. This is not that major of a deal though, because as I say, security outweighs this.
Now, the pros of an enclosed? Many. Security, the ability to have storage of your equipment that can stay outside if desired - saving much usable shop area. Also, lets not forget the idea of your equipment being out of the elements. This is just a few.

[KrayzKajun]

There are only 4 cons in purchasing an enclosed trailer, and those are minor. The inability to easily fuel the equipment is one, but again, it can be dealt with. I've had the idea to make homemade hatches cut into the side(s) to allow the fuel pump hose to fit through and allow for inside refueling. It wouldn't surprise me to see manufacturers incorporate this idea right into the design of some of their future models. Also, it would be a good idea just to use a big can or two, and two people could fill the mowers relatively fast with a fast volume funnel by using the cans to transfer the fuel into the trailer and then into the equipment.
Second, you have a gas mileage issue from weight and wind drag. the security outweighs this though, I believe.
Third, you have a vision issue while driving. When you have a large enclosed behind you, you have just entered into a whole 'nother caliber of driving. You have to be COMPLETELY aware and and knowledgeable of all your surroundings - esPECially when backing up.
Lastly, it is so much easier in most cases to just walk OVER to a trailer and get whatever you need at easy reach, instead of having to go inside. This is not that major of a deal though, because as I say, security outweighs this.
Now, the pros of an enclosed? Many. Security, the ability to have storage of your equipment that can stay outside if desired - saving much usable shop area. Also, lets not forget the idea of your equipment being out of the elements. This is just a few.

great response!!!

On the fueling issue, i got a 29 gallon fuel tank with wheels and a hand pump for $200 new from our Academy Sports and Outdoors. Doesnt take up much room in trailer and the hose on it reaches everything in the trailer

[ed2hess]

Think carefully before getting a closed trailer wider than 6' it is difficult to deal with the extra width from visabilty standpoint. It is easy to fit two 36" units and a 21" unit in a 6 foot trailer. If you are thinking about getting into big mowers I would go with open trailer, again for better driving safety.

[Runner]

And don't even consider the 30 gal. fuel tank thing. It surely isn't worth it. All you have then is a rolling bomb of a trailer. There is NOTHING more secure to haul your gas in, besides your mowers. Fill them, and maybe an extra 5 gallon can besides. Other than that, you do NOT need to be carrying extra petro around with you...esPECially quantities like that. It is too easy just to stop in and re-fuel.

[LB1234]

The biggest pro for the encl is the minimizing of downtime. during on/off showers its real easy to maintenance equipment or organize/clean the trailer while you are waiting for the storm to pass. Instead of just sitting in your vehicle.

[KrayzKajun]

And don't even consider the 30 gal. fuel tank thing. It surely isn't worth it. All you have then is a rolling bomb of a trailer. There is NOTHING more secure to haul your gas in, besides your mowers. Fill them, and maybe an extra 5 gallon can besides. Other than that, you do NOT need to be carrying extra petro around with you...esPECially quantities like that. It is too easy just to stop in and re-fuel.

I never said anything about keeping the fuel in the trailer. Isaid it doesnt take up much space(meaning it is easy to roll it into the trailer , fuel everything with the long hose and not have to move the tank around the trailer. We use the same kind of fueling for our race cars.) Anyway how would it be a bomb? unless someone lacks enough commen sense to smoke around it.

[Mr Priceless]

Nice, Four Sided rolling billboard for advertising.


So true! So true!:usflag:

NU UH, You have 6 sides....the top side for richies and whatnot flying overhead in helicopters and the bottom side for soon to be roadkill:p

[fiveoboy01]

I'd agree with everything that has been said previously.

My biggest issue was the fueling problem, and extra weight and price which is why I went with the open trailer.

[scottish lscape1]

The biggest pro for the encl is the minimizing of downtime. during on/off showers its real easy to maintenance equipment or organize/clean the trailer while you are waiting for the storm to pass. Instead of just sitting in your vehicle.

Getting my 1st enclosed this season. I can't wait to tell the guys time to clean the equipment. Not, call me when it stops raining.

[boxsky]

I usually pull up to the gas station, drop the gate, fuel the ZTR and fill my 2 5 gallon containers. Hopefully the mpg issue with the drag should not make much difference. I do less then 50 miles driving a week mowing. This year I might do much as a 100 but even at 10mpg vs 12 equates to a few $.

And yes when you are caught in a rain storm. it's noce to pull in and restring you spools, clean up, fuel, eat lunch, go to the bathroom:drinkup:

[Raven386]

the only Con i would have would be with dump runs. i do alot of work for contractors and im always bringing the trailer along to haul out all their trash. other than that. and the visibility factor.i like beeing able to see all around the trailer. other than that if i could afford a 7X16 or an 8X20 enclosed id already have it parked in the driveway. and on the gas topic. does anyone that has a v-nose trailer see any better fuel economy?

[LB1234]

I forget to mention how much more 'stuff' you can place in an enclosed trailer. Some may argue but I would disagree.

We have two shelves up front. Top carries spare tires for every mower, safety equipment (flares, jacks, chocks, etc.), and 2-cycle attachments, extra chainsaw chains, etc. The bottom shelf contains a three draw tool box that has just about every tool needed plus a three drawer nut & bolt carrier that is permanently mounted. How many times do you need a lock washer or bolt in the field for a temporary fix to keep you going? We also store our maintenace items on that shelf. We built a three tier shelf on the door for all cleaners, lubricants, oil, etc. All the other stuff hangs on the side.

What is nice is since we are more of a property maintenance more than a lawn care company we have almost everytool imaginable in the trailer at all times. That way when the superintendent comes outside and says can you take care of this we can instead of saying It'll have to wait till next week.

Just my two cents.

[Runner]

I never said anything about keeping the fuel in the trailer. Isaid it doesnt take up much space(meaning it is easy to roll it into the trailer , fuel everything with the long hose and not have to move the tank around the trailer. We use the same kind of fueling for our race cars.) Anyway how would it be a bomb? unless someone lacks enough commen sense to smoke around it.

Ok....I see what you're saying. I was thinking you were using it as a holding tan. What I meant by a bomb, is the potential for anything to happen with that much fuel being stored - whether it be in an accident, possible puncture or spillage, etc.. This was why I mentioned the 5 gal. cans an the fast funnel. Iy would be about as fast without taking up all the space.

[Grass Kickin]

I just sold my 18fter. I loved what it brought to the table but I was burning close to 3/4 tank a day with it. I got a 16ft open trailer and store my equipment in my garage. I use about 1/4 tank of gas a day now. Much more economical and when it is going to be foul out, we don't bother working anyway. I'm in Fl. so I'm running it all year. The fuel savings is big.

[Prestige-Lawncare]

I'm going with an enclosed trailer this year ... and am about ready to buy here in another couple/three weeks. I have looked at an Atlas 18', and a couple of 7.5x18' ... one being a V-nose. At first I didn't think I like the V ... but the more I think about it, when I put my bench across the front, the bench will actually be in the "V" part ... the extra space you get with the V.

As for the guy who mentioned something about putting in little doors on the side for fuel hoses to go through ... one of the local dealers here has a couple like that. The are larger snowmobile trailers, with a really deep V nose ... and a 52" drop down door on the street side of the V. There are a couple of little doors (maybe 12"x12") on the street side with key locks that he says are for fuel hoses. The two he as in stock are something like 22' and 26' though ... both 8' wide. Bigger then what I want right now.

I'm used to pulling a larger trailer as I have a 36' 5th wheel RV I pull around camping a lot of weekends ... and the fact that I drove a tractor trailer for 14 years helps a lot. I can put a trailer about anywhere it will fit.

http://pic17.picturetrail.com/VOL839/4414135/9828347/226618962.jpg

[fiveoboy01]

One other upside for the open that I thought of:

When I do cleanups, or bag clippings, I just dump them on the trailer wherever there is space. Then when I get to the dump site, it's easy to just rake/shovel the stuff off the trailer. This would seem like a major PITA with an enclosed, if you had mowers in it...

[LB1234]

One other upside for the open that I thought of:

When I do cleanups, or bag clippings, I just dump them on the trailer wherever there is space. Then when I get to the dump site, it's easy to just rake/shovel the stuff off the trailer. This would seem like a major PITA with an enclosed, if you had mowers in it...


Our truck bed is open and we can easily fit four 60 gallon carry-all barrels in it. Sticks/limbs go down the side and any clippings/small cleanup goes into the barrels.

[CkLandscapingOrlando]

I guess It depends on what you want to use It for. I like open. Less gas.Easier to access. You ever tried to load\unload an enclossed full of leaves? Let alone you land some nice installs that call for lets say 3 large trees. Then you got those low branchs like the guy next door found out.
On the flip side, next door does none of the above, and he dont unload every day like I do

[boxsky]

Why not both. I have the enclosed and a 5x8 for the cleanups, dirt, mulch, basically anything up to a ton. Also for clippings (which I do not remove), what happened to the back of the truck. should have plenty of room back there if you pack your trailers right.

[Prestige-Lawncare]

Why not both. I have the enclosed and a 5x8 for the cleanups, dirt, mulch, basically anything up to a ton. Also for clippings (which I do not remove), what happened to the back of the truck. should have plenty of room back there if you pack your trailers right.

Here's the answer I was thinking about posting ... but you did it for me! The enclosed is for the equipment ... keeps it out of the weather, and keeps it safe at night without having to unload all the time.

If you are one that needs an open trailer also, and can't use, or don't want to use the back of your truck ... then buy a good used open trailer for all those times. I rarely need more then the back of my truck when mowing ... and for mulch, hauling trees and/or shrubs, or clean-ups where more is needed then the back of my truck ... I use the open trailer. What I really want is a dump trailer ... maybe later this summer.
.

[FIRESCOOBY]

I just ordered my enclosed trailer yesterday.

Horton Hauler 7X16 V-nose tandem with brakes
LED lighting
MD ramp
30" side door
Spare tire/wheel
18"x18" fueling door on left side above tandems
2 roof vents
2 side vents
wall ties
hd floor rings
3/8" plywood on inside
rear stabilzers

[CkLandscapingOrlando]

Here's the answer I was thinking about posting ... but you did it for me! The enclosed is for the equipment ... keeps it out of the weather, and keeps it safe at night without having to unload all the time.

If you are one that needs an open trailer also, and can't use, or don't want to use the back of your truck ... then buy a good used open trailer for all those times. I rarely need more then the back of my truck when mowing ... and for mulch, hauling trees and/or shrubs, or clean-ups where more is needed then the back of my truck ... I use the open trailer. What I really want is a dump trailer ... maybe later this summer.
.
If you've been up for a while then both can be great idea but if your looking for the right one to start,you need to know your needs.Well you could just have alot of money to burn.A dump Is the way to go.One day I'll have one my self

[lawnpro724]

I think I want an enclosed trailer for my business this year. I want to hear some pro's and con's from some people who have been in the bus. for a while.

There good for keeping equipment safe and out of sight and you can put alot of lettering on them but thats about it. I like open trailers better there easier when it comes to getting to your equipment when your out mowing and it lets future customer see what equipment you have to do the work. I have alot of storage so I unload my equipment every nite and lock it up but if you don't then an enclosed trailer may work best for you.

[DoetschOutdoor]

Enclosed trailers work for leaves too!! But its not the best outfit for sticks, mulch, etc. which is why I am going to be looking for about a 16 foot open next year. Having both I think would definately be the best setup

[CkLandscapingOrlando]

It works.But I bet that one door made It a pain at the dump.I should have went 16.I got a 12 from a guy for 800 that he got from davids 2 months before for 1300.Never even registered.Down sizing sucks

[jhsmith4]

I just ordered my enclosed trailer yesterday.

Horton Hauler 7X16 V-nose tandem with brakes
LED lighting
MD ramp
30" side door
Spare tire/wheel
18"x18" fueling door on left side above tandems
2 roof vents
2 side vents
wall ties
hd floor rings
3/8" plywood on inside
rear stabilzers
Thats about what We're looking for. Not being nosey, what are you paying 4 that?

[FIRESCOOBY]

Thats about what We're looking for. Not being nosey, what are you paying 4 that?

Price out the door is about $5800. More than I had budgeted (by about $800), but it's exactly what I wanted.

I actually initially planned for a 7X14, but the 16' was only $150 more. I added the fueling door, spare, extra vents, and wall ties over what I had initiailly planned for.