Trailers - what one? Where to find?

[Bob_McNaughton]

I've done a search for trailers on this board, and had no real luck with my question.

So my question is, where can one find a good trailer, what are some good names? What should I look for in a trailer?

I've made up my mind to go with a enclosed trailer, for the added professional look, weather issues, and the fact that my house doesn't have a garage.

Any advice is appreciated.

[KirbysLawn]

I have a Haulmark Cadet and it's been very good, their website has a listing of dealers.

http://haulmark.com/
http://www.wellscargo.com/

[mdb landscaping]

i have a cargo pro 8 by 14 enclosd trailer. heres some manufacturers to check out.

www.cargoprotrailers.com
www.paceamerican.com
www.carmatetrailers.com
www.uscargo.com

[TotalLawn]

I have a Wells Cargo 16' enclosed trailer. It's got the racks on the walls for blower, hedge trimmer, water cooler, 3 trimmers, and backpack sprayer, racks, shovels, etc., and a cage up front. I carry 2 scotts 21" mowers, 1 toro 32" wb, and 1 toro 62" ztr. As well as a air tank, wheelbarrel, 2 tool boxes, 6' step lader, and various hand tools. I have been happy with it so far. And yes, I can still get around inside (somewhat).

[Bob_McNaughton]

Nice setup Brian. Whats a good enclosed trailer cost nowadays?

Also, why 16'? I'm debating a between a 14 and a 16 right now. Any big price differences?

[TotalLawn]

I don't know how much a 14' is, I knew I needed longer so I didn't even price it.

My 16' was $6800. Inside width is like 7', and inside height is 6'. With all the equip. I listed above I have about 6 - 12 inches to spare in length.

[mowerconsultant]

Last week I ordered my first enclosed trailer.
It is a custom Pace American. Aero sport model.
This trailer is a v-nose car hauler, 26ft in total lenght 21 usable.
Rear ramp door, side man door, and front ramp door on the v.
Options installed at the factory are:
E-track 3 lengths evenly spaced in floor.
E-track 2 lengths per side wall
8 d-rings installed in floor
2 5k axles in lieu of 3500's
Custom locks and alarm system.
Checker board floor tile throughout.

List price: $10,600.00
My negotiated price $8900.00

This trailer will haul any of my equipment this winter without getting it wet and salt covered from traveling through snow storms.
Also, it will haul my snowmobiles and friends sleds with ease.

:)

Here is a link to the model
http://www.paceamerican.com/products/aero_sport.htm


Pj

[racerdave]

I have the same trailer as mowerconsultant.
Except: no Security sys.
plywood floors
no E track
mine is 102" wide...with about 78" between wheelwells.
I elected to add my own unistrut where I wanted it instead of using the E track
I also added two spare tires
paid $6300 for it in '99
David

[Bob_McNaughton]

Holy god are those expensive! Apparently I grossly underestimated what one costs. I was figuring in the area of 2-3k for a decent enclosed trailer.

My biggest problem is I don't have a garage at my house to store the mowers when I start the business. So leaving stuff out all winter isn't an attractive thought. But 7-9k?? I can have a decent 2 car garage built for 10k, and get the payoffs when I sell the house eventually.

I'm completely shocked that people are actually out there paying 10k for trailers.. Blown away, flabbergasted, in awe.

[racerdave]

I WOULD PROBABLY BUY IT THRU MY BUSINESS. I TRY TO KEEP BIZ AND PERSONAL OWNERSHIP SEPARATE. I BELEIVE THER ARE TAX ADVANTAGES THIS WAY YOU NEED TO CHECK THAT OUT BEFORE YOU BUY ANYTHING.
DAVID

[fireball]

You get what you pay for most of the time. The Classics, Pace American, and Wells Cargo trailers give you the most for your buck because they use standard parts and systems. Some of the cheaper trailers use mobile home axels and weird tire sizes. Try to get a set of electric brakes for a axel made in 1966 or see how long you sit out on the interstate while your tire dealer is looking for 23x10.5 4 ply tires(they did look good on the trailer). The best advice I can give you is to go to any big old car show in your area and you will see several different types of trailers(some of these guys actually live in them), talk to the owners and you'll get an education on what makes a "good" trailer and who the "good" dealers are. We have all heard horror stories on car dealers, lawn mower dealers, doctors, and lawyers but these guys go to seminars put on by trailer dealers.

[KirbysLawn]

I paid $4800 for my Haulmark.