Trailer Question....

[Sup3rman]

I'm looking to buy a trailer within the next few days. I don't have any previous experience with buying a trailer and would appreciate any input. I have a smaller ZTR and a 21" walkbehind that I need to haul around. Just for starters, I was figuring on a 5'x8' open trailer.

While looking around lately, I have seen some open trailers with a steel mesh floor. I know you get what you pay for, and these are relatively cheap, but I am only planning on using this for one season and upgrading next season when I need to (well, hopefully I need to).

Anyway, I'm a little wary of the steel mesh floor. Does anyone have experience with this? I am not hauling a lot of weight on the trailer and I am thinking I should be alright. Anyone have any knowledge on how it will hold up?

[JG Landscaping]

One of my trailers is a 12 ft with expanded metal floor (mesh). For one thing its a heck of a lot lighter than my trailer with wood floor and cheaper if your trying to save some money. It does however have some sagging in between beams, nothing major or to worry about though. I would not get an 8 foot if i were you. It may seem like enough room now, but its probably not! If you have enough work now try to put up a few more bucks for a bigger trailer so you dont have to buy another next year. Good luck

[M&SLawnCare]

I don't have any experience with the mesh floor trailers, but as the previous poster said don't get a 8' trailer. At the very least i'ld get a 10 if not a 12. I currently have a 4/8 trailer and kick myself every day for buying that thing.

A trailer, unlike mowers, can be used for much more than just your lawn busness, so get something that gives you some options. They are also so cheap it just doesn't make much sense to go cheap and regret it (i was looking at a nice, fairly heavy duty, 6/12 open trailor today with duel rear ramps and a side ramp. price was only 1400 new)

[Matts lawn care]

Thats the same thing i got except with only 1 rear ramp. I love it its great.

[CutsForLess]

When you start taliking about flat bed trailers there is not much difference in price from 8' to 12' to 16', I would get as big as you can to start because no matter what you think there is never enough room. I started out with a 16' that I already had and welded me a gate on the back. I got tired of having to load and unload all the time so this year I got a 16' enclosed trailer and it is great. I save a lot of time and have it rigged out where everything is easy access, plus I can get back in my shop. Just my thoughts if you think you can get by with a trailer get one four feet longer.

[fiveoboy01]

If you're only using it this season and planning to upgrade next season, why buy a trailer twice? It will be cheaper for you in the long run to buy the larger trailer. Even if your mower doesn't take up all the space on it, there's room there for clippings or debris if you're doing a clean-up.

[Sup3rman]

Thanks for the replies guys. The main thing I was worried about was how the metal would hold up. After reading the suggestions to get a bigger trailer, I'm leaning on doing just that. Makes sense to grow into a bigger trailer instead of having to buy a second one. Thanks again.

[metro36]

Where in Ny are you? Were you looking at these trailers at a box store or a dealer?

[Sup3rman]

Orange County, NY.....I was looking at both box stores and a local trailer dealer. Both had the metal mesh floors. I wanted to hear some real experience/suggestions and not some salesman BS before looking again.

[craglawnmanor]

I've often seen people put plywood down on top of the expanded metal (mesh) floor. But for me, the mesh floor version would have to cost ALOT less in order to have to modify it right off the bat. :)

[MOWEMJEFF]

I just bought an 8x7 tilt snowmobile trailer with 3 sides for $150, only needs new tire and drivers side light, so for $250 I'll have a trailer that'll fit a rider walk-behind and a couple of trash cans and/or some other equipment and I have a ramp, plus my truck is a long bed. If your strapped and just want a trailer for this year looking used may not be a bad idea. If I went new I would have financed a really nice one like a BigTex at least 12 feet from a dealer, but I'm gonna finance a ZTR instead!!!

[Patriot Services]

My 6x12 trailer came with a mesh floor and it was much cheaper. I covered it in 1/2" plywood painted black. I also made some 3' high sides and predrilled the trailer. A few bolts and 15mins later I have a trailer useful for hauling soil, gravel or leaves. I don't recommend leaving them on full time as the added drag does cut fuel mileage. The parts cost 50$ and an afternoon. Sometimes we gotta make what we can afford work.:usflag: :usflag: :usflag:

[Rizzo]

Make sure you check the capacity on the smaller trailer. Most 48" ztr weigh around 900-1000 pounds dry. Add all the extra equipment you will carry and fuel and you are most likely over the axle capacity on a 5x8 trailer. Most 5x8 trailers will have an axle of 2000# or less and most 6.5x12 will have 3500# axle or more. Also, the box store trailers with the mesh floor and gate have a light duty ramp that will bend or not be long enough to get a z mower on due to the clearance. Shop around, you should be able to get a 6.5x12 with ramp for under $1200 new or much less for a used one. Don't bother with the mesh floor unless you have to as it will bend and sag under the weight of a z mower. Above is my experience over the years with many different trailers. Others may differ.

[Sup3rman]

Thanks for the help. I'm going to continue to shop around and am now convinced a 10' should be the minimum size I get.

On a related note, how do you keep everything from moving on the trailer? I am talking about the ZTR, 21" mower, gas cans etc.....Do you strap things down? I've never really paid any attention when I see trailers loaded up.

[Tom c.]

Check the members free listing in this forum. I just listed my Doolittle 6x10ft trailer there. Personally I would not get one from a chain store they are cheaply made with small wheels thin steel etc.Large chain stores can tell manufacturers what they want them to manufacturer because they buy in large volumes.

[Rizzo]

On a related note, how do you keep everything from moving on the trailer? I am talking about the ZTR, 21" mower, gas cans etc.....Do you strap things down? I've never really paid any attention when I see trailers loaded up.[/QUOTE]

I use a combo of ratchet straps, wheel chocks, and tarp straps to secure my equipment. I also use a long bike cable to secure my gas cans and small wheeled equipment if I run into a store during the route. That doolittle trailer would be a nice one for you.

[dtelawncare]

I started with a 6 1/2 x 12 with a wood floor. The trailer was built out of tubing, not angle. The wood floor will be much stronger. This allowed me to load many odd things. I have made good money on several tree clean up with it. Last year, day after Thanksgiving my trailer got hit. This put money in my pocket. I did not hesitate and ordered me 6 1/2 x16 with a dovetail and brakes on it. It is a 7000lb trailer. Tax and all was only $1350. I also have another one the same size I use to haul misc things. Go as big as you can afford. I am now putting back for an enclosed trailer.

[chammons]

I agree with the other posts...I use a 5 x 8 (already had it) but if you are buying...bye the right one the first time.

[EngineeredLawns]

5 x 8 is to small. I bought my 6 x 12 from another LCO that only had it 1 year. For him that was to small. The trailer is one thing you don't want to small.

[BUCKEYE MOWING]

I agree with Enginereed Lawns...if possible, get the biggest trailer you can afford based on your future plans...Buy once and be happy !!

[GreenN'Clean]

Id go with the biggest sized trailer that you can afford. You will always need extra room and you will out grow the small sized trailer really quickly

[Sup3rman]

Thanks for all the replies guys. You all have been very helpful.

[Sup3rman]

About the Fastraps....when you order them, do they come two to a set? Or do I have to order each one individually?

[craglawnmanor]

About the Fastraps....when you order them, do they come two to a set? Or do I have to order each one individually?

I've normally seen them sold individually.