New Utility Trailer Shopping

I have been putting this off for years, but I think it is finally time to get a utility trailer. I have several projects lined up for this year that are going to require hauling a 30HP tractor w/FEL, lumber, steel roofing/siding, etc.

I'm thinking 7x16 or 7x18 7K range.

Anything I should look for / avoid when shopping?

 

If you can swing the extra money for aluminum you will get it back when you go to sell it. Aluma is a great brand.
If you want a flat deck (not a dump trailer) I think you are really looking at "landscape trailers" and "car haulers" in those sizes.
Wood decks are much quieter than steel and don't rust but need replacement down the road. It's easy enough to do though and they won't rust.
Whatever you get, pick up a couple cans of fluid film at the same time and go over any steel parts on the bottom.

 

I had an aluminum trailer, probably wouldn't buy one again...they don't rust, but do corrode...and overloading results in cracking (instead of bending, like steel) and anyplace where there is steel against aluminum will have galvanic corrosion...maybe a top of the line one would have that issue engineered out...but even a basic steel trailer is $$$ these days, let alone paying for a top end aluminum!
Aluminum is not as easy to weld/repair once the trailer is used either. (brand new uncontaminated aluminum is the only way to get a really good weld)

 

Four or five years ago I purchased a dual axle 16' trailer to haul my Tractor on. Kinda wish I would've got the 18' ,that way I could haul another implement with the tractor.One thing I would do again is get the heavy dropgate with spring assist.

 

Get a higher weight rating then you think you need. In that size, I’d be looking at at least a 10k weight rating. The price/weight difference often isn’t a lot on trailers of the same dimensions and gives an extra 3000 lb of capacity. A 30hp tractor plus attachments adds up fast.
Most modern half tons can tow close to if not more than 10,000 so even if your current truck can’t use the full capacity, the next one probably can.

 

That's kinda what I'm thinking...maybe the 10K is worth it. My current truck wouldn't tow it fully loaded but my next truck will.

 

I picked up a Cam Superline Warrior 16', 10K trailer for hauling my hay, logs/lumber and my tractor, Kubota L3710. Honestly, I couldn't be happier. Price is very competitive and quality is excellent. No frills

 

BTW, an 18' would be preferable to a 16' for your tractor. I got the 16' because things are real tight at my place. It works for my tractor + FEL, but if I had the room, I'd definitely have preferred the extra 2'.

 

I have an 18' aluminum utility trailer with stowable ramps. The biggest thing I would have done differently was to buy a 10k trailer instead of a 7k trailer. 12 years ago 7k was the limit for my truck-now my new truck can handle 10k. 20' or 22' would be nice for the extra room to haul an implement, but does make the trailer a bit cumbersome. 18' is a happy medium IMHO.

 

I have had a 7k pound dovetail car hauler for like 14 years. Almost every other time I use it I wish I had a 18 or 20footer. Get the 5k axles at least I'd say and get a longer length. My tow vehicle is about 8500 pounds max weight but that's more than the trailer. It's not weight capacity I usally need just more deck room.

Another though. Everything is expensive so if you don't have to you might wait this out, but prices may never come down after this inflation, you never know. The good thing is your money if not invested in the market is loosening money sitting in your checking account may as well buy a tangible real item that will possibly be worth what you paid for it even a year later.

This picture is pretty common to what I haul. And I'm always wishing I could haul an ATV or one more implement or something.

 

I love my H&H Speed Loader.
10,000#
22"
Aluminum
Hydraulic/electric tilt deck.

I figured i had one chance to get it right.
I wouldn't change a thing. (Well...except the wheels. I put aluminum wheels on it last year.)

 

I bought a 20' 10K tilt bed trailer a few years back. For my 40 hp tractor, fel and a box blade/skidding winch on the three point, it's a good fit. It handles my 4.5 ton crawler tractor pretty well too. I'd say 10K minimum and 18 0r 20'. In the application you describe, steel would be my preference as well.

 

That's nice!!

 

Originally I had in mind a tube top utility trailer, but those are near impossible to find in 10K. I'm going to be adding plywood or metal to the sides anyway to haul mulch so I might as well just get an equipment trailer and make some side panels for the stake pockets...same difference in the end. I can load stuff on pallets this way too.

I may cut out of work a little early today and go look at some at a local dealer.

 

Something followed me home..

16+2 10K with mess/ladder ramps.

 

Starts thread on Tuesday; Friday has one..
Beat Horkn truck shopping by years

 

I have been looking for a while. Just wasn't sure on size.