Always seems like a trailer would be nice to have and been debating various types. This is my anticipated usage. Atv occasionally Dixie chopper occasionally Mulch - need about 10 yards a year Crushed stone - just once Creek brush - I have a creek running through the properylty that is grown over with cattails and other stuff. Wondered how to clean that up. It would be a huge project to burn it all... Random house related chores Plywood/ basic home projects 30 bales of hay once a year Then, the heaviest is my growing wood hoarding ... So I have been looking at PJ trailers, single axle utility. They offer one with a 5200# axle that’s 14x83 with channel sides that I am leaning towards. Has atv ramps on side which are nice because they pull out so you just slide mulch or stuff of the side instead of lifting over the rails. but ...to do mulch I would need to put wood sides on? Even with the heavier axle, payload is still only about 3500-4000# .... not even a full cord. So then I get distracted by the solid metal sided dump trailers.... Debating this with going up to a tandem. Don’t know if I will regret not having the extra capacity. But the tandems are more expensive, harder to maneuver, etc. any thoughts? Never had a trailer before and I want to get one to have for 15+ years. I finally have some room to store it. One note is that to get it back to my wood area and pole barn I do have to drive on grass/soft ground. Any advice appreciated!
I got a 6x12 3000lb axle with slight bearing issues....she would be cheap lol. Comes pre loaded with 2 face cords of sugar maple.
I'd consider a 16' car trailer. I can get a full cord on it with creative stacking. Not loose tossed. Normally pick up a used unit for 10-1500 around here. I am in the market as well. Been using my buddy's! I pull it with a '01 Yukon Denali XL. Handles it just fine. Food for thought.
I own a single axle 5200# dump trailer, measures approximately 5'x8' (although a few inches too small to fit a sheet of plywood) with 2.5' walls and pull it with a Ford F250. It weighs about 1800 lbs so can only haul 3400 lbs. I love having a trailer and am very happy I bought a dump trailer, but regret buying a single axle; I wish I would've bought a larger trailer (12-14') with a double axle. If you can afford it, I'd recommend a larger trailer. You'll never look back and think "I wish I had a smaller trailer," unless you need it in tight quarters. I bought mine from a local manufacturer and have had a few issues -- the welds on the hinges broke while dumping a yard of gravel and the box nearly slid off the frame. It also it had terrible wiring which shorted out (primarily because how it was done) and I had to rewire it. I've know of several other people who have had trouble with their trailers as well, which makes me wonder why they're still in business. I bought it about 3 years ago and have seriously considered selling it to buy a larger & better one. Good luck, let us know what you decide! BTW, anyone want to buy my trailer???
16' utility trailer with ramps and dual 3500# axels. I have one (without built in ramp) and have hauled almost everything you mention and more. Very handy.
If it helps, consider getting the stone delivered. That may help you get the trailer you need. I would like to get a trailer and I’m having the same dilemma. I may need 2
16-18’ dual axle “landscape” trailer, you get the additional stability of the 2nd axle and weight distribution over 4 tires, along with the rear and side loading gate. PJ makes a great trailer, but there are several really good brands. My research has led me to demand wiring that’s enclosed in some sort of conduit or tubular pipe, with rounded edge protectors to prevent your wiring rubbing on a sharp edge, LED lights, several frame-mounted attachment points (D-Rings) and Dexter axles. Added points for a lift gate assist, they’re kinda nice. I am giving serious thought to a Better Built trailer at the moment.
I have a PJ I inherited after my Dad passed. It's a 3500# single with an atv ramp. It's a great all around trailer. Obviously its usage dependent but I'd caution anyone on getting something too big if you're going to be using it for hauling firewood. I've found that having something like what I have gives me a lot of capacity but is also very nimble when getting a score in a tight place. With the way I move my wood the ramp pretty much eliminates the need for a dump trailer Couple things I'm doing with it. It has a large tool box which I plan to elevate to make room for the front of my fishing kayak. We also took down some steel fencing last year and I'm re-purposing the steel posts for sides. It's also due for new tires so I'm going to bite the bullet and go with D rated tires to maximize my load capacity.
Same truck I have except 8' box and 4.30 rear end with 12,500 # towing. A dump trailer would have been very nice, but for the size I wanted, they get very spendy. I bought a PJ trailer and am very happy with it. The place I got it at will order anyway you want so when I ordered the 83" x 18' foot I got the following options to make it heavier duty. Granted this is probably bigger than you want but you get the idea how PJ will customize. Upgraded to twin 5200# axels with dual brakes Cross member on 12" centers instead of 18" Dove tail rear with split heavy duty gate and knee braces, good for 7,000# implement ATV gate in the front 22" solid metal sides with 2" pipe on top
Everybody needs a 16-18' car hauler/landscape trailer! You certainly have the truck to pull it. I'd consider a 10k rated trailer, usually they are not much more than a 7k model.
I have had two PJ trailers, and think they make a better than average trailer for sure. The one I have now is a 12 foot Dexter double 3500lb axles x 83", brakes, 2" tube top, added D rings, removeable sides, 1.75" treated bed, beefed up the rear tailgate for my tractor with extra angle iron. Tube top adds strength/rigidity to the trailer as well. I never found the double axle to be harder to back up than my single axle. I would have gone for a 14 or 16 foot, but didn't have room in the garage. Keep in mind, if you ever get a tractor or want to haul something heavier your going to wish for the double axles. Only want to do this once.. There's a place in mid Ohio that sells PJ's less than anywhere I have found. Good luck with whatever you decide...
Always remember, you can haul a small load on a big trailer but you can't haul a big load on a small trailer Get the biggest you can comfortably move around your property
I run a 12' Bri Mar tandem axle 12K dump trailer. It fits in most places & with 2 X 12 wood sides holds 1.5 cord stacked or a good cord tossed in. Nice heavy duty trailer. As has been said, buy the biggest you can fit where you need to go. PJ does make a very good trailer. I've also got a 16' 7000# landscape trailer with 3' sides that gets very little use now. Owes me nothing, but it just sits since I got the dump.
Get a tandem axel for sure, ease of mind with heavy loads, handles much better, much safer if you blow a tire, easier on the yard with better weight distribution, should have trailer breaks also which makes it much easier to pull.
