Trailer - school me some

I am heavily looking into adding a bigger trailer to the arsenal. I have the old F250 as the workhorse and also a 4'x7' small utility trailer that sees limited duty. Your feedback on what to consider is greatly appreciated.

The main tasks of the trailer would be:
1. Firewood hauling (duh)
2. Material hauling
3. Tractor hauling (small Kubota, <3k lbs)
4. Travelling jam band stage (ok, no, but that would be cool)

Based on the size of my tractor with the FEL and something on the rear I'd like a 14'-16'. It is right at 15' long with everything fully outstretched.

I think I want flat deck with stake pockets, seems this is more useful than fixed sides. I would add a winch just about immediately.

Ramp style, dove tail/ beaver tail/ etc. I am not too familiar with the pros/ cons. It would seem tilt is out of the price I am willing to spend (as is a dump). Dual axle plus brakes are a must.

If used - what would replacement items run me (brakes, tires, etc.) ? The used prices seem to be up there with a new unit if I take a drive to get one. They all seem to be manufactured down South.

Budget : I'd like to stay in the $3k and under 'hood and would like to understand why some are $4k and some are $2k. Probably going to sell a couple saws to bring this home without making it too obvious on the wallet.

Thanks for any opinions, recommended manufacturers and dealers are welcome.

 

I would get a 82"x16' with tandem 3500 lb axles. A top rail on the trailer can get in the way somtimes but really stiffens them up so keep that in mind. I would get a "tractor gate" which is a standard gate on the rear with extra support for loading a tractor or vehicle. A gate would be better for loading wood compared to ramps.

Around here you can buy one new for $2500 or one that is nearly beat to death for $2300.

 

Keep your eyes on craigslist. I found my deckover for $2k and added a 12ooolb winch for $299 from Harbor Freight. I looked for months before this deal came up and jumped on it right away. Still need to turn the ramps into gates with expanded metal for the stuff with 3 wheels or offset fronts and rears.

 

I've thought about this same thing before and I decided a car hauler would suit my needs well.
I've seen them being built with stake pockets. I imagine any manufacturer would add them.
If I bought one I would build some removable plywood centers for hauling wood or anything else besides a car.
Car haulers have less ground clearance so that may limit where you go with it.

 

First thing's first.... I hate bumper hitch trailers with a passion, that aside here is my $.02 worth. For your needs seriously look at a tilt deck, and get it longer & heavier then you need now. Around here you can get a new 2015 H&H Speedloader MX 20' trailer for $3800, manual tilt, 2=5000lbs axels. May be way over kill right now, but if you up size your Kabota, you'll be glad you have the bigger trailer.

 

Just get a 7000 lbs car trailer. It meets all the criteria you have laid out.

 

X2, I have a 7,500 pound 16 foot car trailer and it does everything I want. It has stake pockets on the sides and I am going to build some removable side rails for hauling rounds.

 

Same here.

 

OK, talk to me about tires - style and rating.

I see a used car trailer locally for $1500 with "all new" blah, blah, blah.... what kind of tires should I be targeting?

 

Round ones...... Square ones bounce the rounds off the trailer.

 

Just ask if they are trailer tires because I believe they have a stronger side wall that hold up better.

 

You need atleast get a 16' trailer. If your tractor is 15', a 16' may be hard to get the tongue weight right. I would get a 18' or even 20' trailer. You can do a lot more with a 18' trailer than you can a 16'. If you go with a 18' trailer or bigger and you get a larger tractor you will have a trailer capable of hauling it. If you are buying new, I would step up to a 10k trailer. Load range E tires hold up better. The life expectancy of a trailer tire is 4 years. As far as brands, Maxxis and Greenball tires have good reviews. Something else to look for is LED ligts, they are less problematic. I like car trailers because the ramps are stored under the trailer. Equipment trailers have ramps that stand up. If you want to let something hang over the back the ramps may be in the way. Also if you want to set something on the back of the trailer with you tractor the ramps will be in the way. Cheaper trailers may have brakes on 1 axle and better trailers have brakes on both. If you get one with stake pockets you can build racks for it making it more versatile. The stake pockets can be used as tie downs too.

 

7,000 lb, 16', with trailer brakes,
side rails & a folding rear ramp/gate are nice too.

 

I agree with Luke on this advice and his comments about new versus used. I bought a new PJ trailer 82" x 12', dual axle, brakes, tractor gate, 2" thick deck and a removable tube top and am really happy with it.. I would have got the 16 footer but didn't have room in the garage. Paid $2250.

 

I'm with lukem on this one. I like a 1' rail around them and a reinforced gate.

Replacement costs:

Tires-$100 each --you need 50lb minimum and MUST be a trailer tire.
Brakes-$150 each (usually only 1 axle has brakes)
Bearings-$75 each
Light kit-$50ish (go LED!!!!!!!)
Lumber for deck-$100ish

If you buy an old beater ,and add in all the above, you could've and should've just bought new. I can get used ones for $1500 that are useable, but should get some attention. At that point, you just need to do your math and see if new is worth it vs. whatever parts it needs + purchase price. Don't forget to add in your time to work on it.....all my costs are parts only-not including labor to install

 

You work for beer, right?

 

I went with a gooseneck trailer because I used to pull it with a 1/2 ton truck. (still do at times) Handles loads and maneuvers better. AND not just anybody with a truck can hook to it and drive it off......

This one's 16ft, 5 or 6k axles with electric brakes on both. The most I've had on it was 8,500 lbs. Picked it up for $1,500 a few years ago.

 

Newcastle please.

 

That's a good deal, I'd consider gooseneck if the price was right. That setup would be just about perfect for my vision.

 

You can meet your. Weds very nicely with a 18' car hauler-with a full deck, not the car wheel tracks. Most come with stake pockets. Get brakes on both axles, required in many states. LED lights are a nice upgrade well worth the price-I think they were a $75 charge on my trailer.
A trailer like this will give a few feet to play with so you can balance your tractor for optimal tongue weight. You can easily haul a cord of wood with 16" sides.

Will