Getting An Enclosed Trailer...Questions, Questions, Questions
I am considering getting an enclosed trailer..something about 16-18'
long. I would like to hear opinions on brands, features one should get and mods that one can do to the trailer. It will be a general purpose trailer to be used for anything that might fit in it. Also what is the recommended pulling vehicle for such a trailer? thanks TMT |
Getting An Enclosed Trailer...Questions, Questions, Questions
On Dec 17, 1:29 am, Too_Many_Tools wrote:
I am considering getting an enclosed trailer..something about 16-18' long. I would like to hear opinions on brands, features one should get and mods that one can do to the trailer. It will be a general purpose trailer to be used for anything that might fit in it. Also what is the recommended pulling vehicle for such a trailer? thanks TMT Finally, any trailer sites that you would recommend one visit? Thanks TMT |
Getting An Enclosed Trailer...Questions, Questions, Questions
Too_Many_Tools wrote:
On Dec 17, 1:29 am, Too_Many_Tools wrote: I am considering getting an enclosed trailer..something about 16-18' long. I would like to hear opinions on brands, features one should get and mods that one can do to the trailer. It will be a general purpose trailer to be used for anything that might fit in it. Also what is the recommended pulling vehicle for such a trailer? thanks TMT Finally, any trailer sites that you would recommend one visit? Thanks TMT The various brands are all largely the same for a basic cargo trailer, just check for trailer dealers in your area and see what they have. A cargo / auto trailer with a rear ramp door and a regular side door is the most versatile, and a winch in the trailer is handy for dragging stuff up the ramp. LED lighting is also a plus as are interior lights, and if you have a winch, a local battery is both necessary and also helpful in providing power for interior lighting when not connected to a tow vehicle. You could also rig a switch to allow you to power the marker lights when not connected to the tow vehicle which can be useful depending on where you need to park the trailer at times. The tow vehicle would be somewhat dependent on how much the trailer will weigh loaded, and that could vary quite a bit. Assuming a trailer GVW of around 10K which would give you around 6K cargo capacity, you'd certainly want a 3/4T truck at a minimum, and a weight distributing hitch. You'll also need a good brake controller in the tow vehicle. For comfortable towing there is no such thing as too large a tow vehicle, but if you'll be towing a lot of miles then you'd want to go with something closer to the minimum size necessary in order to get the best economy, though the comfort level will suffer. |
Getting An Enclosed Trailer...Questions, Questions, Questions
I've seen open ended questions but this one is a dilly!
For general hobbist and utility work, I'd start with a tandem axle flat bed car hauler 18' with beaver tail. 3500# axles would give you 7000# gross weight, about 5000# max load. You can haul a car, 16' lumber, a Bridgeport (or bigger) mill, etc. Fit it with removable sides, you can haul boxes and furniture. The low bed means it will tow nicely, decent fuel mileage, fewer drive ability issues in windy weather. You can load it with a forklift, load it with a gantry, load it with a cherry picker, drive on, etc. New cost is about $1500 to $2000, decent used at half that. But you want enclosed. A few questions and the answers: -What do you want to haul? An enclosed trailer is great for moving boxes but if you can't carry or roll it in to the trailer, (think Bridgeport mill), it gets less fun quickly. -What weight? 16' or 18' will be tandem axle, total empty trailer weight will be around 2500# unless you go with the expensive aluminum trailers -Headroom? Full 6' inside is really nice for loading but the extra height just kills your gas mileage on the highway. -Car hauling? A 16' trailer is real tiny for hauling most vehicles. We have a race Porsche that needs to have the driver's door removed before loading so the driver can get out. -How often do you use it? Every week vs every 3 months? -How far do you tow? Around town vs serious (We do 6 race events per year, 150 miles to 700 miles one way) If you still want to look at enclosed, check out Haulmark and Featherlight for the standards to meet. You can usually find some regional brands for less money. Towing one of these means a 3/4 ton pickup or van. You might be able to squeak by with a properly rigged 1/2 ton but you won't like it. Go to the Ford, Chevy, Dodge websites, look at the towing capacities in the 5000 to 7000 pound range. Too_Many_Tools wrote: I am considering getting an enclosed trailer..something about 16-18' long. I would like to hear opinions on brands, features one should get and mods that one can do to the trailer. It will be a general purpose trailer to be used for anything that might fit in it. Also what is the recommended pulling vehicle for such a trailer? thanks TMT |
Getting An Enclosed Trailer...Questions, Questions, Questions
On Sun, 16 Dec 2007 23:29:38 -0800 (PST), Too_Many_Tools
wrote: I am considering getting an enclosed trailer..something about 16-18' long. I would like to hear opinions on brands, features one should get and mods that one can do to the trailer. It will be a general purpose trailer to be used for anything that might fit in it. Also what is the recommended pulling vehicle for such a trailer? thanks TMT Tow Vechicle? a pickup truck, may I suggest the International CXT http://www.internationaltrucks.com/p...85d0eb0aRCR D http://tinyurl.com/ymcero Anything else would be wimpy. On my list of things to buy when I hit the lottery. Thank You, Randy Remove 333 from email address to reply. |
Getting An Enclosed Trailer...Questions, Questions, Questions
Randy wrote:
On Sun, 16 Dec 2007 23:29:38 -0800 (PST), Too_Many_Tools wrote: I am considering getting an enclosed trailer..something about 16-18' long. I would like to hear opinions on brands, features one should get and mods that one can do to the trailer. It will be a general purpose trailer to be used for anything that might fit in it. Also what is the recommended pulling vehicle for such a trailer? thanks TMT Tow Vechicle? a pickup truck, may I suggest the International CXT http://www.internationaltrucks.com/p...85d0eb0aRCR D http://tinyurl.com/ymcero Anything else would be wimpy. On my list of things to buy when I hit the lottery. I'm afraid I'm shooting for a wimpy F550 as my next truck... Something I have some chance of actually affording without winning the lottery. |
Getting An Enclosed Trailer...Questions, Questions, Questions
Maybe this is too far off-topic... but one day I was thinking how nice
it would be to put hydraulic motors onto two wheels of a trailer with an appropriate power unit. That way you could maneuver the trailer around without the tow vehicle, to park it in a tight spot maybe. With two motors and the little wheelie thing on the A-frame you could skid-steer it. |
Getting An Enclosed Trailer...Questions, Questions, Questions
Miki wrote:
Maybe this is too far off-topic... but one day I was thinking how nice it would be to put hydraulic motors onto two wheels of a trailer with an appropriate power unit. That way you could maneuver the trailer around without the tow vehicle, to park it in a tight spot maybe. With two motors and the little wheelie thing on the A-frame you could skid-steer it. Powered hand truck type dollies for moving trailers exist, but they are separate units that hook to the trailer using the normal hitch. The only reason to go to the cost and effort of powering the trailer wheels itself would be for something like off road use providing all wheel drive. |
Getting An Enclosed Trailer...Questions, Questions, Questions
On Tue, 18 Dec 2007 09:09:17 -0800 (PST), with neither quill nor
qualm, Miki quickly quoth: Maybe this is too far off-topic... but one day I was thinking how nice it would be to put hydraulic motors onto two wheels of a trailer with an appropriate power unit. That way you could maneuver the trailer around without the tow vehicle, to park it in a tight spot maybe. With two motors and the little wheelie thing on the A-frame you could skid-steer it. Someone in the construction world has an add-on for wheeled scaffolding moves. www.crawlerproducts.com Shorten one for trailer use and use the trailer battery (if so equipped) to power it. Good luck finding a price on one. -- Seen on a bumper sticker: ARM THE HOMELESS |
Getting An Enclosed Trailer...Questions, Questions, Questions
On Dec 18, 5:09 pm, Miki wrote:
Maybe this is too far off-topic... but one day I was thinking how nice it would be to put hydraulic motors onto two wheels of a trailer with an appropriate power unit. That way you could maneuver the trailer around without the tow vehicle, to park it in a tight spot maybe. With two motors and the little wheelie thing on the A-frame you could skid-steer it. A riding lawn mower works pretty well. Dan |
Getting An Enclosed Trailer...Questions, Questions, Questions
Miki wrote:
Maybe this is too far off-topic... but one day I was thinking how nice it would be to put hydraulic motors onto two wheels of a trailer with an appropriate power unit. That way you could maneuver the trailer around without the tow vehicle, to park it in a tight spot maybe. With two motors and the little wheelie thing on the A-frame you could skid-steer it. A front mounted trailer hitch works wonders using your tow vehicle. I always parked F4 Phantoms in the barn using the front hitch of the tow tractor. Having the steer wheels near tongue or tow bar makes maneuvering a piece of cake. Not to mention looking forwards while you are doing this. Wes |
Getting An Enclosed Trailer...Questions, Questions, Questions
On 2007-12-19, Wes wrote:
A front mounted trailer hitch works wonders using your tow vehicle. I always parked F4 Phantoms in the barn using the front hitch of the tow tractor. Having the steer wheels near tongue or tow bar makes maneuvering a piece of cake. Not to mention looking forwards while you are doing this. All that is needed is some practice... Though a front mounted hitch is a very interesting idea. i |
Getting An Enclosed Trailer...Questions, Questions, Questions
Ignoramus28147 wrote:
On 2007-12-19, Wes wrote: A front mounted trailer hitch works wonders using your tow vehicle. I always parked F4 Phantoms in the barn using the front hitch of the tow tractor. Having the steer wheels near tongue or tow bar makes maneuvering a piece of cake. Not to mention looking forwards while you are doing this. All that is needed is some practice... Though a front mounted hitch is a very interesting idea. i No Iggy, there are cases where it is pretty much impossible to maneuver a trailer into place using the normal rear mounted hitch. This is particularly the case with long tow vehicles. |
Getting An Enclosed Trailer...Questions, Questions, Questions
On Dec 19, 9:17 am, Wes wrote:
... I always parked F4 Phantoms in the barn using the front hitch of the tow tractor. Having the steer wheels near tongue or tow bar makes maneuvering a piece of cake. Not to mention looking forwards while you are doing this. Wes That sounds like a good idea. Know where I can get one to practice with? |
Getting An Enclosed Trailer...Questions, Questions, Questions
On Wed, 19 Dec 2007 11:09:26 -0600, "Pete C."
wrote: Ignoramus28147 wrote: On 2007-12-19, Wes wrote: A front mounted trailer hitch works wonders using your tow vehicle. I always parked F4 Phantoms in the barn using the front hitch of the tow tractor. Having the steer wheels near tongue or tow bar makes maneuvering a piece of cake. Not to mention looking forwards while you are doing this. All that is needed is some practice... Though a front mounted hitch is a very interesting idea. i No Iggy, there are cases where it is pretty much impossible to maneuver a trailer into place using the normal rear mounted hitch. This is particularly the case with long tow vehicles. My first experience in trailer towing involved a 17' "travel trailer" converted to a mobile materials laboratory towed by a 1/2 T pickumup. I had already passed the in house drivers test and hooked up to the trailer for the trailer endorsement (basically to ensure that I wasn't a complete Idiot) On returning to the yard, I spent over an hour trying to maneuver the unit back into it's slot. Finally the heavy float driver took pity on me and spent nearly as long getting it in place, his comment being "it sure isn't like backing a 40' semi!" After 6 months of moving the unit three times a week I was able to centre it with 2" clearance on either side first try every time. Gerry :-)} London, Canada |
Getting An Enclosed Trailer...Questions, Questions, Questions
Gerald Miller wrote:
On Wed, 19 Dec 2007 11:09:26 -0600, "Pete C." wrote: Ignoramus28147 wrote: On 2007-12-19, Wes wrote: A front mounted trailer hitch works wonders using your tow vehicle. I always parked F4 Phantoms in the barn using the front hitch of the tow tractor. Having the steer wheels near tongue or tow bar makes maneuvering a piece of cake. Not to mention looking forwards while you are doing this. All that is needed is some practice... Though a front mounted hitch is a very interesting idea. i No Iggy, there are cases where it is pretty much impossible to maneuver a trailer into place using the normal rear mounted hitch. This is particularly the case with long tow vehicles. My first experience in trailer towing involved a 17' "travel trailer" converted to a mobile materials laboratory towed by a 1/2 T pickumup. I had already passed the in house drivers test and hooked up to the trailer for the trailer endorsement (basically to ensure that I wasn't a complete Idiot) On returning to the yard, I spent over an hour trying to maneuver the unit back into it's slot. Finally the heavy float driver took pity on me and spent nearly as long getting it in place, his comment being "it sure isn't like backing a 40' semi!" After 6 months of moving the unit three times a week I was able to centre it with 2" clearance on either side first try every time. Gerry :-)} London, Canada A rear mounted ball hitch inherently doesn't handle as well as a gooseneck or 5th wheel does, and the longer the distance between the hitch and the trailers axle(s) the better (within reason). |
Getting An Enclosed Trailer...Questions, Questions, Questions
On 2007-12-19, Gerald Miller wrote:
My first experience in trailer towing involved a 17' "travel trailer" converted to a mobile materials laboratory towed by a 1/2 T pickumup. I had already passed the in house drivers test and hooked up to the trailer for the trailer endorsement (basically to ensure that I wasn't a complete Idiot) On returning to the yard, I spent over an hour trying to maneuver the unit back into it's slot. Finally the heavy float driver took pity on me and spent nearly as long getting it in place, his comment being "it sure isn't like backing a 40' semi!" After 6 months of moving the unit three times a week I was able to centre it with 2" clearance on either side first try every time. My new short trailer did require some re-learning after towing a very long boat trailer. But by now I can operate it somewhat better. i |
Getting An Enclosed Trailer...Questions, Questions, Questions
On Wed, 19 Dec 2007 08:51:33 -0600, Ignoramus28147
wrote: On 2007-12-19, Wes wrote: A front mounted trailer hitch works wonders using your tow vehicle. I always parked F4 Phantoms in the barn using the front hitch of the tow tractor. Having the steer wheels near tongue or tow bar makes maneuvering a piece of cake. Not to mention looking forwards while you are doing this. All that is needed is some practice... Though a front mounted hitch is a very interesting idea. i No amount of practice can make possible what geometry makes impossible. A front hitch is a godsend when it's necessary to maneuver a trailer with very limited maneuvering room. I've put front hitches on my last two tow vehicles. I've seldom used them, but there have been times when nothing else would have worked. |
Getting An Enclosed Trailer...Questions, Questions, Questions
Don Foreman wrote:
On Wed, 19 Dec 2007 08:51:33 -0600, Ignoramus28147 wrote: On 2007-12-19, Wes wrote: A front mounted trailer hitch works wonders using your tow vehicle. I always parked F4 Phantoms in the barn using the front hitch of the tow tractor. Having the steer wheels near tongue or tow bar makes maneuvering a piece of cake. Not to mention looking forwards while you are doing this. All that is needed is some practice... Though a front mounted hitch is a very interesting idea. i No amount of practice can make possible what geometry makes impossible. A front hitch is a godsend when it's necessary to maneuver a trailer with very limited maneuvering room. I've put front hitches on my last two tow vehicles. I've seldom used them, but there have been times when nothing else would have worked. My dad had one on his car to maneuver his little camping trailer into tight places at fishing holes. I never tried it but it certainly makes sense. ...lew... |
Getting An Enclosed Trailer...Questions, Questions, Questions
On Dec 19, 8:17 am, Wes wrote:
Miki wrote: Maybe this is too far off-topic... but one day I was thinking how nice it would be to put hydraulic motors onto two wheels of a trailer with an appropriate power unit. That way you could maneuver the trailer around without the tow vehicle, to park it in a tight spot maybe. With two motors and the little wheelie thing on the A-frame you could skid-steer it. A front mounted trailer hitch works wonders using your tow vehicle. I always parked F4 Phantoms in the barn using the front hitch of the tow tractor. Having the steer wheels near tongue or tow bar makes maneuvering a piece of cake. Not to mention looking forwards while you are doing this. Wes You make a good point...the truck gets a front mounted hitch in the future. TMT |
Getting An Enclosed Trailer...Questions, Questions, Questions
Too_Many_Tools wrote:
On Dec 19, 8:17 am, Wes wrote: Miki wrote: Maybe this is too far off-topic... but one day I was thinking how nice it would be to put hydraulic motors onto two wheels of a trailer with an appropriate power unit. That way you could maneuver the trailer around without the tow vehicle, to park it in a tight spot maybe. With two motors and the little wheelie thing on the A-frame you could skid-steer it. A front mounted trailer hitch works wonders using your tow vehicle. I always parked F4 Phantoms in the barn using the front hitch of the tow tractor. Having the steer wheels near tongue or tow bar makes maneuvering a piece of cake. Not to mention looking forwards while you are doing this. Wes You make a good point...the truck gets a front mounted hitch in the future. TMT If it's a receiver hitch, it's also handy for use with receiver mount winches so you can use them front or rear as convenient. |
Getting An Enclosed Trailer...Questions, Questions, Questions
On 2007-12-20, Pete C. wrote:
You make a good point...the truck gets a front mounted hitch in the future. If it's a receiver hitch, it's also handy for use with receiver mount winches so you can use them front or rear as convenient. Pete, do you have any example of front mounted receivers that I could look at (on a webpage or some such)? I have never seen one, but became convinced that it may be necessary sometimes. i |
Getting An Enclosed Trailer...Questions, Questions, Questions
Ignoramus31412 wrote:
On 2007-12-20, Pete C. wrote: You make a good point...the truck gets a front mounted hitch in the future. If it's a receiver hitch, it's also handy for use with receiver mount winches so you can use them front or rear as convenient. Pete, do you have any example of front mounted receivers that I could look at (on a webpage or some such)? I have never seen one, but became convinced that it may be necessary sometimes. i An Altavista search for "Front receiver hitch" produced a number of valid results such as: http://www.cabelas.com/reviews-cdn/8...-_-footer_link and http://www.southwestwheel.com/store/p-1278-pu24001.aspx |
Getting An Enclosed Trailer...Questions, Questions, Questions
Common item in the off road world.
http://www.4wd.com/productdetails.as...0&partID=14667 Ignoramus31412 wrote: On 2007-12-20, Pete C. wrote: You make a good point...the truck gets a front mounted hitch in the future. If it's a receiver hitch, it's also handy for use with receiver mount winches so you can use them front or rear as convenient. Pete, do you have any example of front mounted receivers that I could look at (on a webpage or some such)? I have never seen one, but became convinced that it may be necessary sometimes. i |
Getting An Enclosed Trailer...Questions, Questions, Questions
"Pete C." wrote If it's a receiver hitch, it's also handy for use with receiver mount winches so you can use them front or rear as convenient. If you put a receiver, you can use it as a hitch, a winch mount, or for a deadman with a pulley. You run a cable through a pulley on the receiver, and you can double the mechanical advantage of a vehicle pulling or winching you out. It's used in the military. If you're the one pulling on something, you can multiply your advantage through creative rigging, or just have a much better place to hook up to. Some trucks come with hooks and things to hook to, but not all. On my Dodge, there are eyes to hook on to, but the way they are configured, it's hard to get any sizeable chain in there and out again. Steve |
Getting An Enclosed Trailer...Questions, Questions, Questions
On Thu, 20 Dec 2007 15:35:02 GMT, with neither quill nor qualm, "Pete
C." quickly quoth: If it's a receiver hitch, it's also handy for use with receiver mount winches so you can use them front or rear as convenient. THIS is convenient: http://tinyurl.com/8nogo -- Seen on a bumper sticker: ARM THE HOMELESS |
Getting An Enclosed Trailer...Questions, Questions, Questions
Iggy asked about front mount receiver hitches and to this I say:
Northern tool has them on page 394 of the 2007 fall & winter catalog but they are not cheap. I belive that A trip to the U-Pull auto parts yard would be in order. A suitable rear hitch that can be modified to fit should be easy and cheap(er) to procure. H.R. "Never be afraid to try something new. An amateur built an ark and it survived A flood while A large group of professionals built the Titanic." William Swanson. |
Getting An Enclosed Trailer...Questions, Questions, Questions
On Thu, 20 Dec 2007 09:39:57 -0600, Ignoramus31412
wrote: On 2007-12-20, Pete C. wrote: You make a good point...the truck gets a front mounted hitch in the future. If it's a receiver hitch, it's also handy for use with receiver mount winches so you can use them front or rear as convenient. Pete, do you have any example of front mounted receivers that I could look at (on a webpage or some such)? I have never seen one, but became convinced that it may be necessary sometimes. i You can make one with about $25 worth of steel and a bit of welding. I made both of mine. It needs to be sturdy enough to handle tongue load and push up a hill, but you won't be doing more than 10 mph with a front hitch. Not for long, anyway. |
Getting An Enclosed Trailer...Questions, Questions, Questions
On Fri, 21 Dec 2007 01:21:40 -0600, Don Foreman wrote:
On Thu, 20 Dec 2007 09:39:57 -0600, Ignoramus31412 wrote: On 2007-12-20, Pete C. wrote: You make a good point...the truck gets a front mounted hitch in the future. If it's a receiver hitch, it's also handy for use with receiver mount winches so you can use them front or rear as convenient. Pete, do you have any example of front mounted receivers that I could look at (on a webpage or some such)? I have never seen one, but became convinced that it may be necessary sometimes. You can make one with about $25 worth of steel and a bit of welding. I made both of mine. It needs to be sturdy enough to handle tongue load and push up a hill, but you won't be doing more than 10 mph with a front hitch. Not for long, anyway. Well, you can, though I wouldn't really want to... But it's a very expensive and involved process that starts with swapping out your old rear axle for an appropriate sized "front" axle, getting a set of spools to replace the locking hubs, and then tapping off the power steering pump and rigging up a hydraulic rear-steer system. Hell, leave the locking hubs. Perfect anti-theft system, even if they get it started and put it in gear nothing happens. At least till one of the hubs blows up, and then (unless it's a 4WD and you can drive on the front axle) you aren't going anywhere either. Oh, and two more things. One, you have to steal a transmission tailshaft parking brake off an old Dodge Truck, because front axles don't have parking brake linkages - unless you can find a set of calipers with the parking brake hardware. That, or a "Mico Lock" hydraulic check valve system. And you need a hydraulic safety center lock for the rear steer. You REALLY don't want to be going down the freeway at 65, have a 2-year-old or your hound dog bump that switch on the dashboard when you aren't looking, and suddenly you are taking up two lanes wide and desperately counter-steering the wheel to avoid hitting things... -- Bruce -- |
Getting An Enclosed Trailer...Questions, Questions, Questions
On Dec 17, 1:29*am, Too_Many_Tools wrote:
I am considering getting an enclosed trailer..something about 16-18' long. I would like to hear opinions on brands, features one should get and mods that one can do to the trailer. It will be a general purpose trailer to be used for anything that might fit in it. Also what is the recommended pulling vehicle for such a trailer? thanks TMT Another question....the trailer will have a plywood floor. I plan to apply something to this plywood...any suggestions? Paint, polyurethane...what? Also I want to put something over the plywood as a temporary cover to slide heavy stuff on...any suggestions? Right now I am thinking metal sheeting. TMT |
Getting An Enclosed Trailer...Questions, Questions, Questions
Metal is slippery. May help, usually hurts.
Too_Many_Tools wrote: On Dec 17, 1:29 am, Too_Many_Tools wrote: I am considering getting an enclosed trailer..something about 16-18' long. I would like to hear opinions on brands, features one should get and mods that one can do to the trailer. It will be a general purpose trailer to be used for anything that might fit in it. Also what is the recommended pulling vehicle for such a trailer? thanks TMT Another question....the trailer will have a plywood floor. I plan to apply something to this plywood...any suggestions? Paint, polyurethane...what? Also I want to put something over the plywood as a temporary cover to slide heavy stuff on...any suggestions? Right now I am thinking metal sheeting. TMT |
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