houston is big enough that i want to spec out my trailer and put it out for bids from some folks. i can cover the basics like gooseneck deckover 16+2 foot dovetail with 12,000 GVWR (two 6,000 axles with elec brakes on one axle), ramps that slide up underneath, 8 lug rims and 10 ply tires, winch mounting plate (just in case i add one). what about the other specs? i think they can probably all quote using different size channel and angle and spacing on the channel. i want them all quoting apples to apples and it to be right for hauling my T100. is there a good guideline for all teh steel work? i am going with a wood deck and plan to add that myself as i can get industrial cooling tower wood (way better) for less $$ than they can get treated pine.

thanks

edit - quick looks around the net give me something in the $3500 range, but i bet i can do way better if i make some folks bid it.

I tried that for three or four months before I finally found a deal on a trailer. The main problem was the places that specifically deal in trailers are so competitive their prices are already at rock bottom profit margin; and, the people who sideline sell them depend on deep pockets spenders who don't shop, so they don't care whether they sell them or not. Somebody's gonna buy them. Neither would cut me a deal on a modified trailer....most wanted to charge more.

The only real deal I found was a guy on eBay who delivers trailers gets partially compensated with free trailers. He hauls for Big Tex out of Odessa. I still look on eBay quite a bit....I'm ready to trade up and have a buyer for my present trailer. But I haven't seen him list one lately. If I do, I'll post his contact info as I would imagine he could get something specific from Big Tex for a freebie.

Good luck.

i can get industrial cooling tower wood (way better) for less $$ than they can get treated pine.


Hmm... I'm about to deck my recently acquired trailer (17 ft)... what's the scoop on "industrial cooling tower wood"?

Hmm... I'm about to deck my recently acquired trailer (17 ft)... what's the scoop on "industrial cooling tower wood"?

better wood and better treating that you do not get at Lowes or Home Depot. cooling towers in chemical or power plants used to be all old growth redwood, but that is gone. now it is all structural douglas fir #1 or better. i do a lot of work on cooling towers, so i have the connections. PM me if you want some contacts.

http://www.indianvalleytrailers.com/pages/600058/index.htm
These guys are near DFW are have decent prices, bit of a drive but may be worth it.

Put brakes on both axles, not worth doing otherwise on a new trailer, cost savings won't be much,

I like lots of d-rings, and extra set of turn signals/brake lights

I think the trick to finding a trailer is just that you have to get the word out and look really hard......I was in your spot for about a 6 week search.....finaly I found mine, a friend hooked me up big with a guy that was wanting to sell. I paid $750 for a 16' dovetail, ramps dual axles trailer breaks on both axles. it was used to haul bobcats and heavier equipment....even has a sheet metal center with the heavy grating where the wheels ride. if you keep looking you will find what you need good luck.

I think the trick to finding a trailer is just that you have to get the word out and look really hard......I was in your spot for about a 6 week search.....finaly I found mine, a friend hooked me up big with a guy that was wanting to sell. I paid $750 for a 16' dovetail, ramps dual axles trailer breaks on both axles. it was used to haul bobcats and heavier equipment....even has a sheet metal center with the heavy grating where the wheels ride. if you keep looking you will find what you need good luck.

I agree and it's how I found mine. Three months of searching, driving, and then custom-ordering a new one....I was lucky the place I ordered from couldn't deliver on schedule and let me decline. I probably did 2500 miles locally looking for one, and then had a buddy tell me..."Oh....you're looking for a trailer? I know a guy who has one for sale for $400." 16' utility with brakes on both axles that had never been wired and new tires. You look long enough and hard enough and you'll find what will work....maybe not exactly what you want, but something that will work.

Put brakes on both axles, not worth doing otherwise on a new trailer, cost savings won't be much,

I like lots of d-rings, and extra set of turn signals/brake lights

+1 and go with LED lights

+1 and go with LED lights


X2, 1 brake axle on a 7K trailer is pretty foolish, but on a 12K one... thats just insane..

X2, 1 brake axle on a 7K trailer is pretty foolish, but on a 12K one... thats just insane..

I missed the 1 brake axle part. That's not a smart move, you need brakes on BOTH axles.