What is your opinion of the ultimate trailer?????

[TyTy]

I read up and found a lot of posts about trailers but what I wanna know is, if you were getting a trailer built (for a reasonable price of course:D) tow two one jeep/ toyota/ whatever and at times a fourwheele, what would it be like?

I have the truck (02' Dodge Cummins HO 6 speed 4x4) and now its time for the trailer...

Im most likely gonna get one built custom so any reasonable features are open...

Keep in mind the most Ill be towing (1 rig, 1 quad as you call them) and that I want saftey and stability!

NOT ENCLOSED though.

Muchos Gracias!



(FLAME ON!:D:D:D)

[Chet]

A guy showed up to our last event with a 5th wheel travel trailer that was triple axle and the back opened up and pulled his Early Bronco out! It was the Shit! Said by the time he sold the camper and regular car trailer it wasn't much more. Not really fancy inside. but truck stays clean and lots of tool storage.

The pick up was free for his wife to drive around as well after they set up camp.

[TyTy]

I dont have the mula to spring for enclosed, nor do I think I would want one really...

I was thinking somehting like this....

Removable fenders:D:D:D

[Chet]

oh hehe Def. look for something a little heavier than you think you will need. Never fails you buy a 7000lb. traile then you by a 9000 lb. full size for parts or something!:D

[TyTy]

Originally posted by Chet
oh hehe Def. look for something a little heavier than you think you will need. Never fails you buy a 7000lb. traile then you by a 9000 lb. full size for parts or something!:D

Good thinking Chet..:D

I wasent saying I wanted this exact trailer but a design LIKE it is what I had in minds. I like the fact that it sits low to the ground, removable fenders, dual axles, etc...

Mainly what Im trying to figure out is what kinds of features are useful and must haves....

thanks for the input... need more:D:D:D

[crashinaz]

A dovetail is always nice... You can easily drive onto them without having to pull the ramps out. Guess I'm lazy. :D

[poppycock]

gooseneck :D

[EasyXJ]

I just picked up a 18x7 dovetail. It's plenty large enough to fit my heep and a couple of quads on it. Mines got a double frame on it, wieghs in at 1800#'s. It only has brakes on 1 axle, but it stops suprisingly well when it's fully loaded. Oh yeah, as long as my junk isn't broken I drive on and off without ramps.

Easy

[fabricator]

I agree with poppycock;
gooseneck, you won't regret it.

[TyTy]

Originally posted by EasyXJ
I just picked up a 18x7 dovetail. It's plenty large enough to fit my heep and a couple of quads on it. Mines got a double frame on it, wieghs in at 1800#'s. It only has brakes on 1 axle, but it stops suprisingly well when it's fully loaded. Oh yeah, as long as my junk isn't broken I drive on and off without ramps.

Easy

How much did that cost ya? Was it new? Custom built?

Muchos Gracias!

[FYRMAN]

Get a 24' gooseneck. I say that long for a reason... You say you only haul one rig, and maybe a fourwheeler. With a 24, you could possibly fit two rigs... Later on down the road, you may find that you want a camper of some sort... You will have plenty of room for a truck camper on the front of the gooseneck. Instant rig hauler with living quarters...

[Rudezuk]

I would say an 18' trailer would do you just fine!
You could get a flat top 8' x 18'......like this....Tons of room on it!

Except with 2 axles...

[gunracer1]

well i am building two in the next 2 months. my main trailer will be a 18' dove tail car hauler. the bed will be as wide as the tires, as in 8'. it will be sitting on 6 lug 5200 # axles with brakes. 2 5/16 bull dog hitch on the front with a little longer neck than most to bolt on a onan generator. it will have a 7k# bull dog brand jack with the drop down feature. riding on a set of 265/75/16 michilin[load range E] tires. the fenders will be able to be driven over with no problems. the other will be just like it except 24/26' bed and 8 lug 7k# axles. both will be bumper pull because i have a cab over tpye slide in camper on my dodge duallly. mike

[66CJdean]

Keep in mind when trailer weight is listed that does not include the weight of the trailer its self so a 7000lb trailer would really only be able to carry 5000 assuming that it weighs 2000.
For me I would want a flat deck goosneck type trailer. If you made the upper deck in such a way that you could park the quad up there and you Jeep/Toy/whatever on the deck you would be able to make the trailer shorter than having them both on the same deck.

[coyote]

Well if you go custom get the 5th wheel type or goose, its much easier on the vehicle and you can turn tighter...otherwise get it with a flat top( no angle iron on the side) and all metal. Don't get a dove tail unless you drive on the streets as I've dragged my trailer alot over bumpy roads getting to the trail head and its not good for the trailer...other then that make sure its painted everywhere and enjoy....

[MattS]

I plan to get one similar to this: http://www.hhtrailer.com/hi-deck3/hideck12.jpg
http://www.hhtrailer.com/hi-deck3/hideck11.jpg

That way I can stack tool boxes and extra tires or whatever up top. :D

Check out: www.hhtrailer.com My buddy has one and they are VERY nice.

[GRMhick]

this is the one i wanna get

http://www.bigtextrailers.com/trailers/images/12eq_lg.jpg

Was looking at gooseneck, but right now i only have a half ton, and woudl like a bigger truck before getting a gooseneck.. but heck, they have this same trailer in gooseneck too!!

[MattS]

Someone correct me if I am wrong, but you would rather have a gooseneck if possible because it will distribute the load closer to the center of the tow rig. (even better for a 1/2 ton) So given the choice gooseneck is the way to go if you don't mind the bed of the truck being completely useless. :D

[Danger Ranger]

just a few words of advice, if your trailer ways more than your tow rig... you're in for a fun ride :eek: :nuke:

[road1will]

Originally posted by Danger Ranger
just a few words of advice, if your trailer ways more than your tow rig... you're in for a fun ride :eek: :nuke:

uh, no. i have towed with a 99 Suburban 2500 that weighs in at about 6000lbs dry, with me, my dad, and our gear in it it was probably pushing 7000. we towed a range rover that weighs about 5000lbs dry on a big all steel trailer that weighs 2000lbs. the range rover was PACKED full of shit and probably weighed in at about 6000lbs.

and we were flyin down the highway at 80, not a hint of trailer sway and it braked good too!

so please, have some experience before you talk out your ass lol :beer:

[Grim Reaper]

My bud has a dove tail trailer very close to the one with the Chevelle on it. His is open down the center is the big difference. He tows hot rods so the low deck hight is a big plus when loading his Low rider 350 powered bug catcher equipped 78 Luv down to the turkey rod run or over to Lineville AL. The second advantage is a lower GC on the trailler so it does tend to pull better.
Here is the issue with a trailer like that for an off roader. Dragging the rear on everything. Think about some of the places here in the SE your going to and what the parking areas look like. That low trailer probably will become and anchor pulling into the Econo Lodge in Murphy as well as the parking lot on the Murphy side of Tellico. Loading a 4x4 onto a trailer with a flat deck is not a big deal. Approach angle is not going to be an issue. If it's just for the 4x4 I would look for a trailer with a little higher deck even though it's going to raise the CG.

[Trigger]

Ideally I would want one like Matt posted, but I wouldn't want the dovetail. Get something about 26-28 feet long. That way you could do two vehicles if neccessary, or even put a pop-up trailer behind your trail rig and strap them both to the trailer. Then you'd be all set for your long-distance wheelin' trips. It would be a little long for day to day use, but with the gooseneck you'd get better turning and weight distribution. Oh, and go with two 7500 or 10k axles.

[Toyota_Jim]

peterbilt with a lowboy.

[High5]

well i use a 16ft flatbed with a dove tail. it works great but what i would also like to have is a goose neck built like some of the larger horse trailers that have living quarters in the front end of the trailer. i see these around here and i'd love to have one built only leave an uncovered flatbed on the back where the horses normally ride. this way i could have a camper/jeep hauler all in one. i have never seen on set up like htis but i know it could be done. if i wan't so cheap i'd go have one built.

[FYRMAN]

Originally posted by MattS
So given the choice gooseneck is the way to go if you don't mind the bed of the truck being completely useless. :D




Bullshit. www.turnoverball.com

EDIT: Unless you meant not being able to load stuff in the bed when hooked up... But even then, with truck boxes that mount below the bedrails and other things that can be loaded below the gooseneck itself, it still isn't much of a problem... You are towing a trailer... It's not like you won't have any place to put shit.

[MattS]

While you are towing the trailer!! :flipoff2: :flipoff2: That is a nice setup though.

Originally posted by FYRMAN
Bullshit. www.turnoverball.com

[FYRMAN]

Originally posted by MattS
While you are towing the trailer!! :flipoff2: :flipoff2: That is a nice setup though.





:D My apologies... Notice the edit, please. :flipoff2:

[lt1yj]

I built one 4 years ago and am building a second to replace it now. I made a few mistakes on the first one, mainly I overbuilt it. 6000# leaf sprung drop down axles dual brakes 16' + 4' dovetail, diamondplate deck and ramps. The trailer weighed in at 2800#. The dove tail would drag everywhere and the darn thing pulled like a tank. I hauled a 14000# forklift and the springs were still 2" from bottoming out.

What I'm building now is 16' flat bed no dovetail, open center, wood deck 5000# drop down torsion bar axles, dual brakes, 8' 4" wide deck with a 42" wide open center probably covered with expanded metal.

Some considerations.

**The wood deck is nice because it's much quieter then the diamond plate. Try dragging a chain across a diamond plate deck at 10:00pm in a campground. :eek: The wood is stiffer than the diamond plate. Take a good look at a used diamond plate deck trailer they are usually bowed in in several spots where something heavy was loaded in an unsupported spot.

**Completely sealed wiring with weatherpack connectors going to sealed LED lights that are fully protected top, bottom, sides and rear. How many times have you lent your trailer out and it comes back with 1 or no tail lights? I completely replaced the wiring in the first trailer after 4 years. I used that crappy 4 wire spool stuff without any protection the first time. This time I ran everything in used air line inside the trailer frame. It took a long time to run but it should last forever. I also left an extra foot at the tail lights and at the tongue for future "modifications".

**Adjustable height tongue. I'm using a bulldog 2 5/16" ball 3 position tongue. It can adjust about 6". Makes it much easier to match the trailer to different vehicles.

**Removable fenders strong enough to stand on in the center with grip material on it. I used the skate board stuff.

**Trailer tires instead of passenger car tires rated for the trailer capacity

**Provision for winch mount on trailer tongue for those times when your buddies rig is inop.

**Permanently mounted spare. I'm using the crank up type mount from an '88-98 Chevy truck.

**Built in tie down rings at 8 locations on the deck and stake pockets at 12 locations (4 on a side, 2 front, 2 rear) inside the outside frame rail.

**Tool/storage container. I'm still working on this. I'm probably going with a tongue box, but I'd like to stick a couple 4-6" PVC tubes underneath for spare parts. I'm debating about a couple of 8" underdeck storage boxes instead of the PVC tubes. I'll have to see what kind of room is left over when I'm done.

My goal is a finished weight at ~1700# without tools or spare parts on it. I've got the frame done with the axles mounted, I still need to add material to mount the wood decking to, stake pockets, winch mount, wiring and fenders. So far I have approximately 35 hrs in the fabrication and 12-14 hours in parts/material acquisition. I anticipate another 30-40 hrs of fab/assembly left and 20 hrs for paint, stain and final assembly. Total cost using new parts is approximately $1300. A similar trailer with crappy wiring, no spare, no tie downs and fixed fenders sells for $1750. Not a big savings for the amount of work.

[CSP]

Originally posted by PW
this is the one i wanna get

http://www.bigtextrailers.com/trailers/images/12eq_lg.jpg

Was looking at gooseneck, but right now i only have a half ton, and woudl like a bigger truck before getting a gooseneck.. but heck, they have this same trailer in gooseneck too!!

Not to rain on your parade but Big Tex trailers are JUNK! I've had two of them in the past and will never own one again. Notice how the rails that form the tongue are also the side rails? BAD idea. You want a separate side rail with the tongue rails underneath it. Look for a trailer with box tubing instead of channel for the main rails if possible. The crossmember rails on Big Tex are way undersized also. Go compare an HH or a PJ to Big Tex and you'll see the difference.

My single place trailer is a 18' PJ with the last two feet as a dovetail. My Jeep doesn't need the dovetail, but I also haul a '68 Camaro to the dragstrip on it. For two rigs I have a 24' gooseneck with a 4' dovetail. This dovetail comes in handy when loading my tractor with implements attached to the rear. Two CJ's fit nicely on this trailer.

[bronco78]

I just picked up my new 18.5 foot, 80 " wide, dual 7,000# axles, brakes on both, full size hubs and tires (doubles as spares for the Mother ship) dove tail trailer. Full frame, with the A frame at the front doubled up under the main frame. 2x6 deck with supports under it at every 8 inches. decking does not even flex with the bronco moving over it. It aint the best trailer I've ever seen, but it's the best one I've ever owned.

The bronco can drive in between the fenders with,, well with no room to spare, but it fits. I plan on building a small box in the V at the front for my tie down equipment, and a larger removable box in the front of the dack for general equipment.

http://www.superford.org/registry/users/208/144/PICT0059.JPG
http://www.superford.org/registry/users/208/144/PICT0058.JPG

so far it's moved a 3800# tool box for a friend, and a Cj5 that trashed a rear axle bearing on last weeks run.....Next weekend it will haul the Bronco for a few hundred miles to the trail head, than it's 3,000 mi to our new home...

[lt1yj]

Check this out for tongue box.


http://www.jeepbox.com/trail.htm

[bronco78]

Originally posted by lt1yj
Check this out for tongue box.


http://www.jeepbox.com/trail.htm

Sweet, thanks for the tip

[rockedtj]

Originally posted by high5
what i would also like to have is a goose neck built like some of the larger horse trailers that have living quarters in the front end of the trailer. i see these around here and i'd love to have one built only leave an uncovered flatbed on the back where the horses normally ride. this way i could have a camper/jeep hauler all in one. i have never seen on set up like htis but i know it could be done. if i wan't so cheap i'd go have one built.

A local trailer dealer sells these for $20-$30,000. I have looked at them but I worry that there is not enough tounge weight when you load a jeep into it. They said they have sold them for people with as large of vehicles as XJs.

http://www.a1warriortrailers.com/

[unissamog]

Well if you can't get this one....

http://fareast4x4.com/trailer2.jpg

Then I would suggest a nice gooseneck like this.

http://fareast4x4.com/trailer1.jpg

[billj]

Originally posted by rockedtj


A local trailer dealer sells these for $20-$30,000.

http://www.a1warriortrailers.com/


HOLY FAWK!!!

Just as a reference point... Does anyone else think that´s a relatively significant chunk of change to be spending on a fawking trailer?!?!?

I know that this hobby/sport is expensive by nature, but a guy with this set-up gonna have over 100 grand whipping down the Interstate, what between the tow rig, trailer and lest we forget the details, the fawking trail rig...:p

Kiyriste All Mighty, it´d be cheaper to play fawkin´ golf!!! :flipoff2: :D :flipoff2: :D

:beer: :beer:

[rockedtj]

Originally posted by billj



HOLY FAWK!!!

Just as a reference point... Does anyone else think that´s a relatively significant chunk of change to be spending on a fawking trailer?!?!?

I know that this hobby/sport is expensive by nature, but a guy with this set-up gonna have over 100 grand whipping down the Interstate, what between the tow rig, trailer and lest we forget the details, the fawking trail rig...:p

Kiyriste All Mighty, it´d be cheaper to play fawkin´ golf!!! :flipoff2: :D :flipoff2: :D

:beer: :beer:

But if you already have a truck, it is cheaper than a motor home. And the truck does not sit all the time gathering dust. A motor home only gets used a few thousand miles a year. I agree though, way to much money for me!

[TyTy]

Hmmm, lots to think about. Thanks for the good input everyone!

If ya got prices on your shiat, post them up. Id like to get a feel for the market if you will....

Muchos Gracias!

[That Mick]

Stay far far away from a 5th wheel set up. 5th wheels have NO side to side articulation. A gooseneck trailer about 30 foot would be nice for me. 10 foot for a cabover camper up front, and 20 foot for the rig.

[damon_achey]

Does anyone have a photo of a gooseneck with a cabover up front? I've never seen such a thing and am really curious. From the sounds of it that might be the perfect setup for me.

[yager]

Just another thought, look at a heavy truck trader magazine, I did a few weeks ago and was surprised at how cheep you can pick up an over the road "big rig" type truck. Granted many had 200-250k but these things are good for lots of miles and are fully rebuildable. aywhre from 5k up depending on engine/driveline and comfort stuff. A cheep used flat bed trailer went for 2k and up. Granted this setup is not for everyone, i was just surprised at the costs. After dumping over 30k on a f250 tow rig. I think a full on 18 wheeler set up would be the bomb....

just thinking ahead for the next upgrade....

-yag

[FYRMAN]

You wanna bring Toy Haulers into the equation? www.silverlite.com Ask camo about his... I think his is a Weekend Warrior.

You think that is alot of money for a car trailer? Try $35,000 to $70,000 for a horse trailer. www.sundownertrailer.com

[withamc]

Originally posted by billj



HOLY FAWK!!!

Just as a reference point... Does anyone else think that´s a relatively significant chunk of change to be spending on a fawking trailer?!?!?

I know that this hobby/sport is expensive by nature, but a guy with this set-up gonna have over 100 grand whipping down the Interstate, what between the tow rig, trailer and lest we forget the details, the fawking trail rig...:p

Kiyriste All Mighty, it´d be cheaper to play fawkin´ golf!!! :flipoff2: :D :flipoff2: :D

:beer: :beer:
'86 GMC 1 ton dually 4X4 crew-cab - $8000 (at the time - used)
'95 Lance 12' cabover camper - $5000 (at the time - used)
18' Big Tex trailer $1000 (used)
'92 Wrangler - $I don't even want to know

[Danger Ranger]

Originally posted by 9-Volt


uh, no. i have towed with a 99 Suburban 2500 that weighs in at about 6000lbs dry, with me, my dad, and our gear in it it was probably pushing 7000. we towed a range rover that weighs about 5000lbs dry on a big all steel trailer that weighs 2000lbs. the range rover was PACKED full of shit and probably weighed in at about 6000lbs.

and we were flyin down the highway at 80, not a hint of trailer sway and it braked good too!

so please, have some experience before you talk out your ass lol :beer:

Fuck You.

I have plenty of expierence towing my own trailer! and I've witnessed my friends half ton 4x4 chevy go sideways on the friggin freeway only hauling a yota :eek: :eek:

I see/hear people left and right wanting to tow with half tons, but just because it's a fullsize doesn't mean it is safe to tow with. They lack the braking power and they don't have the suspension to hold that sort of load which takes the weight of the front end and makes the truck even more unsafe. Sure you can add trailer brakes and you should. But shit happens as we all know and what happens if you loose the trailer brakes for some reason while you're coming down ice house in your half ton (probably with an automatic) towing a big ass gooseneck trailer with a wheeler on it? Oh it'll make it to the bottom for sure... of the canyon.

A lot of weight on the highway versus up and down the mountains are two different situations.

[That Mick]

Originally posted by Danger Ranger


Fuck You.

I have plenty of expierence towing my own trailer! and I've witnessed my friends half ton 4x4 chevy go sideways on the friggin freeway only hauling a yota :eek: :eek:


A lot of weight on the highway versus up and down the mountains are two different situations.

here here. i've seen too many wrecks caused by stupid poeple w/o enought rig.

[Panzer]

If your running over 80 MPH with over 12,000 pounds of of 1/2 ton rig your just one hell of a wreck looking for a good place to occur. Stopping distance increases exponentially with speed and at that weight you ain't stoppin til you get to the front of the wreck. Also when your towed load weight exceeds your tow rig weight then you have all the makings of a jack knife if you try to stop hard and you not lined up straight. Basic physics. That's why semis jack knife.
Can't wait to see the post-accident pics you post.

[payton]

ive got a 18 ft dove tail.. a buddy of mine has a toatl allumian (sp)
goose neck 4 car hauler.. that i can use at any time..

yes he hauls cars all over the us.. hes got 3 trailers like this one..
and there great..
another buddy has a early modle dove tail roll back style 1 ton..


but the ult trailer would have to be a dove tail goose neck 30 foot tri axle.....

ok so it dont hurt to dreamm..

[m016324]

along the horse trailer thread I've always thought it would be pretty cool to build a trailer off of an older open horse trailer (attached photo) and cut out the top of the rear to fit in a rig and then cover about 10' of the front with wood and alluminum. These can be found for very cheap and are nearly all goosenecks. I couldn't find a really good picture but a combination of the two attached. In Tx. these trailers can be found for less than a grand (700-900). Would take a little work but I think it would be a cheap alternative if you have access to a welder and torch. It would definately look different and you have to added side protection so when you decide to take your trailer off-road the built in exocage will protect your rigs.

-ben

[m016324]

here's the other trailer

[road1will]

Originally posted by Panzer
If your running over 80 MPH with over 12,000 pounds of of 1/2 ton rig your just one hell of a wreck looking for a good place to occur. Stopping distance increases exponentially with speed and at that weight you ain't stoppin til you get to the front of the wreck. Also when your towed load weight exceeds your tow rig weight then you have all the makings of a jack knife if you try to stop hard and you not lined up straight. Basic physics. That's why semis jack knife.
Can't wait to see the post-accident pics you post.

its a 3/4 ton dipshit.

suburban 2500

454, 4L80E, FF14 bolt rear :rolleyes:

its a 3/4 ton pickup with more room inside.

[road1will]

oh yeah and its rated to tow...



















10,000 pounds!!!

[Whiplash]

Originally posted by lt1yj


**The wood deck is nice because it's much quieter then the diamond plate. Try dragging a chain across a diamond plate deck at 10:00pm in a campground. :eek: The wood is stiffer than the diamond plate. Take a good look at a used diamond plate deck trailer they are usually bowed in in several spots where something heavy was loaded in an unsupported spot.



One other plus for wood is that it doesn't get as hot. Ever tried laying down on a metal trailer to attach your straps to your rigs axles on a 100 degree day? Count yourself lucky if you walked away with only minor burns and a few layers of skin missing.

[BigDan]

WE REALLY NEED A TOW RIG FORUM!!!!!!

[skeetshooter]

here's a pic of my setup a 24' gooseneck

[TJBob]

Here's my budget trailer. Rated to 12000 lbs., weighs in at 2200 lbs. Brakes on all wheels. Winch receiver. 18'x6'10" (my full width rear fits just perfect). Cost $1800 direct from manufacturer. It went on it's maiden voyage last weekend.

http://home.insight.rr.com/rpark/Trailer.JPG

[BillaVista]

btt

[nvrenuf]

Originally posted by BigDan
WE REALLY NEED A TOW RIG FORUM!!!!!!

Excellent suggestion!

[sceep]

Originally posted by nvrenuf


Excellent suggestion!

BAHAHAHAHAHAHA
there is one!!!!
hahahaha


BTW.... i like my trailer.. ;)

[jeepguru7]

The nicest trailer I have seen for towing rigs is Shannon Campbell's custom built gooseneck. It has nice lines, is lightweight and he said it tows great all over the country. There are some pics of it on his website.

www.campbellent.com

[ddestruel]

Gooseneck, is the safest and best way to go IMHO the loading characteristics and trailing make it safer than a tag along. instead of the 60/40 weight split of tha tag along, it is more like 2500-3000 lbs loaded on your truck front and rear since it is a distributing system and the balance on the trailer axles.



my goose neck and i drove 300k+ miles Safe miles. I was licensed for 37200lbs. Though i never got close to that.

By Federal transportation law manufaturer ratings do not me shit, it is all based on vehicle rated weight capacity GVW+ trailer rated weight capacity and your Licensed GCV. So my truck is rated 9200 my trailer is rated to brake 16000 therefore i am legal to 24200. In my case it was 9200+16000+12000

My 24' deck gooseneck had sliding 8000lbs axles, my second 12' deck trailer with tandemn axles also had trailer brakes. My brake circut was wired with a break away switch and my break controler had a completed circut sensor. As long as you dont exceed the per axle load rating you are legal to pull.

As to safety Check your wiring, test your system before passes. Like i said 300k miles in MT, Idaho, California, Canada, Colorado with this setup safely no lost brakes no problems stopping No problems on ice, though i seldomn pulled doubles on ice if i could help it.

You can debate the ethics and worst case senarios, but he fact remains these larger trailers especially like mine fall under federal inspection guidelines once the trailer weight exceeds 10k, though they are leanient up to 26k if they dont think it is being used for commercial purposes. My point is though that doing inspections and proper maintence when using a trialer prevents the worst case scenario "Bottom of the canyon" Take it from one of many who did this for a living and NEVER once lost my brakes even on 29 dropping in to calistoga ca at 12% grade.

Rule of thumb i ussually left about 20% aditional braking on the trailer without load.

[white knight]

I just picked up an 18', dual 6000 lbs tandem axle trailer. We re-inforced the fenders so we can drive over them and extended the sides as well. We plan on hauling the truck , a quad and a dirt bike on that.

[Hanr3]

My quest is to find out how much trailers weigh, not how much it can carry.

Looking specifically for info on trailer weight for trailers designed to carry 5,000 lbs or less. Not interested in 5th wheels, or goosenecks. I cannot tow either with a SUV. However others might be, so post that info up as well. Also would help to know #axles, and decking material.

[crazy_cooter56]

If your running over 80 MPH with over 12,000 pounds of of 1/2 ton rig your just one hell of a wreck looking for a good place to occur. Stopping distance increases exponentially with speed and at that weight you ain't stoppin til you get to the front of the wreck. Also when your towed load weight exceeds your tow rig weight then you have all the makings of a jack knife if you try to stop hard and you not lined up straight. Basic physics. That's why semis jack knife.
Can't wait to see the post-accident pics you post.

Jack knifes happen cause the trailer brakes lock up and the trailer slides around cause it can't stop as fast as the truck you jack ass. I can haul a 1-,--- lb trailer on my YJ and not have a Jack Knife if I don't have trailer brakes and I just keep going straight. Anyhow here's my solution to a trailer to haul a couple rigs, I love it.

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=187474&stc=1

[crazy_cooter56]

WE REALLY NEED A TOW RIG FORUM!!!!!!

I agree with this, but I could see it being like asking about the best wheelin rig. There's gonna be opinions out the ass with very very little tech to back them up. Maybe a tow rig tech, no brand slamming allowed, would be good. That way we could all learn about different setups, 5'th wheel, Gooseneck, Regular Hitch, or whatever else there is. But no brand bashing or truck hammering unless someone is obviously wanting to try something unsafe and I'm sure noone on this board wants unsafe behavior that could affect innocent people to go on.

[surveyboy]

why the hell would you guys bring back a 3 yr old post and still ask dumb things?

and we do have a tow rig forum, and have had it for over a year now :rolleyes:

hanr if you look at nearly any manufacture they typically list the weight of the empty trailer. so if you would LOOK just a little you'd find out. and just reading this, there are like 3 guys SAYING exactly what you're asking for and they all weigh withing about 300 lbs of eachother.

[jwag]

here, let me make it easy for you


http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=30


holy fawk

[Hanr3]

hanr if you look at nearly any manufacture they typically list the weight of the empty trailer. so if you would LOOK just a little you'd find out. and just reading this, there are like 3 guys SAYING exactly what you're asking for and they all weigh withing about 300 lbs of eachother.

I did LOOK at 3/4 of the manufactures webpage list in the tech section. They only list how much it can haul. Thanks to the research I DID do, I know all electric verse hydraulic brakes, single axle or tandum, steel verse wood decking, yada, yada, yada. I also did a search on this site, every f'ing thread with the word trailer came up. Most of it useless crap.

Why would you dig up a 3 year old thread?
Maybe becuase it is linked to Bill Vista's tech section about TRAILERS. :flipoff2:

Tell ya what, since your so smart, post up the weights, or post up the thread with them listed in it. I haven't been able to find it.

As for the link, duh. It takes you to the towing/trailer forum. Been there and already searched it.

[Devil Dog]

here is my trailer.... i think its a superior trailer out of georgia.... weighs in at 1800lbs.... has two 3500 axles both with brakes... 16' flat deck with a 2' dovetail... i went with this so i can haul cars easily... and so i can get a slide in camper when i return from iraq this time... the best thing about it is the ramps... i am so glad i got the fold ups.. way easy to use... and the dove tail works good... i hauled a buddy's porche with it.. loaded and unloaded it without scraping it... its also got the hd fenders.. which i will make removeable...
http://www.jeepgod.net/graphics/jeepnow/DSC00068-1.jpg

[Tim84K10]

Someone correct me if I am wrong, but you would rather have a gooseneck if possible because it will distribute the load closer to the center of the tow rig. (even better for a 1/2 ton) So given the choice gooseneck is the way to go if you don't mind the bed of the truck being completely useless. :D

You're wrong--but only partially.

Yes a gooseneck pulls better, but most 1/2 ton trucks don't have enough payload capacity to handle the pin weight of a loaded gooseneck trailer, even a small one. 1/2 ton + gooseneck is a shitty combo if you ask me...well 1/2 ton and any trailer is a shitty combo, but you don't want to be over your GVWR with an empty trailer and then expect to put a rig on it. :D

[Crank]

Tim84K10- Dude. My daily driver is a '98 Chevy Cheyenne with a 4.3/manual tranny. It's a SWB 2wd. I have pulled my uncles 19' dovetail trailer, and now my 16' flatback trailer... I know I've pulled my trailer with it's 7000# capacity maxed out with my little halfton truck. I know it's a tongue type, but still a half ton and I personally think it's not so much of a shitty combo. Plus the swb makes it awful easy to back up. Thanks
Brandon

[redneckengineered]

1/2 ton and any trailer is a shitty combo

Don't listen to him. Everything that comes out of his mouth is bullshit. Personally I'm surprised he's still on this board.

[ScottFJ40]

Don't listen to him. Everything that comes out of his mouth is bullshit. Personally I'm surprised he's still on this board.
He talks shit on the TDR as well, he takes an ass reaming suprisingly well though.

[4x4Poet]

Crazycooter, that is wild! I had to look twice to see that the "short" school bus in on top of the "trailer." Whadya do, shorten the body of a long school bus and bridge the exposed frame rails with decking? Looks like you added the end ramp extention. Too funny!:laughing: Yet practical.:D

[jefe]

I have a 14' car hauler for my Jeep CJ8. Fits just fine. It has a 14' x 78" (same as rr track on my Jeep) wood plank top, two 3500 lb axles, electric brakes on rear axle. Used, it was $1199. I looked for a long time to find it because I wanted:
1. Short. I've used 18'-20' trailers and behind the Dodge it's about 40-42 feet long. Too long. Storage is a problem for me. I actually store my Jeep on the trailer on a 10'x20' slab next to my garage.
2. Strong: 6x8 angle iron side beams. removable, stand-on fenders.
3. Light weight: 1185 lbs. with ramps, but I leave the ramps at home. so it's probably around 1050 lbs. I welded on a pair of 4K lb, swing down, crank down jacks on the rear. If I still have 4 wheel drive at the end of the day, I can get up on the trailer, no ramps, without breaking the back of the trailer. If I don't I can still winch it up. All the other car haulers I've used feel kind of to awfully heavy back there. I rented a U-haul 14' car hauler for Moab this year and it weighed 2000 lbs. Ugh! Mine is transparent, in fact feels like less weight than flat towing my jeep. I think it has to do with less unsprung weight.
4. No dove tail. As stated above, that dragging rear end is a drag at many 4wd trailheads. Mine is pretty low slung. I'm planning on a SOA (since it's SUA at the moment) which will raise it about 4". With square axles it's no problem with the flop.
5. spare tire, bolted to deck. Real trailer tires, all 5 new.
6. H.D. large plastic tool boxed afixed each side in front of fenders for all the straps etc.
7. Lots of tie down locations.
Feels very secure. It's a nice, tight package, not more than I need. Works for me.
regards, as always, jefe

[MudzerK5]

I have an H&H 20' with 2' dovetail (22' overall). It has steel deck, removable fenders, (2) 5200# axles with brakes on both. It pulls like a dream!

[Nomadic1]

CSP quote

"Notice how the rails that form the tongue are also the side rails? BAD idea. You want a separate side rail with the tongue rails underneath it. "
=====

Can you give your rationale for this statement/declaration???

Thanks

[weedwacker]

Here it is. 28 ft low to the ground torsen axles removable fenders 5th wheel. Homemade!

[Nomadic1]

Here's one I really like...
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=362108

[Hanr3]

I have a 14' car hauler for my Jeep CJ8. Fits just fine. It has a 14' x 78" (same as rr track on my Jeep) wood plank top, two 3500 lb axles, electric brakes on rear axle. Used, it was $1199. I looked for a long time to find it because I wanted
regards, as always, jefe

Do you have any pics or manufature info. Sounds exavtly like what I want.

[jefe]

Hanr3,
Aros is the mfgr. They are a medium sized mfgr co. in San Diego. I called them to get more info on the trailer and compliment them on the great/light design and they said, "Thanks, but we don't make them any more (mine is an '01)- not enough profit for the amount of work involved."
I will try to get a pic of it on here. I need to take a pic first.
Recently, I helped my son move to Nevada City (CA) from the Bay Area and we used my car hauler to get his C-104 to the new digs. [he now lives about 30 miles from Fordyce Cr. and 45 mins. from the Rubicon. Boo-hoo]He filled up his Jeep with tools, we kept adding more heavy garage stuff (like compressors, vise, jacks, steel, mig welder, grinders, tools, transmissions, t-cases), onto the trailer getting it well beyond 7000 lb.max. With the Dodge/Lance Camper loaded to the gills/trailer with Jeep on it and heavy extras, I'm sure my CGVW was approaching 19,000 lbs. The trailer did fine. I felt the tires about midway and they were only slightly warm.
With the usual Truck/camper/trailer/my jeep, it's only about 16,000 lbs. gross.
regards, as always, jefe

[Hanr3]

I guess I'll keep looking.

Sounds like the trailer did great.

[Ken Carter / BRUISER]

Well I built my own and I love it

It is:
16' deck
82" wide
2 6000lb axles
wood deck
10,000lb tongue
7000lb jack
all wiring in side pvc tube to keep dry and away from damage
I still have to add fenders, tool boxs, winch, and a few other things

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=300188

Here is my set up at Crawfords in Tellico
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=193356&stc=1

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=193357&stc=1

[magoo117]

Here is a pic of mine.It's an ex racecar trailer.It has 5000# axles,4 wheel brakes,winch and nice big storage area.I paid $2000- for it.Very sweet deal I thought.http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v616/magoo117/e-bay014.jpg

[Hanr3]

How cost effective was it too make your own trailer?

I have also thought about race car trailers. We have several dirt race tracks around here. Their trailers would be almost perfect. Thinking I might be able to get a good deal on one in the fall/winter months.

[magoo117]

How cost effective was it too make your own trailer?

I have also thought about race car trailers. We have several dirt race tracks around here. Their trailers would be almost perfect. Thinking I might be able to get a good deal on one in the fall/winter months.
Thats what my trailer was used for,a modified.Just look for someone stepping up to an enclosed trailer.

[sjustice64]

My current setup is as follows:

2001 Ford Excursion 4wd 7.3 PSD w/ Walker Big Truck Muffler, F350 V & B code springs, Hellwing Front and Rear sway bars - otherwise stock with BFG AT load range E tires

102"x30' custom trailer as follows:

Bumper bull w/ 2 5/16" ball
3 5200# axles all with electric brakes
front 14' is enclosed for storage
rear 16' is open for jeep hauling

Trailer weighs 3000#, jeep weighs 5500#, front load weighs approx 1500#, for a total of 10,000#

Equipped with rear air bags, weight distribution hitch and anti sway system. Prodigy brake controller.

Fully loaded = no problems with anything, ever.

[silveradoreb]

this thread was startered 6 years ago:laughing:, there is now a tow rig forum