Im lookin at enclosed trailers, AZTEX trailers in fontana has rediculous low prices compared to everything else i have found. They make their own apparently. Anyone have any experience with these guys?? I am wondering if you get what you pay for is true in this sense?

I have one of there 5x10 box trailers and have no problems with it just make sure you double check the axle capacity :flipoff2:

I bought two car haulers from Aztex in Fontana and I would say you pretty much get what you pay for. They are on the lower end of the scale as far as quality goes. I bent the frame on one of the car haulers I had, and I wasn't overloading it or abusing it at the time.

I bought my last trailer from Carson trailers in Yucaipa and found they're prices to be comparable to Aztex - but the quality is better. Don't get me wrong, the trailer will do the job but they definitely cut corners to keep the prices low.

One last thing - make sure you buy a trailer that's already built. They will string you out forever if you have one made. Good luck.

you get what you pay for. my roomate had one build by them, and he didnt take delivery because of workmanship issues. (this was for a car hauler, not an enclosed). bad welds, not what he ordered, just looked real cheap.

I haven't been impressed with their stuff. There's a dealer here in Beaumont that carries them, and I looked at their stuff when I was shopping for my enclosed trailer. FWIW, if you're shopping for a trailer, a trip to Beaumont and Yucaipa would be worth the time. Just about every trailer mfg is represented along the I-10 through here.

For enclosed trailers I highly recommend Universal Trailers in San Bernardino. I had mine built by them a couple years ago (28' three-axle with living amenities) and have been very happy with it. There's a writeup somewhere around here I did during the build. Based on my recommendation a couple others here have bought from them and been satisfied.

Dusty

Their fantastic quality and workmanship has made its way even into our shop, and for some major repairs. Broken crossmembers and wiring issues seems to be the biggest problems that we've seen. Haven't seen a lot of them because they are such a small manufacture, but our skin does crawl a little when we know that someone is bringing one in for repairs.

In other words, yes, you get what you pay for.

thanks for the replys guys,

I haven't been impressed with their stuff. There's a dealer here in Beaumont that carries them, and I looked at their stuff when I was shopping for my enclosed trailer. FWIW, if you're shopping for a trailer, a trip to Beaumont and Yucaipa would be worth the time. Just about every trailer mfg is represented along the I-10 through here.

For enclosed trailers I highly recommend Universal Trailers in San Bernardino. I had mine built by them a couple years ago (28' three-axle with living amenities) and have been very happy with it. There's a writeup somewhere around here I did during the build. Based on my recommendation a couple others here have bought from them and been satisfied.

Dusty

What he said. Skip Aztex (or whatever they are) and head to Beaumont/Yucaipa. Big Tex dealer is located there, along with a few other GOOD trailer places. I LOVE my big tex that I rebuilt, and its 18 years old, and still sturdy as hell after some paint and a new wood floor.
Scott

I just bought a used 2002 Aztex flatbed with 5200lbs axles. It looks crazy over built, but very simple. After reading this, I'm going to take a look under it.:( I know there is surface rust all over it, but I planned on painting it anyway.

fyi, the BIGTEX flatbed i bought in 1999 was only painted on the upper surfaces, therefore, i will not buy another. BIGTEX doesnt make enclosed trailers so i am not interested in them for the purposes of this thread.

I have one and I agree with what others have said. I ordered mine and it took a couple of months instead of a couple of weeks to get. whenever you call the guy you need to talk to is not there and he does not return phone calls. when you do talk to him you get all kinds of stories about axle deliveries being delayed then a month later when you finnaly get the trailer the paint is still wet.
-I requested 6 lug axles and got 5x4.5.
-I did not get the spare tire that I paid for
-I had electical problems due to the wiring being held up with whatever chop saw cut scrap they had around at the time
-I ordered it with stake pockets and only got one on each side to the rear and one on each side on the front edge of the deck. As if that was not bad enough they put the front crossbar directly above the stake pockes so you can't even use them
-It is built well but is not pretty. This is not such a big deal for me as I am going to make a bunch of changes anyway
-the fenders were welded to the side of the frame with no other support and started breaking off
-bottom was not painted and the paint job on the top sucked

on the plus side I bitched so much about the delay in finishing it that they delivered it to me which saved me a 6 hour/200mile round trip. They also forgot to charge me for the steel deck upgrade which was around $400. They did offer to reimburse me for the spare but I didn't feel like dealiing with it

I will say that it does tow really nice though

Hello, just trolling through and seen this post.

I won't knock other Trailer Manufacturers work. But I can say this much, we can't build car trailers because they pretty much hold the market (locally) They have a car trailer for about $1100 bucks. We can't even build them for that.

Granted, we are the Cadillac of the area and take a lot of pride in what we do.

Here's a pic. This one is 8.5' wide (OD) by 16'. We made a similar trailer, but with a removable front section, with a winch. You could use it to haul cars (hence the removable section) and with the winch, they could drag up boxes.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/chairmnofthboard/SuperMax3axle.jpg

http://www.imagotrailers.com

Just felt like sharing :smokin:

I've had a 16 ft Aztec for maybe 3 years. They are crappy, horrible welds, bad paint, had to be rewired completely. All the lights went out. However, it pulls great and was dirt cheap. So, I am not all that dissapointed. Choose what is important to you.

I specifically went looking for a used Az-tex a couple of years ago because I like the basic design of their 16' all steel, open center single car hauler.
The trailer works well for what it is and what they cost. All trailers are preatty much custom at some point.


Apples and oranges, or Chevys vs Cadillacs on the cost vs materials vs options. The quality control is another matter. Money aside, I would have found a different brand but:

The pros:
Low deck height, but decent ground clearance with a beaver tail, wheels set back (tows well), short OAL. The angled steel around the edge do great for a guard rail, adding strength vertically, and lighter weight without boxing the frame with the required sub floor that would be under utilized. It is a good start for a trailer to modify for your own needs. I have noticed that this basic design is being copied. Some call them "California Car Haulers"


The cons:
check and reweld as needed (only a few places). cheap paint on top only, redue wiring as needed.........But then you can modify them....I made a folding fender on the left (an oem option), gear basket, spare tire and storage box in the center, winch and battery holder on the tongue. With LED's, used chrome wheels and soon new paint it's looking decent and it works quite well. Towed to Denver last summer, St. Louis this summer.

Remember, they are all single car haulers with 3,500lb axles. there is only so much steel and goodies you want to have in any of them and still have capacity for what your hauling around.

Mike

I bought an AZTEX 16' car hauler wood deck trailer back in '01. It had the 3500lb axles, and one bent badly. I looked underneath and there was a cross memeber right on top of the axle that was positioned in such a way that it made contact with the axle. I took the trailer back to the place I bought it (Las Vegas, NV) and they called AZTEZX. AZTEX called me (one of the head guys) and we discussed his trailer design. They took the trailer back, built me another trailer with 5200lb axles, and added the same mods that I had added to the original trailer myself. They even added nice chrome wheels.

I concur with other's opinions regarding the welds, quality of the wood decking, wiring, and paint. The trailer has provided good service other than the mentioned issues - it's probably got about 35k miles on it towing 4k to 5.5k lbs.

If I had it to do over, I'd have probably spent another $500 to $1000 and gotten a better trailer to start with.

I would never buy a car hauler with 3500lb axles again, even if I was towing under the trailer's rating.

if you are looking for a good trailer,and they have all types, call Pac West Trailers, 99% of there trailers are built by carson. They have a vender star on this sight or contact me personaly and I can get you the right one for a diecent deal......... There looking to sell anything right now!

I bought my 16' AZTEX utility trlr in 2000 for $850 out the door. I've worked it hard, overloaded it many many times. Bent a main frame rail so that got rebuilt.
I've been pretty happy with it but could use a newer, bigger one. I'd buy another one if I needed to.

Me too. I have been pretty happy with mine. If I knew Dave worked at Pacwest though I would have went there in a heart beat.

Hello, just trolling through and seen this post.

I won't knock other Trailer Manufacturers work. But I can say this much, we can't build car trailers because they pretty much hold the market (locally) They have a car trailer for about $1100 bucks. We can't even build them for that.

Granted, we are the Cadillac of the area and take a lot of pride in what we do.

Here's a pic. This one is 8.5' wide (OD) by 16'. We made a similar trailer, but with a removable front section, with a winch. You could use it to haul cars (hence the removable section) and with the winch, they could drag up boxes.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/chairmnofthboard/SuperMax3axle.jpg

http://www.imagotrailers.com

Just felt like sharing :smokin:

Hey guy, I'll give you this one pimp post as a freebie, even though you've been here long enough to know what's up.

We welcome you're input and promotion of your wares only if you contact Lance at Lance@pirate4x4.com and get yourself a Yellow Star.

Hey guy, I'll give you this one pimp post as a freebie, even though you've been here long enough to know what's up.

We welcome you're input and promotion of your wares only if you contact Lance at Lance@pirate4x4.com and get yourself a Yellow Star.

Awsome, thanks Mustard Dog. Like I told a member, all we make are dump trailers and in about a year or two we'll be wholesale only so there isn't much I could sell on this site. I wasn't trying to sell on the site, I'm just proud of our work and wanted to showbaot a bit lol.

I'm going to go ahead and get one of those yellow stars so that I can help members out with their trailer issues.

I appreciate you letting me slide this one time.

If any one is looking for a custom trailer for thier application, I highly suggest Trailon trailers. I just had one custom built for my application for a good price, and all I can say is WOW! They do awsome work! Even the underside was fully painted.

http://trailontrailers.com/

Make sure you ask for George and tell him Martin sent you.

My first trailer was an Aztec and I was not impressed(It got stolen later on).

If any one is looking for a custom trailer for thier application, I highly suggest Trailon trailers. I just had one custom built for my application for a good price, and all I can say is WOW! They do awsome work! Even the underside was fully painted.

All trailers are supposed to be painted on the bottom.

All trailers are supposed to be painted on the bottom.

you would actually be suprised on how many you find that are not painted on the under side! (carson, big tex,. etc) and to include the axles are not set up right.

you would actually be suprised on how many you find that are not painted on the under side! (carson, big tex,. etc) and to include the axles are not set up right.

whoa! How are the axles not set up right?

whoa! How are the axles not set up right?

I forget what the technical term is called. But all I know is to look under and make sure the axle is bowed upwards with no load applied.

And I see you are possibly pimping your work on PBB. Im just saying that small companies here in the US are ran by a bunch of crooks who do nothing but rip consumers off. Its really bad here in Southern Cali. Im not saying your one of the bad apples. Im sure your a stand up business person. But I have seen alot of crap attempting to be shoveled down.

Edit: Get a star!

I forget what the technical term is called. But all I know is to look under and make sure the axle is bowed upwards with no load applied.

And I see you are possibly pimping your work on PBB. Im just saying that small companies here in the US are ran by a bunch of crooks who do nothing but rip consumers off. Its really bad here in Southern Cali. Im not saying your one of the bad apples. Im sure your a stand up business person. But I have seen alot of crap attempting to be shoveled down.

Edit: Get a star!

Oh you mean cambered axles. Unless they're homemade axles, they will be cambered (or should be).

To be honest, in So Cal there's a bunch of JUNK!! Not just in the trailers but in everything. IMAGO Trailer Mfg gives people MORE for the LESS MONEY! For example if you buy a 10,400# trailer from us, it will have 8 lug 12,000# (combined) axles, at NO CHARGE. We do that and we have ZERO warranty issues on the axles (oh man, I'm giving away secrets here). People now-a-days shop around. When people shop around they find value. Because of that we've been working 6-7 days, two shifts.

It also helps that we specialize. We don't build five different half ass types of trailers. We build only dump trailers, helps us refine the product. These other companies build everything from landscape/car trailers to Dump/enclosed. Makes it hard to reinvent and refine your product (IMO)

Sorry If I go on and on, But I actually enjoy what I do. I don't build trailers for just a pay check, I enjoy what we do.

To bad we don't build anything for the PBB community. Nothing but dumps! lol

Oh I forgot, Who do I PM for the Star????

Oh I forgot, Who do I PM for the Star????

Subscribe and get a star.....

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/payments.php

vendors need a yeller star

Hey Guys....

I just registered because I wanted to let you all know how appreciative I am to have read all this information about Aztex. Right now, as I type this, I'm up in Lake Arrowhead enjoying the weekend with my family. Tomorrow, on the way home, I had planned to stop in Fontana and visit Aztex to possibly get going on them building an 18-foot enclosed trailer. I say "had planned" because I no longer anticipate doing so....think I'm gonna pass on those guys.

I spoke with a really helpful guy over there named BJ, he seemed to really know his stuff...but the price seems just too cheap. Heck, I saw a really nice 18' trailer, USED for sale for $5,500 and BJ said they could build the same thing, new, for just $5k...makes ya wonder. Course, the one for sale had A/C, some shelves and a few other upgrades...but still, the notion "you get what you pay for" comes to mind.

I don't like these stories about poor welds, skimpy paint, long delays in production and cross-member issues. I've read these sort of post on other websites as well, but the guy at Aztex made reference to it as just one bad story. This forum and this thread pretty well sealed my decision. Think I'll pass. I'm at that point in my life where I can afford to spend a few more bucks to "do it right" and get something that won't fall apart or need work soon after I buy it.

I had spoken to the people in Carson (Carson Trailers)....but I have to say, the salesman was on a few weeks into the job and didn't know his stuff. Then they put some chick on the phone who just wanted me to 'come on down' and not spend the time with me over the phone. Weak salesmanship, but wtf, it seems they have a good product. Perh:)aps I'll give a call to the manufacturer mentioned on the 1st page of this thread.

Thanks again for the thread & info! :)

If you want a nice enclosed trailer you should check, Haulmark or classic (higher end) or Interstate (mid range in price) all are well built trailers. There are others out there. When you buy a enclosed trailer you need to get on the floor and look at the bottom. Some places skimp and don't bother painting the crossmembers, sealing the floor or properly welding the bottom.

Good luck.

I am thinking of purchasing a Carson Trailer. Does anyone have any helpfull
information for me to consider.

I am thinking of purchasing a Carson Trailer. Does anyone have any helpfull
information for me to consider.

....after you search and read all about them in this very forum. Then you can start a thread and ask specific questions and opinions about Carson Trailers.

Most will say they are average trailer and good for all around use for the average wheeler. I'd agree. Plan on painting them in a couple years at best, likely sooner, and paint the bottom the day you get it so it doesn't rust, if it hasn't already. Mine is about 9 years old and I've scrapped all the original running gear and the coupler and redone them all. Build it the way you want from the beginning and don't let them talk you out of what you want. remember, you get what you pay for. The metal is all torch cut, so don't expect to win any car shows with it. The fit and finish is marginal at best for a trailer, but structurally they hold up pretty well even when "not treated so nicely" :D


:usa:

I've had an Az-Tex 8 1/2' x 24 (box) enclosed car trailer for several years.
The original owner used it to move his household furnishings from so. Cal to n. Idaho. On the first trip he found that the wheelhouses were not caulked to the floor, so spray from the tires came up into the box. Some of the sheet aluminum panels started coming loose. When he went back to Cal. for the second load, he took it to Az-Tex (Trailer Nation) where they caulked as they should have done to start with, and replaced the sheathing that had come loose. He said they were frinedly and easy to deal with for the warranty service.
A note: Az-Tex has no dealer network. If you have a warranty claim, you have to return the trailer to their shop. Fine, if you live in the area. Otherwise, in effect there is no warranty, and the Az-Tex definitely needs to be warranted.
If you look at a high quality trailer you will see that the siding is fastened with screws every few inches. Not the Az-Tex. No screws, only construction glue.
3 3,500# axles = 10,500#. 2 5,200# axles would have given about the same rating and scrubbed the tires a lot less on turns. The 3 axles' long wheelbase is great for the road, though: tracks straight.
Center axle (no brakes, which is common on cargo trailers) looks to be upside down, as it is bowed DOWN, not up, giving negative camber to the wheels. Not good.
Center axle not only has no brakes but no flanges, so brakes can't be installed. With 10,000# sitting on my back bumper I want all the brakes I can get back there!
If trailer axles are made properly, they should provide a small positive camber (tops of the tires tilted out away from one another), going to no less than zero camber at full rated load. Also, there should be a small amount of toe-in, like less than 1/16", as toe-in gives stability. Most important, it prevents toe-out, which creates instability (dodging back and forth). So, if an axle is cambered wrong, simply turning it over will not totally fix it as now it will have toe-out. The axle would have to be turned end-for-end in addition to turning it over. The spring saddles would have to be cut off and rewelded. Maybe easier to simply bend the axle to the correct arch?
Az-Tex builds their own axles from pipe and Chinese stub axles. The spindles have grease fittings hidden by the hub (bearing) caps.
Most everything on an Az-Tex is Chinese. The axles, wheels, tires, steel shapes, everything that has any mark on it, is all Chinese. Even the Dutton-Lainson #73922 hitch coupler (http://www.dutton-lainson.com/products.php?cat=34&pg=3) is made in China! A really nice coupler, though. I can see why Az-Tex used this coupler: D-L is selling them direct for $15!! Probably half that in truckload lots.
The brakes (front and rear axles only) are an unrecognizable Chinese brand.
The trailer had only four marker lights, one at each lower corner on the sides. It does, though, have four taillights and a plate light on the rear ramp door. I'm surprised that they can sell a trailer in Cal. that has so few marker lights. You'd think it would have five on the front & rear top, and four on each side at the least.
No underfloor paint. But so what? It'll never rust out.
I split pieces of rubber hose and slipped it over the wires where they pass thru the razor-sharp scraps of angle trimmings used for wire supports.
It had three switched interior lights connected to the taillights.
One of the cheap welting wheel opening trims had already fallen off when I got the trailer. A screw at each end of the welting would have prevented this.
NO breakaway battery and switch! This is required by law on trailers that are required to or have brakes.
No VIN stamped on the frame - only a sticker on the left front lower corner of the box.
A crank-open roof vent: really cheap flimsy model but that's what is on most RVs now. Why even put the thing on? A cargo/car hauler doesn't need a roof vent. Just a source of leaks.
No rain gutters over doors. Water runs off the roof and into the door openings. I installed pieces of house roof edging angle to stop this annoying drizzle.
First-class tie-down rings (5,000# rating) fastened to floor with dinky screws. There are pieces of scrap sheet metal welded between the frame joists under the floor but they appear inadequate. Should have substantial framing for the tie-down rings to bolt to with full size bolts, not dinky self-tapping screws.
Side door piano hinge welded on crooked. Door doesn't close tightly at the bottom.
All in all, this trailer does what I wanted. Kinda rough around the edges. But for $6,300 new it's a good deal.