Im getting a trailer for Christmas.... what should I look for?

[austinaubinoe]

Ok so ive talked to my dad and told him I want a trailer for christmas. I can finally go to Rausch without worrying about the 3 hour drive home! I plan to tow my XJ with my Grand Wagoneer.

Where is the best place to buy one?

I was looking at craigslist and this was one of the only I could find:
http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/cto/2083208513.html

I definitely dont need a brand new trailer. I actually would prefer to save some money, and rebuild the axles, new tires, new deck, etc. myself.

Im thinking a double axle, with an open metal deck. I have never looked at trailers before, so have no idea where to start. Where did you buy your trailer, and how much should I expect to pay?

Thanks!

 

[RCman]

What is your budget? That will GREATLY change what you end up with.
I'm very happy with my new Belmont trailer but I spec'd that out the way I wanted it with 18' flat deck, hidden ramps, 10K GVWR, LEDs, etc.

The biggest thing to look for is the GVWR. You'll definitely end up with at least a tandem axle trailer. For example a trailer with 2K lb rated axles won't work for an XJ. 4K total weight minus the weight of a the trailer and you've got something good for a pair of lawn mowers. Really you need at least two 3.5K lb rated axles. However the trailer will end up weighting in the neighborhood of 2.5K lbs itself leaving only 4.5K pounds left. That's pretty much what your XJ with those axles/tires is going to weigh. That is exactly the reason why I chose a 10K GVWR trailer (5K lb axles). My trailer weights about 2.3K lbs giving me 7.7k lbs carrying capacity, plus larger brakes, wheels, tires, etc. Plenty for an XJ with spare parts.

The trailer you linked isn't bad, but at only 1.6K lbs I doubt it has a full frame. I'd personally be a little leary of that. Yet if you are towing with a Grand Waggy, that might be a better option as that extra thousand pounds can really make a difference.

 

[ARB-XJ]

Brand new trailers are less then that...
http://www.tptrailersinc.com/store/Open-Car-Trailers-OSCAR_4.aspx

^^best deal i have seen on trailers

 

[austinaubinoe]

thanks for the info. I am looking for the cheapest trailer possible. I dont really have a set budget, but I would like to keep it under 2 grand. I was hoping to find a used one that I could refurbish for around 1K though....

At rocktoberfest somebody was talking about there buddy who built trailers (think it was a NJ based company) anyone know who in referring too?

so did most of you guys buy new? Anybody have a trailer for sale?

 

[redneckboarder]

i got a brand new full wood deck 10k trailer for $2000. just gotta shop around

 

[austinaubinoe]

would you recommend a closed deck? I was thinking open deck to save weight and so I could work on the thing when it was still on the trailer.

Where did you get your trailer for $2k? A local place? Searching online is not really getting me anywhere. I think I may try and find a trailer dealer.

 

[RCman]

would you recommend a closed deck? I was thinking open deck to save weight and so I could work on the thing when it was still on the trailer.

Open deck would certainly save weight and might be a better choice if you plan to tow with that Grand Waggy for awhile.
However, for ease of working on it and just general use I'd personally prefer a full deck.

Where did you get your trailer for $2k? A local place? Searching online is not really getting me anywhere. I think I may try and find a trailer dealer.

Call around to your local trailer dealers and go look at a few different makes/models. They're just like cars every brand/model is different.

 

[vetteboy]

Yeah, open deck doesn't really work well for anything but dedicated auto transport. Definitely not easier for working on stuff. You'll wind up in this weird semi-crouched position, and you'll constantly be having to step over crossmembers/axles/etc.

Full wood deck, 10k weight rating, and the longest deck you can afford. Don't go cheap on tires. Don't get a cheesy jack for the front of it. The permanently-attached fold-down ramps get annoying quickly. Dovetail is nice but it'll drag a lot, especially at Rausch, so consider reinforcing the bottom edge.

I'm so over trailer issues...nothing ruins a trip faster. A trailer isn't really the thing to go cheap on.

 

[RCman]

. Dovetail is nice but it'll drag a lot, especially at Rausch, so consider reinforcing the bottom edge.

Exactly the reason why I got a flat deck and actually Rausch is probably the flattest and nicest place I've parked the trailer to go wheelin'.

Flat deck is also easier if you ever plan on using it for construction materials like lumber or stuff on pallets.

 

[old_man]

Make sure and get brakes on both axles. Here in Colorado, it is manditory to have brakes on both axles on anything above 3500#. Plan to spend for a brake controller. A levelizer hitch is well worth the money as well. It shifts the weight toward your front tires and evens out the load on the suspension so it doesn't buck. It simply handles better.

 

[austinaubinoe]

ok I think Im gonna try and find a used wooden deck trailer. Thanks for the help.

 

[WAD357]

I grabbed an 18ft full steel deck with a dovetail aluminum ramps big tool box 3klb winch good tires and brakes for $1800 had a spare too. Works great for me but like said before the dovetail likes to drag, Rausch definatly bent the bottom Ibeam on the back of the deck...

 

[foxwar71]

http://www.econotrailer.com/

I love my Econo Trailer. I got an open deck, dual brake, 15' runways. They have all sorts of options, theres a couple places around here that sell them/can get them.

 

[Rock2pus]

I got an 18' closed wooden deck new for 1850, in Southern Jersey...that was 3 years ago, but its given me no trouble with regular maintenance and tows great.....
www.discounttrailerwarehouse.com.
Rich

...although it is rated "only" 7k.... Given me no problems and the brakes havent worn badly at all (which might indicate an overweight condition)...the chassis is holding up fine as well.

 

[1999mj]

I believe my boss has a used trailer for sale. It's a 16 foot 10K equipment trailer I can check what he wants for it if your interested and maybe get you a picture.

 

[austinaubinoe]

yeah definitely interested!

I also found this one for sale: http://www.flickr.com/photos/56580915@N08/

wants $1800, its on ebay with zero bids located in Hatboro, PA.

Just found this one, 20 minutes from my house, dont know how old it is:

wants $1500, hasnt told be any details yet, but it is 18ft.

 

[5spd_xj]

deck-overs are sweet, but your FSJ will hate you.

I've got the full deck version of foxwar71's trailer, got a SMOKIN deal on it , and I've only used it a couple times but they seem to be good quality, and I know Ross loves his. If you're planning to get a better tow rig down the line, I'd say sure, go for a nicer trailer. But if you'll be sticking to the FSJ, you should probably plan to get the lightest-weight trailer that will safely hold your Jeep.

 

[austinaubinoe]

dude your right, I should just go for an open deck. I kidding myself getting a huge trailer.

I do plan to build up My 360 though with a 4bbl holley, a RV cam, a full 3" exhaust, headers and possible edelbrock heads.... if that helps

 

[Jeepman401]

its not so much the power, its the size of your tow rig that will become an issue

 

[austinaubinoe]

http://www.econotrailer.com/

I love my Econo Trailer. I got an open deck, dual brake, 15' runways. They have all sorts of options, theres a couple places around here that sell them/can get them.

wow those look pretty great! I noticed there site mentions "look for use at the Carlisle fairgrounds". Maybe I could get one cheaper if I buy it at spring carlisle?