Buying a trailer

[Hedgelj]

So i want to buy a trailer that's large enough to carry my Zero turn mower and for picking things up and such.
Thinking fairly small, probably single axle unless i can find a small double.

What do i need to look at/ watch out for if i see a used one?

 

[hickslawns]

I have a single axle Texas Bragg that is very handy. Use it more than I ever thought I would. Stick with a good name brand. Sure Trac. Texas Bragg. There are others too, but I try to steer away from the Carry All or lighter weight models. You might spend a little more but they really hold their value. Look for 3500# axle. Likely won't find a single axle with brakes but I do like the 7 round plug versus the 4 flat. (Not a deal breaker by any means just personal preference.) I do like a fold down ramp which is removable. It's amazing how much wind drag the expanded metal brings. I remove mine for any 1-2hr road trips and strap it to the deck if I need it to load something later or leave it home if I won't need it at all.

 

[bowhunter1023]

Lots of good advice from, Phil. We have a couple Sure-Tracs that have been great trailers. Our 6x12 is about has handy as it comes for sizing.

 

[giles]

Think about how to secure whatever you might use it for. Tie down points are hard to come by on the cheaper and old ones. I like rails, some people like just a flat bed. Some like a tilt deck, some like ramps. Lots of personal preferences past what Phil said about name brands.

 

[Big_Holla]

We ended up with an AMO 6.5 X 12 trailer for hauling the tractor and stuff back and forth to Ohio. Bought it just outside of Toledo. One thing I stayed away from was square tubing and looked for C-channel for the frame and tongue. The recommendation was that it would not hold water and moisture causing rot. I need to get some spots painted on it this summer including the fenders.

 

["J"]

Yep, stay away from box framed trailers, especially buying it used. Inspect the wiring for wear, especially where they come in contact with the frame. Check the axles and attach points for cracking. Hardware that attaches the decking for being extremely rusted. Check the latching system for wear and the safety chains/cables for serviceability.
Personally, I’d change the wire harness and replace existing lights with LED’s. Bring an axle or floor jack with you when you look at them to jack each wheel up and check for the looseness of the bearings.

 

[Buckmaster]

I’ve had a few. Aluminum is the way to roll if it’s a long term hold.

 

[jagermeister]

Aluminum... Buy once, cry once. The steel trailers all rust out eventually. 6x12 is a great size for a single-axle trailer. Not too big, but big enough to be useful.

 

[hickslawns]

Excellent points on the tie downs. That is a great thought. Most newer trailers should have LED lights. I like the thought of jacking up the axle and checking wheel bearings.

It should have a 2" ball as well. If it has 1 7/8" I would run away. I haven't seen one that small in a long time. I'm a fan of big balls. (Don't take that wrong. Lol)

I would think most in the $2500-3000 range would have wood decking. If you found one in the $3000-3500 range with aluminum decking that would be worth it. Might put some grip tape on it in places is all if needed.

 

[Jackalope]

My vote would be a flat aluminum car hauler like this. But with the box brackets on the side so you can slide in 2×4 to make removable railings if you need to haul a bunch of small stuff like boxes or furniture. Haul everything from your mower to a broke down car/truck. And it'll hold resale value better than steel.

 

[giles]

Did you forget he drives a subaru?

 

[Hedgelj]

Did you forget he drives a subaru?

It can handle it and i don't need a step stool if i give you a ride.

 

[giles]

It can handle it and i don't need a step stool if i give you a ride.

Dafaq you gonna do with a car hauler? You ain't even going to be able to see around it. Put the side boards on it and you are at max "towing" before putting anything on it.

That said, I like the suggestions before that. The narrower trailers will allow you to see around them also. The aluminum is the far superior choice in the rust belt. It also allows you more load capacity being a lighter trailer. Also easier to move by hand or with the mower/quad/side by side or whatever else. Also keep in mind the angle of the ramp to the deck, your mower will catch if it is not right. The taller/longer gates are better for your application.

 

[Hedgelj]

Dafaq you gonna do with a car hauler? You ain't even going to be able to see around it. Put the side boards on it and you are at max "towing" before putting anything on it.

That said, I like the suggestions before that. The narrower trailers will allow you to see around them also. The aluminum is the far superior choice in the rust belt. It also allows you more load capacity being a lighter trailer. Also easier to move by hand or with the mower/quad/side by side or whatever else. Also keep in mind the angle of the ramp to the deck, your mower will catch if it is not right. The taller/longer gates are better for your application.

Didn't realize you meant the car hauler, thought that was just a general jab in my direction.

These are two I'm looking strongly at. Near to me, decent price and both are aluminum. Difference if that the one has a folding back gate so it's not as much of a wind drag.

I agree aluminum is worth it in weight savings, and lack of rust. Either one can carry my mower or any of the side by sides on the farm.

Thoughts?

 

[giles]

I could've been more direct by quoting Joe. But it also forced me to explain some more things to think about. Win/win

 

[Hedgelj]

Realized I didn't finish this off.

Gingerich trailers near Millersburg ended up being the source.

They had a barely used (was off the lot for under a week, the guy loaded it and wanted something bigger) 80"x144" heavy duty aluminum trailer i bought.

3500# max weight
all aluminum including the floor
included a mounted spare tire
trailer brakes
for just a few hundred more than the lighter duty, no brakes, no spare tire model i was looking at

It's a hair wider than my ascent so i have to pay more attention to my location in my lane but pulled really easy (weighs about 600# empty).

 

[Hedgelj]

It's getting a workout with taking my mower to get worked on, picking up my new machine (i don't want to get any closer to the maximum weight ) and the attachments I've been renting.