Utility Trailer Tips?

[CrystalRiver1]

Hey Studs,
Finally going to break down and buy a small 5x7 utility trailer.
That size or less is about all I need for my paltry wood hauling/material handling needs.
Always rented from Home Depot in the past, but I see where owning one could come in handy.
Prices are all over the place around my area.
What are some things to take into consideration when shopping around?
I will haul less than 3-4 cords and taking stuff to the dump/Goodwill 4-5 times yr.
☆ New vs Used?
☆ Tilt vs Standard
☆ Metal vs Wooden? construction?
☆ Lights, Tires & Wiring issues?

Thanks,
Reg

 

[Dustin4185]

If pulling it and storing it isn’t a problem, I would go bigger. If you are set in that size, I would find a dealer to purchase from, not Travtor supply/Lowe’s/Home depot. I don’t like an expanded metal floor because I have had to repair too many. I prefer a 2x treated floor or solid tread plate. Expanded metal sides are good though. If you buy used, make sure and check the welds, bearings, and axle. Most everything else is easy to repair. I prefer LED lights, but those can be swapped as well.

 

[Dub11]

Go with a 6×10 ( you'll thank me later)

New since they really dont loose value and you never know if it's been tweaked or not from over loading.

I like wood floors

Try find a local sales place that maybe makes the trailers. We have a place here and granted they admit they suck at painting (kind if there shtick) the trailers are built WAY better and run 1-2 hundred cheaper than the box store crap.

 

[Dub11]

If pulling it and storing it isn’t a problem, I would go bigger. If you are set in that size, I would find a dealer to purchase from, not Travtor supply/Lowe’s/Home depot. I don’t like an expanded metal floor because I have had to repair too many. I prefer a 2x treated floor or solid tread plate. Expanded metal sides are good though. If you buy used, make sure and check the welds, bearings, and axle. Most everything else is easy to repair. I prefer LED lights, but those can be swapped as well.

I was still typing while you posted lol. But funny how similar they are lol.

 

[Dub11]

What do you tow with? I towed a 5x7 with my suburban once and didn't like it cuz I couldn't see it be hind me. And if you are hauling a zero turn mower you might want a tilt.

 

[Wolverine]

I use a 4x8 SnowBear and it suits me fine. Rated at about 1750. I work the chit out of it. It does have tilt which I hardly ever use, usually only when I take my Wheel Horse somewhere.

 

[Wolverine]

 

[srb08]

If you aren't in a hurry, buy used. I found the trailer below at a yard sale for $400. It's 5 1/2'x8' with a 2,500lb axle. I wanted 6'x10' but this one works fine. I use it primarily for hauling firewood from the woods to the house. The size makes it easy to maneuver. Since the pic below was taken, I've run welded wire around the sides to make hauling split firewood more convenient.
I had a light duty tilt trailer, with an expanded metal floor, that my FIL had bought to haul his motorcycle. It was nice for that purpose but not much else. The floor was too easy to damage. I gave it to one of my boys.
My suggestion would be to get heavier duty than you think you'll need. Having too much is always better than needing more.

 

[Ryan Browne]

A buddy of mine just bought a 4x8 that tilts earlier this year. Real lightweight trailer. Problem is the axle is so far forward to make it tilt easily I guess. It really kills the tongue weight and the thing bounces and rattles like you wouldn't believe. He's kinda embarrassed to tow the thing around.

So, maybe see if you can take a test drive with them before you pull the trigger.

 

[Wolverine]

Bought mine used for $400 7-8 years ago.

 

[srb08]

View attachment 148560 View attachment 148561 View attachment 148562 View attachment 148563

That is a stout little booger. With some of the loads you have on it, I would expect the fenders to be touching the tires. Great size for work in tight spots as well. Nothing not to like there.

 

[roadster27]

In my area the price of used trailers tends to not offset the cost of new. There are always exceptions to that but once you consider the used trailer's sale price, then possibly new tires, new brakes (if apply), fix the lights that might have a few issues, and maybe a few other thing... You end up with an old trail that's not to far off from what a new one cost, and the new one tends to come with a warranty... just my 2-cents....

 

[psuiewalsh]

If you like the trailer from home depot they do sell them used on their website from the rental dept.

 

[Wolverine]

That is a stout little booger. With some of the loads you have on it, I would expect the fenders to be touching the tires. Great size for work in tight spots as well. Nothing not to like there.

Haven't rubbed fender once. Some plus's, when not in use I can easily push it around by hand and it doesn't take up a lot of real-estate. I cut the sides off of a plastic truck bed liner to fit.

 

[fossil]

View attachment 148560 View attachment 148561 View attachment 148562 View attachment 148563

I have one just like yours and really like it.
I'm pretty sure SnowBear is out of the trailer business now.

I like the feature that allows the axle to be moved fore or aft for balance.

The trailer tracks straight as a die and stays behind you in a hard stop

 

[Larry B]

New or used lights and wiring first thing to need fixed. Look and see if the wiring connections use Scotchlock style splices and plain steel screws for mounting and grounding the lights or black electricians tape on splices. All are just problems waiting to happen. Good new trailers use LED lights with grounds not using the frame but run the light fixture grounds back to the plug. And use real waterproof wire splices.

 

[CrystalRiver1]

Awesome advice guys!!!
I'll be hauling with my V8 Toyota Tundra.
I am kinda limited on space around my abode.

 

[Dustin4185]

What part of AL are you from? I happened to be hooking up our small utility trailer and it is made by P&T trailers in Huntsville AL. I think they were bought direct from them (I got it from another WMA). It’s a pretty good trailer.

 

[CrystalRiver1]

What part of AL are you from? I happened to be hooking up our small utility trailer and it is made by P&T trailers in Huntsville AL. I think they were bought direct from them (I got it from another WMA). It’s a pretty good trailer.

Originally from Limestone County...now by way of Birmingham.

 

[Dustin4185]

Originally from Limestone County...now by way of Birmingham.

We used to go there for our anniversary and eat at Shulas steakhouse. Then kids happened! You should be able to find some decent trailers around there. I’ve been happy with our 14K Big Tex. Thinking about getting a small one for our UTV.