Utility Trailer Tips?

[tp2177]

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

If you don’t mind coming north a little ways to Steele, outback trailer makes a good trailer all in house. They will be a little more expensive than Lowe’s or Home Depot, but they are much better made and could probably do just about anything you want.


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[CrystalRiver1]

If you don’t mind coming north a little ways to Steele, outback trailer makes a good trailer all in house. They will be a little more expensive than Lowe’s or Home Depot, but they are much better made and could probably do just about anything you want.


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Send me a link or their best contact info.
I'd be much obliged.
BTW...how much red oak have you cut and split lately?
My wife is allergic to it, if not I could have 10 cords stacked away...everywhere I look it's "red oak galore!"

 

[tp2177]

Send me a link or their best contact info.
I'd be much obliged.
BTW...how much red oak have you cut and split lately?
My wife is allergic to it, if not I could have 10 cords stacked away...everywhere I look it's "red oak galore!"

Gimme just a few and I'll get you the info. Haven't been able to do much cutting and splitting lately had a bad gallbladder attack a few weeks ago and haven't been able to do much since because it has hurt since. Just got it out a few hours ago so hopefully I can get back to work soon on it lol. So far just about 2 chords still lol.

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[tp2177]

Gimme just a few and I'll get you the info. Haven't been able to do much cutting and splitting lately had a bad gallbladder attack a few weeks ago and haven't been able to do much since because it has hurt since. Just got it out a few hours ago so hopefully I can get back to work soon on it lol. So far just about 2 chords still lol.

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https://www.outbacktrailers.com/custom-built-trailers

Here's the place. We have had one of theirs and was very happy with it and had a friend that used to do their welding for them.

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[CrystalRiver1]

https://www.outbacktrailers.com/custom-built-trailers

Here's the place. We have had one of theirs and was very happy with it and had a friend that used to do their welding for them.

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Certainly appreciate it.
Hope you get healed up real quick also.
Good looking trailers...I'll call them up and see if they have any type warranty available.

Thanks again!

 

[tp2177]

Certainly appreciate it.
Hope you get healed up real quick also.

Thanks! Soreness is starting to set in but hoping to get back to normal soon.


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[XD40SW]

I’m a little late to reply, but I use a 6x10 with a 3500# axle. If I pile it high, I can get close to two cords at a time on it

I find it to be just the right size. It’s small enough that I can maneuver it into some pretty tights spots, but big enough that I can haul a prettt good load.

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[CrystalRiver1]

I’m a little late to reply, but I use a 6x10 with a 3500# axle. If I pile it high, I can get close to two cords at a time on it

I find it to be just the right size. It’s small enough that I can maneuver it into some pretty tights spots, but big enough that I can haul a prettt good load.

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AWESOME!!!!

 

[tp2177]

If I remember correctly you said you were going to pull it with a full size right? With that 6 x10 if your truck will fit. It should fit no problem. Outback that I told you earlier about should be able to build something like that or even more custom no problem.


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[XD40SW]

I didn’t have it on in that last pic, but it also has a fold down tailgate/ramp shown here

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[CrystalRiver1]

I didn’t have it on in that pic, but it also has a fold down tailgate/ramp

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That is inspiring!
#3500 axle is weight/tow capacity correct?
How can you determine axle tow/capacity anyway?

 

[XD40SW]

That is inspiring!
#3500 axle is weight/tow capacity correct?
How can you determine axle tow/capacity anyway?

Correct, 3500# is the “rated” capacity of the axle. The trailer itself is about 900 so that leaves me with 2600# working capacity.

I only cut wood a few miles from my house. It’s usually downhill on the way home. I also live just about in the middle of nowhere so it’s highly unlikely I’ll see a State Trooper on the way home, so I may overload it a bit...lol

The capacity is usually stated by the manufacturer of the trailer, or axle itself if that’s all you’re buying. If you’re working with an unknown axle, you would need to measure the axle tube, bearings, hubs and compare those measurements to a known axle. Also make sure the tires are up to the task.


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[Dub11]

Correct, 3500# is the “rated” capacity of the axle. The trailer itself is about 900 so that leaves me with 2600# working capacity.

I only cut wood a few miles from my house. It’s usually downhill on the way home. I also live just about in the middle of nowhere so it’s highly unlikely I’ll see a State Trooper on the way home, so I may overload it a bit...lol

The capacity is usually stated by the manufacturer of the trailer, or axle itself if that’s all you’re buying. If you’re working with an unknown axle, you would need to measure the axle tube, bearings, hubs and compare those measurements to a known axle. Also make sure the tires are up to the task.


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Just raise them fenders and couple inches and you could probably gain another 1000#.

 

[JB-PlantHeirloom]

Well, if there is one thing you can buy cheap used in AL or GA it is trailers. Just about everyone seems to own one and the OEMs are here. Let someone else pay the depreciation.

Do not go shorter then 8 feet! Your drywall will thank you. Considering you do firewood, here is what I would suggest at a minimum:

4x8
2" ball
3500# axle with the big hubs
14" or 15" tires

Welded on sides with a top angle. Onto this you can attach tie down anchors for straps or tarps.

Getting a deck wide enough to drive a riding lawn mower on helps. Getting a deck wide enough for a tent is not a bad idea.

The trouble is a 1/2 a cord of green firewood can weigh 3500# by itself. Some of this southern white or water oak weighs 75+ pounds green. This is why I favor buying tandem axle boat trailers and converting them into utility trailers. Since they are designed to take a load on the back, you can modify them easy enough for ATVs and maybe small cars.

ROLCO (a top quality brand) usually have full tube frames and movable axle assemblies. So, you can chop them and change the center of gravity. If you take it off road a lot, move the axle assembly to the very rear, it gives a much heavier tongue weight, BUT, gives you a great approach/departure angle off road so you do not get hung up or tear the trailer apart.

Make sure your box you add will clear your bumper if jackknifed. This prevents you from twisting your tongue or coupling. I would avoid any salt water trailers. Fresh water is fine.

As someone mentioned, avoid the expanded metal decks. I repair them for others enough to know not to have one. The exception being expanded metal over wood works great, we use to do to that up north. It saves the wood and provides traction (if you use the serrated stuff) when it is icy out. If you throw oak wood onto a pine deck you end up destroying the wood sooner then later. The expanded metal makes it last much longer.

I would post a picture of mine, but, I am deconstructing and building a sawmill out of it at the moment.

 

[Locust Cutter]

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

What year Tundra do you have? We had an '05 or '06 Sequoia with the 4.7. It was a great little engine, but the transmission DIDN'T like towing much of anything. But, it did come from the factory with a pig-tail harness to attach a trailer brake controller which was nice. Our '13 Sequoia on the other hand, has the 5.7 with the 6spd auto and, while not being a Tundra with a solid rear axle, pulls a bit better than a friend's '05 Suburban with the 5.3.

As far as the earlier posts go, I couldn't comprehend the value of smaller trailers, until I got to use one for a bit. Then I was sold. Around here, buying used is a pit, because people largely don't take care of squat and still want near-new money for their torn-up wrecks. We got a new Diamond C 6X10 with a #3500 axle and 15" tires. If I were to do it again, I'd of spec'ed it out with the #5000 axles and integrated trailer brakes. When we push the limits (which is easy to do volumetric capacity-wise, especially with Osage Orange), stopping is not for the vehicles with crappy breaks (which the earlier Sequoia also had). I wouldn't want a smaller trailer, as though they're handy for specific applications, they'll be unsuited to others and you'll quickly be frustrated.

A word of wisdom I was given that applied to trucks, tractors, storage buildings and many other things; whatever you think you need - buy 30-50% more, if you can afford it. You'll be glad you did.

For reference, here's our 6'x10' with a smidge over a cord of Hackberry and Ash (about 132 cuft) attached to Dad's F-250:

 

[Locust Cutter]

A few more for reference:

The Long-haired kid in the photo is my almost 14yr younger Brother. The Super Split is the Special Edition for size perspective.
As you can see the trailer came equipped with a pipe-top and Dad added Plywood sides and head board for additional volume. Sometimes it's too' much so judicious loading is in order.
For reference, this is my bigger trailer (at 14' long) with a cord of loosely/randomly thrown mixed hardwood in it. Neatly stacked, it'll hold a bit over 2 full cords and with Hedge, that would be right at its GVWR being a #14000 rated trailer. I LOVE the dump trailer and honestly still want about a 22' dual tandem flatdeck GN, but, if I only had the 6x10 and the 14K dump form here on out, I'd be ok. The little trailer has hauled loads of wood, hay, motorcycles. atvs, splitters, mowers, yard waste, been an over-sized wheelbarrow for splitting here at the house, helped move people, been a platform for a tent, etc. It's generally hooked up about once a week or more performing some chore... It's been a life-saver.

 

[CrystalRiver1]

Hmm...never did buy one.
Back on da hunt again...guess I will go BIGGER!

 

[CrystalRiver1]

I'm listing some trailers in my area and would appreciate some feedback:
1.)

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=2333912920204789

$500

2.)

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=2339222089739845

2016 Black brothers 5x8 - $500

3.)

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=353013132293450

$500 - 5x8 utility trailer 2in coupler Omni trail tires 175/80R13 Tires are 2 years old

4.)

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=398951954086451

$500 - Solid built 5 x8 trailer. Measures 5 by 8 inside box. All square tube construction, and stake pockets. 3200 lb
axle. Not pretty, but built like a bulldog. $500 firm

5.)

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=1130921033778823

$450 - It is a 5 by 8 trailer with rhino bed liner covering the whole trailer. The only thing is the lights need to be replaced.

 

[Dub11]

Those are too small lol

I just got a 5x8 trailer and I can't see it behind the Suburban lol. I'm gonna make it bigger eventually.

 

[CrystalRiver1]

Those are too small lol

I just got a 5x8 trailer and I can't see it behind the Suburban lol. I'm gonna make it bigger eventually.

Dub, kinda sorta thought you might prod me over the size.
I'm still hunting though...
Been seeing tons of cutoff pickup beds converted to utility trailers.
One guy had one from front wrecked lwb Ford 2016...wanted $4500 for it!!!