Open deck trailer advice

shocker998md

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 6, 2007
Location
grantsboro nc
So I'm slowly looking for an open deck car trailer this year. I currently have a 28 foot enclosed that I'm keeping but would like an open deck for hauling trucks and taller things that I can't use my enclosed for.

When buying my enclosed there were some learning lessons so I figured I'd ask here. I'll be towing with my 06 2500 ram and would like the trailer big enough to tow a four door diesel pickup. So what should I be looking for?
 
8x20' (or 24') deckover full length hydraulic tilt with a winch on the front is about the most versatile thing I can think of. Easy for loading vehicles and equipment, running or disabled. But depending on how tall those things, are, you might be better off with a non-deckover.
 
I towed all over the place with a 22' deck over tilt with 5200 axles. A 4door full size was a load on it (axles). My new trailer is also a 22' deck over but I went to 7k dexter axles. IF you are seriously planning on hauling a full size 4 door diesel on a regular basis, might want to consider a goose instead of a tag/frame mount. Especially since you will be towing with a srw truck. The two trailers:
 

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I want the option to pull 4 door diesels incase people I know break down. So mostly project cars and the ability to tow lifted jeeps and such. My enclosed is nice but limits me.
 
Your equipment/car trailers will generally have a deck height of 26" or so and will have 82"-ish between the fenders.

Deckovers will be around 35" deck height and most are either 96 or 102" wide.

Personally, I wouldn't have less than 7,000 lb axles. My next trailer will definitely have 17.5" tires/rims on it so I won't have to worry about them, heavier axles, bigger brakes, etc.

I don't know if you've done a whole lot of looking or not, but for what most people seem to want for their 10 year old, slightly rusty trailer that needs tires and a few deck boards, I can have Kaufman build me a brand new one. So, keep that in mind.
 
Croatan_Kid said:
Your equipment/car trailers will generally have a deck height of 26" or so and will have 82"-ish between the fenders.

Deckovers will be around 35" deck height and most are either 96 or 102" wide.

Personally, I wouldn't have less than 7,000 lb axles. My next trailer will definitely have 17.5" tires/rims on it so I won't have to worry about them, heavier axles, bigger brakes, etc.

I don't know if you've done a whole lot of looking or not, but for what most people seem to want for their 10 year old, slightly rusty trailer that needs tires and a few deck boards, I can have Kaufman build me a brand new one. So, keep that in mind.
Click to expand...

That's exactly what I did... That said, not overly happy with Kauffmans customer service. One of my tail lights fell out going down the highway. I called and got a voicemail. Few days later I get a voicemail saying "Hey man, we probably cut the hole too big, we will send you another tail light"
And Im like... Please tell me how that is going to fix the oversized hole lol
 
LBarr2002 said:
Must not be very good friends...
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Truth. Something about profiting off friends has always rubbed me wrong. Cover fuel and dinner/beers lol
 
It's still trading currency for a service, just a different way.
 
If you get a trailer with flip up ramps, you will need at least a 20ft deck to fit a four door diesel, if not a 22ft. If you get one with slide in ramps or a tilt deck you could go shorter. My mega cab fit on my 18ft trailer but I had to strap the ramps up to the rear bumper. A bigger concern would be the axles and brakes as some have mentioned. I personally wouldn't buy a trailer big enough to haul an "in case" scenario. I'd buy a trailer that fit my needs, if it happened to be beneficial to my friends when their truck broke down so be it, if not I'll help in another way if I can.

Duane
 
CLRracer said:
If you get a trailer with flip up ramps, you will need at least a 20ft deck to fit a four door diesel, if not a 22ft. If you get one with slide in ramps or a tilt deck you could go shorter. My mega cab fit on my 18ft trailer but I had to strap the ramps up to the rear bumper. A bigger concern would be the axles and brakes as some have mentioned. I personally wouldn't buy a trailer big enough to haul an "in case" scenario. I'd buy a trailer that fit my needs, if it happened to be beneficial to my friends when their truck broke down so be it, if not I'll help in another way if I can.

Duane
Click to expand...
Yep, I think my powerstroke measures around 21 feet long. I would want at least a 24 foot.
 
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