School me on enclosed trailers.

chromerunner

chromerunner

The Scrambler
Joined
Jun 18, 2006
Location
Biscoe NC
So I'm getting ready to purchase a enclosed trailer. I need to haul and lock up my golf cart. Transport a motorcycle or two And move some furniture. (Not at the same time!)

Open to looking at all sizes
Thinking 7x12 although open to 6x12,7x14 and etc.

Seems to be so many trailer dealers on craigslist and the Internet. What brands do I stay away from? What company's are scams, what to look for? Single axle or dual axle?

Really would like to buy a quality unit and not be stuck with junk.
Budget is topped around $3-3250 cash.
 
My parents have a Lark enclosed that they bought from Kraftsman. Had it for several years now and zero complaints. Think it's a 6'x14' if I remember right.
 
We ran a Horton Hauler for a couple years when we were running all over the southeast racing motorcycles every weekend. Held up great, pulled great, never had any issues with it. It was a 7x12 with a v-nose, double axle. We were regularly running at around 4500 pounds with bikes and gear, and it saw 75-80mph sustained speeds, and occasional 95-100mph stints (on a closed circuit of course...).
 
buy a bigger one that you think you need. those walls close in fast, and once you have one you start realizing all kinds of ways of using it. most of those ways will require a larger trailer than you bought.
 
Compare all the specs (wall and floor thickness, spacing of joists, etc). I was finding a lot of differences in the same sizes and price points. It made it easier to see who was cheaping out.
 
You really have to do your homework. I see ads for enclosed trailers that are cheaper than flat beds of the same size. There's no magic there: they're cutting costs one way or another.
 
You pretty much get what you pay for. Like @shawn said, prices are cut somewhere to make the 20' enclosed cheaper than a flat bed of the same size.

If you use it 2-6 times a year, an el cheapo may be worth the $. If you use it everyday and constantly load it to the max, a nice top end trailer may be your best option.


Here is my theory on tools and the theory works well for my trailers too....
1 1/4" up to 2 1/2" wrenches are expensive. I don't use them often but when I do need them, there is rarely any other option than owning them. Is it worth spending $1500 on those wrenches by purchasing top end high $$$ wrenches or would a set of $400 Pittsburgh wrenches work? While it would be ideal to have the nice Proto or Wright wrenches, but my needs don't warrant the $1500+ cost. Trailers are the same.

However, if you have unlimited funds, ignore the above and buy whatever.
 
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