Learn me about enclosed trailers

tlucier

tlucier

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jun 3, 2007
Location
Mebane, NC
Older parents, shitty things happen as you age. I’ve taken more 750 mile, one way trips in the past 4 month than I care to think about, but you do what you do for family and I’m happy to do so. So here’s the deal...kind of a last time, family reunion/vacation back where we used to vacation as a family coming up this summer. I’m going to need to carry a lot of stuff up there to pull this off and wanted it under cover and under lock & key. I also have a number of trips planned to check in on the folks and hotels cost too much. At some point, given the diagnosis, I’ll be making another trip to clear some things out. I looked into putting a topper/truck cap on my rig but for the few times I would use it, it seems way too much of an expense & a hassle. So I thought of an enclosed trailer because I think I’d get more use out of it. I have no idea what to look for or what is considered good vs crap.

Short story - who makes good enclosed trailers, who should I stay away from, what should I look for and when should I run like a screaming toddler.
 
I mean how long you planning on keeping it? Just buy a new one drag it around a year or two and sell it for about what you paid for it. The truly nice ones are about twice the price of the tons of them on CL. I got mine from Doby trailer sales in Sanford, it is a Diamond Cargo and has been fine for occasionally dragging cars and furniture around.
 
tlucier said:
I have no idea what to look for or what is considered good vs crap.
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If you're keeping it and want to invest in a GOOD trailer that's one thing. If you'll use it for 2 years and sell it that's another.

Like he said, used CL is just as much as new.

I bought a 7x16 "Covered wagon" with dexter axles and LEDs back in 2010. Used it to haul race bikes and camp at the track in for 4 years then sold it for $200 less than I bought it for.

@shawn can tell you the best names...likely can tell you the crap names to avoid too
 
I've had a 16 foot Haulmark for 15 or so years. Big cheap box, does what a big cheap box does. I've move myself twice, others, hauled tools, equipment, motorcycles, boy scout outings, and everything in between.
Its dirty, needs tires, and still functions as it should.

To me the difference is only are you looking for Kobalt/Crafstman or SnapOn/Mac?

I have SnapOn pit wagon.....biggest stupid spending mistake ever. It holds tools. Yes I pulled those drawers for many years everyday. But in the same time frame I could have bought many replacements and still saved money.

In the end it's a fancy box. Just get the right weight and decent axles.
 
WARRIORWELDING said:
I've had a 16 foot Haulmark for 15 or so years. Big cheap box, does what a big cheap box does. I've move myself twice, others, hauled tools, equipment, motorcycles, boy scout outings, and everything in between.
Its dirty, needs tires, and still functions as it should.

To me the difference is only are you looking for Kobalt/Crafstman or SnapOn/Mac?

I have SnapOn pit wagon.....biggest stupid spending mistake ever. It holds tools. Yes I pulled those drawers for many years everyday. But in the same time frame I could have bought many replacements and still saved money.

In the end it's a fancy box. Just get the right weight and decent axles.
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I’ll second this, I buy cheap trailers...they do what they’re supposed to. They’re used daily holding about 6,000lbs of weight...first one is still in service after 5 years.
 
Heres my take on enclosed trailers,unless you find a screamin deal,buy new.For the price most are askin for a 10 yo beat up trailer,w a bent axle and no title you can put $500 w it and get a new one.I have three enclosed trailers now and have one fixed to sleep in when we are at Tonya's antique sales.You want a one piece roof,the multi piece roofs will leaks at the joints at some point.If your gonna sleep in it your gonna want the cool roof,basically its insulation between the roof and trusses.Our 16 foot trailer has it but our 18 foot doesn't and its a big temp difference.Again if you plan on sleeping it in youll want a entry door w a rv stlye door handle w interior latch versus a bar on the outside.If you plan to use a generator and mount it on the tongue look at it and make sure you have enuf room.Most trailer now are V nose and room is limited,extended tongue is nice for mounting gens and help when backing too.Cheap(er) trailers have lighter gauge metal than the name brands one and from my experience the fit and finish is not as good.Homesteader,Haulmark,Leonard,Wells Cargo all seems top be better quality trailers.Count on replacing the tires on a new one within a year of buying it,the chineese tires on em are junk and will wear funky and blowout w no indication theres a problem.If you even think you might wanna put an a/c unit in it make sure the roof is braced for the weight of the unit.Barn doors or drop down door is personal preference we have em both ways.If you can afford a new one or can find an affordable used one.a trailer w torsion axles (IMO) ride and pull better.
 
CasterTroy said:
I bought a 7x16 "Covered wagon" with dexter axles and LEDs back in 2010. Used it to haul race bikes and camp at the track in for 4 years then sold it for $200 less than I bought it for.
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1-tonmudder said:
Heres my take on enclosed trailers,unless you find a screamin deal,buy new.For the price most are askin for a 10 yo beat up trailer,w a bent axle and no title you can put $500 w it and get a new one.
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I have a 28 ft diamond I bought I guess 10 years ago now. I tow once a month with it and it doubles for storage for a car, bikes, and a few other things.

1 piece roof is a must if your keeping it
I wish I installed t track to tie down stuff where ever.
The bias ply tires are junk and will wear out fast
All the not huge name brand I feel are about the same. You get bent over on add ons and inside bs.

If you keep it add a side door so you can load a car and open the door to get out. Unless you want to dukes of hazard it forever, I figured im not getting smaller or younger.

Thats really about it. Mine has paid for itself by renting it, odd tow jobs, and then using it as waterproof storage.
 
Don’t buy anything made in Georgia if you want it to last i have a 2 foot plus the 3 foot v I would definitely recommend getting a v it’s like free space if you want ac make sure it’s setup for that and also insulation is a huge deal if you plan to sleep in it let me know if I can help with any details


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I bought a used homesteader 10 years ago. Has served me and about everyone I know well. I've had to fix a few things here and there but it's just maintenance type things.

Our church also has a homesteader that is holding up well.

They are both torsion axel and pull well.

Over the tire holds alot, but is harder to see behind you.

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A Hercules is probably the best built "cheap" trailer. I have a bendron titen and had a Horton. Both of those are fucking junk.
 
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