What trailer would you recommend?

[nxski]

I've been looking on craigslist for used Wells Cargo trailers with a budget of around $4000. I also need a trailer with brakes (for obvious reasons as it's being pulled behing an L300) and it must be enclosed. It also can't weight too much but at the same time it will only be used in the city. I posted a thread not too long ago about what kind of Wells Cargo trailer to get but I wanted a new thread to compare different types of trailers. Something with venting would be nice as well.

I stumbled across this website... http://www.cummings.ca/trailer/viewAll/ct/cargo and from the looks of it you can get a brand new, fully loaded, Tailwind or Rambler trailer for less than a basic used Wells Cargo one (and they weigh less too). Am I missing something here? A trailer is a pretty simple thing so are you just paying for the Wells Cargo name or is there something else you get for your extra money as well?

Also, if anyone has other suggestions for types of trailers that would be better than the ones mentioned please let me know...
Thanks

[jessef]

yeah. craigslist. when I was looking for an enclosed small ute trailer, I found one in a day. scanning the ad's they pop up on a weekly basis.

name your price (below under 2k) and go check them out.

for starters:

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/pml/m ... 06223.html


8' X 4' enclosed cargo trailer (price drop) - $1350 (Pitt Meadows)

Date: 2012-07-10, 2:16PM PDT
Reply to: rdx4d-3131106223@sale.craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]

This trailer is awesome for carrying around your bikes or W.H.Y
$1350 firm

Call to view
604-460-8600
or reply to this ad




http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/bnc/f ... 99264.html

utility trailer - $1500 (Burnaby)

Date: 2012-07-09, 8:33AM PDT
Reply to: 47q9g-3097199264@sale.craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]

Great shape, Hitchman trailer.
Needs nothing
Dimensions: 4-5ft wide , 8ft long and 5 ft tall
Solid, Enclosed, good for atv (quad) or dirt bikes, work etc




this one was a smoking deal. not sure if it's still for sale. Just grab a 3,500lb axle from princess auto and you're set. save about $5,000.

Enclosed trailer 8 foot - repairs needed - $1000 (Aldergrove)

Date: 2012-05-14, 1:33PM PDT
Reply to: v8xxg-3015320447@sale.craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]

Hello - I am selling a Road Force trailer in need of an axle repair.
I have the new wheel and fenders but axle needs to be fixed
Otherwise very clean condition
Box size is 8 feet by 5 feet

Mike 604 725-0903

[nxski]

Thanks for the links, I've seen most of them, those ones are all a bit small though and the second one down is just plain ugly (I want to advertise on it so it has to look good). Also, I didn't notice any of them saying they have brakes or venting.

This is the exact set-up I'm looking for...

http://www.cummings.ca/trailer/viewOne/id/1105

Company colours, 6X10, lighting, venting, rocker guard, brakes, aluminum, perfect size, just at my max empty weight. I guess what I'm wonderingis, if 2 trailers with the same specs are different prices do I disregard the brand and just go with the cheapest?

EDIT: I'm also looking to be able to mount roof racks to it if it doesn't already have them.

[TardisDeli]

HI Nick,

Ooohhh Dude, I fear a sad future email from you if you buy such a large trailer, like the one in your Wish List. You know you will FILL it, then your poor deli will have a transmission issue, and then you'll be posting on the forum for help. We once rescued a deli with attached boler trailer, so we took his trailer while he got the deli towed to repair shop. Just get a small trailer.

PS: are you home from your travels? I havent been on the forum lately, drop by and visit us. Cheers, Christine.

[nxski]

Unfortunately I need a big trailer for work. I may get a more capable towing vehicle down the road but at the moment I need to work and can't afford to buy another vehicle and be insuring 2 nor do I have the space. I plan to take things really easy with the van and if I wreck the transmission I have BCAA

I still have 2 months before I return but I like to keep an eye on craigslist as I'll be needing to get a trailer as soon as I get home.

[glenn]

I have to echo Christine's wisdom on this one. 85 hp is not a lot. There is a good reason why you don't see delicas pulling big trailers.

If I was giving you advice, I would tell you to really look at how small of a trailer you can get away with. Upgrade to your dream trailer when you can afford more HP. Christine is also right that once you have the space, you will fill it.

[robinimpey]

I pull a little covered utility trailer with my van and empty it's very light so you don't even know it's back there. It's made by Trailers Unlimited out of Edmonton. I've had it for 4 years and no complaints.

Van & Trailer.JPG (62.44 KiB) Viewed 3466 times

[nxski]

Thank you all for the concern and wisdom!

1. I have seen a few delica's pulling 3000lb dual axed trailers around vancouver so I thought "why couldn't I pull 1/3 of that?"

2. I know I need something bigger than 8X4 because that's what I was using for work previously and it just won't do.

3. From what I've researched 1200lbs (empty weight) is not too bad for use on freeways and up hills and I've had more weight in the van filled with 7 passengers going to Whistler with no problems.

4. Max weight is 3500lbs which knowing me I will probably attempt a few times but it definitely won't be up any steep hills or at freeway speeds and I'll have my pyro telling me if I'm working Hermione too hard

5. I tend to haul large amounts of light garbage meaning a lot of space is needed but not a lot of weight would be pulled

6. I also need lots of length for long lenths of lumber (and roof racks for the even longer lengths)

I've figured out what my needs are, what my limitations are and the trailer listed above just seems to be "the lesser to two weavels"

If someone has a better suggestion (that would work for my situation) I'd be happy to hear it. I'm also still interested to know what the difference between brands would be or if I find 2 trailers with the same specs if I should go for the cheaper one!?

[jessef]

here's a few more.

keep it simple. lowest unloaded weight possible with highest GVW possible under your cap limit of 4k.

2009 Pace America Enclosed Trailer Outback Cargo Trailer 8' $2,695

2009 PACE AMERICA OUTBACK CARGO 8', WHITE, REAR BARN DOOR

http://www.pinnacle-csl.com/used/971997 ... ed-Trailer



longer ... 2005 Cargo Hut Trailer Great Condition - $4000

2005 Cargo Hut by Charmac 7' x 14' enclosed trailer 7'6' tall pavement to room
Drop down back door for easy access, loading and unloading. 3500lb GVW

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/rds/c ... 03077.html



nice... 6X10 Wells Cargo $3500

5 foot rear ramp with spring assist for easy use, as well as side door. Trailer is equipped with brakes to ensure safety for heavier loads. Near new tires, new spare, complete and ready to go, all lights etc in great shape. Professionally made by Wells Cargo

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/rds/b ... 94565.html



cheap ... Enclosed Landscaping trailer, ramp door, 5x8x5.5 $2100

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/bnc/f ... 84918.html



best deal I can find - 2008 Road Force enclosed trailer - $2500

2008 Enclosed Road Force Trailer
6x10 single axle
One side man door, double rear barn doors
Interior light and switch, Interior power outlets with exterior power inlet.

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/rds/r ... 98750.html

[nxski]

I'm liking that last one, no chance it will be around when I need a trailer but that's the kind of thing I'll be looking for when I get back.

[mararmeisto]

With all the towing I've done over the past six years, mostly in BC, I would recommend nothing heavier than 1 tonne. Especially for a trailer with no brakes, more especially because of the hills. If you lived on the Prairies, sure, go for something bigger, but not here.

And Christine makes a valid point: if you get a bigger trailer, you WILL fill it. And then you'll regret it.

Don't forget, you're van is already working a harder what with the extra weight you've added in sleeping arrangements and speakers inside the van and the aerodynamics-sucking cargo boxes on top.

[jessef]

after thinking about it some more, you just may be better off getting a dedicated trailer hauler on the cheap and leave your modified L300 as your daily driver/pleasurecraft.

I could see why you would want to use your L300 for work/hauling 'if' you are running wvo and using those savings in fuel, however you haven't indicated that is what you are doing.

So if you're using your L300 burning diesel, I'd keep it at home and get a cheap pickup or even better, a dirt cheap XJ with the 4.0L HO engine (uber reliable - no belts/chains - timing gear driven) that returns good fuel economy and repairs/parts are one of the cheapest for a vehicle.

You'd be able to tow anything with that engine and not worry about your L300.

Look at it in the long run. The low initial cost of a mid-90's XJ with the 4L HO + insurance would offset a new engine for your L300.

That's what I'd do.

[nxski]

As stated, I will be avoiding hills at all cost and they will be done in 'L' if i do have to go up one (that's with the trailer loaded). I do in fact plan on doing a WVO conversion as a way of saving fuel and advertising the company as environmentally friendly and having it be a write-off. Also, the boxes will be coming down but the bed will stay (although it's lighter than stock since the subs and bed together still weigh less than the swiveling captains chairs). The GVW will be kept below 4K and from my experience I tend to not fill more than 1000lbs into the trailer typically meaning the most I would typically haul would be 2200lbs but the space is needed for the large loads such as old wood shakes or styrofoam, etc which is light but bulky.

I've looked at getting another vehicle but the thought of buying parts for 2 vehicles, having to fork over money for a second vehicle, trying to find parking for a second vehicle and insuring 2 vehicles just doesn't make sense (especially insuring since I have to pay $3000 just to have my vehicle insured for pleasure use, a work vehicle would run me 4-5 so add those two up and that's a significant amount). If I blow up an engine or wreck the transmission so be it. Down the road I plan on buying a shorty Safari and turning it into a hardcore offroader which could also be used if I need to tow heavy loads but for now the Delica will have to do. I'm also saving for a motorcycle to get me around town when I'm not hauling anything, a storage locker, advertising, an office, a downpayment, etc so my budget for the coming 2 years is really tight.

[jessef]

now it makes sense

then a light trailer @ 1kT with brakes will do you fine

as you can see on craigslist, week to week there's a bunch of trailers that sprout up so when you get back, happy hunting.

[nxski]

That's the plan, thanks!

The schedule will involve getting the van in tip top shape when I return, picking up a trailer and then having a WVO system installed. I hear it's about $1000 to have that put in!?