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Posted by: Mike Chero
Hi All,
Well, after spending a mint on my Sport and a wallet full on the Trailblazer, I've decided to get an enclosed trailer for hauling and storing my quads. I settled on a Pace American 6' x 14' single axle enclosed trailer. I'd like to know how these things haul.
My present daily driver is a 1989 Ford Bronco (full sized like O.J.'s) with a Jasper 5.0L (302), 3.55 gears in the differentials, 4 speed EOD tranny and 31" tires. I live in hill country and am wondering how well these things tow on hills. My current trailer is a 7 1/2' x 8 steel trailer and I don't have enough room for the gear I have.
I decided to go with the single axle because the tongue weight is less (not to mention the trailer weighs less too). Should I get the electric brake option? The trailer is rated for 2900 lbs, but I'll only be hauling less than half of that (Quads, gas, oil and maybe riding gear).
I also plan to use the trailer as a shed when I'm not riding the quads. Is there any thing I should be worried about as far as security goes?
Thanks in advance!
Posted by: Mike Chero
TEXMud,
I did look at those, but decided to keep with in my budget. Those V shaped trailer add additional cost, but they are easier to tow. I looked at Haulmark, Wells Cargo, Pace American and Carmate. The cheapest was Haulmark, but the best value (IMHO) was the Pace American. Looking at their web sites helped a lot.
Posted by: Mike Chero
Jack,
I think I have the security aspect down pat. The parking area I just constructed for it has a dogwood tree on the back side. I just back the trailer up to it and viola! Instant security. If some one tries to cut it down (the tree) I'll know about it well in advance of it falling and will meet them with a loaded Kalashnikov in hand. As far as the side door, I didn't get one. I tried to stay within my budget when I bought it (plus the fact that it is one more door to break into). I did get a few ups and extras, though. I got the dual inside light kit and two side vents for it (to get rid of any gas fumes). The hitch lock sounds like a good deal, I'll have to get one. I really don't worry that much about people stealing stuff down here, Once I accidently left my back door wide open when I went to camp for the weekend. Nothing was gone! Talk about honest neighbors!
What really got me going is the fact that our C.E.R.T. team at work bought a nice 8' x 16' Haulmark. They basically use it as a shed until they are deployed somewhere.
Posted by: Mike Chero
Driver 72,
I finally did get the trailer. It became clear to me that these things tow quite well when empty or even if full. Put one quad alone in it, and it tows like crap (unless you balance the load). I had to do several modifications to my Bronco. The first I already had on it, coil over shocks. The second was I got a frame hitch, rather than using the bumper (even though it was rated for class 3). Third I got a set of 2-1/2" dual exhausts w/ glass packs put on it. I also pitched the catalytic converter (no emissions where I live). It is unbelieveable how much better it runs than the stock "corked up" system. I can run all of the hills on I-80 in drive at 65mph and still be able to accellerate when I need to. I did get the single axle sans brakes but haven't had a problem with it yet. I usually gear down for down hills on secondary roads into 2nd or 1st. Granted they really aren't "hills" compared to where you live, but it gets the job done. Better safe than sorry.
I know what you mean about the electric braking (one of the reasons I didn't go with it). It looks clunky and complicated as all heck. I wish I would have had the money for the other brake systems you talked about, but I'm on a limited budget. I didn't get the roof vent because the trailer has to fit under the carport. However, like I said, I do have a nice shady dogwood to park it under.
Posted by: Jack
Hey Mike --
Good setup for two quads. As far as the brakes go, I happen to like electric trailer brakes, but there are many who don't. It sure helps slow you down quickly. They are much more maintenance, but, heck, your are a "Polaris man" also, so maintenance is not a problem. Up here I wouldn't go without them with the slick stuff, but, if you only intend to run in the spring-summer-fall, it may not matter.
In PA you may want to check regulations on what needs to be inspected or not. I think 2,900 lb trailers may not have to be, which is really nice. My 8 x 16 Pace dually with a 7,500 gross needs to be inspected every year.
How much are the brakes?
Posted by: Jack
Mike --
As far a security, don't advertise. Also a lock on the back & side door along with one of those "bulldog" locks for the coupler, when disconnected should do it. They are pretty nice. I've used one for a while now.
Posted by: tprender
I am on my 2nd enclosed trailer. Once you get one you will wish that you had got one many years before. My 1st did not have a side door and it was a big mistake not to get it with one. With the quads inside it is very hard to get to the front to get something that you will need. That is why I sold it and got the 2nd one the same size but with a side door. After you get it put a roof vent in(about $40) to get rid of the gas smell and the heat during the summer.
Posted by: TEXMud
Mike, I'm jealous. I have been looking at that trailer and the 6x14 from Wells Cargo. I tried to go to the dealer this past weekend and they were closed on a Saturday. I have always been told that if you want a trailer like that get either a v-shaped front or a nose cone.
Posted by: Driver72
www.aluminumtrailer.com (the best I've found...period)
I've towed trailers (toy boxes, flats, bumper pulls and goosenecks) for over twenty years.
Most steel framed trailers today are lacking in the quality department. 3-5 year life with any contact with winter roads and salt. Considered throw aways.
Hydraulic surge brakes or electric over hydraulic, preferably disc. Smooth and very little maintenance. Electric brakes suck and are outdated. Nothing looks more crappy than a new truck with a friggin brake controller hanging somewhere, always in the way. Someday the truck engineers will realize this a incorporate a tow vehicle brake system into their new truck designs. Are you listening Detroit.
A side door is a must have item. Preferably same side as your tow vehicles fuel cap. Or order it with fuel access doors, same side as your vehicle fuel cap.
Roof vent definately. Allows heat to escape during storage (don't want the toys to suffer).
Removable ramps rattle during transit and are a pain. Built in or ramp doors are better but usually cost more$$$. Ramp on enclosed trailer is the only way to go. Really is nice when you are helping the buddy move out of his house, due to many toys and spouse conflicts.
Extra interior lights. The standard 1ea dome light is not enough, 2 minimum, three better. Exterior load lights are nice, but not needed.
DOT sealed tail lights (LEDS are nice, bright and $$$). Two per each side is better. Ever burn out a brake/tail/turn light? The additional light per side will get you home safely. Or carry spares.
Two ATV's equals two axled trailers. One ATV equals single. Two axle trailer equals room for the buddy's ATV. Minimum 7x14 for end to end transport or 102" X 10' for side by side. Wide trailers require towing mirrors (do not tow without being able to see behind you). A 7x14 can usually be towed with standard mirrors.
Two axles pull straighter. Narrow, low profile, v-nose trailers slip thru the wind better.
Only color for me is white. Looks nice behind any truck and reflects heat.
An all aluminum trailer will cost 25% more and weigh up to 50% less. Better long term value (considering eventual resale and longevity).
email me for additional input.
I just ordered a new all aluminum (including floor and ramp, no wood in the floor). My last trailer purchase.
