Looking into purchasing a trailer

ikk

Adventurer
I been lurking on and off for sometime now. I will be in the process of getting rid of my Ford Expedition for something a slightly bit smaller (looking at the Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel) As well as we will be welcoming an new addition(baby girl) to our family in Sept. This will make us a family of four not including our dog. Anyways, I have been looking at the builds on this site as well as what can be bought new. I just can't justify spending 10 grand and up for a new trailer. I like the Adventure Trailer's-Horizon. the extra compartments give it a bit more organizing potential rather then one big box to put everything in.
Well being I am no welder, although I am handy, and I don't want to spend that kind of money, I was looking at my options. I been looking into the used trailer market as well as I have a company close by that makes trailers. They make this trailer for $3500.00 includes powder coating, 2995 lb axle, rear drop down tailgate,and looks well built.
HTML:
http://www.beartrailersports.com/trailgater.html
You can open the PDF pricing sheet and brochure at the bottom of the page. the top which is not included and is not on the pricing page is $900.00. It seems buying a used Utility Trailer or older Military Trailer and modifying it and painting it may not save me that much then something as stated above.

If anyone can provide me with suggestions it would be greatly appreciated.
 

Xrunner

Explorer
I been looking into the used trailer market as well as I have a company close by that makes trailers. They make this trailer for $3500.00 includes powder coating, 2995 lb axle, rear drop down tailgate,and looks well built.
HTML:
http://www.beartrailersports.com/trailgater.html
You can open the PDF pricing sheet and brochure at the bottom of the page. the top which is not included and is not on the pricing page is $900.00. It seems buying a used Utility Trailer or older Military Trailer and modifying it and painting it may not save me that much then something as stated above.

If anyone can provide me with suggestions it would be greatly appreciated.

It might be worth asking around to see if they have any demos for sale or know of a used one up for grabs that might save a few bucks.

In my opinion (and I'm currently on trailer #7) it's worth it to spend a little more up front for what you want than buy a project and spend a lot of your free weekends working on it. $4,000 to $5,000 for an optioned trailer from a local company seems about right for what we would find here in Colorado.

I would take the time to understand the suspension and related aspects. It appears they use leaf springs... as long as they are correctly sized and designed the trailer should tow well empty and loaded. Hauling 500-800 pounds of camping gear is a lot different than 2,500 pounds of firewood. A poorly behaved/bouncy trailer can suck the fun right out of a trip.
 

ikk

Adventurer
Xrunner, Thanks for your thoughts. The company only builds a few at a time sells them and then makes more. They make customs trailers from everything for Police trailers to Boats trailers. I am sure I could have them make the trailer specific to my needs but I know it will add to the cost. Thanks for your input it helps. I am in no real hurry so I will keep checking the classifieds for something close to my needs.
 

FJRanger

I like getting lost...
I've a beartrailsport's trailgator and have been happy with it. It's done what I need it to and followed our landcruiser everywhere without an issue. I will say there are some area on it where I'm less than thrilled with the powder coating. But am overall satisfied with the purchase.

Btw, I went the custom route with them and it didn't add a tremendous amount of money. Let me know if you'd like any more info.
 
Last edited:

2X4TACOMA

New member
Well looks like we are looking for something similar. As I just got a RTT and I knew I wanted it on a trailer at some point. At this point the sooner the better. Im still trying to figure out the size of trailer I want. Any way not sure if there is a Carson Trailer dealer near you but I checked here where im at and they had the best price so far for a utility type trailer and he said they do custom work. Might check them out.
 

ikk

Adventurer
FjRanger, I like the ruggedness of the trailer. At only 17" high, I was looking for something around 30" so I could add a box on each side over each fender. I like the fact I can remove the top and use it to haul something tall like a regular utility trailer. I may need to have them price out what I want. Thanks on the powdercoat warning. I wonder if they have some type of warranty. If done right, a hammer shouldn't chip it.

2x4tacoma, I been looking at a few dealers, issue I see is by the time you buy it and get it customized to your needs, you could of had one made from scratch I think. I would like a 4x6 trailer by 30inches tall side walls with a removable top to start off with. From there I could add and customize over time.
 

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