PDA

View Full Version : Looking at purchasing a cargo trailer



fieldy
11-13-2017, 07:11 PM
In the market for a v-nose trailer i can go to races with and stay in while there, meanwhile storing stuff in while at the house. Build some sort of lounge to hang out in watch tv and get a good night sleep. Hate hotels and wouldnt sleep good with my two stroke family in the parking lot. Can anyone give me advice on choosing one for this. Not wanting real fancy like no rivited outside or already modified. I have been looking at some used ones though. Some very nice non-v-nose trailers. I have a dually diesel for the tow vehicle. I am thinking around a thirty foot trailer. Machines could ride on flatbed of truck.
So kind in my mind worried about weight and authorities. My truck sticker says 14,000 something. Ive seen friends pulling triple axle trailers and know they dont have cdls, one guy for his whole 40 year career traveling to and from major cities.
Probably a dual axle for me but seeing nice reasonably priced triple axle car haulers that are 30+ ft. Trailer will spend most of life sitting outside storing some clutter or becoming a "garage" so dont want to overspend on one.
I probably will edit if i have anything to add, usually do.

I will wear out my edit button!

knappyfeet
11-13-2017, 07:53 PM
I've been looking for one lately........on ebay they seem fairly inexpensive......30 footers expecially.

I sold my 6x12 that I had forever not too long ago. Although a lot of my stuff is gone I'm in the market for an 8x20 or something close to that for kinda the reason your doing.....for a little "chill" area in the front........a little awning outside, wired, etc. My RV is the limiting factor as it can barely pull it's own ass up a hill let alone too much tow weight.....coming out of Glamis is a 2nd gear deal for me.

It would be cool to have a little area for wrenching, sitting, etc. There's one on ebay now with an AC, finished.....for around 8K.

fabiodriven
11-13-2017, 08:09 PM
It's all up to you if you're insisting on building the living area yourself, you can do whatever you want. One thing to remember is that you should be able to register it as a camper as opposed to a cargo trailer if you're building a living area in it (depending on your local laws). In Massachusetts where I currently reside, registering as a camper instead of a cargo trailer would benefit the owner because of a decrease in registration fees. In Massachusetts you must pay by the lb to register your cargo trailer. Registering a cargo trailer with a GVW of 7,000 lbs is not cheap in this commonwealth, however registering a camper is far cheaper and not "pay by the pound".

Personally I think you're over thinking about CDL requirements. If your truck is not registered commercial and you're not using it commercially, then there is no reason the police have any reason to look at you. I have seen fifth wheel and goose neck trailers over forty feet in length designed to be pulled by one ton pickups, so a thirty foot trailer really shouldn't be a big deal. If you're that concerned about it, look up your local laws in regards to vehicle length allowances.

fieldy
11-13-2017, 08:12 PM
A 20 to 26 ft. would be great for the travel just wanted more storage of stuff thats in my way at the house with some long term remodeling going on.
I will post up some of my findings later this week so you can get an idea of what the asking prices are here in Indiana. Aluminum, non-aluminum, non v-nose seem like some deals. Some are 20 years old, which u would have to service and inspect. Buying some spare leaves and breakdown parts would be of most importance. Car haulers have probably had a rougher life than some regular cargo's too.

sledcrazyinCT
11-13-2017, 08:16 PM
There are close to 36 trailer builders in Georgia/Florida alone. Check ebay for listings and pick up at their location for the best price.

We bought a 2014 SGAC 24 footer + V nose w/ 7.5 ceiling height plus two drop down doors and two passenger doors, upgraded 5400 pound axles trailer weighs 3940 empty. Pick up in their yard was $5940. It cost $1,540 to get it to dealer in Maine.
It generally sits so we wired it for lights and a couple outlets and it is nice for swap meets and working out of the elements on toys.

Nice dealer in Turner Maine for all types of trailers, owner has a old snowmobile museum on site and hold swap meets on occasion.

Good luck finding your dream trailer

fieldy
11-13-2017, 08:41 PM
It's all up to you if you're insisting on building the living area yourself, you can do whatever you want. One thing to remember is that you should be able to register it as a camper as opposed to a cargo trailer if you're building a living area in it (depending on your local laws). In Massachusetts where I currently reside, registering as a camper instead of a cargo trailer would benefit the owner because of a decrease in registration fees. In Massachusetts you must pay by the lb to register your cargo trailer. Registering a cargo trailer with a GVW of 7,000 lbs is not cheap in this commonwealth, however registering a camper is far cheaper and not "pay by the pound".

Personally I think you're over thinking about CDL requirements. If your truck is not registered commercial and you're not using it commercially, then there is no reason the police have any reason to look at you. I have seen fifth wheel and goose neck trailers over forty feet in length designed to be pulled by one ton pickups, so a thirty foot trailer really shouldn't be a big deal. If you're that concerned about it, look up your local laws in regards to vehicle length allowances.

Good points and thank you. I will check into the registration choices in my state. I can use the trailer for business so that will be the deciding factor on registrations.
Most likley it will sit at home most of the time but you never know i could use it more than i expect once i own one. Opens up some possibilities. I am just realizing that i need to do more recreational things and get away more so hopefully i can choose the right trailer.

fieldy
11-13-2017, 08:47 PM
There are close to 36 trailer builders in Georgia/Florida alone. Check ebay for listings and pick up at their location for the best price.

We bought a 2014 SGAC 24 footer + V nose w/ 7.5 ceiling height plus two drop down doors and two passenger doors, upgraded 5400 pound axles trailer weighs 3940 empty. Pick up in their yard was $5940. It cost $1,540 to get it to dealer in Maine.
It generally sits so we wired it for lights and a couple outlets and it is nice for swap meets and working out of the elements on toys.

Nice dealer in Turner Maine for all types of trailers, owner has a old snowmobile museum on site and hold swap meets on occasion.

Good luck finding your dream trailer

A good trip to Florida sounds terrific this winter but hey no on the go up to Maine, lol! Where did you get yours? Was it a leftover year? What i am asking is did you buy a year or two old "new" trailer? Thats how i bought my first new truck.

sledcrazyinCT
11-13-2017, 09:22 PM
We purchased in October 2013 brand new, had to wait for delivery.
Buy new and you get warranty and piece of mind. Besides you can most likely sell it used locally for close to your original cost if you plan to take a road trip. Use it for five or six years and flip for another one. In my area used were more expensive many times.

barnett468
11-13-2017, 09:43 PM
I will wear out my edit button!

Mine will never wear out. :lol:

PREVIOUS KAWASAKI INTERNATIONAL R & D PROJECT ENGINEER AND ATV DEPARTMENT SUPERVISOR AND THE ONLY PERSON ON 3WW WITHOUT AN EDIT BUTTON OR A STAR :Bounce

barnett468
11-13-2017, 09:46 PM
My RV is the limiting factor as it can barely pull it's own ass up a hill let alone too much tow weight.....coming out of Glamis is a 2nd gear deal for me.


Go supercharged or go home.


PREVIOUS KAWASAKI INTERNATIONAL R & D PROJECT ENGINEER AND ATV DEPARTMENT SUPERVISOR AND THE ONLY PERSON ON 3WW WITHOUT AN EDIT BUTTON OR A STAR :Bounce

fieldy
11-13-2017, 09:46 PM
One guy told me whatever you get make sure its a v-nose but the "good deals" on square type look tempting. Some of those are partially aluminum, which in my case of occasional towing seems not neccesary. Been really looking for gooseneck but that takes all your truck bed up. Would go a little longer if it was a gooseneck trailer. Im liking the Florida idea though!

sledcrazyinCT
11-13-2017, 09:49 PM
247554

http://www.scottsrecreation.com

Scott's Recreation - Turner
2239 Auburn Road
Turner, ME 04282
Phone: (207) 224-8444 (tel:2072248444)


2239 AUBURN ROAD

fabiodriven
11-13-2017, 10:26 PM
I was under the assumption you were speaking strictly of used trailers. If you're open to buying new I can guide you through the process and most likely save you some money, as I just did that this past spring. I custom ordered a brand new 18x8.5 V-nose and drove direct to the factory for pick-up in Georgia. I know the whole process very well and you might even be able to cut out the middle man.

Going back to trailer lengths, my fifth wheel toy hauler is a triple axle 35 footer. I don't know why I didn't bring that up from the beginning, lol.

fieldy
11-13-2017, 10:59 PM
I was under the assumption you were speaking strictly of used trailers. If you're open to buying new I can guide you through the process and most likely save you some money, as I just did that this past spring. I custom ordered a brand new 18x8.5 V-nose and drove direct to the factory for pick-up in Georgia. I know the whole process very well and you might even be able to cut out the middle man.

Going back to trailer lengths, my fifth wheel toy hauler is a triple axle 35 footer. I don't know why I didn't bring that up from the beginning, lol.

Very well may pm you about that. Probably have to buy off existing lot inventory though since end of year is approaching.
Was the ordering new a major factor in getting those savings?
Got to tell about that 35' toy hauler though! That must be like Elvis Presley's mechanic's weekend sweet.

fabiodriven
11-14-2017, 05:00 PM
247554

http://www.scottsrecreation.com

Scott's Recreation - Turner
2239 Auburn Road
Turner, ME 04282
Phone: (207) 224-8444 (tel:2072248444)


2239 AUBURN ROAD

Does that place have all those vintage sleds? I get boners everywhere for vintage sleds! I have to get up there!

sledcrazyinCT
11-14-2017, 09:09 PM
Does that place have all those vintage sleds? I get boners everywhere for vintage sleds! I have to get up there!


Paul's inventory changes often and unfortunately at one point he sold off a bunch to cover family medical bills. That said last time I was there he had pallet racks full of them 20 feet high and the floor littered with them . Real nice collection of old iron dogs and Turner Maine is a short drive but call to check their viewing hours

coolpool
11-18-2017, 12:05 PM
Have you decided on wether you're going with a lower trailer with wheel wells visible inside or a deck over style with a completely flat floor common with sled haulers? I have a steel 26' V-nose deck over with 5200# axles and it's good and its not. It's great for towing over rough terrain due to the ground clearance but it's a bit quirky on the highway in cross winds or when passing semis. You definitely have to watch the sway. Access and egress is a PITA too as they only put one step on at the man door? Also the panels on mine are screwed on and quite a few have broken off for some reason. If I were to purchase again I think I would have gone with the lower style with one piece sides. Mine sits at 4650lbs empty.

3 Wheel Drive
11-18-2017, 12:35 PM
Does that place have all those vintage sleds? I get boners everywhere for vintage sleds! I have to get up there!


So does this guy!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzOUgwsQ_hM

fieldy
11-19-2017, 03:28 AM
Have you decided on wether you're going with a lower trailer with wheel wells visible inside or a deck over style with a completely flat floor common with sled haulers? I have a steel 26' V-nose deck over with 5200# axles and it's good and its not. It's great for towing over rough terrain due to the ground clearance but it's a bit quirky on the highway in cross winds or when passing semis. You definitely have to watch the sway. Access and egress is a PITA too as they only put one step on at the man door? Also the panels on mine are screwed on and quite a few have broken off for some reason. If I were to purchase again I think I would have gone with the lower style with one piece sides. Mine sits at 4650lbs empty.

I was looking at the deckovers and they talk about them being stronger because the frame is around the lower perimeter. I imagined the V-nose helping with that sway substantially. You would think with the perimeter floor strength that it would be less likley to snap off the panel screws.I would definitely want a fold down rear door, those take a lot of the loading work away.
This is the kind of things i am interested in hearing about. People sure aren't gonna hear that from to many salesman!

coolpool
11-19-2017, 10:19 AM
It's definitely strong as I carry my 1952 Army jeep in it with trailer which has a combined weight of around 3,500#. A lot of the deck over trailers also have the second ramp door on the left side of the V for removing sleds. It's handy at times. Both ramps can get very slippery due to the angle from the added height.