Trailer Suggestions.

[project400ex19]

Has anyone found a trailer that is the perfect size. I was thinking about getting a 8.5x16, questioning if it's going to be too wide for my liking. Just wondering what everyone else is running and how they like them. I know H&H make some killer trailers but maybe you guys have some suggestions on a brand also. Thanks!

[JOEX]

What and how much are you hauling?

[project400ex19]

well, just 1 bike and 1 quad for racing, but i need room for 4 quads for trips, i like the wider one so i can put a futon or something in there to sleep on when race season rolls around again.

[Raptor68]

We have a 7'x14' enclosed and it easily holds 3 full size quads...two are turned sideways and the last one is driven straight in. I believe it could also hold a dirtbike alongside the 3 quads. It has plenty of room for our gear, chairs, tools, cooler, etc. It's a decent size but i would like a 16 ft someday...

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[GPracer2500]

Nice trailer Raptor68. I've got a 7x14 also, not quite as nice as yours.

It's a good size for me. Really, I think trailer size is something that can easily be different for different people. What you need to do with it AND what your pulling it with make the difference. If your truck can pull it well, one strategy is to just get at least one size bigger than you think you need.

Mine's a Haulmark. I've been happy with it. I had a 5x10 Pace American for almost 8 years. It was really basic so there wasn't much to go wrong but I never had a lick of problems with it.

I don't think I could fit 4 quads in my 7x14. The only possible way I can think of that you could maybe do it would be to stand them up. But even then I'm not sure if it'd be possible and even if it was it would be way too much hassle to do other than in an emergency

3 quads + gear is easy (but six-pack racks can make it tight). I don't think I've done 3 quads + 1 bike but that should be doable I think (unless maybe two of them had extended A-arms and such).

Here's 2 bikes, a 400EX and a ATC250R.

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d133/gpracer2500/Dunes/P2060137Medium.jpg

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d133/gpracer2500/Dunes/PC150008Medium.jpg


I've got a friend with a 7x14 (maybe it's 8x14--it's got the "inside" wheel wells) Haulmark that's really nice. It's insulated, has a side window, an exterior canopy, under-floor storage, 5000lb axles--basically it's loaded. This is the only pic I have of it:

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d133/gpracer2500/Dunes/6502320-R1-008-2AMedium.jpg

[JOEX]

Originally posted by GPracer2500

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d133/gpracer2500/Dunes/P2060137Medium.jpg

Just wondering....

Is the chunk of wood used for something other than camp fire?:p

[project400ex19]

I don't have a truck yet. the car is ready to be traded in though. I need a truck, I'm a carpenter with a four wheeler. and a car just doesn't do the job. So i could use the trailer for more than just play. What kind of Mileage do you guys get? I'm planning on getting either a 3/4 or 1 ton diesel truck to pull it b/c some of the tracks up here are a 3 hour drive. Nice looking trailers guys. Is it worth getting the v-front.

[ShiftFMX]

Heres my 6X12, it hauls 3 quads PERFECTLY! If I could have done it differently, I would have gotten a dual axle, the single axle wanders and sways too much

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/ShiftFMX/DSC01847.jpg

[GPracer2500]

Originally posted by JOEX
Just wondering....

Is the chunk of wood used for something other than camp fire?:p

Firewood. But it survived that weekend because it doubled as a step for the trailer door.

[mineralgrey01gt]

im so ready to get me a good trailer for my quad. Whats a good size enclosed trailer that hauls 2 quads, gear, and such with ease?

[GPracer2500]

Originally posted by project400ex19
I don't have a truck yet. the car is ready to be traded in though. I need a truck, I'm a carpenter with a four wheeler. and a car just doesn't do the job. So i could use the trailer for more than just play. What kind of Mileage do you guys get? I'm planning on getting either a 3/4 or 1 ton diesel truck to pull it b/c some of the tracks up here are a 3 hour drive. Nice looking trailers guys. Is it worth getting the v-front.

I get 10 if I'm lucky in my 2000 4x4 V8 Tundra. Tailwinds and headwinds matter. I can see the wind direction on my gas gauge sometimes. I leave it in third unless I'm going down hill. Sucks cause that means I'm looking for gas every 200 miles. With my buddies stock 2004 (?) 4x4 3/4 ton w/ 4 speed auto Cummins I think we get ~15 [shrug]. Speed limits out here are 75mph on most interstates.

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d133/gpracer2500/Dunes/P4030038Medium.jpg

[GPracer2500]

Originally posted by project400ex19
...Is it worth getting the v-front.

Not sure. The flat ones are kinda like towing a barn door so it stands to reason a v-front might get you an extra mpg or two. I think they tend to give you a bit of extra gear storage space too.

[GPracer2500]

Originally posted by mineralgrey01gt
im so ready to get me a good trailer for my quad. Whats a good size enclosed trailer that hauls 2 quads, gear, and such with ease?

6x12 single axle would probably be the minimum. I had a 5x10 single axle and I did put two quads in it once. But it was a nightmare. We had to take some plastic off and build a rack type thing so we could piggy-back them in the trailer. It was a ton of work and I would never do it again.

With a 6x12 you can likely roll two in nose to tail, front tires to back tires. It may be tight but it should fit in most 6x12's. Butt your quads end to end and measure so you can compare that to whatever trailer your about to buy to be sure they'll fit. Then you'll have some space on the sides for gear. Some aftermarket bumpers and especially rear grab bars/cooler racks on both machines can get in the way of an nose-to-tail fit depending on the exact inside measurement of the trailer.

If you go 7' wide you can put them in there sideways. Again, it's good to measure your individual quads so you know how they fit. Quads with cooler racks are a pain to put sideways in my 7' wide trailer--but they've all fit so far. At 7' with them riding sideways then you could even go 10' long, but that would be an uncommon sized trailer and you wouldn't have as much extra space.

Tandem axles are more desirable. They handle more weight (most single axles are going to be limited to ~3500lbs total trailer weight) and most single axles I've been around don't have trailer brakes. Trailer brakes are important unless you've got a big truck with great brakes. It's also easier to load a tandem axle. Weight distribution isn't as critical. They tend to track better going down the road too. The downside is they weight a bit more and you've got twice the tires and bearings to maintain, plus the extra price tag.

Spend the extra for drop down cargo door in the rear if you can. They are so much easier. My 5x10 had a single swing out door and it gets old either lifting or using ramps to load-up.

6x12 single axle minimum
6x14 is better and with tandem axle is better yet
7x12 tandem axle would be good, I don't know if I've seen 7x12 single axle
7x14 might be overkill for two quads and might start getting hard to tow depending on your truck. But it's hard to have too much space in your trailer. Worry more about going too small, not going too big--but make sure you and your truck are comfortable towing it.

Someone else may have different opinions or experience, but that's my $0.02.

[GPracer2500]

My old 5x10 Pace American right before I sold it.

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d133/gpracer2500/PB090013.jpg


Putting two quads in here is possible. But I won't ever do that again. Ever. Even putting one quad a dirt bike in it required removing one of the rear quad tires to get them to barely fit and it was still a PITA.

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d133/gpracer2500/PB090003.jpg

Handling race track duty back in the day.
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d133/gpracer2500/FirebirdMedium.jpg

She was a good little trailer. Fit one quad or motorcycle + gear like a dream. It was light too--I think like 1100lbs empty. I use to tow it with a 90' 4x4 Toyota with a 22RE four cylinder. It was about all that little truck could handle out on the open road.

[project400ex19]

aweome advice everyone keep it coming. I'm kinda leaning towards a 7x14 14' not including the v-front, tandem axel. I think that would be about perfect. Anyone know of some comfy way to stay in the trailer too. There's no way I can afford a toy hauler nor do I really care to own one. So maybe just putting a fold up bunk or something in there is an option. I guess I could just bring my cot or bring my air matress. Any options you guys would suggest. Lights, Vents, any floor coverings tie down options....etc...let's here em'

[mineralgrey01gt]

i would personally get some lights, vents, and some type of coating on the floor, probably tie down options on the floor as well

[parkers30]

My 6x12. Perfect for 2 quads and race gear. If you have a big enough truck I would go ahead and get a 7x14, you won't notice it towing any harder and you gain a lot of space and flexibility.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v476/parkers30/135_3595.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v476/parkers30/135_3594.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v476/parkers30/135_3592.jpg

We also have a 8x24 for big trips with the family. and really if I knew I would be buying a diesel, I would have never bought the 6x12. I would use the 8x24 all the time, it only drops my back about 2 mpg and tows nicer.

[Rich250RRacer]

My 8x20 Atlas that I got this spring. With the bench and cabinets in the front, I can fit four quads easily. With no bench it would hold five.
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/pa0e0bda9b88c4f442db13c2f9e4276ca/e7edc2d1.jpg

The new (to me) truck to pull the 20 footer. My old GMC with a 5.3 struggled to pull a trailer this big, so it was time to upgrade to a diesel. I just came back from a trip to Silver Lake, the trailer was loaded with two quads, my Tri-Z, two CR's, all kinds of gear and food plus a 450R in the bed of the truck and it averaged between 10.5 and 11 mpg. Not too bad considering I was pulling almost 6000 lbs, and still had power to spare :D

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p04f52abb0e7909cd81feb9712f003a04/e846e169.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p11d15dd1cc711162dcbdf33987a63cf3/e846e17b.jpg

[Raptor68]

http://www.americangaragefloor.com/trailer_flooring_pads.htm

This is the type of flooring we have in our 7' x 14' trailer. We purchased it from Menard's for about $100 for a 7.5' x 17' roll. It is seamless (meaning one piece) and since it's ribbed, the quads don't slide around at all. It's good stuff! It makes it really easy to sweep out the trailer and really cleans up the whole look.

I have never slept in our trailer, we usually just bring a tent so we can keep our quads locked inside, but i'm sure you could put a cot or an air mattress in the trailer and be pretty comfortable.

[cbrooks118]

my friend has a 7x14 and we haul 4 quads in it. three side by side and in the front (vnose) the 400ex stands upright with the rear fenders removed. All our gear goes in the nook and crannies. it is a little heavy for my 1/2 ton, and i only get 8-12 mpg depending on the wind. Its awesome for camping though, 2 queen size air matresses and the door 1/4 open for air will sleep 4 easy, really comfortable and faster to setup than a tent.

I would really like an 18ft flat bed though, lighter and could carry 5 quads. anyone has one around my area shoot me a pm

[project400ex19]

Originally posted by Rich250RRacer
My 8x20 Atlas that I got this spring. With the bench and cabinets in the front, I can fit four quads easily. With no bench it would hold five.
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/pa0e0bda9b88c4f442db13c2f9e4276ca/e7edc2d1.jpg

The new (to me) truck to pull the 20 footer. My old GMC with a 5.3 struggled to pull a trailer this big, so it was time to upgrade to a diesel. I just came back from a trip to Silver Lake, the trailer was loaded with two quads, my Tri-Z, two CR's, all kinds of gear and food plus a 450R in the bed of the truck and it averaged between 10.5 and 11 mpg. Not too bad considering I was pulling almost 6000 lbs, and still had power to spare :D

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p04f52abb0e7909cd81feb9712f003a04/e846e169.jpg


http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p11d15dd1cc711162dcbdf33987a63cf3/e846e17b.jpg


nice pulling rig and trailer. I would kill for a 20 footer but it's nessisary for me. But I hate to regret the size I get also. Very nice trailers and suggestions everyone. That floor covering is an awesome Idea. My uncle does decorative concrete and he has a bed liner type stuff that he puts in his trailers. Works awesome. How many quads (I know depending on length) could you fit in a 16 footer with the quads lengthwise.

Feel free to post pics of your pulling rigs too guys.

Do you think I could find a decent trailer for Under $5000.00?

[Rich250RRacer]

Originally posted by project400ex19
nice pulling rig and trailer. I would kill for a 20 footer but it's nessisary for me. But I hate to regret the size I get also. Very nice trailers and suggestions everyone. That floor covering is an awesome Idea. My uncle does decorative concrete and he has a bed liner type stuff that he puts in his trailers. Works awesome. How many quads (I know depending on length) could you fit in a 16 footer with the quads lengthwise.

Feel free to post pics of your pulling rigs too guys.

Do you think I could find a decent trailer for Under $5000.00?

Avoid name brand traliers like Haulmark and Pace. Nearly all companies use Dexter axles and they all get their materials from the same suppliers, the only thing you'll want to watch for is thickness of the floor and side walls and what the measurements of the framework on center are. My 20 footer has 3/4 floors, 3/8 walls, 16" OC walls and 24" OC floors, the same as a Haulmark or Pace. With the ramp door, stone guard, chrome corners and rear panel, LED lights and side door, the trailer was $5550 new plus tax. Shop around, it pays to.

[project400ex19]

wow... that's a killer deal. Do you guys have your trailers finished off on the inside with anything, insulated...etc?

[GPracer2500]

No insulation in mine. But I really wish it did. I've considered adding some to ceiling. I also really wish I had a window since I basically camp out of mine at the dunes. A window goes a long way to feeling less like a big box. Mine is pretty utilitarian. I've got a compressor mounted on the wall, some shelving, hooks, basic lighting, etc.

I bought mine used ($4000, 2 years old, low usage, I was shopping on the used market for quite some time, bought it the morning the add appeared) and it had carpet installed. I didn't think I was going to like that. But for my purposes it's actually been nice. I put rugs down to help protect it. I just vacuum it after a weekend trip. I don't load anything muddy or wet so that's never been an issue for me.

[project400ex19]

Originally posted by GPracer2500
No insulation in mine. But I really wish it did. I've considered adding some to ceiling. I also really wish I had a window since I basically camp out of mine at the dunes. A window goes a long way to feeling less like a big box. Mine is pretty utilitarian. I've got a compressor mounted on the wall, some shelving, hooks, basic lighting, etc.

I bought mine used ($4000, 2 years old, low usage, I was shopping on the used market for quite some time, bought it the morning the add appeared) and it had carpet installed. I didn't think I was going to like that. But for my purposes it's actually been nice. I put rugs down to help protect it. I just vacuum it after a weekend trip. I don't load anything muddy or wet so that's never been an issue for me.

what size was that if you don't mind me asking. what do you sleep on? heater/ air conditioning? How big of window would you suggest and how many?

[honda8&3]

Originally posted by Rich250RRacer
My 8x20 Atlas that I got this spring. With the bench and cabinets in the front, I can fit four quads easily. With no bench it would hold five.
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/pa0e0bda9b88c4f442db13c2f9e4276ca/e7edc2d1.jpg

The new (to me) truck to pull the 20 footer. My old GMC with a 5.3 struggled to pull a trailer this big, so it was time to upgrade to a diesel. I just came back from a trip to Silver Lake, the trailer was loaded with two quads, my Tri-Z, two CR's, all kinds of gear and food plus a 450R in the bed of the truck and it averaged between 10.5 and 11 mpg. Not too bad considering I was pulling almost 6000 lbs, and still had power to spare :D

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p04f52abb0e7909cd81feb9712f003a04/e846e169.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p11d15dd1cc711162dcbdf33987a63cf3/e846e17b.jpg

I love that trailer and the truck is pucking awesome, love diesels :macho except "powerjokes" LOL JMO. ;)

[GPracer2500]

Originally posted by project400ex19
what size was that if you don't mind me asking. what do you sleep on? heater/ air conditioning? How big of window would you suggest and how many?

It's a 7x14. There's some pics above.

I sleep on an air mattress. I don't really have any good pics of the inside while it's unloaded. Here's where my dog sleeps though!

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d133/gpracer2500/Dunes/P2180049Small.jpg

Kind of gives you a sense of what it's like in there, maybe.

Interior climate control has been a challenge. No insulation just compounds the problem. First I tried using a 12v DC electric heater. But they suck up too much power for the heat they put out. All it really did was drain my trailer battery (a medium sized deep cycle DieHard) without really heating the trailer up very much. A couple hours of use was all I could get--not nearly enough for all night.

Then I started using a 120v AC heater and a small generator. I forget the wattage. 1000w I think? It's just one of those run-of-the-mill little room heaters. I use a Honda EU2000i (great generator). This combo works decent as long as it's not much colder than maybe 40 or 45 deg. BUT, I've got to run the generator all night. And since my gen won't quite run all night without an axillary fuel supply, I've woken up at 5 in the morning with the trailer at 40 degrees. Not fun. I need to get my gen setup better.

I've seen some flame-less, propane powered tent heaters that I might look into.

So far I just use 12v DC fans off my battery for hot weather. AC would be great but the right (and affordable) setup hasn't materialized. A roof mount unit is the ticket, I think. But they're pricey and would probably require a pro-install because I'd need some roof-bows added, I think. There are stand-alone AC units but the ones I've seen are kinda bulky, not especially efficient, and I'd need to figure a way to install an exhaust vent.


As far as the window, ANY window would me good as far as I'm concerned. I've got a pop-up roof vent, but I want to be able to see out.


This is the inside of a friends 7x14. It's pretty nice, insulated and everything. Here's looking in the side door. He uses a stand-alone AC (the silver box on the right).
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d133/gpracer2500/Dunes/6502340-R1-022-9AMedium.jpg

This is looking out he back.
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d133/gpracer2500/Dunes/6502340-R1-018-7AMedium.jpg

[Raptor68]

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We paid $3700 for the 7X14 you see here that we bought new in 2003. It came equipped with LED taillights, the polished corners and diamond plate front, ramp door, and two interior lights. We used 4x8 white plastic paneling purchased from Lowe's on the upper 2/3s of the interior walls and then dark gray carpeting on the lower 1/3, then that dark gray ribbed rubber flooring for the floor. It really cleaned up the look of the trailer and made it look much more expensive since it just had plywood on the inside from the factory. We use Rubbermaid totes to carry tools, spare parts, oil, etc. I would like to eventually add some cabinets and maybe a tire rack and flag rack.