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Utility trailer. 8' or 12'?

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trailer
7K views 56 replies 28 participants last post by  Holbs 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
I'm on the hunt for a new utility trailer. Have never owned one before. I have a 2001 dodge ram 1500. Been looking at 8" ones while also seeing the 12' ones for a couple hundred more. Majority of use will be 4×8 MDF or plywood. Occasionally, auction finds and general household use. Those with 8' cargo trailers, ever wish for 12'? Those with 12' trailers, ever use all 12"?
Almost feels like a table saw purchase as in in I do not know the ins and outs of trailer use.
 
#2 ·
I have neither, mine's 10' and the tongue adds about 4' if I need to haul something thin like a lot of rebar. Weight capacity is another big factor, whatever you think you'll want to haul, you want to make sure it has springs, axle & tires under it that will support the weight. Some 12' trailers start to offer tandem axles which can make the ride nicer for you in the truck and the cargo in the trailer, but they're more expensive, more maintenance and far more difficult to maneuver by hand vs. tow vehicle.
 
#3 · (Edited by Moderator)
I use a 12' landscaping style trailer with metal sides, and a cage over the tongue. It hauls most everything I need, and longer stock can ride in the ladder rack on the side. Mine is a 5000# single axle trailer. It will haul about 500-600 b.f. of dry hardwood in a load.

It turns remarkably well. I have used 16' flatbeds and they are a pain.
I think 12' is the sweet spot for what I do.
 
#4 ·
Mine is also 10', and there are a few times I wish it was twelve. But even more importantly: mine has the 3500# axle, and there are LOTS of times I wish it was 5000#. No way would I want an 8'.
 
#5 ·
I own a 14' V-nose enclosed that doesn't get used much because it is a PITA to maneuver (double axle…single would be easier I think). Bought a 10' open a few months ago. You looking at enclosed or open? Enclosed have the benefits of keeping stuff dry but the price goes up a lot. If you want that then go with the ramp door (I didn't and regret it). The open trailer works great…new designs will let the ramp gate fold into the trailer bed so length of material is not a problem (other than perhaps you need a red flag if stuff extends more beyond the trailer…used to be 24"...dunno know now).
 
#7 ·
I have an 8' for a couple decades, and have rarely longed for a larger one. Whenever I need to haul stuff longer than 8', I pull the sides off and screw down some 12' 2×10s to the bed, and it works fine for short runs. If I had a larger trailer I would find occasions where the extra capacity came in handy, but I don't have the space for a longer trailer and it hasn't been an issue for me in all these years, so I'm happy to just stick with an 8'.
 
#10 ·
I bought a 16' flat with 2' dovetail and can haul 8,000 lbs. I realize this is vastly bigger than you're talking, but I bought such a big one because I wanted to be able to do everything from haul a cabinet to haul a bobcat. I love having this trailer. I have wanted one for 10 years. So, I would say buy bigger than you think you need. If you buy just what you think you need, within 6 months you'll want it to be bigger. Buy the longer option, but a single axel will be far more maneuverable by hand.
 
#12 ·
I have a 5×8 and I pull it with my Suzuki SX4 hatchback.
The trailer is larger than my car, but works rather well.
There have been a few times I wanted to haul 16' lumber and couldn't.
I did haul 500 board feet of cherry from the saw mill about 8 miles to my house.
That was a challange because most of the boards were 11 ft long.
I let the ramp/tailgate down, loaded the boards hanging out the back, tied them down in the front, then pulled the ramp op to the bottom of the boards. This worked, but just barely because it was putting a negative load on my hitch. Car drove like hell.
Bottom line, wish I had gotten a 10 ft.
 
#14 · (Edited by Moderator)
thanks guys for the input. My financial situation only allows me to afford a $1500 trailer on the infamous Home Depot CC. Else, I would wait for a local auction or craigslist :)
I took a gander at the HD trailers in person on my way home from work. Here are the two I am considering:
5x10 2250lb payload Tarter Gate trailer
Tire Wheel Vehicle Wood Rolling


----------------

the 6x12 2070lb payload Tarter Gate trailer
Wheel Tire Vehicle Wood Rolling


I assume uses the same axle just one is a larger flatbed (added weight to the trailer means less for payload).
Upon purchase, HD even does the registration & title & temp tags for $40 or so.
Being in Nevada farmland area, the trailers on craigslist are on par with these price tags. Maybe I'll flip a coin between the two and see who wins. Oh.. the price difference is $300 from $1197 to $1497.
 

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#15 ·
I bought a 5×8 utility trailer with the ramp years ago. It was one of the best investments I have made. It was great for moving kids to college, taking lawn tractor for service, hauling wood a many other things.

The only issue is that you need a place to park it. The majority of the time the 8 foot length works for me.
 
#17 · (Edited by Moderator)
thanks guys for the input. My financial situation only allows me to afford a $1500 trailer on the infamous Home Depot CC. Else, I would wait for a local auction or craigslist :)
I took a gander at the HD trailers in person on my way home from work. Here are the two I am considering:
5x10 2250lb payload Tarter Gate trailer
Tire Wheel Vehicle Wood Rolling


----------------

the 6x12 2070lb payload Tarter Gate trailer
Wheel Tire Vehicle Wood Rolling


I assume uses the same axle just one is a larger flatbed (added weight to the trailer means less for payload).
Upon purchase, HD even does the registration & title & temp tags for $40 or so.
Being in Nevada farmland area, the trailers on craigslist are on par with these price tags. Maybe I ll flip a coin between the two and see who wins. Oh.. the price difference is $300 from $1197 to $1497.

- Holbs
I bought the 10'x5' a few months ago for $1,100. Was the "tubular" rails as opposed to the angle steel otherwise the same trailer you are looking at. Jack stand, 15" wheels. We live in farm country so a few different farm supply stores (Farm & Fleet, Fleet Farm, Thiesen's) all sell them and I found pricing to be generally the same. You might want to check your state laws for licensing…not required here for trailers < 2,000lbs. You'll want to purchase either a sand pad or a wheel for the jack stand. And you'll need an adaptor for the lights…most likely the trailer will have a 4 pin "flat" connector and your truck will have a round socket. Word of advice is to remove the adaptor when you aren't using it…people tend to steal them. And buy a coupler lock…these trailers are very popular and almost impossible to find if somebody believes in "redistribution".
 

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#20 ·
Hmm… you guys have given me thought (which is highly appreciative). So no 8' trailer. Comes down to 10' or 12'. Width? 5' or wider. Axle? Single seems the more ordinary easier to manage than tandem axle. Upon further research, I came across this trailer which I also may consider as a replacement to the HD 12' one. This is 6.4' x 14' with a payload of 2040 for $100 less than the Home Depot's 6'x12':

CARRY ON 77″ X 14 GW
Wheel Sky Tire Cloud Automotive tire
 

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#21 ·
Well…mine is nine feet in the short position and fifteen stretched. for the really long objects I have taken the two sections apart and used a come along to bind the tongue and main section to the load, making the load a reach as it were. hauled 24 foot garage trusses and some 36 foot floor joists that way! best of both worlds. buy the short one for maneuverability an modify it with a telescoping reach.
 
#22 ·
Go on craigslist and buy the biggest trailer you can find within your budget. A double axle landscape style trailer can be had pretty reasonably and your friends may be less likely to always want to borrow it due to the size.
 
#24 ·
True Red… I have to decide what's best for my situation. 14' is overkill for my purposes :) I was just comparing the 12' and 14' trailers as comparison. Ease of storage, moving around were not things I considered until they were posted in this thread. I know wood working machine name brands and the expected quality that comes from those name brands…but not trailers.
 
#26 ·
Tony…how is your Lowe's trailer holding up? I read some reviews on Home Depot trailers. Lots of hit & misses on small things, but everyone says functional trailer
 
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