Replies

1. 
   Phill_Giles | May 17, 2001 06:38am | #1

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   At that length, I'd probably look for a "landscaper's special". Most trailer outlets I've been to sell them: they're the ones that they haul lawnmowers around on, a sort of mini-float. Good proven design with an excellent resale value if you take care of it.

1. 
   Jason | May 17, 2001 01:07pm | #2

   *I actually bought a "carhauler" style; same setup, flat, 16' long, I believe 5' wide. Got it to haul small equipment (mini-excavators, trenchers, etc.), and wall panels built in the shop to the jobsite. Mine has ramps instead of the "fold down" grating landscapers have. In my area, I had basically two choices; a factory built model (May, MacLander, etc.), or the cheaper ones you see advertised everywhere. Difference is usually in amount of bracing and size of channel for frame, and in electronics; more expensive ones have brakes and breakaway kits installed. I went with the more expensive one, mainly for the size and the brakes; hauling a 5500lb. Kubota excavator (which is the limit for my truck), with no trailer brakes just made me just a little too nervous. All in all, a good trailer, since I only have one, but like any other single purpose tool, it has it's drawbacks. Sometimes it's a little too small (tractor with brush hog and loader sticks out), and sometimes way too big (moving a lawn mower for instance). But, I also wanted to get as big a trailer as I would probably need. Hope this helps.

1. 
   Steve_Hansen | May 17, 2001 05:33pm | #3

   *Jon,I have three trailers. Take it from me, the number one consideration is a place to park it. I live on an acre+ and the darn things are always in the wrong place.For construction use, I like a 16 foot tandum with brakes. You can hall 20' material with a red flag. You can also haul 16' long sheets of drywall. With brakes you can haul heavy loads, i.e., a tractor or a mess of cinder blocks. Tandum carries more weight and rides better. If you buy a 12' or 14' single axle there will be days you wished you had gone 16' tandum. Around here (NE Ark/SE Mo) you can get one for $800 +/-. Good luckSteve

2. 
   Jon_Blakemore | May 17, 2001 05:33pm | #4

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   I am considering purchasing a small, open utility trailer (5-6' wide, 10-14' long). Looking for advice from your experience. Single axle or tandem? what lengths make the most sense? It would be used mainly to haul materials.

   Jon Blakemore