Posted: 10/25/2016 10:09:35 AM EDT
| I'm looking for a flatbed utility trailer for a project. Most likely 60" or 72" wide by 8' or 10' long. What are some good brands to look at? What are some features that are good to have? |
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Here is a great thread started by a moderator in another forum here. There is a lot of info in it that applies to your questions. edited to add: The brand question is not something that can easily be answered. Trailers are shipped all over the country but not necessarily to every part of the country. In Texas we would have different brands than you would. You might ask that question on your Home Town Forum so that you get answers that apply to your area. |
| I'm not a trailer expert by any means but there are some things I like and dislike when it comes to trailers. I like aluminum trailers because they don't rust but they have their negatives as well. Don't get a trailer with a single piece rear fold up ramp (the ones with the 3'+ end gate that sticks straight up). Everyone that I know that has one complains of how much wind they catch while towing, even the mesh designs. Obvious get a trailer with enough capacity for what you'll be hauling but I don't recommend getting one that excessively exceeds the weight you'll be hauling. As an example, I have an old trailer with a 4'x6' box. Its a handy trailer and its built like a tank but it has 3,500lb springs. Its hard to pack enough weight in a 4'x6' box to stopped the trailer from bouncing due to the lack of spring sag and flex. Get a trailer that has at least 13" trailers but bigger is better. In my experience, there is a large increase in tire quality that comes starting at the 13" size. Plus, tire RPM decreases the larger you go, which increases tire life and decreases bearing heat. I suggest getting the tires balanced for best tire life and smooth ride. Finally, repack the wheel bearings once a year and don't drive 70+ if you don't want to get stranded on the side of the highway. |
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My father bought a 5'x10' tilt trailer about 20 years ago. Many times, we wished it would have been at least 6' wide for hauling lawnmowers around.
It has a 2x8 wood floor that we've replaced once and need to replace again, soon. An issue we solved in the last couple years were the hubs/ wheels/ tires. The trailer came with 5 on 5" hubs and 15" wheels. That was a chevy bolt pattern and we have only Fords. All of our cars also have 16" wheels. So we swapped the hubs over to Ford's 5 on 4.5" so we can use Crown Vic wheels and use old tires on the trailer when we get a new set on a car. Also have plenty of spares on hand. 
And don't let family or friends borrow it. |
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There seem to be regional manufacturers all over the place. My best advice is to find a dealer that stocks several different brands. Check them out and compare the cost/quality/etc.
For features - I like a spare tire mount and an extra wheel/tire. That way you never get a flat. ETA - as mentioned in the post above....NEVER let someone borrower your trailer. |
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Our Integrity trailers have lasted for decades of rental abuse. They are not cheap though. We have 5x8 and 6x10 trailers.
http://www.integritytrailers.com/utility_small.php |