|
Please note that our latest prices are reflected in our online storefronts such as eBay. Any prices listed here may not be current due to the ever fluctuating prices of steel. UsageTandem axle trailers close to 16' in length are arguably the most popular and versatile trailers in existence. Why pay a carrier to transport that vehicle or tractor of yours when you can have a brand new trailer for the same amount? Haul potentially thousands of dollars worth of lumber in a single trip! The 10 back to back trips to the hardware store now becomes one! With material such as unpackaged mulch that you could never haul in an SUV, you could haul more than what two full sized pickup trucks could in their beds! You'll soon wonder how you ever got by without one.BrakesThe base price on our trailers does not include brakes, but electric brakes can be added for only $125 per axle. If you are thinking about getting a trailer without brakes, then adding them later, keep in mind that it's much cheaper to get them up front. Many places charge as much as $200 per axle for adding brakes. Brakes are recommended on at least one axle, and is a requirement for alot of states, and some states such as Pennsylvania and Maryland requires them on both axles. We normally say to get as much braking capability as you can afford, and as much as you need to comply with your local laws. It's a matter of simple physics - often times your tow vehicle will have to stop over twice it's own weight, so obviously some extra braking capability would be nice to counter that extra strain. Electric brakes are controlled by a brake controller which is mounted in the interior of your tow vehicle, normally in the dash area. Usually even if you have a new vehicle with the towing package, you still need a controller, those vehicles just supply a pigtail connector to make installation much easier. If you need brakes and don't already have a brake controller, you could get a nice Voyager controller with your trailer purchase that controlls 1 or 2 brake axles, for only $75. If you are concerned about local laws that outline requirements such as brakes and lighting, check with your local courthouse, because we can't keep up with what all the different states require, if anything. The brake wires are normally not terminated, because everyone's tow vehicle is different and the 4-pin plug doesn't accommodate brake wires. If your vehicle accepts the round RV-style 7-pin plugs, one of these can be installed for an extra $20, with everything pre-terminated and ready to go, including the brake wires. Due to the time and risk involved, we cannot install controllers and/or plugs on customers vehicles. If you need someone else to install a controller, please check out a local RV store. If you have installed a U-Haul (TM) type of plug receiver on your vehicle, it probably will not work without an adapter or new plug.Hauling CarsAs I stated above, you can use any tandem axle trailer as a car hauler in certain situations. Just keep in mind the dimensions of the trailer vs. the vehicle you want to haul, the vehicles weight vs. the trailer's maximum load capacity of about 5,500 pounds (7,000 - weight of trailer), and the fact that it has rails that may be in the way. Jeeps, small to medium sized cars, and vehicles whose doors go over the 12.5" rails are normally not a problem whatsoever with this same exact setup, but your needs may be a little different. You may need to upgrade to a flatbed style. These are very nice. Some people think they should be cheaper since there are no rails, but you are paying for the superior strength of the frame, which is a 5" channel. For applications that push the load limit such as with a tractor or large vehicle, please consider investing in one of these. They make it much easier hauling cars as well due to the rails not being in the way, but the fenders will still be there. If you are hauling cars or other heavy loads, heavy duty 5/8" D-rings help out a alot for tying them down. They are only $15 each, although it's highly recommended to purchase in pairs, and you can have as many as you want on there. Two in the rear helps tremendously, and two in back and two in front is perfect. Some on the sides are handy for cargo, but you've got the rails on the utility type, and stake-pockets on the flatbeds to tie on to as well. You also might want to consider getting the extra wide option for another $60, which bumps the cargo width up another 6" to 82". This is the widest cargo width possible for this type of trailer, which is plenty for 99% of customers. Removable fenders could help you cheat a little while loading, especially with things like rail buggies. Otherwise, if you need more width than that, you have to go to a deck-over style, but they're tall and expensive. Just let me know of your requirements and we'll figure something out. If you are concerned about whether or not your vehicle will fit, please measure your vehicle first, because unfortunately I don't know the dimensions and weight of every car ever made. If you plan to haul cars, you need to purchase ramps, which is detailed below.Tandem Axle BenefitsIf you are considering trying to get by with a fairly big single axle trailer, please consider some of the benefits of tandems, even a smaller one.
LoadingThe most popular option is heavy duty 5' ramps which are $60 for two. Most people carry the ramps in their tow vehicle, but ramp storage boxes can be added to the trailer for $55. If you're hauling things such as four wheelers, landscaping equipment, lawnmowers, etc., you may want to consider getting a removable tailgate which is a popular upgrade. It is $135 for a 4' gate, or $155 for 5'. Tailgates great for things with smaller wheels and lighter loads, but you wouldn't want to drive a heavy car up on the mesh or anything, as the mesh will probably bend. It is possible to have both the ramps and a tailgate because both are removable. If you want both, the additional ramp storage option isn't recommended due to inadequate tongue weight with an empty load. Mesh on top of the ramps for smaller wheels is available for only $30.TiresAll trailers come with four complimentary used tires at the base price. They usually still have some tread left and are normally ok, but they will probably not match and they're not very pretty. Spare used tires are available for $20 each. Most people carry spare tires in their tow vehicle, but a spare tire carrier can be added to the trailer for $40. New radial tires rated at 1,742 pounds each mounted on new whitespoke rims are only $250 for four, or $315 for four plus a spare. 6-ply GatorMade tires on silver wheels may be available for the same price. Below is a picture of the flatbed style with new tires and rims. Tongue WeightOnce you own a trailer and you're about to haul something, pay attention to the tongue weight, as it is critical to safe hauling. Too much tongue weight and the front end of your tow vehicle will be lifted up, hindering steering and braking. Too little tongue weight and your tow vehicle can be easily jerked side to side by a trailer if it ever starts fishtailing, which is bad. Most people say to shoot for approximately 10% of your overall load as tongue weight. Just make sure your hitch and tow vehicle can handle the load you're putting on it.MaintenanceSome maintenance issues will come up over time with any trailer. Bearings will have to be repacked after 6 months of use, and will eventually have to be replaced. Untreated wood decks may have to be replaced after several years, perhaps a couple years sooner than normal when it's used in areas with harsh winters and alot of salt on the roads. Usage would have a factor on this too, as even treated wood may have to be replaced eventually due to wear and tear. Obviously tires on any vehicle can wear, although it's much less with trailers, which is why most people just stick with the used tires.Delivery / PickupThe most economical way to get one of these trailers is to come pick one up yourself. Delivery is available for $1.25 per mile one way from Paducah KY. There is a maximum delivery radius of 650 miles one way. This means that no I can't drive it to California. I don't mind meeting someone on the road for a partial delivery, such as a rest area or any other large public parking lot, which commonly occurrs. Picking it up is totally fine too, just please make an appointment either way so everything can be ready to go. At least a 25% deposit is required on all orders. These are custom built to your specifications, so the deposit is there to guarantee that you'll show up.Custom OptionsCustomization is also available for additional fees. Please contact me if you have any custom requests, the most popular ones are listed in the eBay store. Custom fabrication is available, so just write me with your needs and we'll figure something out. None of the options are required unless you've got a specific need or your home state has a specific law. Options are priced close to or even at cost, so we're not trying to pad the bill. Just use the "ask seller a question" link at the top to contact me and we'll figure something out to suit your needs. Include your telephone number and I'll call you when I have a chance. Custom pictures may be available upon request depending on what is in stock and what pictures have already been taken. All of the pictures on our site are original pictues of trailers that were recently sold.PaperworkAt the time of the transaction, you will get a title/MSO, a bill of sale, and serial number tag. The serial number tag is a metallic decal just like pretty much all manufacturers have been using for the past 30 years. They are not a riveted metal plate. This should be all you need to get it home and then licensed in any state. Temporary tags are not available from the state of Kentucky, but the provided paperwork should be ok temporarily until you can get it registered. There is no additional charge for sales tax because all prices already include sales tax, which your bill of sale will document, so you should not have to pay usage tax when you register the paperwork in your home state, enabling you to save even more.Order One Now!Thanks for your time! Most everything is documented here as detailed as possible, but don't hesitate to ask questions! Hopefully this document didn't confuse you too bad! Let us know if you have any comments. |
