Best Trailer Length?

[dPierce]

O. K. , I know this is not specifically a diesel related question, But! I'm getting ready to order a Cargo Trailer for my new remodeling business. I've decided on the Wells Cargo Express Wagon 8' by either 16' or 20', with 4 ton axles. What do you guys think? No doubt the CTD can pull either one, just wondering about manuverability vs. capacity for this type of work and residential locations.



I have a lot of miles pulling trailers, so the issue is really what is a best fit for the situation. I also know from being a boater/fisherman that you always wish you bought a bigger one (2 footidous).



Let the opinions fly.

 

[Whitmore]

Go with the 20' you will outgrow the little one, I think you will have at times a tough time parking it at job sites but it will be worth it in the long run, If they have an 18' that would be the best I think. My uncle does the same thing you are planning and he has a killer business with no advertising... ... ... good luck.



Cheers, Kevin

 

[PLaFrombois]

The 16' would be my choice of trailers. It's much easier to maneuver in tight places. I'd suggest you mark the demesions of the trailer on the ground and see if all the equipment that you'll be using will fit. If possible, would you be able to put shelves on the sides for misc items? An 8'X16' doesn't seem big, but proper organization of tools and equipment will give you plenty of room. My friend and I started with an 8'X16', and thought it would work for a couple of years. We're now looking for a 8. 5'X20'. This will give us enough room for five pallets of products.

Paul

 

[dPierce]

Maybe 18 footer?

Most companies don't sell an 18' cargo, you pay for the 20' and they build it to 18' at the factory. That might be an option, but if I'm paying for a 20, I might as well actually get the extra 2 feet.



I'm heading to the trailer dealer tomorrow to do a sided by side comparison of 16' vs. 20'

 

[y-knot]

We use to use small trailers for just such things as you are wanting to do. If it was not to be used in a very day business environment I would go for the longer one, and get the most for the money. But, it makes a bigg difference if you have to drag this thing around everyday, and work out of it. I like the 16', we had that size also and it always seemed to fit. Not to small and not to big. I would assume if you do carpentry work, you are hauling miter saws, generators,tool supplies, maybe even store better woods inside. You might want to think about getting a roof rack, most trailer makers offer them, it is great for ladders, longer supplies. Keeps the trailer moor organized. And maybe a longer tongue, that is also a popular option, you can put the generator on the tongue next to the trailer, and lock it down. Keeps you from having to always move it in and out, I always liked it there.

 

[Mopar_Mudder]

Speaking as a retail lumber yard owner I would go with the 20'. Biggest reason being that many of your materials will be at the longest 16', but trying to put 16' stuff in a 16' trailer with 2' of stuff piled up in the noose... ... ... ... ..... ben their many times with customers... ... ... ... ... . and don't even get me started on short beds

 

[dPierce]

Hauling Building Material in Trailer?

I wouldn't plan on using the trailer to haul long material, or really much building material at all. I was planning to put 2' to 2. 5' deep shelving on both sides to hold tools, fasteners, etc. I have been a GC for new contrcution before and we always had lumber delivered, and excess picked up by the lumber yard. Occasionally you have an urgent need and can't wait for a delivery, but that's pretty rare if your original take-off was half way decent.



Just my $. 02.

 

[Mopar_Mudder]

If it is strictky a dedicated tool trailer then it probably isn't as big of a deal. I know most guys around here always wish it were bigger, they are about 1/2 & 1/2 16' and 20' I would say.



Another thing, find a real good way to lock it down and lock it up, their are a couple of them every year around here that disapper. It is a real convenient way to steal stuff, just hook up and go. So make sure the convents are insurred also, that is a dig surprise for must of the guys when all their equipment isn't covered.

 

[Ladders]

Wild thought, hows bout 2 trailers? One would be the bigger tools and the other as the every day hauler, with the more "commonly" used items? That way you could haul one to the site and park it (16' maybe) with all the big toys err tools. The other would be hauled around were needed and if needed at job site they both could be parked. Might be a little more expensive than the 20' but maybe more versatile. Might even be able to get the bigger one with a receiver built to move the smaller one. Would be miserable to move on side streets but one could pull both near site and then uncouple and place the bigger one then pick up the smaller one. Might even be able to get a 2 trailer deal for a little more than the 20'.



Just a WILD thought and not meant to be taken in the wrong context.





SOTSU!!

\\BF//

 

[dPierce]

2 Trailers?

I'm going to use a similar concept, except my CTD will be "the smaller trailer". I plan to outfit the bed with saddle and side boxes to carry tools for smaller jobs and yank the trailer to larger jobs with all the big toys (uh, tools). Same basic idea, just probably more efficent and cost effective.

 

[Dean Upson]

I'd go with the 16 footer for the maneuverability.



Dean

 

[robobx]

well, no one else mentioned it, but what type of area are you in? where will you be towing it? rural, urban... ? I would think this would be the biggest factor, and only reason not to get the bigger one. I know where I am it would be a tough decision, but if you're not right in a larger city go for the bigger one.

 

[CClements]

If you go with the 16 footer order the v shaped front it adds a bunch of storage and it's not that expensive.

 

[DPelletier]

Dpierce,

I don't think I can tell you what size to get, as it depends on traffic, usage, etc. Only you can decide. What I can tell you is that the Wells Cargo Express Wagon is a nice trailer. I have an EW1622, and have friends that have EW1222 and EW2022's. All new (we all drive CTD H. O. 6spds ). What I would recommend is that you take a close look at what options you want as it seems cheaper to order what you want rather than add the stuff later. Mine was a custom order and I got a 5' tongue, 0" drop axles (for increased ground clearance), two roof vents, 32" RV side door, side access door, 4' checkerplate front, two radius tinted windows and insulated and paneled interior. Also keep in mind that the GVWR is the same for all trailers of the same series (i. e. all 22 series trailers are 7700 lbs GVWR) so smaller trailers actually have more carrying capacity due to their lighter weight. I believe that the 24 series are 10,000 lbs GVWR, again, independent of length.

Hope this helps.

Dave