Buying a Flatbed

[QRTRHRS]

Originally posted by csevers

Two things I would change if I would do it over would be go 8. 5 wide and to 25 ft bed with 4ft beaver, the 25 is just not long enough some times. To me going to heavier axles it kinda a wash as you are way over the rated gross with a trailer like mine it will only be worse with a bigger trailer. In WI they don't have a 14k lic so you either have to lic for 12k or 16k. I did 16k and 12k on truck witch I still go way over anyways. There are alot of good g necks out there take your time to find the right one if you can.



Craig

More good points why you need to really evaluate your needs. Like the "perfect" house, the perfect trailer may be elusive especially the first time around. My 14k had a 20' deck and a 5' beavertail and I found it to be too long for my needs relative to the weight limitations.

 

[Waterpete]

Try: www.indianvalleytrailers.com



They sell great trailers at wholesale. You can get anything you want built cheap.



Great trailers as several of my friends and myself have bought from them.

 

[csevers]

When I bought my trailer I "just' went with what every body else had in the area, at the time most every body had 8 wide tandem singles 25 ft or shorter. And I had never towed squat before but now had a truck to do some work with and needed a trailer. The best trailer I think I have seen was a Feather Lite 28ft bed 4ft beaver flip up ramps 8. 5 wide tandem dual all aluminium v neck weiged around 5700 lbs only down fall I would still be paying for it. 13k with finances, kinda glad I didn't go that route.



Craig

 

[QRTRHRS]

Originally posted by csevers

13k with finances, kinda glad I didn't go that route.



Craig

You could nearly buy two steel ones for that.

 

[Fred Swanson]

I've had good results with my Pro-Trak 30ft tandem dual. It pulls smooth empty or loaded. The 2-speed jacks are a must.



#ad

 

[barepa]

Nice pic Fred, looks like a ford hauler!!!!!

 

[amillstream]

I have a corn pro 25ft with the adjustable dovetail in 18000 gvw.

My next trailer will probably be the new designed Moritz. It is a lower profile trailer. They aren't as cheap as some but are great trailers.



Definately go 8. 5 wide. I like the adjustable dove because the whole tail will flip up or down and doesn't get bent up like some of the popup tails I've seen. Get the brackets to stand the ramps straight up when you need all the flat. Corn Pros are tough trailers and pull really well but their adjustable dove has that extra big bumper that drags on everything when the tail is down. Not sure if Moritz and Corn Pros are sold that far away where you are but you can see pics at cctrailers.com

 

[draymorris]

I agree with everyone - figure out what you will want to haul and what the state laws are. Registration expenses can hurt you when your not using a trailer for it registered weight.



Dovetail vs Flat bed- the dovetail will normally drag on every dip you cross, but there is a great advantage in loading rolling cargo. A pop-up dovetail that makes a flat deck all the way across is very important if you are hauling hay and similar loads. A dovetail that does not make a deck will force you into loading some loads too far forward making the pull a bouncy ride.



I would avoid a 3 -7k axle set up - turning sharp with a heavy load can bend the front and or back axle much easier than with a tandem dual. Even though 3 time 7 equals 21K of axles - the tires squating will worry you if you load heavy on a 3-7K.



Also, I have a PJ brand trailer. They look good and are fine for moderate use. The AL-Ko axles have good and bad features. I personally will NEVER buy another PJ becuase I feel that they are thrown together. I have not checked mine with a good set-up, but I think my axles are not aligned correctly.



The next trailer I buy will be a BIG TEX. They are a little high but are built excellent. Resale should also be considered and BIG TEX usually stays "good looking" I know where you can get a BIG TEX 40 ft flatbed for about $5500. Not sure where you are in NM but BIG TEX has a plant in Odessa TX and a good web site. The have a really nice dovetail set up also.



If you ever plan on unhooking while loaded, go for 2-speed dual jacks. You can really strain you body jacking up a load of hay - I know from experience.



Take you time if possible - a good trailer can be a life long tool.

 

[99guy]

I’ve got a PJ 24 + 5 dove 20k with flip overs. Had it a year. No real complaints although I know there are better trailers, worse ones too. Felt like the PJ was sort of in the middle of the pack so to speak. Price was good for my budget. Ya, I think the paints a little thin if it needs to be on salt a lot, fit and finish are fine though, no alignment problems here.

 

[QRTRHRS]

Originally posted by draymorris

Also, I have a PJ brand trailer. They look good and are fine for moderate use. The AL-Ko axles have good and bad features. I personally will NEVER buy another PJ becuase I feel that they are thrown together. I have not checked mine with a good set-up, but I think my axles are not aligned correctly.

You are the first person that I recall "dissing" the PJ. Having heard good comments, I have looked at them over and thought that they looked okay. But then, like anything, once you use something you quickly find the inherent faults.



Anyone have any experiance with the Econline Trailer and their more recent Multi-Max Suspension system?

http://www.econolinetrailers.com

ON a related note to this trailer pulling thread, I came acrossed this recently. http://www.speedingticketcentral.com/commercial-motor-vehicle.html