Enclosed Trailer Opinions

[jclark5810]

So i'm looking to purchase an enclosed trailer within the next 6-7 months. I'd like a 7x12 or 7x14 that will be used for hauling household good (moving). Does anyone have any experience with brands, towing quality, things to watch out for? I'd like to buy used but an open to purchasing new.

 

[BIGNASTY]

Have any Penske, Ryder, Budget and as a LAST ditch choice U-Haul, most have a sales yard to sell off some of the things that they find outdated.

 

[BIGNASTY]

Thought of another option, I have a BIG TEX 30 ft gooseneck. Went to move Daughters things from Indy, and we just took the trailer and tied down a POD moving box on it, actually we rented 2 of the boxes and moved her things then took them to Missoula and turned them in, If you need a trailer when you move to your new location this could be an alternative, could just as well use a bumper mount flat to do the same thing.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

You could also shop automotive website forums for a used car hauler box trailer. The rear ramp facilitates loading/unloading, and the trailer could be sold later if you wish, with minimal investment overall. 24' box and longer sell easiest, so you might find a deal on a shorter one to save on up-front outlay.

 

[jelag]

I have a neighbor with a single axle enclosed trailer and its not near the quality that a rental trailer would be... at least those I've seen a Ryder, Penske, etc... but I often see them for sale used... people seem to buy them, and use them a couple of years and sell them... so I'd expect to see one used... . buy it and than sell it... but I also like Bignasty's comment about the POD... . what a great idea... he has the flat bed, and the POD is a great way to keep stuff out of the rain and wind... and they would be simple to strap down... .

 

[Wayne M.]

A decade ago, I was heavy into the enclosed trailer biz because I was buying one myself. I occasionally see little ones time and again, and I agree. Like everything else, the quality may not be there anymore. I wound up going with wells cargo, and what sold me was seeing commercial applications using them like Verizon, etc. as well as inspecting one. Recently here on the TDR, I found out that they've been taken over by Haulmark. Back then that was one brand I was told, and saw why to avoid. You gotta get underneath and really see what you're getting.

 

[BIGNASTY]

Ocean containers are another option, when we moved to MT we used the 40 foot containers as vans. I had access to a 45ft flatbed and used my then!! 3axle International to move. Had so much stuff that it took several trips to make the move, but I could sell the containers and that would pay for the container and my fuel to move. The last 4 we kept and built something like this, only with sliding doors facing the center to gain access to both ends of the container without having to shovel snow from in front of the doors on the end.



In your case you could go to a truck stop and post a run from where ever TO where ever maybe someone would haul your stuff for you and it wouldn't cost as much as a bed bug company. Just a thought!!!!!

 

[RichMorris]

I have an American Hauler 16 x 7 dual axle which is a great choice. It is powder coatedt underneath and aluminum constructed. It has a ramp door and is capable of supporting a small car (Triumph TR 3) or commercial mowers. I move piano's, furniture and other itens as needed. It also serves as a storage unit in the winter. If possible getting a larger trailer is often a good choice as you will run out of space sooner than you think. If I were buying again I would go for an 8 X 20 as it would carry a larger car and will be more desirable to sell if needed later. Good luck.

 

[jgillott]

Here is a photo of my 6x12 V-nose Car Mate brand trailer.

I'm not sure if they are available in your area, but I have been very impressed with it. Dexter axle, led's, very nice interior, one piece roof, excellent fit and finish. I purchased it for an atv trailer, but I've hauled used it for so much more.

 

[jclark5810]

Thank you for all the advice. I'm 99% sure i'm going to turn around and sell the trailer after we get moved. I figure whatever loss I take on the sale of the trailer is cheaper than having to rent one. The Pods are a great Idea, my brother in law used them when he moved out of state. The cost again though would be more than buying and selling a trailer.

With that in mind I need to look at resale. We only "need" a 12 footer max. We've dang near sold everything we own in order to get down to a minimalist mindset (who would've thought we'd had so much stuff). I'm wondering if a dual axle 16' would have better odds of resale than say a 12' or 14'?

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

Here is where you do some research. What do different size trailers seem to sell for, not just the advertised prices. Then, can you find a good deal so you don't lose a lot. That is why I suggested a car hauler, because you could get a 20-24' one for say $5K and after using it, it should still sell for that. However, expect to invest in a good set of tires for whatever you get.

 

[jclark5810]

Yes the tire issue would have to be addressed on any used trailer, I don't do tire changes on the side of the road

I'm not sure if I want to go the car hauler route due to tie-down issues. I've only owned one car hauler but it would have served poorly for moving boxes/furniture, especially sitting out over night in a hotel parking lot. We're moving to Utah so I've been checking the market there but will also be going back into CA for a few weeks after we're settled in so I'm checking there too.

I like the look of that one you have jgillot, I'll check out the resale on that size as well. I've got time so i'm going to do plenty of research. Thanks again for all insight folks!

 

[jgillott]

I like the look of that one you have jgillot, I'll check out the resale on that size as well. I've got time so i'm going to do plenty of research. Thanks again for all insight folks!

I purchased that one new in Jan or Feb of 2011 and I believe I paid $3150 or $3250 + tax and tags. There were others around that were much lower quality in the $2500 range, but I figured that this model was worth the extra money.

 

[KEnglish]

Check out Horton trailers. After having a Wells Cargo 8X20 I bought a 7X16 V nose Horton Hauler. All tubing construction, even the studs and top bows, quality fit and finish and it towed like it wasn't back there.

 

[jclark5810]

I'll check out Horton, thanks for the tip.