Dudes with cargo trailers, I have a couple of questions.

Wolfman
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Wolfman
Edited Date/Time 3/18/2016 4:36pm
What brand and do you think it was a good investment? Also, if you bought a cheap one, do you wish you would have sprung for a more expensive one? I am pricing trailers, and the are all over the place as for as the price is concerned. I found one really cheap and semi close to home, but I don't wanna buy something that is gonna blow apart going down the damn road!
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dkg
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dkg 10/14/2011 5:30pm
10/14/2011 5:30pm
I bought one at TrailersPlus, opted for the heavier frame and glad I did. Compared it to some of the lighter framed ones and there is a big difference in the heavier frame. I think the heavier frame cost about $800-$1000 more.
MXD
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MXD 10/14/2011 5:39pm
10/14/2011 5:39pm
I bought a used 2008 6x12 that was never registered for $1800. The original BoS was for $2800. It was literally brand new. I went through the same questions that you are going through before I bought mine. I was worried about 12, 16 or 24 on center, torsion or leaf, seamless.........blah blah blah. Then I came across this deal and it was such a good price that I bought it even though it isn't up to the same standards of say, a Car Mate HD. At the end of the day I came to realize that when you are hauling MX bikes and gear you aren't really putting too much stress on it and all of them will hold up fairly well. The only must haves IMO would be a one piece roof skin, LED lights and MAYBE a torsion axle. Mine has all of those except for the torsion axle and honestly, other than hearing an occasional squeak at slow speeds with the windows down, I can't tell a huge difference. I decked out the inside of mine then added a 105 aH deep cycle battery to the tongue so I have power in the trailer at night for lights, a laptop and a fan.

Post some links to the ones you are looking at and maybe we can tell you what to look for.
bigborefan
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bigborefan 10/14/2011 5:44pm
10/14/2011 5:44pm
Get a Wells Cargo. They are pricey but worth it if you plan on keeping it for a many years. I got a 91model I have been dragging all over the place, hauling bikes, moving stuff, my boys rock band. Other than the occasional set of tires, it just goes and goes,
dave489
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dave489 10/14/2011 5:52pm
10/14/2011 5:52pm
Mine is a 6x12 + 1.5'Vnose ez-hauler all aluminium. I opted for regular doors instead of a ramp door, my personal opinion is that the ram doors are only good to accumulate mud and humidity...

One important detail that you have to look for is the inside wall material. I strongly suggest at least 3/8 plywood, the lighter stuff wont take the abuse of carrying bikes and it also affect the rigidity of the trailer.

If you have the choice between a rounded top or a flat one, go with the rounded top, it's better for water evacuation especially when the trailer is parked.

if you want to waste your time washing your trailer every week because there is plenty of black traces on the exterior walls... choose a white trailer..

The Shop

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Wolfman
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Wolfman 10/14/2011 5:55pm
10/14/2011 5:55pm
MXD wrote:
I bought a used 2008 6x12 that was never registered for $1800. The original BoS was for $2800. It was literally brand new. I went through...
I bought a used 2008 6x12 that was never registered for $1800. The original BoS was for $2800. It was literally brand new. I went through the same questions that you are going through before I bought mine. I was worried about 12, 16 or 24 on center, torsion or leaf, seamless.........blah blah blah. Then I came across this deal and it was such a good price that I bought it even though it isn't up to the same standards of say, a Car Mate HD. At the end of the day I came to realize that when you are hauling MX bikes and gear you aren't really putting too much stress on it and all of them will hold up fairly well. The only must haves IMO would be a one piece roof skin, LED lights and MAYBE a torsion axle. Mine has all of those except for the torsion axle and honestly, other than hearing an occasional squeak at slow speeds with the windows down, I can't tell a huge difference. I decked out the inside of mine then added a 105 aH deep cycle battery to the tongue so I have power in the trailer at night for lights, a laptop and a fan.

Post some links to the ones you are looking at and maybe we can tell you what to look for.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-6x12-6-x-12-Enclosed-ATV-Bike-Utility-Cargo-Trailer-/230683153576?pt=Motors_Trailers&hash=item35b5c994a8
Wolfman
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Wolfman 10/14/2011 5:59pm
10/14/2011 5:59pm
Thanks for the opinions guys! Keep em coming, much appreciated.
wawazat
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wawazat 10/14/2011 6:03pm
10/14/2011 6:03pm
Haulmark, 6x10 from Toe... 1000.00 bucks with an air conditioner, and ramp door. Working out great, use it for everything...
NetMXer
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NetMXer 10/14/2011 6:16pm
10/14/2011 6:16pm
I bought a Pace American motorcycle model. I really couldn't find one with all the features I wanted so I ordered one. Their motorcycle trailer is actually built their car hauler chassis so it's pretty heavy duty. After comparing what I got in my trailer to a car hauler they had in stock at the dealer, I probably ended up paying an extra $2K for a smaller trailer. They had lots of car haulers in stock but they're all at least 20' long which I figured was too long to pull with both my truck and RV. I ended up ordering their 14' motorcycle trailer and it was 2K more than what they had in stock.
Whatever you end up buying, I highly recommend getting a tandem axle trailer. Once you load it up with bikes, tools, fuel, water...., you'll be loaded down pretty good.
Joe Bruce
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Joe Bruce 10/14/2011 6:21pm
10/14/2011 6:21pm
had a 16 foot wells cargo, hauled in from coast to coast, awesome trailer
MXD
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MXD 10/14/2011 6:27pm
10/14/2011 6:27pm
MXD wrote:
I bought a used 2008 6x12 that was never registered for $1800. The original BoS was for $2800. It was literally brand new. I went through...
I bought a used 2008 6x12 that was never registered for $1800. The original BoS was for $2800. It was literally brand new. I went through the same questions that you are going through before I bought mine. I was worried about 12, 16 or 24 on center, torsion or leaf, seamless.........blah blah blah. Then I came across this deal and it was such a good price that I bought it even though it isn't up to the same standards of say, a Car Mate HD. At the end of the day I came to realize that when you are hauling MX bikes and gear you aren't really putting too much stress on it and all of them will hold up fairly well. The only must haves IMO would be a one piece roof skin, LED lights and MAYBE a torsion axle. Mine has all of those except for the torsion axle and honestly, other than hearing an occasional squeak at slow speeds with the windows down, I can't tell a huge difference. I decked out the inside of mine then added a 105 aH deep cycle battery to the tongue so I have power in the trailer at night for lights, a laptop and a fan.

Post some links to the ones you are looking at and maybe we can tell you what to look for.
Wolfman wrote:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-6x12-6-x-12-Enclosed-ATV-Bike-Utility-Cargo-Trailer-/230683153576?pt=Motors_Trailers&hash=item35b5c994a8
The only things that would concern me would be the flat roof and the lights appear to be non LED. The flat roof is important as someone mentioned above because you don't want water to pool up there. The LED's are a huge time saver because they last forever as opposed to traditional lighting which seems like it needs to be replaced every spring. The roof bows and wall supports look to be 24 inches on center although there is no way to be sure just from the picture. If they are, it isn't a huge deal unless you live where it snows. In that case, you want at least 16 if not 12 to support the extra weight if a good storm comes rolling through. Also, when you put cabinets in there you'll want to use self tapping screws and go right to the metal wall studs. The closer they are, the easier it will be to bolt stuff to them.

Your trailer looks like it's a Cargo Craft Explorer. Here is their website http://www.cargocraftinc.com/explorer.htm I would call and ask them and ask for more specs on the wall stud spacing, lights, axle and whatever else you are curious about.

I would also do a quick google search for "Cargo Craft trailer reviews" and see what turns up.
VEGAS711
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VEGAS711 10/14/2011 6:33pm
10/14/2011 6:33pm
Wolfman wrote:
Thanks for the opinions guys! Keep em coming, much appreciated.
Here's my opinion. You are screwed, doesn't matter what you buy. I have had 3 enclosed trailers in the last 15 years. One was a top of the line expensive one with good axles, oversize wheels etc. I live in Nevada and travel a lot between here and Ponca, Loretta's, Mini O's, Englishtown, and recent years Milleville, Unadilla, Southwick, Budds etc. The only place I have had problems (broke more than one of them) was that piece of S@*& I-40 from 60 miles west of Oklahoma City to 60 miles East of Oklahoma city. Spent a lot of time in that stretch on the side of the road with broken trailers. Good Luck!!Whistling
Wolfman
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Wolfman 10/14/2011 7:14pm
10/14/2011 7:14pm
MXD wrote:
I bought a used 2008 6x12 that was never registered for $1800. The original BoS was for $2800. It was literally brand new. I went through...
I bought a used 2008 6x12 that was never registered for $1800. The original BoS was for $2800. It was literally brand new. I went through the same questions that you are going through before I bought mine. I was worried about 12, 16 or 24 on center, torsion or leaf, seamless.........blah blah blah. Then I came across this deal and it was such a good price that I bought it even though it isn't up to the same standards of say, a Car Mate HD. At the end of the day I came to realize that when you are hauling MX bikes and gear you aren't really putting too much stress on it and all of them will hold up fairly well. The only must haves IMO would be a one piece roof skin, LED lights and MAYBE a torsion axle. Mine has all of those except for the torsion axle and honestly, other than hearing an occasional squeak at slow speeds with the windows down, I can't tell a huge difference. I decked out the inside of mine then added a 105 aH deep cycle battery to the tongue so I have power in the trailer at night for lights, a laptop and a fan.

Post some links to the ones you are looking at and maybe we can tell you what to look for.
Wolfman wrote:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-6x12-6-x-12-Enclosed-ATV-Bike-Utility-Cargo-Trailer-/230683153576?pt=Motors_Trailers&hash=item35b5c994a8
MXD wrote:
The only things that would concern me would be the flat roof and the lights appear to be non LED. The flat roof is important as...
The only things that would concern me would be the flat roof and the lights appear to be non LED. The flat roof is important as someone mentioned above because you don't want water to pool up there. The LED's are a huge time saver because they last forever as opposed to traditional lighting which seems like it needs to be replaced every spring. The roof bows and wall supports look to be 24 inches on center although there is no way to be sure just from the picture. If they are, it isn't a huge deal unless you live where it snows. In that case, you want at least 16 if not 12 to support the extra weight if a good storm comes rolling through. Also, when you put cabinets in there you'll want to use self tapping screws and go right to the metal wall studs. The closer they are, the easier it will be to bolt stuff to them.

Your trailer looks like it's a Cargo Craft Explorer. Here is their website http://www.cargocraftinc.com/explorer.htm I would call and ask them and ask for more specs on the wall stud spacing, lights, axle and whatever else you are curious about.

I would also do a quick google search for "Cargo Craft trailer reviews" and see what turns up.
Thanks. Good info.
Wolfman
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Wolfman 10/14/2011 7:15pm
10/14/2011 7:15pm
Wolfman wrote:
Thanks for the opinions guys! Keep em coming, much appreciated.
VEGAS711 wrote:
Here's my opinion. You are screwed, doesn't matter what you buy. I have had 3 enclosed trailers in the last 15 years. One was a top...
Here's my opinion. You are screwed, doesn't matter what you buy. I have had 3 enclosed trailers in the last 15 years. One was a top of the line expensive one with good axles, oversize wheels etc. I live in Nevada and travel a lot between here and Ponca, Loretta's, Mini O's, Englishtown, and recent years Milleville, Unadilla, Southwick, Budds etc. The only place I have had problems (broke more than one of them) was that piece of S@*& I-40 from 60 miles west of Oklahoma City to 60 miles East of Oklahoma city. Spent a lot of time in that stretch on the side of the road with broken trailers. Good Luck!!Whistling
Yeah, Oklahoma roads SUCK! We know it too, it is a shame when you can tell that you enter a neighboring state because the roads all of a sudden become 10 fold nicer than what you are used to. Pinch
Wolfman
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Wolfman 10/14/2011 7:16pm
10/14/2011 7:16pm
Awesome info from all you guys. Thanks so much!
mx-4-2
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mx-4-2 10/14/2011 7:50pm
10/14/2011 7:50pm
We use a 6x12 Carry-On with the drop rear door that we bought new for $2,200. It has been a good trailer with 2 full seasons and ~30k miles of use to and from the track. I will likely replace it this winter to buy a 7x16 which will give us the space we need for both bikes, a pit bike and water tank. As it is, we can fit two full size bikes and misc equipment (generator, pressure washer, pop up tent) but the trailer is packed and I have to put our water tank in the back of my truck.

Also, I would buy the v-nose instead of the round nose that I purchased. Other than that, the trailer has been great and even provides good shelter for the late fall races. We had one last year at Elizabeth City that had snow on the ground so that the heated trailer was a must have.
35smom
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35smom 10/14/2011 8:08pm
10/14/2011 8:08pm
I have a 8.5 x 20 ft Pace aluminum trailer. Its been thru hell and back the last 6 years and outside of a flat tire never had a problem. Had a 6 x 12 regular one prior and it was nothing comapred to this one. It tows easy (alot lighter that the smaller one), easy to manuver behind the motorhome. We Rhino Lined the floor and 12 inches up the wall (our buisness) and have had no complaints.
Speaking of im currently trying to get rid of it. If anyones interested give me a shout :-)
Wolfman
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Wolfman 10/14/2011 8:09pm
10/14/2011 8:09pm
What about the weight of the different trailers? Does heavier mean stronger, or not so much?
ThumbsUP
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ThumbsUP 10/14/2011 8:09pm
10/14/2011 8:09pm
I would buy a used UHAUL trailer since they are build like a bull dozer.

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Wolfman
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Wolfman 10/14/2011 8:11pm
10/14/2011 8:11pm
35smom wrote:
I have a 8.5 x 20 ft Pace aluminum trailer. Its been thru hell and back the last 6 years and outside of a flat tire...
I have a 8.5 x 20 ft Pace aluminum trailer. Its been thru hell and back the last 6 years and outside of a flat tire never had a problem. Had a 6 x 12 regular one prior and it was nothing comapred to this one. It tows easy (alot lighter that the smaller one), easy to manuver behind the motorhome. We Rhino Lined the floor and 12 inches up the wall (our buisness) and have had no complaints.
Speaking of im currently trying to get rid of it. If anyones interested give me a shout :-)
Too funny that you mention weight just as I brought it up...

We should date. Whats up?













Im kidding of course.
Wolfman
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Wolfman 10/14/2011 8:12pm
10/14/2011 8:12pm
ThumbsUP wrote:
I would buy a used UHAUL trailer since they are build like a bull dozer.
They are ugly though!
35smom
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35smom 10/14/2011 8:13pm
10/14/2011 8:13pm
Wolfman wrote:
What about the weight of the different trailers? Does heavier mean stronger, or not so much?
My light weight aluminum trailer is the kind used to haul cars. I think its rating is 12,000 gvw. The difference is really noticeable in gas mileage
ThumbsUP
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ThumbsUP 10/14/2011 8:14pm
10/14/2011 8:14pm
ThumbsUP wrote:
I would buy a used UHAUL trailer since they are build like a bull dozer.
Wolfman wrote:
They are ugly though!
But I have a good point right? They build those trailers to withstand a million pot holes. I love Uhaul.
35smom
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35smom 10/14/2011 8:15pm
10/14/2011 8:15pm
35smom wrote:
I have a 8.5 x 20 ft Pace aluminum trailer. Its been thru hell and back the last 6 years and outside of a flat tire...
I have a 8.5 x 20 ft Pace aluminum trailer. Its been thru hell and back the last 6 years and outside of a flat tire never had a problem. Had a 6 x 12 regular one prior and it was nothing comapred to this one. It tows easy (alot lighter that the smaller one), easy to manuver behind the motorhome. We Rhino Lined the floor and 12 inches up the wall (our buisness) and have had no complaints.
Speaking of im currently trying to get rid of it. If anyones interested give me a shout :-)
Wolfman wrote:
Too funny that you mention weight just as I brought it up...

We should date. Whats up?













Im kidding of course.
Awww. Okay LOL
Wolfman
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Wolfman 10/14/2011 8:16pm
10/14/2011 8:16pm
ThumbsUP wrote:
I would buy a used UHAUL trailer since they are build like a bull dozer.
Wolfman wrote:
They are ugly though!
ThumbsUP wrote:
But I have a good point right? They build those trailers to withstand a million pot holes. I love Uhaul.
You do have a point. How much does a used 6x12 go for?
jndmx
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jndmx 10/14/2011 8:17pm
10/14/2011 8:17pm
Wolfman wrote:
They are ugly though!
ThumbsUP wrote:
But I have a good point right? They build those trailers to withstand a million pot holes. I love Uhaul.
Wolfman wrote:
You do have a point. How much does a used 6x12 go for?
Good luck trying to find one for sale.

I actually called them to ask if they sold the older ones and they told me until they fall apart they will continue to rent them out.
ThumbsUP
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ThumbsUP 10/14/2011 8:19pm
10/14/2011 8:19pm
Never seen one for sell...because why sell them if they are not damaged? They go for millions of miles...like the energizer bunny..or timex watch...takes a beating but keeps on ticking.
Wolfman
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Wolfman 10/14/2011 8:19pm
10/14/2011 8:19pm
35smom wrote:
I have a 8.5 x 20 ft Pace aluminum trailer. Its been thru hell and back the last 6 years and outside of a flat tire...
I have a 8.5 x 20 ft Pace aluminum trailer. Its been thru hell and back the last 6 years and outside of a flat tire never had a problem. Had a 6 x 12 regular one prior and it was nothing comapred to this one. It tows easy (alot lighter that the smaller one), easy to manuver behind the motorhome. We Rhino Lined the floor and 12 inches up the wall (our buisness) and have had no complaints.
Speaking of im currently trying to get rid of it. If anyones interested give me a shout :-)
Wolfman wrote:
Too funny that you mention weight just as I brought it up...

We should date. Whats up?













Im kidding of course.
35smom wrote:
Awww. Okay LOL
So you are saying it is kind of a pay me now, or pay me later kind of a deal? I really only need a 6x12 or so. I only plan to drive cross country maybe once a year.


And you ARE adorable. I saw your pic on here once. Mr. Peters has a mighty pretty ol' lady.
Wolfman
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Wolfman 10/14/2011 8:22pm
10/14/2011 8:22pm
ThumbsUP wrote:
But I have a good point right? They build those trailers to withstand a million pot holes. I love Uhaul.
Wolfman wrote:
You do have a point. How much does a used 6x12 go for?
jndmx wrote:
Good luck trying to find one for sale. I actually called them to ask if they sold the older ones and they told me until they...
Good luck trying to find one for sale.

I actually called them to ask if they sold the older ones and they told me until they fall apart they will continue to rent them out.
They sell them at the u-haul store at the corner of 11th and memorial drive in Tulsa. For 20 years I have driven by and seen For Sale signs hung on those things. Of course, now that I say that, I bet it wont ever happen again!
35smom
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35smom 10/14/2011 8:34pm
10/14/2011 8:34pm
Wolfman wrote:
So you are saying it is kind of a pay me now, or pay me later kind of a deal? I really only need a 6x12...
So you are saying it is kind of a pay me now, or pay me later kind of a deal? I really only need a 6x12 or so. I only plan to drive cross country maybe once a year.


And you ARE adorable. I saw your pic on here once. Mr. Peters has a mighty pretty ol' lady.
Yes. I would rather pay extra not to have a problem on the road. My trailer runs about $13,000. Is still too pricey for me but my EX (yes Im the Ex Mrs Peters) does work for the trailer company.
Thanks for the compliment!

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