I need to get a cargo trailer and need some advice.

The trailer will be used approx 35 days per year and will be pulled approx 1,000 miles per year, so it will not see daily hard use.
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It needs to be able to carry approx 5,500 lbs, but extra capacity would be nice because I don’t think it is a good idea to max out trailers/tow vehicles.
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I am considering this trailer: http://www.performancetrailer.com/trCargo1560.htm , (sorry, but I am embedding impaired) the 84 x 16 model. I plan to upgrade to the 5200 lbs axles.
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The 72 x 16 is approx $4,000 without any options, BTW.
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My specific questions are:


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• The whole trailer is powder coated. Is this a good idea? Longevity, repairs, etc.
• Are brakes really needed on the second axle, or is this overkill?
• The whole trailer is welded metal sheets. Roof and all. Don’t know the gauge. Good idea?
• What about the EZ lube axles?
• Does this seem like it would fit my needs, or should I look at something else?

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Any other advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
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Thanks.
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That looks like an okay trailer for your needs.

I would definitely get electric brakes on both axles. You can't have too much brake.

I would skip the EZ Lube. For the little you use the trailer, you may never need to lube the wheel bearings. Plus, the EZ Lube can blow out seals if not used correctly. No big deal if it comes with it. You don't have to use it.

I would upgrade to load range D tires. The spec is confusing, because it says 205/75/D15 (the D means LR=D), but then in parenthesis it says LR-C. For best tire life you want LR=D.

Powder coating is good, but no big deal. Just about everything is powder coated these days.

The Equalizer system is a good item to have. Makes the trailer ride nicer, and if you haul household goods fewer things will break. Makes the missus happier.

What am I missing on the GVWR? It says shipping weight on the 84 x 16 is 3,295. I don't see the net cargo capacity or a GVWR. The note under the picture says GVWR = 1,560. But that cannot be right. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) should equal shipping weight plus cargo carrying capacity. GVWR cannot be less than shipping weight.

 

Thanks, bpounds.

I do agree with you on the brakes.

Is the EZ lube like "Bearing Buddies" I see on boat trailers?

My guess on the GVWR issue is that the person who did their web site has no idea what GCVW, GVWR, etc. mean and somehow used incorrect figures (from wrong column of spec sheet maybe) when making the page, and it hasn't been caught yet.

When you say the trailer looks "Okay" for my needs, should I consider something else?

It is true that the trailer won't see much use, but when it does, it will be loaded heavily for a several hundred mile trip. (Think of boxes full of books for the cargo.)

I don't need a trailer with a lot of bells and whistles for options. I'm just looking for a well built trailer that will last for several years, and really don't want to buy junk.

Thanks again.

 

Yes, EZ Lube is somewhat like Bearing Buddies. It is a grease nipple on the end of the axle that you can pump grease into your bearings.

Regarding the GVWR, you need to find the real number. Then do the math to see if the net carrying capacity is what you want. And also make sure your truck can handle it. Books are heavy!

 

bearing buddies or ez lube you don't want unless you put it in water.