St. Patty's thread
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 4,058
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From: Connecticut
I had a chat with the folks at Trailer Depot the last time it was in for service and I could get a much better quality trailer for only a little more than I spent with Southern. I was very surprised at how reasonable a new one would be. I've considered whether the trailer I have is more work than its worth, or if all the money I have dumped into it have ironed out the bugs.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,920
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From: Carson City, NV
Yep, I would agree with that. They seem to hold their value well, but of course getting a deal means taking a trip to pick it up. You can get mixed quality from the cheaper brands, but I really liked my last one, which was made by Freedom Trailer in Georgia.
I referred Greg to the place I bought my two from, and apparently they are making their own trailers now. Greg had a lot of trouble with his, so Southern Dimensions may not be the place to get one now.
I referred Greg to the place I bought my two from, and apparently they are making their own trailers now. Greg had a lot of trouble with his, so Southern Dimensions may not be the place to get one now.
I had a chat with the folks at Trailer Depot the last time it was in for service and I could get a much better quality trailer for only a little more than I spent with Southern. I was very surprised at how reasonable a new one would be. I've considered whether the trailer I have is more work than its worth, or if all the money I have dumped into it have ironed out the bugs.
I did find a listing from a place in orange county, ny, similar trailer, a bit more $$, the brand is listed as Quality trailer, I can't seem to find a website for that brand. They look nearly identical to what is being produced down south as well.
https://albany.craigslist.org/trb/6036503443.html
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Isanti, MN
Looks like a lot of those trailers built in Georgia most likely come from the same factory, it looks like diamond, freedom, lark, and trojan are all within a few hundred dollars of each other and come with 5 year warranties. I've read that getting warranty work done involves bringing the trailer back to Georgia.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Carson City, NV
Definitely not the same factory, but there are a lot of them down there. I picked up my second trailer from the plant in Willacoochee, and was with my mom picking up a trailer at a plant in Waycross. SDG makes theirs in Pearson, GA, and my first trailer was made at a now-defunct plant somewhere else in the immediate area.
There's some places in Virginia and North Carolina that carry a few of these brands.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Connecticut
Warranty work was the biggest issue I had and you hit the nail on the head. You have to bring it to them to have it serviced. I strong armed my way into having them send parts up for a local place to do the work, but it was still crap parts. I would only buy local at this point. There is a reason that trailers made in Georgia are cheaper than ones made near us. I've been very pleased with my dealings at Trailer Depot and although I thought their prices were a little on the high side, they are always prompt to get back to me and I haven't had any issues with the repair work they have done. They sell multiple brands and were willing to have some place in Maine build me a new one nearly identical to the larger one I have now that has caused me so much grief.
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 4,753
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From: Middletown, CT
I don't have much to add to the conversation, but I will certainly say that I like to shop around and find a good deal. That being said, I very rarely buy something that is the cheapest I found. Especially when dealing with some kind of dealer, I am happy to pay a bit more for better product and better service. Local never hurts. Much better for dealing with problems. Good luck with your search, Kyle.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,920
Likes: 2
From: Carson City, NV
Warranty work was the biggest issue I had and you hit the nail on the head. You have to bring it to them to have it serviced. I strong armed my way into having them send parts up for a local place to do the work, but it was still crap parts. I would only buy local at this point. There is a reason that trailers made in Georgia are cheaper than ones made near us. I've been very pleased with my dealings at Trailer Depot and although I thought their prices were a little on the high side, they are always prompt to get back to me and I haven't had any issues with the repair work they have done. They sell multiple brands and were willing to have some place in Maine build me a new one nearly identical to the larger one I have now that has caused me so much grief.
I'm not really quite sure what to make of the warranty situations because I'll be bringing some stuff to Florida for my parents then going from there out west with the majority of my things. I've decided to move this spring.
My Idea behind the trailer is to use it basically to move and then sell it afterwards. I can't see paying nearly 2k to use a uhaul trailer for a one way rental and it wont even be big enough for everything. Or paying that much to use a rental truck for the journey either. If I can sell the trailer afterwards and maybe only be out a few hundred dollars vs nearly 2,000 that'll be a big savings in the end.
I don't have much to add to the conversation, but I will certainly say that I like to shop around and find a good deal. That being said, I very rarely buy something that is the cheapest I found. Especially when dealing with some kind of dealer, I am happy to pay a bit more for better product and better service. Local never hurts. Much better for dealing with problems. Good luck with your search, Kyle.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Isanti, MN
My Idea behind the trailer is to use it basically to move and then sell it afterwards. I can't see paying nearly 2k to use a uhaul trailer for a one way rental and it wont even be big enough for everything. Or paying that much to use a rental truck for the journey either. If I can sell the trailer afterwards and maybe only be out a few hundred dollars vs nearly 2,000 that'll be a big savings in the end.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Connecticut
My custom trailer is a 7x14 V nose with a 7.5' ceiling, people door in the V and ramp on the back. Two rows of E track down both sides and D-rings in the floor. I also have a small 5x9 with rear barn doors.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Carson City, NV
Having that extra height must be nice, I think most are 6' or just over!
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Connecticut
Yeah, the small ones seem to be around 5.5' and the larger ones are right around 6' at the peak and shorter towards the sides.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,721
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From: CT
I upgraded to the OEM LED Headlights, which are pretty awesome if I do say so myself. I also installed the BedRug from the Ford Accessory Catalog, and a BakFlip MX4 tonneau.
I will be tackling the OEM LED Taillights and 3 light bar under the tailgate next.
I will be tackling the OEM LED Taillights and 3 light bar under the tailgate next.