Stpete, you need to ditch the HOA...not the trailer/Excursion combo!

 

It all depends on compromises.

We've had a Jeep TJ and utility trailer at our CO place since 2008.
We've hauled water from our spring to our barn's 300 gallon cistern, in 2- 65 gallon tanks mounted to the trailer. The Jeep did great, plus the short wheelbase makes it easy to maneuver. Tried, ONCE with the F350, could not make the 3-pt turn at the spring tap, what a PITA that was.

The TJ can't hold much, we've removed the backseat to hold our luggage better, use the '99 F350 for hauling trees to burn piles, it holds 4-5 people (supercab) with luggage in the bed. It is also going to be our plow truck.

Now with my Excursion and wife's explorer enroute to CO, the Jeep can get it's rear seat installed, we have water plumbed to the house, yet the trailer will be handy, for $42/yr insurance it is worth it.

2 pickups is redundant, 1 pickup plus excursion or just the Ex with a trailer could work. Of course, if the Ex breaks, or while doing repairs you need to run to parts store, a 2nd vehicle is mighty handy!!! Especially, if you live 15 mins from paved road, and another 40 mins to town!!!

 

Haven't had a pickup since 2005. I don't miss it. Between my hitch carrier, 5x10 trailer and my 18' utility trailer, I can haul anything I need. This works because I have a large yard with gates to secure the trailer and hooking them up is quick and easy. I would say it all depends on your situation and how often you need to haul dirty truck things. With that in mind, I don't feel as nervous loaning out a trailer as I did my new trucks...so there is that

 

My utility trailer gets loaned out, the EX.....NOPE!

 

Sold my F150 and bought M101A

 

I've used a utility trailer since 1999 for all my hauling needs. I finally got sick of tearing up the inside of the Ford Club Wagon Vans that I loved to drive by hauling things for the family and friends. So I have a tandem axle 6' x 12' enclosed utility trailer now for that and I will always keep a trailer around. I can haul furniture, move apartments, refrigerators, lumber, trash, firewood, construction debris, and just about anything else better, with more room, and totally dry from the elements. On top of that, when it is sitting around doing nothing most of the time, it becomes an extra storage unit for things like my pressure washer, snow blower, rear tine tiller, and other yard tools to free room up in my garage.

The utility trailer is the way to go for sure. Just get an enclosed one and you will never regret it and neither will the interior or bed of your vehicle.

 

That's part of my challenge Bion, having to empty the trailer before using for hauling.

 

A closed trailer is great for storage (my car hauler has a bunch of stuff in it) but an open trailer is better for landscape stuff. The local mulch dealer can dump 7 scoops in mine, just wish it was that easy to unload the mulch (one shovel full at a time).

 

I don't disagree about the HOA. Long term I suspect the Ex will get replaced by a pickup.

 

Everyone has missed my biggest pet peeve. "Hey can I borrow your truck this weekend, I'm moving?" I would never mind for close friends, but others...hell no.

 

Mine too! I maximize the space in my garage, so if I can stack things on top of a trailer, it makes them easier to move around and opens up floor space. But then when I do need to actually use it, it's a pain to empty everything off.

Haha my friends already know, not happening no matter what. One does joke with me all the time that I need to take it out when it's a rainy or snowy day, but it's all in good fun because he knows I won't. Another friend asked if I'd bring it to a tailgate they all go to, and I'm like definitely not...too many people and too many drunk people.