I have been looking at getting a used enclosed trailer and have been getting confused, by all the options.. So I thought a good discussion on the topic would be helpful to many..

I have been looking for a Tandem axle trailer probably 8'x20' that would be used for general hauling..

What are the better brands??

I see Haulmark, Cargo express, Pace American, Wells Cargo, and others.

What are some of the things to look for when buying??

What Axles are better?

It's seems there are to many classifications of trailers out there to compare..

Just looking for general input.. I know a lot depends on what it will be used for..

So let's hear the good and bad of trailers..

 

I just bought a 2007 24' enclosed Haulmark car trailer from a fellow member here. I love it! It only has dual 3500 lb axles (7K total weight) but I will be hauling race cars with it, so the weight isn't a big deal. You can get them with upto 10K pound axles. It seems to be a very sloid built trailer and tows like a dream for the size. When looking at used make sure that there are no interior water stains and CHECK THE ROOF to make sure it hasn't been hit before. A bunch that I looked at were great until I looked at the roof. If you want any more info let me know, or if your ever in the area your more than welcome to come take a look at it.

 

That is what I have been using.. A 24' Car hauler not Haulmark brand..

I borrowed it from someone and the roof has been damaged and repaired.. And your right it leaks..

It's a good trailer otherwise.. I am not hauling a car, but it would be nice to have the capability when needed..

Thanks for the offer..

 

Not a problem. Anytime.

 

On that kind of a trailer the roof is a prime issue, but also have a close look under it...

Inspect the Suspension, and also the Frame:

Frame;

Suspension;

I remember a trailer that came in to Southaven once that had a tire that continually wore out way ahead of the others (it was a tandem axle). The cause was an axle stub that had probably been solidly backed into an immoveable object, bending it about two or three degrees out of line. It tore up the outside edge of the tire(s) mounted on it like it was going out of style!

Another one at Suncoast was from Canada - the leaf springs under it were so rusted out from road salt we were debating whether or not the frame mounts needed to be replaced along with everything else.

Look up online how to tell from the DOT markings on the sidewall of each tire exactly when it was manufactured. This info can also be found in the towing, trailer, and fifth wheel forum here. I put it there when I found the reason why a certain brand of trailer tires were consistently BLOWING UP on the road. It's amazing how much damage a tire can do when the tread seperates at highway speeds...

The tires in question were supposedly new. What was interesting was that the date codes in the DOT markings were post-dated five or more years into the future at the time.

(TRUE STORY)

 

Thanks Dutch..

Those are some good points to watch out for.. I'lll have to keep them in mind...