Box Trailer questions.

Krackar · July 18, 2011, 05:04:50 PM

I'm about to purchase my first trailer. Mainly to be used for odd-jobs around the home and for camping. Maybe in a few yrs once the kids get older it'll be the base for a camper build. I'm keen on a 7x4 high side from here http://www.tradebuilttrailers.com/pricing.htm. His tradesman 7x4 high side with 4WD upgrade.

Am I on the right track for a decent trailer? Is a swing out tailgate worth getting over the normal style? What would be better flooring for a trailer, 2.1mm checker plate or 2mm flat floor? Is there anything that is missing from them that they should have?

Sorry for all the questions.

Thanks.

Prado BB · July 18, 2011, 05:30:00 PM

The price for the off road sounds ok - if the $2,600 includes those items listed under "options". The only 3 questions I would have are:

1. What thickness RHS are the using for the chassis and A-frame (ideally it should be 3 or 4mm if you intend on using it off road a lot)
2. What's the thickness of the trailer sides
3. Question really is for you - Are you happy buying from someone who does not list an address and only lists a mobile number.

Where are you from, as someone may be able to suggest a reputable trailer maker?

Andy

Krackar · July 18, 2011, 05:35:20 PM

Sorry, I should have put my location. I'm in Ipswich. This guy lives in Brisbane not far from me and said I could stop in and have a look at his trailer. He makes them to order so he only has his own trailer for me to look at.

Jon · July 18, 2011, 06:03:05 PM

10% upfront.
That's the law.
The rest COD. Too many shonks wanting to take your money.

BigJules · July 18, 2011, 06:34:02 PM

If you're going to use it as a general purpose trailer, pay the extra and get a galvanised one. I've got a gal box trailer, had it for over ten years and it still looks as good as when I bought it, a few dings aside. Whereas the typical painted trailers purchased around the same time are riddled with rust.

Krackar · July 19, 2011, 05:30:45 AM

A few things to think about! I'm fairly good at taking care of my things and I'm moving to the NT so I wasn't planning on getting a Gal trailer. Plus they are usually a fair bit more expensive and budget is against me.

Krackar

jeeps · July 20, 2011, 10:16:20 AM

I bought from Just Trailers. They built it the way i wanted it.

http://www.justtrailers.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=23&Itemid=51

cheers

Matto · July 20, 2011, 03:32:39 PM

I've been hunting around for a trailer recently myself, but have been hesitant to spend the money required to get a good one. The other day Hans Trailers were advertising on TV, and they look pretty good to my uneducated eye:
http://hanstrailers.com.au/

and reasonably cost effective:
http://www.tradingpost.com.au/Search?QueryTerm=hans+trailers&Go=Go

I particularly like the hot-dipped gal finish, would be good for up here, with the humidity and the amount of rain we get. As a long term investment, it probably makes sense for me. This one particularly looks good to me as a general purpose "take stuff to the dump" trailer, but again, I don't really know what I'm looking at:
http://www.tradingpost.com.au/Automotive/Trailers/AdNumber=D3904100709419?AdOnTop=

But looking through another thread on here 10 mins ago, I came across these:
http://www.easytrailer.com.au/

Now, obviously, they're a cheap trailer, and won't last as long as a "good" one. BUT, they ARE cheap, they seem to have a good rep, and they fold up nice and small and out of the way.

Just a couple of thoughts from someone who doesn't have either...

Thanks!
Matto

Matto · July 20, 2011, 03:35:06 PM

PS - also came across this on trading post while finding above trailers - I'm sure it's relevant SOMEHOW.

http://www.tradingpost.com.au/GreatFinds/Cars/FordFalconUte?cid=1%2C310%2C713%2C106%2C664

Thanks!
Matto

Krackar · July 20, 2011, 04:04:42 PM

Quote from: jeeps on July 20, 2011, 10:16:20 AM
I bought from Just Trailers. They built it the way i wanted it.

http://www.justtrailers.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=23&Itemid=51

cheers

I like the look of these trailers. I can't find anything good or bad about them. Might have to give them a call.

Krackar · July 21, 2011, 04:39:43 PM

I spoke to Peter at Just Trailers yesterday and we had a good yarn. I think I might have found my trailer. A 7x4 Semi Off road trailer with a couple of extra's.

What do you more experienced folk consider must haves on a trailer? I'm thinking a swing out tailgate, tonneau cover for when I'm camping. I'm unsure how I should get the spare mounted? Any thoughts?

Cheers Krackar

Matto · July 21, 2011, 04:42:37 PM

Good work Krackar! Always good to find someone who you can work with to get what you want.

If you're going down the path of a camper later, then I would get a swing-out tailgate. Drop-downs are better for garden rubbish, etc, but swing-outs rule for CT purposes. I'd also ensure that you've got nice high sides on it.

Spare-wise, I like them mounted on the tailgate. Frees up room on the drawbar, and balances out nicely. Might look a bit funny on just a normal box trailer though, and might put too much weight behind the axle if you've got nothing on the drawbar to counter-balance it.

Look forward to seeing what you come up with!

Thanks!
Matto

Krackar · July 21, 2011, 04:46:06 PM

Cheers Matto! I'll definitely be getting a swing out tailgate. They'll even make it so I can remove it if need be. And the high sides are a must in my book. The Semi off road comes with 510mm high sides.

Krackar

singo-26 · July 21, 2011, 04:58:27 PM

Quote from: Krackar on July 21, 2011, 04:39:43 PM
I spoke to Peter at Just Trailers yesterday and we had a good yarn. I think I might have found my trailer. A 7x4 Semi Off road trailer with a couple of extra's.

What do you more experienced folk consider must haves on a trailer? I'm thinking a swing out tailgate, tonneau cover for when I'm camping. I'm unsure how I should get the spare mounted? Any thoughts?

Cheers Krackar

I terms of must haves. I wouldn't have another box trailer without a toolbox on the drawbar. I normally carry my straps, A length of rope and a tarp. I also can fit my chainsaw, fuel, oil and tools if I'm going to get firewood.

Krackar · July 21, 2011, 08:49:25 PM

A toolbox is a great idea! I might have to look into that one.

Krackar

Dion · July 21, 2011, 10:30:26 PM

I bought a box trailer from this guy:

http://mjtrailers.com.au/

Very happy with its construction and how it tows etc.

hgmonaro · July 21, 2011, 10:42:52 PM

get tie-downs along the front and back (Tailgate) Makes tying stuff (esp lengths of wood, steel) down much easier and secure. My box trailer has a checkerplate floor and it's annoying when emptying dirt out (shovel won't slide). If I ever buy another I think I'd get flat floor and plan to replace it on 20 years

jeeps · July 22, 2011, 01:44:07 AM

I got Just Trailers to weld on a rear receiver hitch. I have a towbar style bike rack and use it to carry bikes around on when the trailor's alread full. You can see it in this pic under the tailgate:

cheers

Krackar · July 22, 2011, 02:09:39 PM

Quote from: hgmonaro on July 21, 2011, 10:42:52 PM
get tie-downs along the front and back (Tailgate) Makes tying stuff (esp lengths of wood, steel) down much easier and secure. My box trailer has a checkerplate floor and it's annoying when emptying dirt out (shovel won't slide). If I ever buy another I think I'd get flat floor and plan to replace it on 20 years

Peter at Just Trailers has told me that they can flip the checkerplate while building the trailer so I can have a flat floor.

Krackar · July 22, 2011, 08:30:23 PM

I'm going to have a look at a Semi Off road trailer tomorrow at Just trailers! Hopefully they are as good as I think they'll be.

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Box Trailer questions.