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#574742 - 12/26/20 12:36 PM
Cargo Trailer Advice
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,013
Dock Holiday
Admiral
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Admiral

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,013
Lake Geneva, WI
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We are in the market for a small (4x6, 5x8) enclosed cargo trailer for occasional use. I have almost zero experience with such trailers, so thought I would reach out for advice on what to look for.
The primary use will be migrating between our summer home and winter home, so reliability is must (don't want to be stranded far from home). In searching on the internet, I see a huge range in prices, so wondering what the lower priced models don't have that the more expensive models do? Also concerned about ability to back up as years ago I borrowed a small cargo trailer that was impossible to back up w/o jack knifing. Is there a minimum hitch to axle length?
We were going to rent a trailer, but these price out as $600 each way, so a purchase would pay for itself quickly.
Thanks in advance. .
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#574744 - 12/26/20 03:24 PM
Re: Cargo Trailer Advice
[Re: Dock Holiday]
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,131
2Suns
Admiral
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Admiral
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,131
Peoria,IL
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I had a 6’ x 10’ V nose for a while. A few observations-
I wish I had bought a bigger one.
The V nose was supposed to be better for mileage, etc. I suppose it is, but it makes for an awkward area to fit things in. Not sure I’d buy a V nose again.
The read door was a ramp instead out swing out doors. I preferred the ramp door, but I could see it being a problem if you don’t have the space to open it. Mine had a side door as well.
I didn’t shop too much before I bought it. But I would imagine the cost differences are due to the usual suspects- quality of build, etc.
Short trailers are hard to back up. Whenever the distance from the pivot point to the trailer axle is less than the wheelbase of the tow vehicle, it gonna be hard. I routinely pull a short trailer with an extended WB cargo van. The two things I’ve learned is go slow, and small corrections. I’m always backing in off the street and I am constantly saying “slow down, small corrections” to my myself when doing it.
By the time they had diminished from 50 to 8, the other dwarves began to suspect "Hungry.-Gary Larson
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#574748 - 12/27/20 01:38 PM
Re: Cargo Trailer Advice
[Re: 2Suns]
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,013
Dock Holiday
Admiral
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Admiral

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,013
Lake Geneva, WI
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I had a 6’ x 10’ V nose for a while. A few observations-
I wish I had bought a bigger one.
The V nose was supposed to be better for mileage, etc. I suppose it is, but it makes for an awkward area to fit things in. Not sure I’d buy a V nose again.
The read door was a ramp instead out swing out doors. I preferred the ramp door, but I could see it being a problem if you don’t have the space to open it. Mine had a side door as well.
I didn’t shop too much before I bought it. But I would imagine the cost differences are due to the usual suspects- quality of build, etc.
Short trailers are hard to back up. Whenever the distance from the pivot point to the trailer axle is less than the wheelbase of the tow vehicle, it gonna be hard. I routinely pull a short trailer with an extended WB cargo van. The two things I’ve learned is go slow, and small corrections. I’m always backing in off the street and I am constantly saying “slow down, small corrections” to my myself when doing it. Most of the trailers we are finding on the dealer lots are V nose. I was thinking the same thing about the odd shaped interior. I was actually thinking they should but an empty nose on the front of the trailers (similar to what they put on some semi trailers). It seems like most of the trailers have the ramp door. I have no need for a ramp, and would prefer a swing door, but not a big deal either way. My main concern with the ramp is maintenance/reliability. As for length, the Admiral wanted a 4x6, but I will not sign up to back up a trailer so short. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences.
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#574750 - 12/27/20 01:56 PM
Re: Cargo Trailer Advice
[Re: Dock Holiday]
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,013
Dock Holiday
Admiral
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Admiral

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,013
Lake Geneva, WI
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After visiting a few dealer lots yesterday, and searching the "inter webs", we came to a few conclusions: 1) We don't want a lower priced trailer. I researched a model available at a local Fleet Farm store that would cost about 30% less, but it seems like each an every component is cheap. Reliability is very important, so we are not considering the lower cost options. 2) While there are countless makes of trailers, most of the trailers available appear to be similarly priced with similar features. They seem to use the same components and designs. 3) We decided one important factor for us is to fit under a 7' garage door. This limits us to an inside height of 5'. There are only 2 trailers within a reasonable drive that I have found that will fit under a 7' door. One is 5x8 and one is 5x10, both are from the same dealer and same mfg, and both are single axle. The 5x10 has stabilizer jacks on the back so you can load/unload safely without being attached to the tow vehicle. The stabilizer jacks make the decision easy: 5x10. This is more trailer than we need, but the extra size might come in handy, and might also tow better as well.
The two items that I am not seeing on any of the trailers is interior tie down points. I assume the dealers add these on for a fee? Also, not seeing spare tires. Seems like this (and jack and tools)_is a must have for long hauls.
I will be calling the dealer Monday morning.
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#574757 - 12/28/20 03:05 PM
Re: Cargo Trailer Advice
[Re: Dock Holiday]
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,128
Jack T
Admiral
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Admiral

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,128
Southern California
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You might want to verify all critical components are made in the USA-- wheels, bearings, coupler, wiring, etc. How are the wires fastened to the trailer between the front and the rear? It sounds like the rear and side lights are "exciting." Are they standard parts that can be purchased locally wherever you are traveling and replaced with simple tools?
Not sure what you will be pulling the trailer with. Many vehicles have tow ratings that you would think would be OK, But, some are insufficient to pull anything other than a very small lightweight trailer. Even some lightweight trailers, when loaded, exceed the tow ratings of some vehicles.
Have a great day of boating 2012 Monterey 224 FS, 300 HP Volvo Penta with catalytic converters
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#574759 - 12/28/20 09:02 PM
Re: Cargo Trailer Advice
[Re: Dock Holiday]
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,013
Dock Holiday
Admiral
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Admiral

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,013
Lake Geneva, WI
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Brought this trailer home tonight (5x10, 5" inside height). ![[Linked Image]](http://www.boatingabc.com/photos/data/582/medium/StealthTrailer_SideView.jpg) ![[Linked Image]](http://www.boatingabc.com/photos/data/582/medium/StealthTrailer_Rear.jpg) ![[Linked Image]](http://www.boatingabc.com/photos/data/582/medium/StealthTrailer_FronthRight.jpg) ![[Linked Image]](http://www.boatingabc.com/photos/data/582/medium/StealthTrailer_LeftFront.jpg) As far as I could tell, the components are of decent quality and are typical for a middle of the road brand. She has an interior light that illuminates surprisingly well. Quality is. much better than the cheap trailers, but there are better brands out there, I just did not have the time to seek them out. While towing her home with an empty load, she towed well with no bouncy issues like some empty trailers will do. I have a 4x6 flat bed that I load with 200+ lbs of water softener salt when towing empty as the bouncing drives me bonkers. Hopefully she will do well when loaded. The tow vehicle is a 2020 VW Atlas Cross Sport with a 5K tow rating. I have not towed much with this vehicle yet, but others have posted good experiences online. My previous vehicle, a VW Touareg, was a fantastic tow vehicle. I had the dealer install a spare tire inside, and I purchased D-ring tracks for the floor and sides, as well as 12 removable D-ring thingies, so securing the cargo should be easy. Per the car's computer, there is very little hit to the MPG with the empty trailer. We had the option of getting the same model, except in silver and black. It would have looked great, and matched the tow vehicle, but this added $300 to the cost and I was concerned about the inside getting too hot from the sun. Thanks for all of the excellent input. GFC - You can put down the popcorn now.
Last edited by Dock Holiday; 12/28/20 09:30 PM.
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