[Fot] Enclosed trailer advice

[Scott Janzen]

I am always amazed at the prices used trailers bring.  I bought a 20' dual axle Haulmark several years ago around this time at the factory for about $4600.  They are still about the same price, last time I looked.  BTW, Haulmark, and maybe others, has various assembly plants around the country, so find one near you.  I found it on eBay, where a wholesaler listed trailers they contracted to buy with a buy it now price, but didn't want to take delivery of because it would just sit on their lot all winter.
A dealer told me late fall is a great time to buy an enclosed trailer, as there is left-over stock (esp this year, I bet) and the landscapers, etc are not buying at this time of year. 
a ten year old trailer sounds like failing electrics, dry rotted tires and rusty frame to me.
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: BOB KRAMER 
  To: FOT List 
  Sent: Saturday, September 27, 2008 8:49 AM
  Subject: [Fot] Enclosed trailer advice


  Anyone out the knowledgeable on trailer construction?

  I have always enjoyed taking my car to the track on an open trailer. You get a lot a waves and thumbs up but on this last trip I got a dent. It is time or me to get an enclosed trailer. I found a used one locally it has been used as a construction trailer for the last 5 years after having carried around a quarter midget team.

  I can buy this 10 year old 24 foot CargoMate trailer for around 4 grand. They added an A/C unit (uncertain if it works) and the roof is dented from climbing around up there, probably to service the A/C. The inside was interior grade paneled over the 3/8 plywood and some of the plywood has warped pushing the paneling out. I suspect condensation from the A/C unit.

  I understand that the lighter trailers use a strong box frame and a thin wood skin for wall construction and the others like this one use a lighter metal channel that needs plywood walls for strength. What I don't know is if you can easily replace damaged sections of plywood, or is it even necessary. Judging condition of the torsion axles, brakes etc is another variable. I'm also worried about the weight behind my 3/4 ton pick-up. I suppose a load leveling hitch is mandatory.

  At this point I'm leaning away from buying it. Any advice appreciated. 

  Bob Kramer
  rkramer3 at austin.rr.com


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