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Trailer selection
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posted
Since my class C has most every thing except storage, looking for a small (5 X 8, 5 ft high)
aluminum enclosed trailer. I will be hauling bicycles, up to 4 at a time, and lots of ski equipment, depending on my mood.

There are a gazillion or so brands etc, can you folks suggest quality brands, and brands to avoid,
Thanks
Chuckd
Stillwater Mn
 
Posts: 73 | Location: Stillwater Mn | Member Since: 07-16-2012Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Glassnose Aficionado
Supporting Member of Barthmobile.com 2/09
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Not knowing much about brand names, I'd start my search looking at the quality of construction, # of leaves in the springs, size of wheels, floor material, etc. I wouldn't want any wood framing, 15" wheels are best all around, if the floor is plywood I'd want at least marine grade or PT, [feel free to correct me on any of these].


79 Barth Classic
 
Posts: 3491 | Location: Venice Fl. | Member Since: 07-12-2004Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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Captain Doom
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I have a 6'x12' Haulmark, ten years old. Although with tandem axles, it's bigger than what you want; it's been trouble-free over 8K miles that I've owned it.

A couple of suggestions:

- Go for 6' high. so you don't have to crouch inside
- A rear ramp door would make loading simpler
- A front door can be handy
- Aluminum frame for a trailer your size wouldn't save enough weight to justify the added expense, but an aluminum superstructure is worth it.
- Bearing Buddies allow greasing the bearings without pulling the wheel; while they're intended for boat trailers, IMHO, they're worth the cost for any trailer. The cheaper chrome-plated would be fine.
- Get a spare tire; Harbor Freight has a decent tongue-mounted carrier for about $18


Rusty


MilSpec AMG 6.5L TD 230HP; built-to-order by Peninsular Engines:  Hi-pop injectors, gear-driven camshaft, non-waste-gated, high-output turbo, 18:1 pistons.  Fuel economy increased by 15-20%, power, WOW!"StaRV II"

'94 28' Breakaway: MilSpec AMG 6.5L TD 230HP

Nelson and Chester, not-spoiled Golden Retrievers

Sometimes I think we're alone in the universe, and sometimes I think we're not.
In either case the idea is quite staggering.
- Arthur C. Clarke

It was a woman who drove me to drink, and I've been searching thirty years to find her and thank her - W. C. Fields
 
Posts: 7734 | Location: Brooker, FL, USA | Member Since: 09-08-2005Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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Ditto Rusty and also would put in roof vent and a little screened window.
 
Posts: 2003 | Location: Jackson, Michigan, USA | Member Since: 04-18-2004Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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I pull a 6x14 single axle. Being 14' and single axle makes it easier to back up. The disadvantage is weight distribution is harder to obtain. I have had a problem with to much hitch weight (600 lb +) at times. A tandem axle would allow more flexibility on cargo position .On our trip to Florida, Loaded with a dressed out Harley, 250 mx bike, 2 canoes and outboard motor I was just under the 3500 lb axle Wt. and about 400 lb on the hitch.

I pull this same loaded trailer behind our Class C with no problems. Make sure you get electric brakes. Suggest a aux. tranny cooler if pulling a trailer. Pulling the trailer behind our Class C drops fuel mileage from 10 mpg to a little under 9 mpg.

I would suggest a 6' wide trailer with a 96" outside wheel width as you can see the tires in the mirrors going down the road and backing up.


1986 31' Regal -1976 Class C
454/T400 P30 -350/T400 G30
twin cntr beds - 21' rear bath
 
Posts: 1023 | Location: Dayton, Ohio | Member Since: 09-27-2009Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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Captain Doom
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It's rare to find a single axle <3,000 lbs. with brakes, although it could be special ordered. With the weight expected, brakes wouldn't be a major consideration, although I agree they're a plus, as would be an additional tranny cooler. However, most Class Cs already have OEM heavy duty engine and tranny cooling.

Reasons I opted for a tandem axle were the stability, extra braking, and as doorman mentioned, less critical load distribution. But I've never loaded mine to anywhere near the 7,500 lb. capacity.


Rusty


MilSpec AMG 6.5L TD 230HP; built-to-order by Peninsular Engines:  Hi-pop injectors, gear-driven camshaft, non-waste-gated, high-output turbo, 18:1 pistons.  Fuel economy increased by 15-20%, power, WOW!"StaRV II"

'94 28' Breakaway: MilSpec AMG 6.5L TD 230HP

Nelson and Chester, not-spoiled Golden Retrievers

Sometimes I think we're alone in the universe, and sometimes I think we're not.
In either case the idea is quite staggering.
- Arthur C. Clarke

It was a woman who drove me to drink, and I've been searching thirty years to find her and thank her - W. C. Fields
 
Posts: 7734 | Location: Brooker, FL, USA | Member Since: 09-08-2005Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Supporting Member of Barthmobile.com 3/19
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quote:
I would suggest a 6' wide trailer with a 96" outside wheel width as you can see the tires in the mirrors going down the road and backing up.


Yes, I was glad I had the wider of the two Featherlite widths behind my Breakaway. Can't say I could see the tires, but could see the fenders of both sides and would have been able to see bouncing
 
Posts: 2003 | Location: Jackson, Michigan, USA | Member Since: 04-18-2004Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Supporting Member of Barthmobile.com 12/12
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Whatever make/brand you decide upon, I'd suggest making sure you've got American made ISO'd wheel bearings & races. I bought hub assemblies that came with bearings made in China - good for a couple thousand miles before meltdown.......
 
Posts: 1266 | Location: Frederick, Maryland | Member Since: 09-12-2003Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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Thanks for the feedback. Going to focus on 6 ft wide, 8 to 10 feet in length, probably five feet high. Hopefully will have a front door. I will probably opt for all aluminum, because steel pretty much disappears, here in the northland.

There are a couple on craigslist, that I look at.

Thanks again - now to my issue on the hitch.

Chuckd

Stillwater mn
 
Posts: 73 | Location: Stillwater Mn | Member Since: 07-16-2012Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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We shop trailers several times per year and so far none are pure aluminum. They have steel frames, tongues, and ramp doors. There is nothing wrong with them nor do they disappear faster. Road salt will kill aluminum far faster than steel. You might consider a used one on Craigslist and just do the repairs you need. If you are towing with a MH the brake issues are nonexistent, but if you will be using a pickup to tow you should consider electric brakes.


1993 32' Regency Wide Body, 4 speed Allison Trans, Front Entry door, Diamond Plate aluminum roof &
1981 Euro 22' w Chevy 350 engine and TH 400 tranny
 
Posts: 1514 | Location: Houston Texas | Member Since: 12-19-2006Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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quote:
We shop trailers several times per year and so far none are pure aluminum


While Featherlite might not be "pure aluminum" the frames are certainly aluminum alloy, as are the ALUMA brand.
http://www.fthr.com/Products/C...s/Cargo-Utility.aspx

http://www.alumaklm.com/enclos...closed-trailers.html
 
Posts: 2003 | Location: Jackson, Michigan, USA | Member Since: 04-18-2004Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Supporting Member of Barthmobile.com 3/19
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LIKE NEW 2011 LEGEND ALL ALUMINUM 7X12 V NOSE CARGO TRAILER ALWAYS STORED INSIDE AND HAS HAD LITTLE USE PHONE 269-986-9081

http://battlecreek.craigslist.org/rvs/4598948339.html
 
Posts: 2003 | Location: Jackson, Michigan, USA | Member Since: 04-18-2004Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Supporting Member of Barthmobile.com 6/19
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Something I noticed when shopping for ours was the center to center width on the vertical frames and the floor. You can see the screws on the outside and on the floor. Many trailers have 24" centers, ours have 18".


Bill & Sherrie
'65 Barth Travel Trailer (built in '64)
B1-174-24
'66 Barth Travel Trailer
D11-412-24
www.WilliamMitchellStudios.com
 
Posts: 549 | Location: Southern Virginia | Member Since: 09-21-2009Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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