Enclosed trailer purchase advice wanted

[Toshiro Mifune]

I want an enclosed trailer for a few reasons. I need it periodically to transport motorcycles. I also think it would be a good way to store my preps for a quick get out of dodge situation. Then the storage of my gear has a second benefit of clearing out some space in the garage for other toys like more motorcycles. I have multiple vehicles capable of towing said trailer.

I've never had an enclosed trailer and I have been window shopping for a long time. Seems the market is hot for these and used beat up examples are still kinda expensive. It doesn't look like you save much over a new one. I'm seeing new examples in the $4-5k range. Then seeing used with dents, old tires, etc are still getting $3-4k+

I'm thinking 5-6' wide, 8-10' long and a ceiling high enough that I can stand in. Ramp rear door is best for motorcycles and a side access door would make life easier where I plan to store it backed in to a cement wall next to the garage. I have fairly secure parking on the side of my garage in a very quiet side of town. I can make it really hard to move or access for thieves and park a truck in front of it.

Something like this https://www.thetrailerspot.net/inventory-detail/pp-6-x-10-s2-r-65h-10351-110574

Any advice?

 

[socalalex]

I bought my Intech car hauler used from a buddy - he took delivery, used it once and sold it to me to go a different direction. Buying it basically new like I did, vs other used ones, avoided many of the dents and damage. Buying used vs a new order just saved time. I found that intechs don't really depreciate, and I didnt want to wait for a new order at the time. Upon delivery, I immediately swapped the junk tires for goodyear endurance tires because I hate towing at 65, and hate dealing with blowouts. I also installed trailer TPMS while the tires were out.

If I did it again, I would order new and get exactly what I want from the factory, because I ended up changing a bunch of small things along the way and ended up in about the same place financially. If I did it again, I would go slightly bigger than you think you need. Every time I load my trailer I wish I had a couple extra feet of floor space.

For storage, invest in one of these locks https://altorlocks.com/products/icon-trailer-lock. They pass the lock picking lawyers testing, and anyone trying to brute force in with power tools is going to draw a ton of attention to themselves. I hid a tracking device in my trailer as well behind the finished wall panels.

 

[echo1]

For convenience a shower is nice, PAX

 

[NorCalBusa]

Whatever you get, know that junk will expand to fill any available space. Not sure, but I think it multiplies overnight.

 

[smokeyfs]

Just keep an eye on the GVWR of the trailer. California changed the law on towing capacity for class C license. CHP used to go off of the actual weight of the trailer you were towing and not its rated gvwr. Now they strictly go off of the gvwr regardless if it’s empty or not.

 

[Toshiro Mifune]

Just keep an eye on the GVWR of the trailer. California changed the law on towing capacity for class C license. CHP used to go off of the actual weight of the trailer you were towing and not its rated gvwr. Now they strictly go off of the gvwr regardless if it’s empty or not.

Thanks for that. I once saw a 1/2 ton pulling an empty 3 axle flatbed trailer, the kind used to haul heavy equipment. I figured he was stopped because it’s obvious that the GVWR of the trailer was above the rating for a 1/2 ton even though the truck could probably handle the empty trailer.

 

[H. Bowman]

Id love to find a 12 foot twin axle but the prices on them are insane for what you get.

 

[couragewolf]

I bought my Intech car hauler used from a buddy - he took delivery, used it once and sold it to me to go a different direction. Buying it basically new like I did, vs other used ones, avoided many of the dents and damage. Buying used vs a new order just saved time. I found that intechs don't really depreciate, and I didnt want to wait for a new order at the time. Upon delivery, I immediately swapped the junk tires for goodyear endurance tires because I hate towing at 65, and hate dealing with blowouts. I also installed trailer TPMS while the tires were out.

If I did it again, I would order new and get exactly what I want from the factory, because I ended up changing a bunch of small things along the way and ended up in about the same place financially. If I did it again, I would go slightly bigger than you think you need. Every time I load my trailer I wish I had a couple extra feet of floor space.

For storage, invest in one of these locks https://altorlocks.com/products/icon-trailer-lock. They pass the lock picking lawyers testing, and anyone trying to brute force in with power tools is going to draw a ton of attention to themselves. I hid a tracking device in my trailer as well behind the finished wall panels.

Tracking devices are cheap and effective, easily hidden on motorcycles in ways that aren't super detectable. ENclosed trailer walls are mostly fiberglass with some aluminum or steel framing so the quick ways through those are loud enough to draw quite a bit of attention.

Seems like an alternate option here is a good locking system and a different way to haul your bikes around that's an awful lot cheaper unless you're doing overnighters with your bikes.

The cheapest I've been able to get these things in barren configurations directly negotiating with manufacturers on special projects is 20k or so and I wouldn't expect most people to be able to replicate the scenario I achieved that. DOT approved barebones trailers themselves at cost with engineering behind them ETC start at like 12k for anything that's not trash.

How handy are you with a welding machine?

 

[.dC0m]

Upon delivery, I immediately swapped the junk tires for goodyear endurance tires because I hate towing at 65, and hate dealing with blowouts. I also installed trailer TPMS while the tires were out.

As someone who used to work in the tire industry - I wholeheartedly agree with this statement. I've replaced countless trailer tires for customers and a lot of times they opt for the cheapest, no-name brand, regardless of their load they were hauling/how often they were hauling. Time after time, they would come back for replacement as the cheaper brands did not hold up to the Goodyear Endurance trailer tires.

I am not a fan of most Goodyear tires models, but I will say, they make a hell of a trailer tire - possibly one of the best out on the market.

Whatever trailer you end up getting, I would highly recommend the Goodyear Endurance tires. Also, if you can swing it, get yourself a spare tire + wheel and store it inside the trailer, or mounted to the side rails. It will come in clutch, trust me.

 

[sanddiegoduner]

I had a 7.5x14 enclosed trailer and was happy with it overall. I would have liked one at least 2 feet longer as all the stuff I took with me to the desert barely fit. Mine was considered extra tall and was easy to stand inside. One option I would recommend if you plan on sleeping inside of it is an RV style side door. It was nice to be able to lock my side door from the inside without having to worry about someone locking me in from the outside. Other than that make sure you do maintenance before and after trips. Get to know how things are wired and where wires are run. You will have issues over time and knowing how to fix them as well as having stuff to fix problems will help you while on the road.

 

[NorCalBusa]

I get the feeling trailers are like boats- the two happiest owner days are when you _______ and when you _______.

 

[echo1]

Just an FYI, the Morman Craigslist, KSL, has had trailer listings worth the effort and fuel to go fetch one, if they have what you're after. I sold my 22' Fleetwood Prowler pretty quick for ditr this May and noticed a number of nicer rigs much cheaper than here in Kali, PAX

 

[Toshiro Mifune]

Just an FYI, the Morman Craigslist, KSL, has had trailer listings worth the effort and fuel to go fetch one, if they have what you're after. I sold my 22' Fleetwood Prowler pretty quick for ditr this May and noticed a number of nicer rigs much cheaper than here in Kali, PAX

Never heard of that. I will look into it. Thanks

 

[echo1]

Never heard of that. I will look into it. Thanks

I'd never heard of them either, but I've worked in southern Idaho for the last 6 seasons. I've sold a 28' Dodge motorhome, and an Isuzu Rodeo as well over the last few years. PAX