cargo trailer?

[mothercoder]

LOL  

Women were building these things during WW2

A little ol' utility trailer would be a piece of cake wouldn't it.    I'd bet a group of women could build that trailer in an afternoon once they were shown how to build the first one.

Undoubtedly.  First one would need to be shown, second one would need the tools to do so, third one would need the space and fourth age does present limitations.  So I'm thinking for little ol' me, building a trailer from the ground up by myself would be foolhardy.

 

[highdesertranger]

I see a lot of recommendations for the Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers(TnTT) forums. it's a cool forum I am a member there too. just remember 95% of them are not full time. their trailers see a week or two of use per year, that's is why they can get away with Harbor Freight trailers as a base. I am not talking smack but there is a big difference when relying on something everyday and using it a couple weeks a year. highdesertranger

 

[Every Road Leads Home]

There wasn't much information on the Bravo trailer website as far as customization and costs.  I've requested additional information.  There's a great deal of information on the US Cargo Trailer site.  The trouble is trying to determine what I want/need them to do.  Plus there are options I am not sure I understand.  

Be careful before buying one of these trailers or any trailer from the discount factory direct trailer websites.  Douglas, Ga is the cheap trailer capital of the world.  They use cheap Chinese axles, hubs, leaf springs, tires, rims and brakes, basically the heart of the trailer and I'm assuming cheap chinese steel for the rest of it.  There are a lot of complaints online for all of these Douglas, GA companies, mainly with axle and hub failures but also quite a few with welds cracking, leaking roofs, and wiring issues.  They all make a few different brands and have multiple websites for the same trailer.  I don't know why they all use Douglas, GA as homebase, maybe it's the same parent company that owns all of them.

I wouldn't even consider a trailer that didn't use Dexter Axles (best in the business) and any trailer company worth it's weight will state they use Dexter axles right on their website.

Here are a few other websites that have the same pick up address as Usa Cargo Trailers
http://www.gtltrailers.com/contact
http://www.southerntrailerdepot.com/

The prices are very attractive, but if the axles fail it will cost a lot more to have it fixed in the long run, especially if it happens as you're humming down the road going 60mph.  

Just my two cents and what I learned researching trailers the past few years.

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

The prices are very attractive, but if the axles fail it will cost a lot more to have it fixed in the long run, especially if it happens as you're humming down the road going 60mph.  

Just my two cents and what I learned researching trailers the past few years.

ERLH is absolutely right.  I've looked at them as well, and I wouldn't touch one of those cheap GA trailers.

 

[bullfrog]

I totally agree with HDR and Every Road Leads Home. But with by researching and asking opinions of this form and tntt realizing there limitations I think almost anyone could end up with a much better trailer for less cost than is manufactured on the market today. Even highly regarded manufactures eventually fall to cheap competitors pressure in order to stay in business. Using local fabricators and high quality parts along with help from local craftsmen would most likely cost as much or a little more to get something several times better than what is being produced by low wage employees in the USA today for the most part. There are exceptions but they are very costly. Don't think there are many of us that have had or still have the skills to build would buy the lowest priced anything on the market today, would you?

 

[eDJ_]

DIY is just a thought.  Being self reliant. resourceful, and independent is in large part what sustaining this way of life is all about.

 

[bullfrog]

I just see all the problems people are having with the low priced cargo trailers realizing most can't find a well built one. There aren't even too many utility trailers built light and sturdy around. There is enough information and experience in this and other forums to find out how they should be built. Maybe a build out once a year specifically to make a cargo trailer could work. I just am tired of seeing people pay too much for a substandard cargo trailer and having to deal with leaks, insulation of structural members, and too light wheels and axles. Seems most of these trailers warp due to expansion and most manufactures can't even put a screw in straight. RV manufactures have worse problems and that is why so many have gone to small fiberglass trailers, unfortunately fiberglass isn't especially light weight if it is thick enough to be strong. I'm seeing a better solution than living in a heavy cargo trailer that leaks or an RV that breaks by building a water tight box on a custom built utility trailer that cost near what is on the market today that take a lot of effort to make sorta work. There are still a few people in this country that know how and enjoy making things that work you just have to find them and get them to work or show you how. Many of the simple methods on TnTT can be improved and made stronger, simpler and cheaper but are by far cheaper and better if not as strong as they could be than most of whats being sold in the USA today. Nothing is gonna be perfect but improvement is easy it seems.

 

[mothercoder]

This is very frustrating. It just doesn't seem as there is a low cost (under $8k) alternative to having a trailer that includes what I would need for comfort. I either have to spend more or deal with poorer quality - especially when I am not able to do a build myself. Sucks.

 

[Queen]

This is very frustrating.  It just doesn't seem as there is a low cost (under $8k) alternative to having a trailer that includes what I would need for comfort.  I either have to spend more or deal with poorer quality - especially when I am not able to do a build myself.  Sucks.

If we go that route, we're going used, I want to be able to see the empty trailer and see how it's held up, look for signs of leaking and/or busted welds, shoddy workmanship, etc.

 

[Ballenxj]

I wouldn't even consider a trailer that didn't use Dexter Axles (best in the business) and any trailer company worth it's weight will state they use Dexter axles right on their website.

This is what my friend that used to be heavily involved with trucks & trailers among other things told me, Look for Dexter axles.
I did, my 10 ft trailer has a single Dexter axle.

 

[highdesertranger]

yeah I agree. I wasn't saying don't build your own, I meant don't use cheap junk to build it with. x2 on the Dexter axles, top of the line. highdesertranger

 

[SoulRaven]

BTW, just in case you're not aware of it, there is an extremely active sub-forum over on the Teardrops and Tiny Travel Trailers forum.  Currently, a little over 1800 separate threads.  A few days there will answer lots of questions and give you many, many ideas as to how a cargo trailer can be fitted out.

http://www.tnttt.com/viewforum.php?f=42&sid=25a3815b9833fe3ce6ea4ea9b1c09a01

Oh, MAN!  Thank YOU!  One of the first posts I saw was on a Haulmark 6x12 conversion... which is EXACTLY my jam, bro!  

I owe you one... beverage or refreshment of your choice!  

Pat

 

[mothercoder]

yeah I agree.  I wasn't saying don't build your own,  I meant don't use cheap junk to build it with.  x2 on the Dexter axles,  top of the line.  highdesertranger

And this where the problem comes in if you're not building your own.  It's great to get all this information and links to places that sell enclosed cargo trailers.  But I get the link for US Cargo and then someone says the stuff that comes from GA is junk.  Trying then to search for a dealer that sells enclosed cargo trailers built on Dexter axles is tough.  Finding those on Dexter axles in my price range which leaves me enough for the actual inside build?? I love all the wonderful, helpful people here but sometimes you frustrate a gal. LOL

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

If you really can't afford to buy what you really want, then it's time to make some hard decisions.

Would you be better off settling for less than ideal and hitting the road now, or staying put and working another couple of years until you can find/afford what you really want?

This is a decision only you can make, based on your own unique situation and circumstances.

 

[Ballenxj]

BTW, just in case you're not aware of it, there is an extremely active sub-forum over on the Teardrops and Tiny Travel Trailers forum.  Currently, a little over 1800 separate threads.  A few days there will answer lots of questions and give you many, many ideas as to how a cargo trailer can be fitted out.

http://www.tnttt.com/viewforum.php?f=42&sid=25a3815b9833fe3ce6ea4ea9b1c09a01

Thanks, this is a site I can see myself spending a lot of time on.

 

[mothercoder]

If you really can't afford to buy what you really want, then it's time to make some hard decisions.

Would you be better off settling for less than ideal and hitting the road now, or staying put and working another couple of years until you can find/afford what you really want?

This is a decision only you can make, based on your own unique situation and circumstances.

No question.  I'm hitting the road in 6 months.  I just want to make the best decision I can with the funds available.  And by funds available I mean not destroying the integrity of my 401k or my emergency fund and not borrowing.

 

[Ballenxj]

No question.  I'm hitting the road in 6 months.  I just want to make the best decision I can with the funds available. 

Can be scary and exciting at the same time, eh?

 

[mothercoder]

Can be scary and exciting at the same time, eh?

Wooo doggie!  Very true. 

 

[johnny b]

I wanted to see what the smaller Bravo trailers were going for so after a little web surfing found this dealer:
http://www.superior-trailer.com/all-inventory/cargo-trailers

For Wells Cargo, this dealer in Pa. is close to one of their manufacturing plants:
http://www.carrsofpa.com/

Another Wells Cargo dealer a bit closer in Md.:
http://www.creightonstrailers.com/home
(50 East toward the beach, just before reaching Salisbury)

An idea that might help with build out is the use of RTA cabinetry (ready to assemble). Delivered flat pack like Ikea, and then assembled with built in connectors.
http://www.cabinetgiant.com/kitchen_cabinets/cabinets/rta-cabinet-info.html
https://www.rtacabinetstore.com/
https://www.thertastore.com/


Not made of 'particle board'. Might save on handyman labor costs.

 

[Cammalu]

I'm looking for a 5x8 used cargo trailer and it seems they are as scarce as hens teeth. I'm not looking to build it out and won't be using it a lot but I need it for a trip into Mexico and it seems you can't bring in rentals. Anyone have any ideas


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