Which size cargo trailer is best?

[Every Road Leads Home]

How you stop fishtailing if you don't have trailer brakes, I do not know.

Anyway, good luck whatever you decide to do.

Sway control bars, and/or re-configuring where the weight inside can help. However, these won't help you once it's started, only help prevent it from happening again.  

With no brakes about all you can do is slow down gradually and hope for the best.  Never try to steer out of it or it will make it worse.

When it occurs and you have trailer brakes, you use just the trailer brakes to help stop it.  

The only thing scarier than a trailer that starts to fishtail at highway speeds is a fishtailing trailer with no brakes.  

However, I hate to keep piling it on too.  I think the OP has enough info to make a decision he's comfortable with.

 

[SoulRaven]

Just to let everyone that has shown concern for having aux brakes on a cargo trailer I am still investigating this. And I do appreciate all of your advice. I am sure many of you have much more experience in this than me. I know that you all are looking out for my safety and the safety of others as well.

In my searching for more information I came upon the following information which is useful when towing a trailer through different states. I found it very helpful. http://onlinetowingguide.com/towing_laws.html

So, I am backing off my stance a little till I learn more. I can be a little stubborn at times.
Thanks to all for your help

 

[SoulRaven]

Just to let everyone that has shown concern for having aux brakes on a cargo trailer I am still investigating this. And I do appreciate all of your advise. I am sure many of you have much more experience in this than me. I know that you all are looking out for my safety and the safety of others as well.

In my searching for more information I came upon the following information which is useful when towing a trailer through different states. I found it very helpful. http://onlinetowingguide.com/towing_laws.html
And this one.
roadmasterinc.com/products/braking/map.html


So, I am backing off my stance a little till I learn more. I can be a little stubborn at times.
Thanks to all for your help

 

[highdesertranger]

I notice several states require brakes at 1500 lbs. a couple at 1k and one state requires them on all trailers. if you order your trailer with brakes already installed it would be cheaper then adding them on later. a seven way plug and a brake controller is easy to install and doesn't cost much, less than 200 bucks. highdesertranger

 

[SoulRaven]

Also, keep in mind when you're loading the trailer and the vehicle that the GVWR is the absolute TOTAL of everything IN the vehicle and towed behind it. That includes you, all your stuff, the spare tires, water, gas, etc. etc. etc. I say this because a lot of people think that the tow rating is only for what's out behind you and load the vehicle to the rafters with all the heavy stuff and try to call it good! It's not!!

I researched this and I don't think it includes the trailer. Although the tongue weight is counted. Here is an excerpt.
The gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), or gross vehicle mass (GVM) is the maximum operating weight/mass of a vehicle as specified by the manufacturer including the vehicle's chassis, body, engine, engine fluids, fuel, accessories, driver, passengers and cargo but excluding that of any trailers.
You may be thinking of the GCW (gross combined weight). GCW=GVW+ the weight of the trailer and it's cargo.

It excludes the weight of the trailer but includes the tongue weight because it adds to the vehicle's load carry.
This stuff can be confusing.

 

[akrvbob]

Unless Steve asks for help with trailer brakes, any more posts on that subject will be deleted.

You've all been very helpful, given great advice--thank you!!    But, it's off topic and he is taking it into consideration. That's the best we can hope for.

If he wants more information about it, he'll ask and you can answer, until then, off-topic posts will be deleted.

Now, what else can we tell him to help him decide which trailer to get?

Bob

 

[SoulRaven]

I checked the manual again and according to it, the brakes on the Escape are only rated for GVWR and not GCWR. So if the trailer and me driving weighs more than 827 lbs I will need trailer brakes. In other words, the weight of the Escape plus the weight of what it is designed to carry inside it is what Ford says that it's brakes are rated to handle. No doubt, things will be heaver than that. Yes, I will need brakes!!!

If I get a cargo trailer I will have to get the electric brake axle added at time of manufacture. It's only $160 extra. Not too expensive as highdesertranger pointed out to me. And I have checked out the brake controller and 7 point plug kit online that I could install myself. Maybe about another $100. So that adds about another $260 to the price. If I would get the 5x10, I am going to be looking at about $2,000 for the whole thing. That's pretty much within a reasonable amount for me. And I am not planning on putting much into the build itself. 

I am still on the fence about the CT though. There are a few things that concern me such as it will not be quite tall enough for me to stand up completely in. Inside height is 5', only about 6" too short. But that could get old after awhile. And I don't want to have them add that 6" because I don't want it to be that tall towing.
Another thing that I don't like is not being able to see straight behind the vehicle because the trailer blocks the rear view straight back. Even the Runaway blocked my view. I know how to use the side mirrors but it is inconvenient and aggravating at times. I will say that the popup I had was nice to tow because it didn't block my rear view. Maybe I should have given it a chance, and took it out for an extended time like I did the Runaway and then living out and in the Escape for a month or so. Who knows.

In my investigating I came across this video on Youtube. It shows a Ford Kuga which is mostly produced for other places such as Japan, Australia, Africa, New Zealand, etc. It is the same vehicle as the Escape. Same car different countries. It does seem to handle towing very well. I don't think that some other countries are as strict on towing limits and equipment as the US is.
In this video it tows a pretty good size trailer with no problem. It looks like it has surge brakes on the trailer. The towing ability looks pretty impressive.

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

Another thing that I don't like is not being able to see straight behind the vehicle because the trailer blocks the rear view straight back. Even the Runaway blocked my view. I know how to use the side mirrors but it is inconvenient and aggravating at times.

I'm planning on putting a wireless rear view camera on the back of my trailer.

Here's a link to one on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Podofo®-Wire...87&sr=8-11&keywords=wireless+rear+view+camera

(I picked this one at random to serve as an example.  I'm not personally recommending it, I haven't tried it.)

 

[wagoneer]

I would get an 6 foot wide to allow sleeping either way My next trailer will be a 6 x 12.

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

I would get an 6 foot wide to allow sleeping either way My next trailer will be a 6 x 12.

I think he's trying to get a trailer the same width as his car to minimize wind resistance and maximize mileage.

 

[SoulRaven]

I think he's trying to get a trailer the same width as his car to minimize wind resistance and maximize mileage.

That is correct. To keep the wind resistance down and so I can see around it in the lanes on the sides. I don't think the 5' inside height would be too much of a problem. I remember thinking many times that I wished I had just one more foot of height in the Runaway (which was 4' high on the inside) and it would be perfect. Now look at me when I get that extra foot........complaining because I will have to put my head down just a little. There is no pleasing me.

 

[ArtW]

Stevesway, off topic but do you have a thread on your Runaway build? I have a 4x8 cargo and it'd be interesting to see how you set yours up, even if it was too small for you
Although i am also contemplating a 6x12 like MP's

 

[29chico]

Cargo trailer extra height options are usually sold in 6" increments.   A 5.5 foot height trailer would possibly make living in it much more comfortable.  There is a small chance that you will regret getting a taller trailer.  Much bigger chance that you will regret not getting a taller one later.

 

[GotSmart]

They do make side mirrors designed for trailer towing.  They stick out a little further to give you a better angle to see what is behind the trailer.  

 

[SoulRaven]

Stevesway, off topic but do you have a thread on your Runaway build? I have a 4x8 cargo and it'd be interesting to see how you set yours up, even if it was too small for you
Although i am also contemplating a 6x12 like MP's

Art, here is a thread for my Runaway build and another for the completed pics.
 Man......it brings back some memories. That build was done completely on this site with the help of everyone contributing information and advice.

Damn, sometimes when you look back on things they seem different. Even though in the long run it didn't work out for me, everyone offered their encouragement  and helped me complete it through this site and that thread. It would not have turned out as well as it did without  their help. I kinda feel bad that I sold it now, after I went through and read all the past posts on that thread. I feel somewhat like I let everyone down by selling it. I'm sorry everyone.......and I am serious... not joking about that.

 For everyone that helped me with their advice and suggestions....Thank You.

https://vanlivingforum.com/Thread-Picked-up-my-Runaway-camper-trailer-today

https://1drv.ms/f/s!AvDai7NCiFgOgbFE_2Kll1PbSgZEMA

 

[ArtW]

Thank you stevesway!

 

[SoulRaven]

I am real cautious and gun shy right now on starting a new project with this cargo trailer thing. After putting all that time and work into the Runaway and then it not coming up to my expectations to the point of selling it and losing my a** on the deal, I am kinda scared to start another project that may turn out the same way. So I am and have been undecided and non-committal on different things.

Maybe it's just my way of looking at things with an "all or nothing attitude". Years ago I owned a 1992 Southwind 30 foot class a motorhome that I lived in for 5 years after I sold my house in Cincinnati. I got used to all the conveniences of the completely self-contained amenities of that rig. So, I guess that I keep comparing that to any of the things and vehicles I try to give me the freedom of the Road. It may be that I won't be happy with anything except a fully self contained unit. Shame on me!!!

I did however, have somewhat a sense of pride when I setup the Runaway and then the Escape for traveling. They just didn't cut it for my level of comfort I wanted.

The cargo trailer was an idea that I also got from this site, and then when I saw how Bob and a few others did theirs, I figured that might be the sweet spot. But now I am getting skittish on the idea of the CT. 
What to do, what to do :huh:  Lol

 

[GotSmart]

I am real cautious and gun shy right now on starting a new project with this cargo trailer thing. After putting all that time and work into the Runaway and then it not coming up to my expectations to the point of selling it and losing my a** on the deal, I am kinda scared to start another project that may turn out the same way. So I am and have been undecided and non-committal on different things.

Maybe it's just my way of looking at things with an "all or nothing attitude". Years ago I owned a 1992 Southwind 30 foot class a motorhome that I lived in for 5 years after I sold my house in Cincinnati. I got used to all the conveniences of the completely self-contained amenities of that rig. So, I guess that I keep comparing that to any of the things and vehicles I try to give me the freedom of the Road. It may be that I won't be happy with anything except a fully self contained unit. Shame on me!!!

I did however, have somewhat a sense of pride when I setup the Runaway and then the Escape for traveling. They just didn't cut it for my level of comfort I wanted.

The cargo trailer was an idea that I also got from this site, and then when I saw how Bob and a few others did theirs, I figured that might be the sweet spot. But now I am getting skittish on the idea of the CT. 
What to do, what to do :huh:  Lol

Unless you are 100% sure,   You know the answer.  

Perhaps look into a Roadtrek or other class B.

 

[Almost There]

Maybe it's just my way of looking at things with an "all or nothing attitude". Years ago I owned a 1992 Southwind 30 foot class a motorhome that I lived in for 5 years after I sold my house in Cincinnati. I got used to all the conveniences of the completely self-contained amenities of that rig. So, I guess that I keep comparing that to any of the things and vehicles I try to give me the freedom of the Road. It may be that I won't be happy with anything except a fully self contained unit. Shame on me!!!

I did however, have somewhat a sense of pride when I setup the Runaway and then the Escape for traveling. They just didn't cut it for my level of comfort I wanted.
What to do, what to do :huh:  Lol

Maybe before you go any further, sit down and truly ponder on what you can live with and what you can live without! Write it out on paper with all the pros' and cons' of each type/combination of possibilities.

What kind of mileage you absolutely need to get to have freedom. If you have to have 25 mpg to fit your budget then it's going to limit what you do for a vehicle.  If you can live with 15 to 17 mpg then you have a lot more choices - a full size van, a pick-up with camper, a p/u with trailer etc. If the budget allows for the amount of travel you want to do and you get 6 to 8 mpg but you're got all the conveniences you want then you have an answer.

How many functions of a full Class A do you really need. Did you use all of them when you had the RV and/or did you find some of them more PITA than they were worth. Will a Class B with everything built in but very compact work or do you need the personal space that a C would give you.

Is the ability to stand up inside a vital necessity or can you be happy in the long term with only standing up fully when outside.

What is it worth to you to be able to get between the drivers seat and the living quarters without going outside or is it a non-issue.

What functions of a home can you not live without. If you can't live without a shower of your own (for example) then again, you need to have a home that has that function.

How often can you cope with moving things around each day or do you need a home where everything has it's own place. The smaller the home unit is, the more often you're going to be either ransacking it looking for where you put something or moving totes/cases around to get to what you need.

If you're going to be full-timing, I really feel it's important that one have a style of living that doesn't make them feel deprived or shortchanged. Anything less than 'enough' will leave one unhappy to some degree or another. For short term living, you can get away with a lot less but the longer you plan on being out there, the more important having 'enough' becomes.

 

[SoulRaven]

Maybe before you go any further, sit down and truly ponder on what you can live with and what you can live without! Write it out on paper with all the pros' and cons' of each type/combination of possibilities.

What kind of mileage you absolutely need to get to have freedom. If you have to have 25 mpg to fit your budget then it's going to limit what you do for a vehicle.  If you can live with 15 to 17 mpg then you have a lot more choices - a full size van, a pick-up with camper, a p/u with trailer etc. If the budget allows for the amount of travel you want to do and you get 6 to 8 mpg but you're got all the conveniences you want then you have an answer.

How many functions of a full Class A do you really need. Did you use all of them when you had the RV and/or did you find some of them more PITA than they were worth. Will a Class B with everything built in but very compact work or do you need the personal space that a C would give you.

Is the ability to stand up inside a vital necessity or can you be happy in the long term with only standing up fully when outside.

What is it worth to you to be able to get between the drivers seat and the living quarters without going outside or is it a non-issue.

What functions of a home can you not live without. If you can't live without a shower of your own (for example) then again, you need to have a home that has that function.

How often can you cope with moving things around each day or do you need a home where everything has it's own place. The smaller the home unit is, the more often you're going to be either ransacking it looking for where you put something or moving totes/cases around to get to what you need.

If you're going to be full-timing, I really feel it's important that one have a style of living that doesn't make them feel deprived or shortchanged. Anything less than 'enough' will leave one unhappy to some degree or another. For short term living, you can get away with a lot less but the longer you plan on being out there, the more important having 'enough' becomes.

 These suggestions really give me food for thought. I am going to refer back to them a lot in trying to make a decision. Some of your suggestions I hadn't given much thought to, but when I got to thinking about them they were more important than I previously realized.

Thank you