Good Utility Trailers and Tips?

DZA

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I am in the market for a utility trailer now that I have gotten a new SUV that can tow. Naturally one of the things I want to do with the trailer is haul games. I was wondering if folks had any suggestions on a trailer or general tips regarding what to do/not to do. Some points:

1. I can tow up to about 3500 lbs
2. I probably only need to be able to tow 2 games at a time

What else??

I'd love to hear people's thoughts and experiences.
 
If you can afford it, get an enclosed trailer. The problem though is that in order to get the proper height your looking at a minimum 8'x6' trailer.... which comes in at about $2K.

I ended up picking up a cheap $300.00 trailer ... 5' x 8'... I put about $200 in to it and it does an OK job. It tows decent enough but I wouldn't trust more than 2 games on at at any given time to be honest (even though it has a 2,000lb axle).
 
5x8 with high sides and a ramp. Mine has paid for itself many times over not having to rent one. I can haul 4 uprights comfortably or 6 maxed out.
 
As both previous posts suggested, I was thinking 5x8 as well with a ramp. Any manufacturer or other feature suggestions? How do you hold the games in place?
 
As both previous posts suggested, I was thinking 5x8 as well with a ramp. Any manufacturer or other feature suggestions? How do you hold the games in place?
You buy GOOD rachet straps that are 3000 pound rated and you will never have to worry about them failing..Amazon or eBay..I haul all my games on a flatbed without sides and just double strap everything....
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Buy a junkyard pickup truck and make a pickup bed utility trailer.
 

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Ratcheting tie downs, not having an enclosed trailer is a plus in my opinion, but I live in a milder climate than ol Friz ;)
 
No, do not make a junkyard pick-up trailer! You should be able to buy a new 5x8 to 5x12 utility trailer for less than $1,000. Enclosed trailers are nicer, but more expensive.
 
some people have come by to pickup games is pretty nice trailers. I think interstate and wells cargo.

If your plans are to use it for more than hauling games, then I would say get one. if its just to haul games, I would say rent when you need it. Look into the availability of rentals in your area.
 
i have a 16ft enclosed trailer with almost 7ft height inside and i love it for hauling games. i have used it all over the country hauling games, but everything depends on how much you use it, how much your willing to spend, but i would say enclosed is my vote but make sure you have plenty of ceiling height otherwise you won't like the enclosed.
 
Definitely agreed. If you are going to spend the money on an enclosed trailer, spend a couple of extra bucks and get the extended height upgrade. The standard height makes loading upright videos a PITA.
 
If you haul a lot of games, buy a nice trailer, but if you only pick up games 5-6 times a year, I would just rent. I just rent uhaul trailers with insurance, and for the most part it works out well. I don't have to worry about damage, maintenance, or storage on a trailer, and it costs between $23 and ~$45 each time I rent. I don't haul anywhere near enough games to make buying a trailer a cheaper option. I think I probably rent around 6 trailers a year.

Sometimes you can even get good one way deals. I reserved a trailer from Boise to Reno for $33 + insurance which is way better than a 4 day rental to drag it up there with me. If you take long trips, renting can definitely get expensive though.

We bought a couch set a couple of weeks ago, and it was an outdoor sale that had to be picked up very quickly. I wouldn't have had time to drive all the way home to pick up a trailer, but it was easy to just run to uhaul to grab one.
 
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I've been using the same 8x6 utility trailer since 2009 with SUVs that can pull 3,500. I wanted a covered trailer but always run into the same problem. Any trailer that is covered takes up most of my weight limit. Plus spending almost 3k minimum does not help me any. Also if you are smart about your placement I've gotten 5+ games on the trailer without going over the weight limit of the SUV

The nice thing about an open trailer is I can get tall games in there without height restrictions. If you have thick plastic drop cloths for painting and shrink wrap you don't really have to worry about rain either. I've driven a wrapped Pump It Up in downpour for a five hour plus drive with only minor water seepage.

If you go with an open trailer try to get one with a wood floor. You can add hooks to the floor with minimal modification. If you get the recessed type you can put your games over them if you need to. On mine I've had these: http://www.farmandfleet.com/products/803861-erickson-manufacturing-surface-mount-anchor-ring.html

Mine is the same model as this: http://www.farmandfleet.com/products/540199-teske-mfg-5-x-8-high-side-utility-trailer.html You can get other similar aluminum trailers but they are generally more expensive.

Honestly if you can afford the space for one do it. They pay for themselves and if you don't want it down the road trailers keep their value. I've seen plenty of people sell their trailers for close to what they paid for it years down the road.

Also get a few hookless straps with ratchets. They can be useful with putting multiple games on your trailer. It gives them a better balance and allows you to use their new center of gravity to strap them down on top.

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End note: It's also great to have one if you happen to fall into a raid or deal. I've had lots of deals that could have fallen through if I didn't have the ability to hook up and leave at the drop of a hat. They also come in handy when doing raids like below.

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Thanks for all the great responses everyone. I will be doing more than just hauling games with it (my wife gardens, we buy numerous antiques, etc.) so I definitely want to buy one. I really appreciate the pictures of how to load games with the ratchet straps in a vertical position. Now I just have to decide if I want to buy a new one or try to find a used one.
 
Thanks for all the great responses everyone. I will be doing more than just hauling games with it (my wife gardens, we buy numerous antiques, etc.) so I definitely want to buy one. I really appreciate the pictures of how to load games with the ratchet straps in a vertical position. Now I just have to decide if I want to buy a new one or try to find a used one.

I'd go new. Generally, if you want a nice used trailer it'll be about the same price. Shop around though.
 
I like the open trail for ease of loading.
 

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