Making sense of enclosed trailers
10-12-2015, 06:56 PM
#1
Pro
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Making sense of enclosed trailers
Looking to make the move to an enclosed trailer next year, something 22-24' long - but could use some help making sense of the market. While an aluminum setup would be awesome, the budget simply won't allow it.
Seems like there are tons of brands that occupy the space between $4k brand-new plywood boxes to fully built $14k options. What's the sweet spot? Any brands to avoid - there are tons I've never heard of, all seemingly in GA or MI?
Seems like there are tons of brands that occupy the space between $4k brand-new plywood boxes to fully built $14k options. What's the sweet spot? Any brands to avoid - there are tons I've never heard of, all seemingly in GA or MI?
10-12-2015, 07:35 PM
#2
Drifting
10-12-2015, 08:27 PM
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trailex is awesome, but they typically have no head room, unless you order the taller model, which is more money.
I ordered and built out a CargoPro, they are all aluminum and built in Maine. The model line is called "stealth"........okay build quality, NOT great........decent features, tows well, something for you to consider, without breaking the bank?
I ordered and built out a CargoPro, they are all aluminum and built in Maine. The model line is called "stealth"........okay build quality, NOT great........decent features, tows well, something for you to consider, without breaking the bank?
10-12-2015, 08:40 PM
#5
Drifting
You should be able to find a good used 24' or 20' Haulmark or Pace for $6k. Best to get one from another racer as it will probably have a tire rack, pitpal, hooks, winch, fuel jug holder, etc. If you just get an empty box you'll probably have to drop $1k into getting it set up assuming you do the work yourself.
10-12-2015, 09:23 PM
#6
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Bought a used Trailex in 2009 for $13,500. Extra height. All the bells and whistles. Used it for 6 years and a ton of tows all around the East Coast. Bullet proof. Not a single issue. Sold it in April of this year for $13,000. Any other questions?
10-12-2015, 10:11 PM
#7
Racer
Making sense of enclosed trailers
Having look at a steel/wood trailers a lot when they age- I decided to go with a all aluminum. Hold up better, significantly lighter, can tow with my 1/2 tin truck, and better resale value. Highly recommend a 24 at a minimum. Go to a couple events and ask around, you'll get lots of ideas on how to outfit it. Mine has built in cabinets, winch, generator provisions and massive flood lights. Put in a lot of e track, used shoring beams for tire rack. Pretty happy. Next year will set up solar electric for recharging phones cameras and cordless drills. There's a thread on here called "my trailer diary" that is like over 45 pages of ideas tips and tricks.
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10-12-2015, 10:34 PM
#9
Rennlist Member
I have 2 aluminum trailers one 18' open, one 36' enclosed gooseneck, i doubt I'll ever sell either.
I've been offered more than I paid for both trailers already, Aluminum is the only way to go.
I've owned steel and wood floor open and enclosed, just buy a good Aluminum and you'll be much happier in the long run.
I've been offered more than I paid for both trailers already, Aluminum is the only way to go.
I've owned steel and wood floor open and enclosed, just buy a good Aluminum and you'll be much happier in the long run.
10-12-2015, 10:42 PM
#10
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I bought a PACE enclosed trailer a year ago and have not looked back. Would I have preferred an aluminum trailer? Sure. I'd also like some pit girls and a full-on transporter. I paid about $7k for mine. It was already pretty well appointed with cabinets and tire rack. The rest, including the graphics, were things I added.
Depending on your town vehicle you may want to consider a load leveling hitch. The best of the best is the stab-i-lizer hitch which also acts as sway control.
Enclosed trailer, plus the load leveling hitch, were a great decision.
Depending on your town vehicle you may want to consider a load leveling hitch. The best of the best is the stab-i-lizer hitch which also acts as sway control.
Enclosed trailer, plus the load leveling hitch, were a great decision.
10-13-2015, 01:20 AM
#12
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spend the extra money and get an aluminum trailer. Trailex, tall ceiling.
Everything else are just heavy tanks and end up being resold.
Everything else are just heavy tanks and end up being resold.
10-13-2015, 02:52 AM
#14
Drifting
If you have a lightweight tow vehicle, go aluminum. But if you have a heavy duty truck it's really not necessary. We've had several trailers, both steel and aluminum. The aluminum trailers are lighter and since it's a premium product the fit and finish is usually nicer, but it comes at 3-4x the cost. I love seeing these spotless pimped out trailers, but you don't race your trailer and you don't need to spend tens of thousands of dollars on it if you don't want to. Don't lose sight of the fact that it's basically just a box to hold your car and gear...
10-13-2015, 07:23 AM
#15
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Just remember all aluminum trailers (excluding a trailex) will Crack and need to be repaired at some point. Make that point earlier if you really load it up.