Car Trailer purchase

[Lord Tauk]

Within the upcoming months, I'm going to be looking towards purchasing a decent car trailer for myself, just an open deck single car hauler I guess you can call it; not an enclosed.

New or used, doesn't matter for me; preferably new.

Price range, I'm seeing them new in the bargaineer at around $2500 bucks at the trailer dealers?

Specifically, just a typical 18 foot single car hauler with a 4 foot dovetail I'm thinking. Wood or steel deck, not sure which one is easier to take care of; I hear wood is. I'd like brakes on both axles, not necessary but nice. We'll see what I can search around for at dealers, private sales, etc. etc. Looking for atleast 7,000lb GVW.

Asside from obvious stuff to look at on a trailer and trailer salesmen talk, what is there to look out for in buying a trailer? I'm no trailer expert by any means.

I've already got the Tekonsha Prodigy in mind, so I think I'm already ahead in brakes.

Any advice I appreciate. I'm in no rush, figure I better start more research now then when it comes time to buy one.

[bigwes]

Gator Made trailers are awsome, very well built, not too awful bad priced Gator Made Trailers :: Trailers - Utility Trailers - Gooseneck Trailers - Equipment Trailers - Trailer Parts - Gator Made designs and builds utiluty trailers, gooseneck trailers, car haulers, low boy trailers, tandem axle trailers i see other trailers around here up to 9000lbs 16ft. electric brakes for around $2500 brand new, you shouldnt have much trouble

[owtcast]

Make sure the wood is treated if you go that route. Otherwise you will be replacing it about every other year if it stays out in the weather. Wood is lighter than steel decking so that is a benefit. One place a lot of trailer companies skimp is with the tongue. They put a little 2" Walmart latch for something that is hauling close to 10k lbs combined load and trailer. Also, it's nice to have the ramps that store under the trailer in the back. Keeps you from having to store them somewhere else. Adjustable tracking for tie-down points is really nice. Oh and go as wide as the law allows. Nothing worse than pulling a low car onto it and hitting the doors on the fenders trying to get out.

[Lord Tauk]

Treated wood, good idea; didn't think about that. Yeah, it'll be under a carport on gravel for now.

I like the idea of the steel deck, but I don't like the idea of rust on it.

Any specific trailer tire to look out for? I've heard bad stories about Carlisle tires, again.. just stories.

Like I said, plenty of time for homework. Thanks for the replies.

[Marty]

Hey whatever you get make sure our powerstrokes can fit on it!!!!!

I'll go w/ you when you look too... I've got a few trailers but they're all too small for fullsized pickups

[Lord Tauk]

Sounds good Marty.

Don't have any other +7,000lb vehicles, so I dont think I'll need a big trailer yet. lol

[straycat]

Try to get one with a good natural balance to it, you want some weight on the tongue, but not enough to lift the nose, and try for one with a stereo and big screen as well, don't forget the wet bar.

Gord.

[Lord Tauk]

How about this trailer?

Quality Trailer Inc.

[Ditty]

That one is nice but I prefer one with some railings along the sides...so you can use it for other stuff too. Look at Gooseneck Trailers. They are a little pricey, but EXCELLENT quality. (And they are made in my home town of Bryan, TX!!!)

[Lord Tauk]

I'm looking to spend $3,000 or less for a good quality single car hauler. As far as specs on the trailer I linked, how does it compare to other brands? The brand I linked is what a trailer dealer near me sells for their single car trailers.

Gooseneck trailers is an actual brand? Or a "Gooseneck" trailer?