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Discussion Forum

12 foot or 14 foot trailer???

bobbys | Posted in Tools for Home Building on July 3, 2008 08:17am

my boy had a 12 foot single axle , ramp back door trailer but sold it.

he said lets go in halfsie for a new one.

He said we should go with a 14 foot ramp door dual axle one, I have a pickup but also a jeep Cherokee with a 6cly and tow package. Whats your take on this can i tow ok with the 14 footer???? Should we go with the 12 or 14??? now he looked at a Vfront one too.
I will be working out of it , hauling the riding lawnmower and maybe taking it camping or hunting.

I know some of you work out of trailers, Any advice is truly welcome

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Replies

  1. User avater
    MarkH | Jul 03, 2008 08:51pm | #1

    A 14 footer can hold more #### than a 12 footer. Plus it can hold a 28 foot extension ladder inside.

    1. bobbys | Jul 04, 2008 02:08am | #11

      I would like to put my ladders inside

  2. User avater
    enduringcharm | Jul 03, 2008 08:56pm | #2

    B:

    I love my trailer, but I got a smaller one because many of my jobsites have limited driveway space or narrow country roads.  A big trailer is great on the open road, but when you try to park it you might regret the bigger size.

    This wouldn't work for you, I guess, but I got barn doors instead of a ramp door because they take up less room open and they allow me to close up quickly when it rains.  Maybe you should look into the trailers with the side door as well as the ramp.

    John

    1. MikeSmith | Jul 03, 2008 10:35pm | #4

      bobby.. we have a 14' dual axle CarMate with 4-wheel brakes

      it was  $4100 in  '02

       

      i pull with an F150 .. no sweat...

       if i were doing it again , i'd get a wedge nose so i could use that wasted space over the tongue

       

      if i were getting a 12'.. i'd still get a wedge nose, but maybe a single axle

      also.. i think the ramp doors are over rated...  they take up a lot of area when they're down... if you need a ramp you can always get a separate one

      i see more damaged ramp doors than i do barn doors..

      find out what factory extras you can buy....  like the side door, the  roof racks, plug-in lighting systems, leveling jacks, etc.... hard to beat the factory add-on priceMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

      1. bobbys | Jul 04, 2008 02:10am | #13

        4100?? yes i think we will be up around the per hour price of democratic hookers;]

    2. Piffin | Jul 04, 2008 01:54am | #8

      I definitely have challenges getting into some driveways. 

       

      Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

      1. User avater
        enduringcharm | Jul 04, 2008 02:37pm | #20

        P:

        I'm doing a job right now in a newer development that has streets not much wider than a driveway.  What a PIA.  I noticed the garbage trucks back down the street when they do pick ups.  It is too long a run for me to back my trailer down the street, so I go head first and then do a combination of turns in the various driveways of neighbors to get out.  I have no idea how this township could have allowed the developer to make the streets so narrow. 

        The worst part is that I have to have a loud backup beeper on my truck, which is required at the transfer station where I bring my construction debris.  So, every time I make the slightest move I wake the dead in the whole neighborhood.

        I've also noticed how much better I am at trailer maneuvers in the morning than in the afternoon.  When I get home at night I can sometimes barely manage to get my trailer backed down my own driveway from being tired and distracted.  My neighbors must think I drink on the job!

        J.

        1. JLazaro317 | Jul 04, 2008 04:39pm | #24

          Wire a dash-mounted switch to your back up alarm so that you can disable when you don't need it.John

          J.R. Lazaro Builders, Inc.

          Indianapolis, In.

           

          1. User avater
            enduringcharm | Jul 04, 2008 06:01pm | #26

            J:

            Yeah, I should do that.  The truck wiring takes such a beating that I try not to complicate it more than I have to so as to avoid extra places for things to go wrong.  I have a modified stake body that was put on a factory cab and chassis, and the wiring was never done all that well.  It's always rubbing through the insulation and shorting out.

            Which reminds me, I have to start investigating a new bed for the beast.  I don't know if I can afford an aluminum bed, but that sure would be nice not to worry about rust anymore.

            J.

          2. JLazaro317 | Jul 04, 2008 06:16pm | #29

            Only problem with aluminum bodies is that unless you always haul, they are sometimes too light for adequate traction.John

            J.R. Lazaro Builders, Inc.

            Indianapolis, In.

             

          3. User avater
            enduringcharm | Jul 04, 2008 06:40pm | #30

            J;

            That's an interesting point.  Now I have a Chevy 3500 dual wheeler and the bed is a steel affair with wood floor and wood sides.  The whole truck is 6200 pounds empty.  I actually prefer the wood floor, since it provides a little "give" for materials.  Anyway, it's pretty heavy as it is, but I don't know how much lighter it would be with an aluminum bed.

            J.

    3. bobbys | Jul 04, 2008 02:09am | #12

      All of them have side doors but im gonna ask my son if we could get cargo doors and make a ramp

  3. MSA1 | Jul 03, 2008 10:21pm | #3

    How long a trailer is up to you, but alot of other trailer discussions here say to definitly go with the tandem axle for smoother ride. 

  4. mathewson | Jul 03, 2008 11:41pm | #5

    I had a 6x10 which worked fine with a F150. Then I got a 7x12 & that about killed the F150. Moved up to a Dodge 2500. Not that the trailer was much more heavy, you just tend to fill it up because it's bigger. If you got a 14' you'd most likely burn up you Jeep.

    1. bobbys | Jul 04, 2008 02:11am | #14

      i am worried about the jeep, i think the 12 would work but not sure about the 14

      1. dovetail97128 | Jul 04, 2008 06:03pm | #27

        Do yourself and your jeep a favor. Get the large one, heavy ramp for it and the barn doors. Now go by a new Turbo-Diesel 1-Ton to tow it with and put the Jeep in it.
        I am offering this suggestion because I know you love the Jeep.
        They can't get your Goat if you don't tell them where it is hidden.

        1. frammer52 | Jul 04, 2008 06:08pm | #28

          Have you checked your manual for specs?

          I believe it would tell you what you can tow.

          1. bobbys | Jul 04, 2008 07:47pm | #34

            Have you checked your manual for specs?I believe it would tell you what you can tow..what kinda frammer are you anyway, you probably look at the prints too.
            OK im gonna do just that right now AND feel foolish for not tinkin bout dat foist;]

        2. bobbys | Jul 04, 2008 07:45pm | #33

          Water you sighkick or sumpting????. keep it up pally and you will be on fake ignore so fast your head will spin;]

          1. dovetail97128 | Jul 04, 2008 08:22pm | #36

            Best part of my recommendation is that you get to explain it all to the DW as the boys idea. What Mother can refuse her son's needs?. You get the toys and none of the recriminations.
            Plus you keep your jeep.
            They can't get your Goat if you don't tell them where it is hidden.

  5. User avater
    intrepidcat | Jul 04, 2008 01:24am | #6

    my rule is 'one can never have too many trailers'

     

     

    "Never pick a fight with an old man. If he can't beat you he will just kill you." Steinbeck 

    1. bobbys | Jul 04, 2008 02:18am | #15

      my rule is 'one can never have too many trailers'<<<<<<<.You are indeed a wise master and grace your humble servant with wise and valuable wisdom.I wood only hope this same wisdom extends to boats and table saws..from following your ancient writings it seems it wood.

      1. User avater
        intrepidcat | Jul 04, 2008 06:33am | #18

        LOL

         "Never pick a fight with an old man. If he can't beat you he will just kill you." Steinbeck 

    2. Piffin | Jul 04, 2008 04:28pm | #23

      Yeah snork, I have three and was thinking the other day, should i rebuild this old one or get another? 

       

      Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

  6. Piffin | Jul 04, 2008 01:53am | #7

    That six cylinder can haul the trailer anyplace you want to go.

    The catch comes if you want to put anything more than air in it, LOL

    I have a 14' all Aluminum V-prow. I went that big so I can stick 16' lumber down into the nose, but I rarely do that anyways, cause it is full of tools and hardware.

    I can haul it full with the lighter vehicles, but would not want to go far with it, or mountaineering either.

    You need a brake system on the tow vehicle, and the appropriate two hitch reciever. There are several classes of receiver. Too many guys think that 'cause it has a 2" slot...

    But you don't want an 8000# trailer on a 4000# hitch. Reality assess it's own fines regardless what the judge or his uniformed cowboys think.

     

     

    Welcome to the
    Taunton University of
    Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
     where ...
    Excellence is its own reward!

    1. bobbys | Jul 04, 2008 02:21am | #16

      knowing me it will always be full of junk, the jeep is pretty strong but getting old

  7. ClaysWorld | Jul 04, 2008 01:54am | #9

    The 14' with a vnose will let you get 16's in which is handy.

    1. bobbys | Jul 04, 2008 02:07am | #10

      carrying 16 footers would be a plus

  8. User avater
    dieselpig | Jul 04, 2008 03:09am | #17

    I run my 5 man crew out of a 12' V-Nose and my service body truck.  I picked mine up with barn doors, roof racks, torsion axles, electric brakes, and dual axles.  When this thing shoots the bed I'll probably buy the exact same thing again.  Never wished I had more space than what I've got, but I don't haul stock in it very much either.

     Keeping it clean and organized is key.  I see guys all the time that "need more space" and then they open up their trailer and it's filled with the leftovers from the past 25 jobs.... storm doors, screens, 1/2 boxes of nails and hardware, rolls of tarpaper, bundles of shingles, etc.  Meanwhile all their expensive tools are in the bed of their truck getting wrecked.

    I'd say 'must haves' are racks, brakes, and dual axles.  The racks are great to have.... never know when you'll need 'em.  Nice place to 'hide' the 24' pump jack poles and picks.  Brakes save wear and tear on your vehicle... and help you stop quicker.  :)  And I think dual axle trailers track better and are easier to back up with.  I also show up to a new frame with somewhere in the neighborhood of 25 boxes of nails.... at around 40 or 50 lbs a box.  Nice to stack those over the dual axles.

    Grease your hubs, squeeze some dielectric grease into your hook-ups, and check your brakes from time to time and it should last a long time.

    EDIT:  Remembered one more "must have"..... gotta have 6' or better headroom.

    View Image



    Edited 7/4/2008 7:20 am ET by dieselpig

    1. ANDYSZ2 | Jul 04, 2008 08:04am | #19

      Well my 6x10 came to an untimely demise this week as an uninsured motorist decided to meld with the front corner of mine.

      I was never happy with the size or single axle or lack of brakes.I managed to brake the welds in several places collapse the springs and have the spring mounts go thru the box frame ( can we spell cheap a$$)

      Anyway I have been pricing trailers specced out like yours and I keep going over the 5000$ plus.

      If I am gonna have to spend that much I am seriously considering buying a side opening  trailer at (tooltrailer.com).I think for me it makes alot of sense to have a portable workstation and storage.

      The price is brutal at 7500+ but it sure looks to be a better system then a walkin trailer.

      My other alternative is to build a similar trailer out of wood on top of a heavyduty utility trailer.

      Also learned that the trailer is not covered if it is yours but is covered if borrowed and the deductible for the trailer is seperate from the vehicle deductible in the same wreck. :^(

      Trailer insurance is cheap and I highly recommend that everybody get some.

      ANDYSZ2WHY DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT BEING A SOLE PROPRIETOR IS A REAL JOB?

      REMODELER/PUNCHOUT SPECIALIST

       

    2. User avater
      enduringcharm | Jul 04, 2008 02:40pm | #21

      Diesel:

      Excellent point about the headroom--even though I have a little trailer, I got the extra six inches of headroom and that makes a huge difference in practicality and storage. 

      John

    3. bobbys | Jul 04, 2008 07:38pm | #31

      Thank you most informitive, headroom is right, thats what my son said too.

  9. ruffmike | Jul 04, 2008 03:50pm | #22

    If  you're gonna haul Pete's boat, you will need a bigger trailer. ; ^ )

                                Mike

        Trust in God, but row away from the rocks.

    1. bobbys | Jul 04, 2008 07:42pm | #32

      If you're gonna haul Pete's boat, you will need a bigger trailer. ; ^ )<<<<< .If you had said to haul his ego around i would have rushed to my Masters defense;]

      1. dovetail97128 | Jul 04, 2008 08:04pm | #35

        They make trailers that Big?
        They can't get your Goat if you don't tell them where it is hidden.

  10. User avater
    IMERC | Jul 04, 2008 04:51pm | #25

    WTB the Jeep will tear it's self up trying to move that much trailer (12 or 14'er)...

    also believe you'll find the that trailer will try and control the Jeep...

     

    Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming

    WOW!!! What a Ride!
    Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

  11. MikeSmith | Jul 05, 2008 03:53am | #37

    got some nice details...

     i like the table saw  & miter saw sitting on the  shelves  especially

    View Image

    here's ours....

    View Image

    Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore



    Edited 7/4/2008 8:55 pm ET by MikeSmith

  12. ANDYSZ2 | Jul 05, 2008 04:06am | #38

    I have been intrigued by your trailer since the first time you posted it.

    I am thinking of doing something close to yours.

    i want to start with a 14ft flatbed trailer with tandem torsion axles and electric brakes.

    To start I think I want to build a raised platform so that I can store ladders or long materials underneath.

    Then I would mount drawered toolboxes with bar locks down the middle to store all my materials.I would have a cover made like a gas grill cover with my logo on both sides.

     On the back side of the boxes I would build a miter box workbench with vises on the ends and front and drawers to store all my measuring tools.I think I will build in fully adjustabe stops on both sides integrated into my fences.

    I would like to have a retractable awning for shade and rain protection.

    Any recommendations from your own experiences would be highly appreciated.

    ANDYSZ2

     

     

    WHY DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT BEING A SOLE PROPRIETOR IS A REAL JOB?

    REMODELER/PUNCHOUT SPECIALIST

     

    1. ANDYSZ2 | Jul 05, 2008 04:13am | #39

      I had a pretty cool idea after I posted my last post.

      Instead of a void underneath I may build a 10" deep sliding shelf system that when I pull it out ,all my tools could be custom fitted into cubbies for each with outline so I can immediately see what is out and helper knows where to put back.

      ANDYSZ2WHY DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT BEING A SOLE PROPRIETOR IS A REAL JOB?

      REMODELER/PUNCHOUT SPECIALIST

       

    2. User avater
      gdcarpenter | Jul 05, 2008 06:17pm | #40

      The reason I went with a single axle is that most of my drawers open out to the side, as you will note in the picture the 'middle' side drawer is not very tall so as to clear the wheel well. Tandem trailer would have cost me even more drawer space.If I understand what you are thinking of, and I'm not sure I do, you would have drawers running the length of the trailer. That would take up an awful lot of room to 'extend' the drawer in the open position. Sounds like you would likely have 3 'drawer' sections running lengthwise, one for tools and two for materials or vice a versa. I needed all the space for tools, but this left my truck free for materials. I can carry limited 16' materials on the ladder racks.The one thing I guess I didn't estimate accurately enough was the weight of the box itself. I started off with 3,00o pound single axle, and as the axle gained weight swapped out for 5,000 pound axles with electric brakes, a must in hindsight.My recommendation is plan, plan, plan. Not much room for 'fudging' as the project nears completion. I spent about 3 months and many revisions planning. By time you factor in your time and materials it won't be cheap, but you will have - hopefully - exactly what you want.Give consideration as to what height your chop saw will be at when all is said and done. Having the storage underneath may raise the chop saw mounting height to an uncomfortable level.I considered an operable awning. Could have had an aluminium system custom built, but couldn't justify the extra expense for all I would need it.It was a great mental and construction exercise and the final product has served me well for years. All the best.Let's not confuse the issue with facts!

      1. ANDYSZ2 | Jul 05, 2008 06:34pm | #41

        I  have been thinking that i will put box tubing underneath the boxes and c channel on the platform and make my workbench detachable by sliding it into the boxtubing with a smaller tubing.I would use trailer receiver pins to lock everything in.

        This way I can roll boxes on and off as needed and detach the workbench and be able to set it up on horses or slide it out over the wheels.

        The drawers underneath would be pulled from the back and the front sides and maybe a hatch  in the middle.

        I will probably weld some receivers underneath the trailer on all 4 sides and maybe some vertically so I can mount a frame to attach the canopy.

        ANDYSZ2WHY DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT BEING A SOLE PROPRIETOR IS A REAL JOB?

        REMODELER/PUNCHOUT SPECIALIST

         

        1. User avater
          gdcarpenter | Jul 05, 2008 08:32pm | #42

          You obviously have access to toys I do not have - yet - in welding equipment. Seems to me such C and box steel would be adding weight quickly. Not sure but sounds like you want the C channel to 'slide' over the box tubing, what acts as bearings or glides. All flat bed trailers I looked at have a 'round tube' 'rail' at the front that provide stability to compensate for the lack of side rails. This would determine the minimum height your drawers would bottom at.I found it interesting that as I had an inspiration, and then started sketching it out, I found 'bugs' that didn't work, which sent me back to the old drawing board. And what would your slide off work bench weigh?Let's not confuse the issue with facts!

          1. ANDYSZ2 | Jul 05, 2008 10:40pm | #43

            I want to keep the bench and mitersaw under a 100 lbs

            I wiil probably build a ramp and hand dolly the individual  boxes off when need be.

            Actually I want to put the tubes on bottom of the boxes and set them in the c channel.

            If I buy jobsite boxes they already come with forklift tubes so I could find c channel big enough for them.When I set them in to the c channel it will keep them from sliding and the trailer pins will hold them down.

             

            I may buy a trailer with rails on 3 sides and use that space as my shelf system with my flatbed on top.

            I have friends in the welding trade that will help me but I will probably try and do it holes and bolts.

            ANDYSZ2WHY DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT BEING A SOLE PROPRIETOR IS A REAL JOB?

            REMODELER/PUNCHOUT SPECIALIST

             

          2. ANDYSZ2 | Jul 08, 2008 12:42am | #44

            I found a 12' tandem torsion axle ,no brakes, all steel, barn door rear, and side door, for 3500$ + tax .

            A route 66 trailer 6.5 tall.

            Slightly used as in 2 weeks then traded back to dealer new one is 4500$

            I now have to decide if that is the way I want to go.

            Dealer said the problem with a torsion is if you catch a curb and break the spindle it is a whole lot more expensive to fix anybody had this happen?

            ANDYSZ2WHY DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT BEING A SOLE PROPRIETOR IS A REAL JOB?

            REMODELER/PUNCHOUT SPECIALIST

             

          3. User avater
            gdcarpenter | Jul 08, 2008 01:28am | #45

            No idea on the torsion system, but did you get the cost to upgrade to electric brakes. My trailer, fatted out, weighted in over 4,000 pounds. Cost me over 1,000 to upgrade to electric brakes.
            Do not like the idea of something as heavy as my truck pushing me instead of helping me stop.And that weight for my trailer was tools and equipment only. Once I added material to build a looooong ramp to help out someone who broke their back on a 4 wheeler, loaded the trailer, loaded the truck, whew - that was a long slow careful ride.Have minimal experience, but common wisdom does suggest tandems tow better, mine can get a bit squirly at times if I push the 70 mph mark. I needed the single axle for my side drawer system though.Sounds like that old song"Well I think it's time to finally decide
            To pick up on one and let the other one ride"One thing I do like about my trailer is the 'box' height, comes in very useful as a working surface and I enjoy being able to look out my rear view mirror, and not depending on my side mirrors, to look out for the idiots out there. Those walk in trailers blind you a bit.Did I tell you about the time we were driving back from Canada towing a boat, and my wife,driving at the time. Seems she kinda forgot about the boat when she saw an exit she wanted to take, I believe it was a discount outlet. Haven't heard that many horns blaring in a long time.Let's not confuse the issue with facts!

          4. Piffin | Jul 08, 2008 01:34am | #46

            Sounds like a decent price but I would not dream of having a trailer that size full of stuff with no brakes.As far as th etorsion axle, just learn to drive so you don't bounce it off walls and curbs. 

             

            Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

          5. ANDYSZ2 | Jul 08, 2008 02:11am | #47

             

            You know I didn't take a close enough look so I am going to call in the morning to make sure.

            My trailer now is probably close to a 1000 lbs lighter and no brakes and I have been fine, but I think this one definately needs brakes.

            There is no wood on the walls so my plan is to attach the wood with u clamps around the steel posts and be able to have attachments on the outside also.

            Nice thing is the doors are much stronger so I will be able to build shallow racks on them.

            The flatbed trailers don't usually come with torsion suspensions but I am still interested in building a fully integrated shop /trailer with storage and work areas.

            I have been looking at taking a utility trailer and framing in the rails so that I have lower storage drawers and a deck to set several joboxes on with an area behind the boxes for a mitersaw bench.

            I want to find a box to set in front like some carhaulers that has side cabinets and top storage but haven't found that on the internet vyet.

            ANDYSZ2

             WHY DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT BEING A SOLE PROPRIETOR IS A REAL JOB?

            REMODELER/PUNCHOUT SPECIALIST

             

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