What to look for when buying a car hauler/trailer?

[GrayStangGT]

Bulldog Hitch (I personally can't stand one I can't visually see latching)
5200# Dexter or other reputable brand axles (only draw back is it will cost more to register)
8 Stake pockets (the more places to tie down the more versatile a trailer is)
Rings in the deck
Longer dove tail
Ramps out the back
Heavier drop leg style jack
As long as you maintain a wood deck they are fine

[Baron Von Crowder]

Oh, while we are at it, 3500lbs axles arent under-rated, consider that the trailer itself plays a part in the load. My steel deck has a bent axle (when we decided that letting people borrow it was a bad idea) from being overloaded by a guy that borrowed it.

[GrayStangGT]

Oh, while we are at it, 3500lbs axles arent under-rated, consider that the trailer itself plays a part in the load. My steel deck has a bent axle (when we decided that letting people borrow it was a bad idea) from being overloaded by a guy that borrowed it.

We have bent 5200lb axles with around 7k on the trailer, we finally gave up and started buying trailers rated at 14klbs.

[crapstang]

Trailer brakes for sure.
I opted for a metal deck on mine. It looks great and you never have to worry about boards rotting or becoming deformed. As far as looks go, I really like my tear-drop fenders and pinstriping around the edges.
The bigger the axles, the better. There's nothing like having to move a tractor or something and not being able to use your hauler. Saves a lot of time in the end. Plus, it's badass. Long dovetail is very convenient for loading low cars, or for loading a car by yourself with no winch. That is another thing to look for: A place to place a winch for jobs on your own. Again, that saves your ass big time.
I picked my trailer up w/ 5200# axles and the above mentioned stuff for 1k flat, nearly new. Just keep an eye out.

[stephen4785]

Its hard to say. What does that big caddy weigh, and what are you pulling it with?

The caddy weighs 4200 but Id like to be able to pull a truck if needed.

[dcs13]

Brakes for sure. If you buy used, make sure you get a title and it matches the VIN....
I like the steel deck better and the upgraded axles are a good deal. I need a heavier hauler myself..I have 3500 lb axles. I've hauled dually flatbeds. Hated the whole trip...

[fastwhite99gt]

I have pics of the one I just bought if you want to see. 14' with a 4' dovetail, wood deck, 3500# axles, brakes, breakaway box, stout jack, ramps out the back, ramps are kinda light, but work. I bought it brand new for $2100 OTD. Going to 5200# axles is gonna push the price for a new one to around $3000 or just over, everything is heavier. My trailer weighs right at 2000lbs so you can put 5000 on it. If you want pics, send me a number or email addy.

[fordracing19]

Also as mentioned a wrapped tongue is better in case something goes wrong. Imagine if a rear tie down comes loose and the car rolls, how are you going to get it off the trailer if the wheel goes over the side?

I thought wrap around tongue was when the hitch frame goes to the axle?


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[POSYJ]

picked this up about a month ago....it tows very well. Need to drop my hitch an inch or 2, but no sway, tracks well, easy to back up and my f150 isnt pissed off at me...more than a steel deck trailer obviously, but hoping this thing lasts me a long time....or worst case if I sell it - they have great resale...

[stephen4785]

I have pics of the one I just bought if you want to see. 14' with a 4' dovetail, wood deck, 3500# axles, brakes, breakaway box, stout jack, ramps out the back, ramps are kinda light, but work. I bought it brand new for $2100 OTD. Going to 5200# axles is gonna push the price for a new one to around $3000 or just over, everything is heavier. My trailer weighs right at 2000lbs so you can put 5000 on it. If you want pics, send me a number or email addy.

So it's 18' total or is the dovetail part of the 14'?

[fastwhite99gt]

Yeah, 18' overall, makes the angle getting on the trailer better with the long tail.