Utility trailer recommendations for 23 FWD Hybrid

[Dean S]

I know there have been several threads in the past but I'm wondering if any members can recommend a utility trailer that they have hauled with their FWD Hybrid maverick. I'm considering a 5.5'x8' or 5'x10' steel Karavan with fold down sides. I was originally looking for aluminum to save weight but am not sure that the cost is worth it. I will be using it mainly to haul an ATV about 1.25 hours on the expressway. Also to haul riding mower and lumber occasionally.

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[heady]

I have the 5.5x9 Karavan, I put brakes on it and have towed it thousands of miles on the interstate - it's the best single axle small utility trailer I've owned to date. I put a tongue box on it for the chocks, jacks, and other accessories and mounted a matching spare tire up there. A little pricey compared to other options, but I've been happy with it over multiple years now. I put a bunch of e-track down on the bed as well, comes in handy!

This week will be the first trip with the hybrid (non-FWD) but I towed it before with a PHEV SUV. I use the Andersen weight distributing hitch with the trailer. I fabbed up some bracket shims with 1" square steel tube and some 2" strap to protect the frame from being dented with the cantilever action of the brackets as well, it's stood the test of time.

 

[craigt502]

It’s pricey…but the Floe CargoMax 8-57 has served me well. Super light weight and durable.

 

[Dean S]

have the 5.5x9 Karavan, I put brakes on it and have towed it thousands of miles on the interstate

Thanks for the detailed response, It looks like the 5.5'x9' has 13" wheels, is that correct? Any concerns with the smaller wheels on the interstate? How much was it to add the brakes?

 

[Dean S]

It’s pricey…but the Floe CargoMax 8-57 has served me well. Super light weight and durable

That does look like a really nice trailer and light. No dealers in my state unfortunately.

 

[heady]

Thanks for the detailed response, It looks like the 5.5'x9' has 13" wheels, is that correct? Any concerns with the smaller wheels on the interstate? How much was it to add the brakes?

At the time it cost about $250 to add the brakes. The tires on the trailer have done well on high speed operation, they are radials rated for 81 MPH, no trouble, just keep them at max pressure to keep them cool. The trailer has EZ-lube axles so keeping the grease fresh is a simple job, too.

 

[Dean S]

At the time it cost about $250 to add the brakes. The tires on the trailer have done well on high speed operation, they are radials rated for 81 MPH, no trouble, just keep them at max pressure to keep them cool. The trailer has EZ-lube axles so keeping the grease fresh is a simple job, too.

What kind of stuff have you hauled with it? Are you happy with the ramp?

 

[heady]

What kind of stuff have you hauled with it? Are you happy with the ramp?

I've hauled bikes, quads, farm equipment, tool chests/roll off boxes, lumber, pallets, firewood, you name it. It's been at its load rating many times now. The ramp has been good, I often travel without it and it's easy to take off - I made a plywood tailgate that I use that's the same height as the side rails to reduce the wind resistance on the highway when I'm not hauling wheeled equipment. The approach angle is nice with the dovetailed rear built into the trailer.

The only complaint I have with the ramp is the end at the ground has about a 2" step, when I'm hauling roll off boxes a better transition would be appreciated for the caster wheels, but that's very minor, I'll add a piece of 2" angle iron one day to improve that I suppose.

 

[Cherokee]

Pay more up front for an aluminum trailer. It’s worth it on all points.

 

[heady]

I really come out the opposite on trailer frame construction, I do not like aluminum frame trailers - they're lighter, but the failure modes are usually unexpected fractures from cyclical loading stress. As long as it's built well they hold up, but I'm sketched out by them after seeing some of the failures. Steel is a comparatively very strong and very forgiving material, easy to modify, weld on, etc. People certainly have strong preferences though and I've heard it both ways... I've never owned an aluminum and doubtful I ever will I guess.

 

[Dean S]

Pay more up front for an aluminum trailer. It’s worth it on all points.

Aluminum frame with aluminum deck was my original plan, mainly due to weight since I can only tow 2k. Aside from the additional cost I know people will borrow the trailer and won't be as careful as me, I think steel with wooden deck would be more resilient but could be wrong. An 800lb trailer doesn't leave much tow capacity though. Still considering aluminum though.

 

[kentsa1]

I have a Harbor Freight 4x8 that I am happy with. It has hauled a lot of stuff quite a few miles. They make a 5x10 trailer that weighs 400 pounds according to their site that might just fit your specs. Link: https://www.harborfreight.com/2000-...-ft-custom-modular-utility-trailer-59846.html

 

[Mean Green BP]

Aluminum frame with aluminum deck was my original plan, mainly due to weight since I can only tow 2k. Aside from the additional cost I know people will borrow the trailer and won't be as careful as me, I think steel with wooden deck would be more resilient but could be wrong. An 800lb trailer doesn't leave much tow capacity though. Still considering aluminum though.

I love my Karavan ALUMINUM 5.5 X 10' with fold down sides and front $2399 from Tractor Supply and 12 mos. no %. $600 cheaper than Lowes aluminum with wood deck and no fold down sides. I also added brakes because I commonly load my heavy Kubota SXS with Cab (2370#) with some # capacity to spare! The alum gains about 600# of GVWR (2440#) capacity over the steel. I also added jack stand stabilizers on the 4 corners so I can leave the Kubota on it when unhooked. Tows wonderful! A quality trailer.

 

[Escapologist]

Something to keep an eye out for on Craigslist is the "Lifetime tent trailer" that costco used to sell. They are 7x5, only just fit an ATV, but are pretty adaptable and you get a popup tent package that sits on top. I also figure you could probably put a platform in the Mav with tailgate in 8x4 support mode and figure out how to use the tent in the back of the Mav and put something else on the trailer.... Though I have also seen them rigged with an ATV on top deck over tent so not sure if that was a variation on the model or they can all do that.

Anyway, it's a reputedly sturdy trailer that's pretty adaptable, so worth a go if you see one for reasonable money.

 

[Mean Green BP]

I think your steel trailer is a LOT heavier than 800#. My aluminum was 500# before adding the spare tire, brakes and stabilizers. I think steel trailers are more like 1600#.

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