MySwag.org The Off-road Camper Trailer Forum
General => General Discussion => Topic started by: Krackar on July 18, 2011, 05:04:50 PM
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I'm about to purchase my first trailer. Mainly to be used for odd-jobs around the home and for camping. Maybe in a few yrs once the kids get older it'll be the base for a camper build. I'm keen on a 7x4 high side from here http://www.tradebuilttrailers.com/pricing.htm (http://www.tradebuilttrailers.com/pricing.htm). His tradesman 7x4 high side with 4WD upgrade.
Am I on the right track for a decent trailer? Is a swing out tailgate worth getting over the normal style? What would be better flooring for a trailer, 2.1mm checker plate or 2mm flat floor? Is there anything that is missing from them that they should have?
Sorry for all the questions.
Thanks.
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The price for the off road sounds ok - if the $2,600 includes those items listed under "options". The only 3 questions I would have are:
1. What thickness RHS are the using for the chassis and A-frame (ideally it should be 3 or 4mm if you intend on using it off road a lot)
2. What's the thickness of the trailer sides
3. Question really is for you - Are you happy buying from someone who does not list an address and only lists a mobile number.
Where are you from, as someone may be able to suggest a reputable trailer maker?
:cheers:
Andy
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Sorry, I should have put my location. I'm in Ipswich. This guy lives in Brisbane not far from me and said I could stop in and have a look at his trailer. He makes them to order so he only has his own trailer for me to look at.
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10% upfront.
That's the law.
The rest COD. Too many shonks wanting to take your money.
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If you're going to use it as a general purpose trailer, pay the extra and get a galvanised one. I've got a gal box trailer, had it for over ten years and it still looks as good as when I bought it, a few dings aside. Whereas the typical painted trailers purchased around the same time are riddled with rust.
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A few things to think about! I'm fairly good at taking care of my things and I'm moving to the NT so I wasn't planning on getting a Gal trailer. Plus they are usually a fair bit more expensive and budget is against me.
Krackar
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I bought from Just Trailers. They built it the way i wanted it.
http://www.justtrailers.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=23&Itemid=51 (http://www.justtrailers.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=23&Itemid=51)
cheers
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I've been hunting around for a trailer recently myself, but have been hesitant to spend the money required to get a good one. The other day Hans Trailers were advertising on TV, and they look pretty good to my uneducated eye:
http://hanstrailers.com.au/
and reasonably cost effective:
http://www.tradingpost.com.au/Search?QueryTerm=hans+trailers&Go=Go
I particularly like the hot-dipped gal finish, would be good for up here, with the humidity and the amount of rain we get. As a long term investment, it probably makes sense for me. This one particularly looks good to me as a general purpose "take stuff to the dump" trailer, but again, I don't really know what I'm looking at:
http://www.tradingpost.com.au/Automotive/Trailers/AdNumber=D3904100709419?AdOnTop=
But looking through another thread on here 10 mins ago, I came across these:
http://www.easytrailer.com.au/
Now, obviously, they're a cheap trailer, and won't last as long as a "good" one. BUT, they ARE cheap, they seem to have a good rep, and they fold up nice and small and out of the way.
Just a couple of thoughts from someone who doesn't have either...
Thanks!
Matto :)
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PS - also came across this on trading post while finding above trailers - I'm sure it's relevant SOMEHOW.
http://www.tradingpost.com.au/GreatFinds/Cars/FordFalconUte?cid=1%2C310%2C713%2C106%2C664
Thanks!
Matto :)
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I bought from Just Trailers. They built it the way i wanted it.
http://www.justtrailers.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=23&Itemid=51 (http://www.justtrailers.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=23&Itemid=51)
cheers
I like the look of these trailers. I can't find anything good or bad about them. Might have to give them a call.
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I spoke to Peter at Just Trailers yesterday and we had a good yarn. I think I might have found my trailer. A 7x4 Semi Off road trailer with a couple of extra's.
What do you more experienced folk consider must haves on a trailer? I'm thinking a swing out tailgate, tonneau cover for when I'm camping. I'm unsure how I should get the spare mounted? Any thoughts?
Cheers Krackar
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Good work Krackar! Always good to find someone who you can work with to get what you want.
If you're going down the path of a camper later, then I would get a swing-out tailgate. Drop-downs are better for garden rubbish, etc, but swing-outs rule for CT purposes. I'd also ensure that you've got nice high sides on it.
Spare-wise, I like them mounted on the tailgate. Frees up room on the drawbar, and balances out nicely. Might look a bit funny on just a normal box trailer though, and might put too much weight behind the axle if you've got nothing on the drawbar to counter-balance it.
Look forward to seeing what you come up with!
Thanks!
Matto :)
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Cheers Matto! I'll definitely be getting a swing out tailgate. They'll even make it so I can remove it if need be. And the high sides are a must in my book. The Semi off road comes with 510mm high sides.
Krackar
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I spoke to Peter at Just Trailers yesterday and we had a good yarn. I think I might have found my trailer. A 7x4 Semi Off road trailer with a couple of extra's.
What do you more experienced folk consider must haves on a trailer? I'm thinking a swing out tailgate, tonneau cover for when I'm camping. I'm unsure how I should get the spare mounted? Any thoughts?
Cheers Krackar
I terms of must haves. I wouldn't have another box trailer without a toolbox on the drawbar. I normally carry my straps, A length of rope and a tarp. I also can fit my chainsaw, fuel, oil and tools if I'm going to get firewood.
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A toolbox is a great idea! I might have to look into that one.
Krackar
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I bought a box trailer from this guy:
http://mjtrailers.com.au/
Very happy with its construction and how it tows etc.
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get tie-downs along the front and back (Tailgate) Makes tying stuff (esp lengths of wood, steel) down much easier and secure. My box trailer has a checkerplate floor and it's annoying when emptying dirt out (shovel won't slide). If I ever buy another I think I'd get flat floor and plan to replace it on 20 years :)
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I got Just Trailers to weld on a rear receiver hitch. I have a towbar style bike rack and use it to carry bikes around on when the trailor's alread full. You can see it in this pic under the tailgate:
(http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp300/jeeps_photo/trailor01.jpg)
cheers
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get tie-downs along the front and back (Tailgate) Makes tying stuff (esp lengths of wood, steel) down much easier and secure. My box trailer has a checkerplate floor and it's annoying when emptying dirt out (shovel won't slide). If I ever buy another I think I'd get flat floor and plan to replace it on 20 years :)
Peter at Just Trailers has told me that they can flip the checkerplate while building the trailer so I can have a flat floor.
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I'm going to have a look at a Semi Off road trailer tomorrow at Just trailers! Hopefully they are as good as I think they'll be.