Larger Trailers - advice, comments etc sought... - Forum

The upgrading of the ANP Services Spalding grass cutting machinery fleet leads me to seek a larger trailer for next season (2012). Unfortunately the high sided 6x4 Blue Line that I currently run is not longer large enough to meet all my needs.

The approximate size that I need is MINIMUM 10ft by 6ft.

I just wondered if anyone out there has an experiences of different trailer manufacturers to share? Apparently some 'Indespension' brand trailers are lightly built and can't stand the rigours of commercial work?

The roads in my area are appalling with pot holes, sunken manhole covers etc so running gear needs to be up to the job.

I was thinking something along the lines of this:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/indespension-challenger-twin-axle-trailer-/230700653514?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item35b6d49bca#ht_596wt_1185

I think drop sides would be handier than fixed as I may need to move palletised items on occasion. High sides can be manufactured in my own workshop but a ramp rear tailgate would be essential for the big mower...

Anyone got anything to add into the mix for consideration??

Hi David, in reference to comments above, whilst trying to multi-task I forgot to mention that any trailer I buy will have to be twin axle and around 2000kg gross weight, with all the necessary makers plate etc.

I am aware of the licensing restrictions and incorporated it in my article on trailers that I recently wrote for LJN. I am outside the cut off date, but am in the process of arranging my B+E test in order to get the appropriate licensing category.

As regards "Any trailer you buy will always be slightly too small for your ambitions and slightly too big for your parking spaces!!" - I quite agree!! Mind you a long wheelbase Transit van won't fit in the spaces at the local supermarket on its own.....

Replies

phil smith yewtreelandscapes.com December 4, 2011 at 8:25pm

cant beat the build quality of an ifor williams, i have got a 10ftx5ft6 tipper and in my opinion it is the best trailer i have had, use to have a wessex tipper trailer but found when i had a digger on the back it was a bit unstable due to having a higher ride height than the the ifor's, but realy its down to you as you know what it will be used for but try to but best you can, you can get some good deals on gumtree but just make sure you get some paper work and the serial numbers havnt been tampered with
David Channon December 4, 2011 at 8:34pm

Just a few thoughts.

You need a braked trailer if the load is likely to overwhelm the towing vehicle. The vehicle handbook will tell you the limits.

You need it on you license if you passed your test after the cut-off date.

Any trailer you buy will always be slightly too small for your ambitions and slightly too big for your parking spaces!!!

I've bought a nice quad bike trailer off of Ebay and am very happy with the quality. It cost around £350
PRO

Adam Pilgrim December 4, 2011 at 8:40pm

Hi David, in reference to comments above, whilst trying to multi-task I forgot to mention that any trailer I buy will have to be twin axle and around 2000kg gross weight, with all the necessary makers plate etc.

I am aware of the licensing restrictions and incorporated it in my article on trailers that I recently wrote for LJN. I am outside the cut off date, but am in the process of arranging my B+E test in order to get the appropriate licensing category.

As regards "Any trailer you buy will always be slightly too small for your ambitions and slightly too big for your parking spaces!!" - I quite agree!! Mind you a long wheelbase Transit van won't fit in the spaces at the local supermarket on its own.....
phil smith yewtreelandscapes.com December 4, 2011 at 8:40pm

forgot to mention, you better check the trainwheight of you towing vehicle aswell because its all well getting a large trailer but no good if the motor isnt up to towing it, and also check the wheight limits with the vosa web site coz they have got some strange rules and reg's
PRO

Adam Pilgrim December 4, 2011 at 8:46pm

Yes good point thank you Phil, already done so. The Transit T350 I run has a 5750KG maximum train weight, subtract the gross weight of the vehicle of 3500kg - leaves me a potential gross trailer weight of 2250kg. Having spoken to my local trailer centre, higher rated trailers can be 'down plated' to the specification required - for a fee of course!!
Kieran Ray December 4, 2011 at 9:25pm

Next year we are doing the same, but instead of getting a trailer we are getting a dropside or tipper and putting the mower on that, maybe a thought for you.
Dan Frazer Gardening December 4, 2011 at 9:29pm

Ifor dealers will downplate the trailer for free. They will plate a 2.7T trailer like the LM106 to 2.0T no problem. Consider ramps rather than ramp tailgate as this is more versatile.
briggsandscrapem December 4, 2011 at 9:35pm

so far as i'm concerned the difference you pay between the steel and ally ramps (i have both) will be some of the best money you have ever spent.
Philip Blair December 4, 2011 at 10:16pm

I bought a 10' x 6' tipper this time last year and 10' aluminum ramps to match. Already decided that the trailer is hardly big enough (for 2 ride on mowers) but the ramps are great. Light enough to lift with 1 hand but strong enough to drive a massey 135 up (1.6T). I think a rear tailgate would be too short and steep for practical use. Drop sides are essential.
Roy Parker December 4, 2011 at 10:17pm

i just upgraded my trailer to a 10x5ft6 ifor williams just putting cage sides on it