Which Cargo Trailer To Buy

Well there is something i learned from the school of hard knocks. :S

The number of axles do not mean much. I went to a manufacturer in Sikeston MO to get my 16 foot flat bed. Duuh, first thing they asked was what capacity axles you want. Ole Dave thought thought 3K axles were plenty that day.

Since then I have always run into issues with the trailer being too puny for the load.

So I think what you are gonna haul and what safety margin you want is the first step. Then there is the issue of brakes. I got them on both axles.

I would also get the dual axle as it will pull better and probably put less weight on hitch. Also if you think that a 12x7 will work go with a v-nose for the extra free space or if you think that size will work step up to 14x7...as you can't have too much room. Either way I would go with a v-nose.

All aluminum construction recommended for rust proof operation.
2 axles will ride more stable and have a built in safety factor for tire blowout concerns.
Torsion axles WILL ride smoother, but will not equalize the weight between the 2 axles, if weight is a concern.

I've got a pace with close to 50K miles on it. converted it to a home built toy hauler, living quarter trailer when I got it. 7x14. It's been absolutely trouble free.

Neighbor has had two Pace larger trailer for his go cart buisiness. He has put 100K + miles on each, again trouble free.

Our son's work trailer for hauling motorcycles and quads around the state for state parks is a Pace, again close to 100K miles on it. held up well, again trouble free.

All the above have the torsion axles.

DO NOT GET leaf spring axles. They ride rough and bouncy when loaded light.

Also, even short trailers benefit from being a tandem, even if you don't need the weight hauling capacity.

Torsion axles are the way to go.

My 6x12 had tandem torsion axles. It was smooth as butter when towing.

When talking trailers, the normal way of describing them is the width x length, not length x width.

In other words, 7x14 is a 7 wide x 14 long.

It's odd/unusual to talk about trailer in terms of length x width (14 x 7)

The_real_wild1 wrote:
What are you hauling? I would suggest getting bigger then you need at this point.

Ditto on getting bigger than what you think you want.
You will later on wish you had bigger if you get the one that fits your stuff today. After you use it, you will see the convenience of "enclosed space" and wish for more space.

I had a 6x10 for 17 years. (1993-2010)
In 2010 I upgraded to a 6x12. I stayed short and narrow because it would fit my needs, and fit easier in the parking space I had available.

The trailer was primarily used for hauling motorcycles behind my truck camper.

In 2012 I bought a 8.5x20 to haul my Jeep in. Later that summer I used it on one motorcycle trip. I like all the space. It was like a mini garage. Later that summer I used it on a 3 week trip with motorcycles. I was hooked on having all that space.
The trailer became a mini-garage and a changing room where I'd leave all my riding gear.

I demoted the 6x12 to just hauling other stuff, or short trips where I wanted to take the motorcycle. In 2014 I ended up selling the 6x12.

Upgrades to my trailer - 8.5x20 Haulmark

What are you hauling? I would suggest getting bigger then you need at this point. It is nice having the extra room and you might find yourself using it often. A 16' is press easy to haul especially if you get aluminum. I prefer a 8.5 wide as well over the 7 or 8. The 7' wide is easier to see behind you though while driving. My latest enclosed is a 8.5x20 v nose. I still manage to pack it full.

First, 7 vs 8 foot is a bigger difference than you think. Narrow down the size you must have, then you'll start to narrow things down.

At 12' long, tandem is not needed and if low cost and total weight is desired...stick with a single axle.

Over 12' and your getting into a big class of trailer. Tandem axle would be highly preferred and you will see prices creep up.

I bought a 6x14 a couple years ago and absolutely love it, but its used for mostly utility and motorcycles and an ATV here and there.

Go with tandem axle, if you have a blow out and loaded you will still have 3 tires to limp to the side of road. When we were looking at trailers we preferred a solid aluminum roof with no seams to leak. It seems a lot of it is preference, lots of choices out there. Good luck with your decision.