I was interested in the Evergreen Everlite 29FK. Spent two years saving up enough money to buy the thing. Two weeks ago I finally had the money. They only problem is, through all of my various methods of research, I determined that the distance from the ground to the bottom of the frame rails is 16". I would not be able to get that in my driveway. I also would not be able to take it down some of the dirt roads in government owned forests where I hunt. The ST205/75R14 tires are also barely legal. So I proposed to the factory that I would pay them the extra money to put a 3" subframe on, 26" springs, D44 axles, and BFGCTA LT215/85R16 Load Range E tires. I also stated I would expect the dealer to get his cut on it too. Here is an excerpt from the reply I got:
Unfortunately, in order to maintain efficiencies on the production line customizations are not possible on a case-by-case basis. In ordered to even entertain modifications it would take a large order of units otherwise it just is not cost effective from the manufacturing level. Many people will still buy the unit then do their own changes and add their flair to it which is pretty cool.
Doing this change myself is over $3000. They could do it for $1000 or less.
This kind of gives some insight into the industry. When you look at the list of available options, that list will contain things that the manufacturer thinks they will have sufficient demand for to make it cost effective. Until a significant portion of the buying public clamors for better tires, this will remain a dealer option (which is where I'm headed on a different brand where I think I just need a tire swap on the existing wheels/axles). In the end, if I can get the price I think I can get on this other trailer, I'll take it home, set it on blocks, and take the OE tires/wheels to my local Maxxis dealer and spend another $800 on it, provided the rims are at least 6" wide. Otherwise I am looking at about $1200. That could be a deal breaker.
