Which Cargo Trailer To Buy

[SweetLou]

I need to get a Cargo Trailer that is 12 x 7 or 8. There are so many brands and I have done my research but what I really wanted was opinions on whether to get a Tandem or single axle. It might carry some weight in the future but mostly it will travel 1500 ea trip back up to WA each year, then return 1500 mi. It needs to be dependable and stout.
Brands seem to settle with Wells Cargo, Pace, Featherlite. Torsion Springs, or leaf. If any one has experience or opinions on this I would like to hear them.

[deltabravo]

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.

[deltabravo]

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)

[deltabravo]

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

[The_real_wild1]

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.

[RinconVTR]

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.

[lap527]

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.