Enclosed Trailer Help! Newb

[CamaroAJ]

I just bought a new 2016 24'x8'6" Hallmark Passport V-nose enclosed trailer a few weeks ago for $7300 out the door with 5200lb axles, upgraded lights, floors, and .030 metal.

And before anyone says anything, no my truck isn't hooked up to the trailer in the pictures, it had a 4/7 drop on it and I traded it in last week on a diesel anyways.

[Blake Foster]

Originally Posted by GregWeld

My latest trailer had "AIR CRAFT" track (the round "slots") in it the whole way front to back. GREATEST THING EVER!! You can strap anything down anywhere you need it! Loved it.

I put the same in our 53 ft on the upper deck to strap down display stuff best invention ever. hard to think it can hold as much weight as it does!!

I have a wedge nose 24. it is an old interstate that needs to be replaced one day. and I find it tows funny when you pass or get passed by a semi. It seems to get sucked into the larger truck. and when it is raining the water spray coming off the front of the trailer and out into your mirror vision and into the lane beside you was CRAZY!! that was towing with a DRW Dodge if that matters. also the tongue is short and I doubt you could put an equalizer on it. I also think it reduces the turning radius when backing up as opposed to a long tongue flat front trailer.

[Ron Sutton]

In my 38 years of racing, I've had quite a few car trailers ... 30+ ... from open flat bed 16' to 53' Nascar "transporters" ... from budget to luxurious ... and everything in-between.

I had one trailer the walls separated from the frame !

I have come to the conclusion that ...
A. You get what you pay for ... most of the time.
B. Nothing wrong with a lower cost trailer if you're not going to use it much & can protect it from the elements.
C. If you're going to use it & want it hold up, for Pete's sake buy a good one.
D. Really take the time to make sure it fits your needs.
E. If you need to cut the budget, cut the frills not the quality of the structure.
F. Get more brakes than you think you need.
G. If you have one built ... go see the factory first. Lot of tell-tale signs where they're built.

I would add a few tips from experience:
* Torsion axles ride better than spring axles (beats up your car & stuff less).
* Air rides better than anything else, but that's for bigger trailers than you're looking at.
* Get the longer tongue. 5' is much better than 4'.
* Consider resale when shopping brands. Higher end brands hold their value better.
* Ignore "maintenance free bearings". All that means is you need to replace them instead of inspecting & repacking them.
* Be a little cautious of buying a bigger trailer than you need. If there is space, you will fill it & that adds weight.
* Will your truck tow it?
* Nothing is worse to drive ... or more dangerous ... than an unbalanced trailer. Too much or too little tongue weight is bad.

Lastly ...
* If you live on the West Coast, especially in California, TPD is a great option. Not only do they hold up amazingly well over 10-15-20 years ... the resale is awesome too. I've had 4 TPDs. Best short trailer I've ever owned.

[cjsgarage]

I bought a 20' enclosed (24' total) some years ago to use as a portable garage on race days and at home, work. I'm fairly certain it has 5000 lb torsion axles and it made a trip to Idaho weighing in at 10000lbs. It tows smooth at 85 if you ever get up that high and holds everything. The picture above is glassman (Mike's) Camaro when I picked it up to bring to the shop. His car is a 70 1/2 Camaro and the transmission is laid behind the car on the ground. It has room up front for cabinets (though I've never installed any) or a 18" or 24" deep toolbox. 12" would probably be perfect. It has hauled 48" SnapOn toolboxes with cars without issues. I am really happy with it. Space hasn't been an issue.. especially because I don't need ramps and I'm usually using a truck to haul it.. (the truck bed has room for stuff). The man door in the front is totally useful.

I also have the E-Track running the length of it along the walls. I ought to run it along the floors, but the wall stuff has been more than enough in the last five years.

on a side note, parking this trailer is not always easy.. backing up can be difficult visibility; and parking lots don't always have the space; and getting in and out of gas station pumps would be much harder with a bigger trailer. I wouldn't want a 24 footer for me.

[cjsgarage]

that image is huge. Can I resize it without putting in on photobucket?

EDIT: fixed it

[TheJDMan]

I would add one thing to the list that Ron posted. Get a minimum of 5200lb axles and 7000lb is even better. I ordered my 20ft United Expressline with optional 5200lb axles and have never regretted having the heavier axles. One other piece of advice, if you buy a trailer with wood lined interior, paint the walls and ceiling white. You would be amazed at how much it brightens up the interior.

[Roger Poirier]

Originally Posted by dontlifttoshift

What are you towing with?

I personally think 20' is too short for anything but a miata sized car and would keep shopping for a 24'

I would also be looking for 5,000 lb axles if you are going to 24' I would prefer more wiggle room than 400 pounds, which can disappear fast.

I agree completely. Roger

[Ron Sutton]

Originally Posted by TheJDMan

I would add one thing to the list that Ron posted. Get a minimum of 5200lb axles and 7000lb is even better. I ordered my 20ft United Expressline with optional 5200lb axles and have never regretted having the heavier axles. One other piece of advice, if you buy a trailer with wood lined interior, paint the walls and ceiling white. You would be amazed at how much it brightens up the interior.

[Try2paz]

Well step one is done.. I picked up the new truck.

It's insanely quiet for a diesel, and rides as smooth as some of my friends 1/2 tons. The interior is finally big enough for the whole family.

Line X goes in next week and a folding cover.





I found a used 2005 24ft TPD in Sac and it was sold in a matter of hours.

The search continues.. i'm still eyeing the 24ft ATC in San Jose.

[DBasher]

Meow that's a nice looking truck!

Is the badge on the fender a vent or just decorotive? After a brief conversation with Sutton I'm now noticing all the little aero tricks the manufactures are building into the new vehicles.

Might as well look at 28' trailers....you won't even know you're pulling anything with that rig.