Looking for 5x8 enclosed single-axle trailer. I'm taking the family to Virginia Beach from SoCal for 3 months while I learn to fly again. We're getting a furnished beach house and need the bikes/poker table/clothes/extras to go with us and not in our full household goods move... but nothing will come close to the capacity of the trailer. I don't think I really need a 5x8, but for the used prices on CL, why not.

These trailers come in all "shapes" and various methods of construction. I have no idea what brand or style may be better than another. A few major name-brands stick out, but there are about 20 other brands that keep popping up.

I'm finding what I think I want on CL for between $1000 and $1500. Who knows something about this industry and can guide me in what I really should be looking for?

 

I picked up a 6x12 on CL for 1500 a couple years back. Single axle, use it to haul motorcycles to the track. If you ever think you want to be able to drive something into it (4-wheeler, motorcycle, lawn tractor) A rear ramp door is an amazing feature to have. Most anything you find will be lightweight aluminum construction. If it's heavy as hell, pass on it. My 6x12 weighs something like 1200 lb, but I can pick the tongue up with my hands and move it pretty easily if need be - when it's empty. Looks for a design that gets the axle pretty well centered on the cargo box, otherwise you will find that the tongue weight starts going up very quickly when you try to load it (and you'll probably make the common error of loading all of the big heavy stuff in the trailer first, which puts extra weight on the tongue anyway) If you get a ramp door, check the hinges and make sure they aren't starting to seize up. Check all the lights for functionality, though a trailer wiring kit isn't exactly expensive, it can take up a good solid afternoon if you have to rewire it because of age. Check the wheel bearings for play and grease.

That's about all there is to it, not a whole lot.

 

VA Beach from CA?! is your head not screwed on tight?

 

I haven't completely given up on my career completely yet... gotta go where the jobs are, even in the military. The VaBch thing is only temporary Sept-Nov while I get re-qualified in the Hawkeye.

Final duty station is Naval Reserve Base New Orleans... THE BIG EASY!

 

okay gotcha.