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Old Apr 19, 2013 | 12:17 PM
  #121  
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Originally Posted by Savington
Jack, I spent $1749+tax/title on this ~3 years ago (brand new). Empty weight of <1700lbs, twin 3500lb axles, rated for ~7k total. Electric brakes, breakaway switch/battery, etc. all included. They do a shorter version if you want that - this is a 16" bed.

At that price, and knowing how much I have into the cars I tow, I'd have a hard time towing on a dolly or a crappy single-axle trailer.

That looks like the PERFECT trailer for me. I just picked up a 1996 Ford F-150 for stupid cheap, replaced all the worn suspension bits and I need to find a trailer. What is the name of the company that you got that from? I'd like to contact them about a 16' version.
Old Apr 19, 2013 | 03:17 PM
  #122  
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Originally Posted by k24madness
My ghetto trailer.

Started with a $700 craigslist trailer. Added decking from another trailer I bought and flipped for $500 profit but kept the decking. Two new tires, ramps and paint brought the total to about $1,500. Perfect size for the Miata and it all fits in my garage.
You'll argue it, but mobile home trailers aren't designed to be used on a normal trailer. They are setup to carry a heavy load a short distance a time or two. Brakes don't last, and bearings rarely do either. Just check on them from time to time and when one of the bearings starts getting wobbly, replace it with a real axle. I just don't want to see that nice car on the side of the road or worse.

I'm going to be building something VERY much like yours (actually taking notes) for the Miata as a bumper pull and we are shortening our 26 foot triple axle gooseneck to an 18 foot dual axle.
Old Apr 19, 2013 | 06:55 PM
  #123  
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Originally Posted by Rokomis
That looks like the PERFECT trailer for me. I just picked up a 1996 Ford F-150 for stupid cheap, replaced all the worn suspension bits and I need to find a trailer. What is the name of the company that you got that from? I'd like to contact them about a 16' version.
MFG is Carson Trailers, I bought mine from South Valley Trailers in Salinas. That is a 16" deck and ~20' from tongue to tail.
Old Apr 19, 2013 | 07:17 PM
  #124  
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Originally Posted by Savington
MFG is Carson Trailers, I bought mine from South Valley Trailers in Salinas. That is a 16" deck and ~20' from tongue to tail.
I have the exact same trailer, also bought from South Valley Trailers. They'd moved from Salinas to Gilroy, although that location is now branded "Carson Trailers". When I bought mine it was $2500 out the door.

--Ian
Old Apr 19, 2013 | 07:36 PM
  #125  
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Originally Posted by chpmnsws6
You'll argue it, but mobile home trailers aren't designed to be used on a normal trailer. They are setup to carry a heavy load a short distance a time or two. Brakes don't last, and bearings rarely do either. Just check on them from time to time and when one of the bearings starts getting wobbly, replace it with a real axle. I just don't want to see that nice car on the side of the road or worse.

I'm going to be building something VERY much like yours (actually taking notes) for the Miata as a bumper pull and we are shortening our 26 foot triple axle gooseneck to an 18 foot dual axle.
I have already been through the bearings and brakes. If they are not designed for the long haul I don't know what is. It is waaaay over built for my needs.

If space/weight were not a issue I would do what Sav did and buy a new trailer.
Old Apr 19, 2013 | 07:55 PM
  #126  
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Originally Posted by Savington
MFG is Carson Trailers, I bought mine from South Valley Trailers in Salinas. That is a 16" deck and ~20' from tongue to tail.
Whoa they are made in San Diego, thanks!
Old Apr 20, 2013 | 08:25 AM
  #127  
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Originally Posted by chpmnsws6
You'll argue it, but mobile home trailers aren't designed to be used on a normal trailer. They are setup to carry a heavy load a short distance a time or two. Brakes don't last, and bearings rarely do either. Just check on them from time to time and when one of the bearings starts getting wobbly, replace it with a real axle. I just don't want to see that nice car on the side of the road or worse.

I'm going to be building something VERY much like yours (actually taking notes) for the Miata as a bumper pull and we are shortening our 26 foot triple axle gooseneck to an 18 foot dual axle.
Mobile Home axle'd trailers are specifically illegal here in NC
Old Apr 20, 2013 | 09:32 AM
  #128  
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I did some research on the mobile home axles. Tire mounting seems to be a issue with DOT. It's easy to screw up and have them come loose. Original tires are shitty too. Some of the cheaper axles do not have backing plates (mine do) and the axle forgings have been poor.

The PO ran mine since the 70's when he built it. He repacked bearings yearly. Thanks for the heads up on potential problems. If it gives me any trouble I will install some 4" drop axles.
Old Apr 20, 2013 | 06:20 PM
  #129  
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Can-Am RV :: Jaguar towing 34' Airstream

I had to share that.
Old Sep 18, 2020 | 08:12 AM
  #130  
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Originally Posted by TurboTim
I probably have about $400 into my dolly. 12VDC so I don't have to worry about wires. 1 wheel drive though to save cost but it actually works very well pushing my stuff up my driveway and into my garage.
Hi. I saw your trailer dolly and liked the design. Can you give me some info on the build like motor specs and wiring if not typical?
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