[TonyM]

I'm looking into getting a utility trailer to haul a Honda TRX420 ATV. And of course use as a utility trailer sometimes too.
I've been looking at who has what available here in the province. Prices range from just under $2,000 at Home Depot or Rona up to near $5,000 at the different trailer places. Aluminum frame is lighter than steel so may be a bit easier on fuel. Then there are powder coated steel and galvanized steel. Heavier to haul but more heavy duty? Many have pressure treated wood decks, a couple have corrugated steel decks and one has a PVC tub. Tire sizes range from 12" to 15".

I think I want to get one with a built in gate/ramp to avoid having to also buy a set of ramps. My gut says 15" tires are probably better than 12" or 13" but that may not be the case. By the way, I'll be hauling with a Subaru Outback which has a 2" hitch.

Also wondering how other guys here secure your trailer when you leave it parked somewhere.

Any thoughts and advice on any aspect here will be greatly appreciated.

 

[Thunderstick]

Had a few in my life time. Finally went to Aluminum. The aluminum 16 foot trailer I have now shed 800lbs compared to the metal 14 footer I was hauling. I would think for SUV's lighter towing would be benifical on your vehicle over all and gas mileage. Its also a lot easier moving an aluminum trailer around by hand in the yard. No more painting, cleaning up rust for me. I have a ramp on mine to which I drive my tractor up on. I would not go with smaller tires as during the summer they can heat up faster than 14-15 inch. CT sells a lock to put on your tongue when not in use so some one cannot hook it to there vehicle and take off. You can also get the locking pin for when it is hooked up. I got mine by searching FB market place. There are a few people bringing them in from Ontario on FB market place. I saved like $2000 compared to the dealers here. They take your name, and do a bulk drop off. Pay them, off you go. Never had any issues with the Aluminum.

 

[WoodsMaster]

Aluminum all the way unless you plan on using it for hauling dirt and rock all the time. Galvanized steel would be the next best. We had an 8x10 aluminum snowmobile trailer that we made a few minor adjustments to haul our ATVs. It had a tilting deck that you could just drive both on side by side facing forwards. Sold it last year as we weren't using it and it wasn't really usable as a utility trailer, need something with higher sides. It was super light, I could pull it across the yard by myself and hook it up to the truck with ease.

From what I've seen, the ones at Home Depot and Kent are pretty decent. I know Shay Trailers in the valley have a pretty good reputation as well, you'll probably be on the higher end of the price range there though.

Like TS said, you can get a pin that locks your trailer when not in use, or even when it's in use. I have one that looks like this:

 

[TrueGrit]

If you're towing with an Outback, I wouldn't go too heavy on the trailer as the towing capacity probably isn't super high.
I agree the bigger the tire, the better. The tires size usually indicates how heavy the trailer is built. I am not a fan of the folding trailers or trailers with teeny wheel barrow tires. I know the main use is to haul the atv, but sometimes a strong, light little trailer that can be hitched to the atv after it's offloaded comes in handy as well. You could get a little firewood, haul a deer out, haul lumber to your camp, etc. I like the idea of the built in ramp, especially since you don't have a truck to haul your ramps.
As far as the security, there are locking wheel chocks, hitch locks or just a chain through the frame to something bigger and heavier. Nothing is thief proof if they want it bad enough, though.

 

[beaverhunter]

If you're towing with an Outback, I wouldn't go too heavy on the trailer as the towing capacity probably isn't super high.
I agree the bigger the tire, the better. The tires size usually indicates how heavy the trailer is built. I am not a fan of the folding trailers or trailers with teeny wheel barrow tires. I know the main use is to haul the atv, but sometimes a strong, light little trailer that can be hitched to the atv after it's offloaded comes in handy as well. You could get a little firewood, haul a deer out, haul lumber to your camp, etc. I like the idea of the built in ramp, especially since you don't have a truck to haul your ramps.
As far as the security, there are locking wheel chocks, hitch locks or just a chain through the frame to something bigger and heavier. Nothing is thief proof if they want it bad enough, though.

Small tires also wear out way quicker, for every rotation of your car tire those small ones spin probably 3x to keep up. If all you have is a rancher they aren't big ATVs, you could get away with a very small utility trailer.

 

[TrueGrit]

Tony, I don't know your lawncare situation, however I'd be tempted to get one wide enough for my ride on lawn tractor as well, if you have one. A lot easier to take it to get repairs done, mow the cottage grass etc.

 

[TonyM]

Had a few in my life time. Finally went to Aluminum. The aluminum 16 foot trailer I have now shed 800lbs compared to the metal 14 footer I was hauling. I would think for SUV's lighter towing would be benifical on your vehicle over all and gas mileage. Its also a lot easier moving an aluminum trailer around by hand in the yard. No more painting, cleaning up rust for me. I have a ramp on mine to which I drive my tractor up on. I would not go with smaller tires as during the summer they can heat up faster than 14-15 inch. CT sells a lock to put on your tongue when not in use so some one cannot hook it to there vehicle and take off. You can also get the locking pin for when it is hooked up. I got mine by searching FB market place. There are a few people bringing them in from Ontario on FB market place. I saved like $2000 compared to the dealers here. They take your name, and do a bulk drop off. Pay them, off you go. Never had any issues with the Aluminum.

Thanks! I'll check out FB market place.

 

[TonyM]

Aluminum all the way unless you plan on using it for hauling dirt and rock all the time. Galvanized steel would be the next best. We had an 8x10 aluminum snowmobile trailer that we made a few minor adjustments to haul our ATVs. It had a tilting deck that you could just drive both on side by side facing forwards. Sold it last year as we weren't using it and it wasn't really usable as a utility trailer, need something with higher sides. It was super light, I could pull it across the yard by myself and hook it up to the truck with ease.

From what I've seen, the ones at Home Depot and Kent are pretty decent. I know Shay Trailers in the valley have a pretty good reputation as well, you'll probably be on the higher end of the price range there though.

Like TS said, you can get a pin that locks your trailer when not in use, or even when it's in use. I have one that looks like this:
View attachment 100299

Thanks! Is that a hitch lock?
I won't be hauling much gravel or earth but possibly lumber, ATV and maybe a lawn tractor/mower occasionally.

 

[TonyM]

Tony, I don't know your lawncare situation, however I'd be tempted to get one wide enough for my ride on lawn tractor as well, if you have one. A lot easier to take it to get repairs done, mow the cottage grass etc.

I'm thinking 4' or 5' by 8' for the trailer. I don't have a ride on but may haul my nephew's to the cottage occasionally.

 

[TonyM]

If you're towing with an Outback, I wouldn't go too heavy on the trailer as the towing capacity probably isn't super high.
I agree the bigger the tire, the better. The tires size usually indicates how heavy the trailer is built. I am not a fan of the folding trailers or trailers with teeny wheel barrow tires. I know the main use is to haul the atv, but sometimes a strong, light little trailer that can be hitched to the atv after it's offloaded comes in handy as well. You could get a little firewood, haul a deer out, haul lumber to your camp, etc. I like the idea of the built in ramp, especially since you don't have a truck to haul your ramps.
As far as the security, there are locking wheel chocks, hitch locks or just a chain through the frame to something bigger and heavier. Nothing is thief proof if they want it bad enough, though.

Thanks! I don't remember the towing capacity on the Outback but I figure a lighter trailer is better since it is just a car with more ground clearance.
I saw a folding trailer somewhere. The idea is interesting but I'm not sure I would trust one.

 

[TonyM]

Small tires also wear out way quicker, for every rotation of your car tire those small ones spin probably 3x to keep up. If all you have is a rancher they aren't big ATVs, you could get away with a very small utility trailer.

Thanks! I hadn't thought of it that way but you're right. I think larger tires likely ride a bit better too but might not be the case.

 

[Tyson10gauge]

Just my own experience with utility trailers in general , eveyone's use for one varies in so many ways , use , towing capacity , vehicle towing it , requirements , tongue weights , axle weights ( size ). Just to name a few .

Now myself I would never buy any trailer without a side to side axle that cannot take a 14 or 15 tire and rim , spare is essential and a given , even spare set of bearings on hand , trailer chains must be stout and long enough to turn but not dragging . 2 inch coupler for sure or higher . N

Learned a lesson long ago and some advice my Dad gave me when building a boat trailer yrs ago how he cursed he never made a general utility trailer to haul anything and everything he needed it to do and bought a cheap aluminium trailer that bit the dust is less than 6 yrs not that he was hard on it , it just was Cheap with pencil thin axle that flexed under slightest loads such as a ride on mower .

So when I finally decided to get one , and long over due , I built mine to my purposes in mind 5 x 10 , 2 inch square tubing x 1/4 inch thick , 1 1/2 x 1 1x1/2 angle cross braces and 3500 lb axle , 2 inch Coupler and 7 pin wiring harness to allow for extra reverse lighting in dark places , was building this with intentions of multi use drag the boat around , haul wood , demo materials , building materials I can throw on a lawn tractor or quad and zero sag . I've had almost 2 ton at once on it and not a issue , Tongue is reinforced and goes straight back to first cross member , there are 6 tie down points on each side , 3 under and 3 top side welded or mounted with grade 10.8 bolts , Whole thing is over kill but never failed a inspection and still as solid as 2008 when first steel was cut . Rims are Ford 5 bolt rims 5 x 114.3 off old Ford Bronco 11 easy enough to replace Tires are 205/70/15 and can take the loads without worry .Decking is PT 1 X 6 VF thick enough to handle abuse from loads .

I know this style build is not Ideal to every ones taste or needs or towing vehicles but it fits my needs , and there is what my best advice is , find what truly suits your needs , uses and towing vehicle , how your moving it around by hand or quad or hand dolly as I have for mine . A good hand crank jack for lowering and raising is also essential , they are not all made the same Found that out many yrs ago watched one brand new collapse with a quad on the trailer that was made by a trailer manufacturing shop .

i have hauled a lot stuff on that trailer and many a trip to hunting or fishing , wished I made it long ago b4 i did .

 

[WoodsMaster]

Thanks! Is that a hitch lock?
I won't be hauling much gravel or earth but possibly lumber, ATV and maybe a lawn tractor/mower occasionally.

It acts as a safety pin and goes where the pin in the picture goes. Locks the handle on your trailer so it cannot open.

 

[TonyM]

Just my own experience with utility trailers in general , eveyone's use for one varies in so many ways , use , towing capacity , vehicle towing it , requirements , tongue weights , axle weights ( size ). Just to name a few .

Now myself I would never buy any trailer without a side to side axle that cannot take a 14 or 15 tire and rim , spare is essential and a given , even spare set of bearings on hand , trailer chains must be stout and long enough to turn but not dragging . 2 inch coupler for sure or higher . N

Learned a lesson long ago and some advice my Dad gave me when building a boat trailer yrs ago how he cursed he never made a general utility trailer to haul anything and everything he needed it to do and bought a cheap aluminium trailer that bit the dust is less than 6 yrs not that he was hard on it , it just was Cheap with pencil thin axle that flexed under slightest loads such as a ride on mower .

So when I finally decided to get one , and long over due , I built mine to my purposes in mind 5 x 10 , 2 inch square tubing x 1/4 inch thick , 1 1/2 x 1 1x1/2 angle cross braces and 3500 lb axle , 2 inch Coupler and 7 pin wiring harness to allow for extra reverse lighting in dark places , was building this with intentions of multi use drag the boat around , haul wood , demo materials , building materials I can throw on a lawn tractor or quad and zero sag . I've had almost 2 ton at once on it and not a issue , Tongue is reinforced and goes straight back to first cross member , there are 6 tie down points on each side , 3 under and 3 top side welded or mounted with grade 10.8 bolts , Whole thing is over kill but never failed a inspection and still as solid as 2008 when first steel was cut . Rims are Ford 5 bolt rims 5 x 114.3 off old Ford Bronco 11 easy enough to replace Tires are 205/70/15 and can take the loads without worry .Decking is PT 1 X 6 VF thick enough to handle abuse from loads .

I know this style build is not Ideal to every ones taste or needs or towing vehicles but it fits my needs , and there is what my best advice is , find what truly suits your needs , uses and towing vehicle , how your moving it around by hand or quad or hand dolly as I have for mine . A good hand crank jack for lowering and raising is also essential , they are not all made the same Found that out many yrs ago watched one brand new collapse with a quad on the trailer that was made by a trailer manufacturing shop .

i have hauled a lot stuff on that trailer and many a trip to hunting or fishing , wished I made it long ago b4 i did .

Thanks! Good advice.

 

[TonyM]

It acts as a safety pin and goes where the pin in the picture goes. Locks the handle on your trailer so it cannot open.
View attachment 100301

Thanks for confirming that. From what I've been reading that's what I thought buy wasn't positive.

 

[Tyson10gauge]

Tony Sent you a PM

 

[Tyson10gauge]

I'm looking into getting a utility trailer to haul a Honda TRX420 ATV. And of course use as a utility trailer sometimes too.
I've been looking at who has what available here in the province. Prices range from just under $2,000 at Home Depot or Rona up to near $5,000 at the different trailer places. Aluminum frame is lighter than steel so may be a bit easier on fuel. Then there are powder coated steel and galvanized steel. Heavier to haul but more heavy duty? Many have pressure treated wood decks, a couple have corrugated steel decks and one has a PVC tub. Tire sizes range from 12" to 15".

I think I want to get one with a built in gate/ramp to avoid having to also buy a set of ramps. My gut says 15" tires are probably better than 12" or 13" but that may not be the case. By the way, I'll be hauling with a Subaru Outback which has a 2" hitch.

Also wondering how other guys here secure your trailer when you leave it parked somewhere.

Any thoughts and advice on any aspect here will be greatly appreciated.

Sent you a PM

 

[Thunderstick]

There is a big trailer dealer in Truro, across from the big Indian along the trans Canada. Bought a trailer there before, excellent prices. Usually has some clearance and sales. Look up Trailer World, has a huge selection normally.

 

[MikeD.]

I'm looking into getting a utility trailer to haul a Honda TRX420 ATV. And of course use as a utility trailer sometimes too.
I've been looking at who has what available here in the province. Prices range from just under $2,000 at Home Depot or Rona up to near $5,000 at the different trailer places. Aluminum frame is lighter than steel so may be a bit easier on fuel. Then there are powder coated steel and galvanized steel. Heavier to haul but more heavy duty? Many have pressure treated wood decks, a couple have corrugated steel decks and one has a PVC tub. Tire sizes range from 12" to 15".

I think I want to get one with a built in gate/ramp to avoid having to also buy a set of ramps. My gut says 15" tires are probably better than 12" or 13" but that may not be the case. By the way, I'll be hauling with a Subaru Outback which has a 2" hitch.

Also wondering how other guys here secure your trailer when you leave it parked somewhere.

Any thoughts and advice on any aspect here will be greatly appreciated.

I have a 7ft Stirling that I bought at Rona in Elmsdale in 2020. I use it mainly to haul my Honda Rubicon 520. It fits on the trailer perfectly. I made a slight modification to the loading ramp, I added deck boards to give it strength and added a jack to the tongue. To secure the quad I use cargo straps, there are 4 tie down points on the deck of the trailer. When not in use, or when its attached to my vehicle, I keep the hitch locked with a padlock. Only issue I have is trying to find a place that will inspect it. All the big stores sell them (CT, Home Depot, Rona) but they don't do a safety inspection.

 

[Tyson10gauge]

I have a 7ft Stirling that I bought at Rona in Elmsdale in 2020. I use it mainly to haul my Honda Rubicon 520. It fits on the trailer perfectly. I made a slight modification to the loading ramp, I added deck boards to give it strength and added a jack to the tongue. To secure the quad I use cargo straps, there are 4 tie down points on the deck of the trailer. When not in use, or when its attached to my vehicle, I keep the hitch locked with a padlock. Only issue I have is trying to find a place that will inspect it. All the big stores sell them (CT, Home Depot, Rona) but they don't do a safety inspection.

Canadian Tire still does Trailer Inspections as well , just make a appointment so they have a mechanic that is certified for doing them , that's what I 'm told everytime , only one guy at our local CT has certification on Trailers