Big Tex and PJ Trailers

[RyeThomas]

I recently upgraded my equipment trailer and went thru a similar situation. Who makes a great trailer at the best price? I ended up with a Lamar. They simply built a better trailer (for me and my needs)for less. Their were a couple manufacturers that were less but when I compared all the specs, frame size, cross members, paint/coating, Double 2 speed jacks, etc they were simply less money for things that would have optioned out for more with the other guys.
Not saying they are the best for everyone, but when it came down to the features that mattered to me they simply had more trailer at a better cost. Best of luck whatever you decide, Rye.

 

[motownbrowne]

I have a PJ deckover. It's a nice trailer and I got it for a great price. I bought it used, but it's only 6 years old. Seems very well built and it does what I want. Only complaint is that the powder coating is junk. Coming off in sheets. Obviously I live in a region with heavily salted roads for 4 months of the year, so I can't say it's a defect, but if another manufacturer has a better solution, that'd be worth considering.

 

[Rock Crawler]

Lamar Sand blasts the entire trailer to give it texture prior to powder coating, so I would expect to be about as good as your going to get.

 

[4570Man]

Are we talking about dump trailers or wood deck equipment trailers?

 

[4570Man]

Got a 5th wheel hitch on your dump truck to pull your loader? Unless you’re pulling more than a couple thousand miles a year can you explain the advantage of having a 5th wheel hitch beside spending a bunch of money, wasting truck bed space, wasting barn space, and setting the heavy thing in the truck. If you want to back up a little to a Gooseneck I’d agree to a point. No need for a 7k goose neck.

 

[mopardude318]

I think Diamond C makes a great trailer. check them out.

Diamond C Trailers

 

[coobie]

Lamar Sand blasts the entire trailer to give it texture prior to powder coating, so I would expect to be about as good as your going to get.

I think folks GET your point you LOVE lamar trailers.

 

[Rock Crawler]

I think folks GET your point you LOVE lamar trailers.

I actually never heard of that brand name nor uttered that word before 3 months ago, so I have no loyalty to them. As I mentioned earlier, I went down the list of manufactures and looked at them all with no reason to like one over another. I'm sure that you likely think I work for them or something, but as I said in the earlier post... If any other trailer company makes a dump trailer that stand toe to toe in the ring with them, I'm interested in hearing it. Once I listed the actual reasons that I discovered that they are what I'm thinking is the best available as the market stands today, not a single person put up a single competing manufacturer with the claim that they can match or beat the build features of the Lamar. That alone tells a person something... On a forum where people love to prove each other wrong, not a person has a valid argument against the product that I'm of the impression is the current clear cut best buy if this product segment (dump trailers).

I never looked at or compared flat bed equipment trailers, so I have no clue who kills that segment.

I'm not in love with the brand. I'm an objective researcher who collects facts and data. Tangible qualities are how I like to compare things, it makes it easy.

 

[RyeThomas]

I put up my experience because it was recent, (not apples to apples) it was an equipment trailer not a dump. I looked at the dump trailers while I was there and if I could swap my Griffin for a Lamar I would, but not at the loss I would take.
As far a the goose and 7k it depends on the year of the truck. It wasn’t long ago that you could only achieve max weight with a goose/5th wheel style hitch. Not the case with the newer trucks with stronger frames and larger tow hitches.
It’s not just the weight the goose provides, the turning radius when you start getting into longer trailers doesn’t compare goose to bumper. The drawback is unless you have a flatbed if you go off-road or even on road in steep areas you need to keep a close eye on the clearance to the bed/gate or crunch.
I like my bumper pull dump, many times I can get off-road right up to the trees I drop. With the bumper pull I don’t have to worry about going thru ditches or cresting hills while turning and destroying my stuff.

Just some considerations I’m sure most of you already know but I thought while we were on the subject I’d bring them up. Best of luck OP, best thing to do is go look at them all and compare all the specs. Good luck, Rye.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

On a forum where people love to prove each other wrong, not a person has a valid argument against the product

Pretty hard to argue against something that I've never seen, because it's not even sold in my area...

Meanwhile, my PJ keeps on getting the job done.

SR

 

[RichM752]

I'll give another plug for LAMAR. I recently ordered a custom built LAMAR dump. Went to pick it up and discovered they did not install drop axles, unless specifically ordered. I was somewhat upset. Took another LAMAR off the dealers lot, with drop axles. Just not the color I wanted. Got home only to discover the tongue was too short for me to haul by Kubota. I needed at least 4'10" like my PJ was. Dealer was willing to take trailer back, and refund my payment in full.
Talked to LAMAR headquarters, and they stepped up to the plate. They are building me the dump trailer with a 5' tongue. That even threw in a few options for no charge AND are splitting my travel costs to go get new trailer. Sold the short tongue trailer for exactly what I paid for it.
I've had two PJ's, the last one was a lemon. Unloaded it, as PJ wasn't willing to correct problems.
When I was at the dealer picking up the LAMAR I inspected both brands side by side. The LAMAR is built to the same specs as the PJ. The LAMAR was 2k less.
I rest my case.

 

[Lineman North Florida]

I'm still not sure if the op is talking about flatbed or dump, but if were talking flatbed I have a Gatormade 25+5 with mega ramps, 2 10k axles with super single 17.5 tires and I like it, if anything it is made a little overbuilt with the main I-beam channel being 14" instead of the usual 12" which adds extra weight to the trailer, it weighs in at about 7300 lbs before you put anything on it. I have never heard of or seen a Lamar brand trailer but they sound like they are well built and it also sounds like a few people really like them.

 

[BeeferMan]

I have a 20' Big Tex equipment trailer which I'm quite happy with.

 

[white cloud]

I think Diamond C makes a great trailer. check them out.

Diamond C Trailers

I have a Big Tex 10 ET and really like it but the paint job on Diamond C trailers look top notch to me.

 

[MinnesotaEric]

I am looking at trailers and Big Tex seems to be the best built for the money. PJ is a few hundread more but similar quality. Does anybody have any opinions or reviews good or bad.

The power coating will pop off of PJ trailers at the first sneeze of a salted road, even if then washed off. Moreover, both of my PJ trailers required fixing the factory wiring within the first 6 weeks.

 

[coobie]

The power coating will pop off of PJ trailers at the first sneeze of a salted road, even if then washed off. Moreover, both of my PJ trailers required fixing the factory wiring within the first 6 weeks.

H,mm weird never had any issues with paint or lights on my 8 year old 20ft Bumper pull PJ tailer.I live in Michigan where the salt the H-LL out of the roads.Maybe you got a lemon?

 

[troverman]

I've had a variety of trailers used for my landscaping business.

I had a PJ utility trailer. Never had any electrical issues and appeared to be well-made with a nice coupler and chassis and ramp...but the bolts holding the side rails on actually rusted and broke. I found some bolts didn't have nuts on them, apparently ever. I lost the side rail on one whole side on a 150-mile trip in the winter on frost-heaved roads. The other problem was the powder coating...it peeled off in most areas. Overall rating of this particular PJ? Probably 6/10.

I had a Cam Superline 16k equipment hauler. Nothing but good things to say about this trailer. Dexter axles, brakes worked well, better-grade Chinese tires, no electrical issues...and the paint held up extremely well. Apparently they used PPG paint as noted on the sticker on the trailer. My one complaint would be the plug harness...it was the stiff cord variety that won't flex in cold weather.

Have a Freedom tandem enclosed trailer. These are a lower-end trailer with mixed reviews. I can definitely see cheapness in the way this trailer is made; nevertheless it has not had any issues in two years of hard use, including overloading.

Recently purchased a new Big Tex 30 foot gooseneck. So far, so good. This trailer has the low-temp wiring harness, which I really like. My only complaint is the dovetail doesn't really have enough clearance because of the pierced-beam design, but at least it is designed to withstand dragging.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

I bought my 20' bumper pull PJ a couple years ago, it's holding up very good.

So far, no problems at all and I really like it...

SR

 

[Tractorable]

I have a brand new PJ 7 x 14 single (5200lb) axle utility so I can’t comment on the longevity. This is my first trailer so I’m a newbie when it comes to trailers but what I’ve found so far with the PJ is that it’s very versatile and customizable. The sides are removable and all new PJ’s come with the “ready rail” system which is basically C channel upper with some 1/2” holes drilled in them that many attachments can connect to like D rings, spare tire mount, trimmer mounts, equipment cages, etc. It has a strong bulldog coupler and recessed LED lights. It tows real nice and quiet.

After bringing it home, per the owners manual, I retorqued the lug nuts and went over the entire trailer with a wrench to make sure everything was tight. Some bolts definitely needed some snugging up, but that’s expected on a new piece of equipment until everything takes a set.

 

[TimberXX]

When I looked for a dump, I saw PJs, Big Tex, Diamond C, Brimar, CAM, Lamar, and Sure Trac.

I like the PJ, but the rust video on YouTube, and some reviews scared me away.

Big Tex was my biggest disappointment. The surface rust while new on the dealer lot scared me. It was literary peeling off under the dump body.

I loved the Lamar, but I i heard the finish is just ok over time.

I ended up with a sure trac and love it. Great trailer.