10K trailer - Gator?

[QRTRHRS]

I am looking for a 20? 10K trailer. It will be hooked up to my 08 Tundra that is able to tow 10,400 lbs. I have a brake controller and am looking into a WD hitch. It will be used to haul my tractor, other farm equipment, and hay.

I have it narrowed down to a gator 10K that I can get through my local dealer for $3,700, or an off brand trailer from Direct Trailer Source. The trailer from DTS is also 10K and costs $3,250. The biggest difference I can find so far is that the gator is powder coated, and of course the name brand. I don稚 plan on selling the trailer any time soon, but having the gator name definitely gives me a little peace of mind in case I do sell it. The gator does have a bit of a lip around the side, which I知 not crazy about. The trailer from DTS is flat with no lip.

I知 not opposed to other trailer brands, but I don稚 have many other brands at dealers around me. I知 not opposed to driving to look at one if someone has a favorite.

Btw, here is a pic of a 14K from DTS. View attachment 573824

Are you aware that the Gator factory is just outside of Somerset, KY? They have a lot filled with trailers that you can look over taking as much time as you like. I do not know if every single variation is there or not but there certainly was a lot of trailers. That said, it has been a few years since I did just that so you may want to call ahead should you decide to do that. Nor did I ask if I could buy right from the factory which may be an option?

 

[Navvet]

Are you aware that the Gator factory is just outside of Somerset, KY? They have a lot filled with trailers that you can look over taking as much time as you like. I do not know if every single variation is there or not but there certainly was a lot of trailers. That said, it has been a few years since I did just that so you may want to call ahead should you decide to do that. Nor did I ask if I could buy right from the factory which may be an option?

I bought a 24' tilt gooseneck straight from the factory, best deal I've gotten in a while.

Great trailer and heavier built than any of the others I could find.

 

[Ford850]

I looked at Gators, and they do offer a decent product line. They make their trailers using tube frames which turned me off.

 

[SethWilliams]

Are you aware that the Gator factory is just outside of Somerset, KY? They have a lot filled with trailers that you can look over taking as much time as you like. I do not know if every single variation is there or not but there certainly was a lot of trailers. That said, it has been a few years since I did just that so you may want to call ahead should you decide to do that. Nor did I ask if I could buy right from the factory which may be an option?

Yes, I am aware of that. I have spoken to one of their salesman and will probably take a trip up there. Right now I’m not crazy about that model of gator because of the lip around the side. It’s not much of a lip, but having picked up pallets that were recessed just an inch or two, I’m going to avoid the lip if possible.

 

[SethWilliams]

There is a better built dealer about twenty minutes from me that I’m going to contact. There is also a place that sells big tex close to me that I will also look at.

 

[QRTRHRS]

If you are into cars, somernitescruise is Oct 26-27 this month. Great time to be in Somerset, KY!

 

[Navvet]

I looked at Gators, and they do offer a decent product line. They make their trailers using tube frames which turned me off.

When I compared the Gator square tube construction to the others with "c" channels, I found the Gator to be very stable and much stronger. Also, the I-beam construction of their gooseneck is noticeably heavier duty than the others "c" channel.

All in all, a much heavier built trailer that will last a long time... In my opinion ...

 

[jwstewar]

I've got a 7k 16+2 Gatormade trailer. It is a 2008 model. I need to paint it, but other than that it has done great. While it is a 7k trailer, it is built more like most other company's 10k trailer. Nice heavy built trailer that I don't worry about breaking.

 

[Lineman North Florida]

Speaking for the quality of Gatormade trailers, I have found mine to be excellent. I bought a 25+5 gooseneck flatbed with mega ramps straight from the factory and saved over 2k from local dealers , they were also willing to swap out the tandem duals for 2 10k axles with 17.5 super singles which is considered an upgrade by others , mine did not come with Dexter axles but with Lippert or LCI and to my understanding parts are inter-changeable, my trailer is built heavy with 14" I beam frame probably overkill but it's well made.

 

[SethWilliams]

Well, we went and looked at the Gator trailers and the Direct Trailer Source trailers again. After climbing under both of them and doing a thorough inspection, we looked at the Gator 14K. It has the upgraded 16" 10 ply tires, cross members 16" on center (DTS has them 24" on center), upgraded jack, upgraded lights, spring assist ramps with DOT tape on the back and sides, and no lip around the edge. The dealer priced it at $4900 and then said he would take $4800 out the door.

After some discussion, I'm going back this week to negotiate with the guy and buy the 14k Gator. It's worth the extra $$$ for the upgraded frame, axles, tires, lights, ramps, powder coat, and no lip. I will post pictures once I tow it home!

 

[Oldtractorfixer]

You are aware that towing a trailer with a gvwr over 10000# requires a class a drivers license.

 

[4570Man]

You are aware that towing a trailer with a gvwr over 10000# requires a class a drivers license.

I’m not aware of any such law in TN.

 

[AllDodge]

Nor KY, the Fed law is grossing more the 26K, but in the county have not heard of anyone being pulled over for it. I have a KY horse council plate on my 26K dump truck, the plate was made up for the hose industry and not many know its a 38K plate. The 26K plate cost about $140, the horse plate cost $21

Have pulled my backhoe right past local at state troupers and they don't give my 40K load (est) a second look

 

[George2615]

You are aware that towing a trailer with a gvwr over 10000# requires a class a drivers license.

It depends on the State you register in. Here, a regular class D license can tow a vehicle with a GVWR of more than 10,000 lbs only if the combined weight rating of the two vehicles is 26,000 lbs. or less.

 

[SethWilliams]

You are aware that towing a trailer with a gvwr over 10000# requires a class a drivers license.

I double checked on this just to make sure - only when the combo goes over 26,000 is a CDL required.

 

[fried1765]

Why not? Most of the flatbed semi trucks rolling down the road use them for tie downs.

Aaron Z

The point is, that "Most" of us on TBN are not using "flatbed semi trucks".
It is really not necessary to use chain to secure a 5000 lb. or less tractor.
Many stake pockets on trailers 14K, or under, are not very beefy.
The biggest problem is that stake pockets on these relatively light weight trailers typically have rather sharp edges.
If you use 2" nylon ratchet straps, as I do, the stake pocket edge will chafe your nylon straps.
"D" rings are a much better idea if you use straps, and they work just fine with chain too.
I am not suggesting a trailer with no stake pockets, but rather one with a mix of "D" rings, and stake pockets.

 

[fried1765]

I double checked on this just to make sure - only when the combo goes over 26,000 is a CDL required.

There are different rules in Mexafornia I believe.

 

[SethWilliams]

Well, I made a deal this evening at $4750 out the door. The only other thing I have to pay is the license fee, which is $115 at my county clerk's office. So, a total of $4865 for the 14k Gator. I am very pleased with the deal! I actually got a quote from a Gator for the same trailer and he came in at $5262 once it is all said and done. They do have a deal going where you get a spare tire and mount for free, which is a $200 value, but it still wasn't worth it to drive four hours round trip.

I hooked the trailer up to pull out and only one of the turn signals worked. We tested my truck's lights and everything is good there, so the dealer is going to fix the wiring tomorrow and I will pick up the trailer tomorrow afternoon. Pics to come!

 

[QRTRHRS]

Well, I made a deal this evening at $4750 out the door. The only other thing I have to pay is the license fee, which is $115 at my county clerk's office. So, a total of $4865 for the 14k Gator. I am very pleased with the deal! I actually got a quote from a Gator for the same trailer and he came in at $5262 once it is all said and done. They do have a deal going where you get a spare tire and mount for free, which is a $200 value, but it still wasn't worth it to drive four hours round trip.

I hooked the trailer up to pull out and only one of the turn signals worked. We tested my truck's lights and everything is good there, so the dealer is going to fix the wiring tomorrow and I will pick up the trailer tomorrow afternoon. Pics to come!

Sounds good! I did not realize that going directly to Gator would cost more but then if you think about it, that would not be fair to their dealers.

 

[AllDodge]

I hooked the trailer up to pull out and only one of the turn signals worked.

Sounds like the lack of quality control