16' Utility trailer gate or ramps which is better?

[meburdick]

Ok. I officially don't like you, then.

Big Tex?

 

[timswi]

This is really all about preference...I have a 16'x82" tandem trailer that might be calssified by some as a utility but it has a completely different build than a landscape trailer...I also have a gate, by choice...Yes the gate does kill gas mileage but that's only an issue if you are towing thousands of miles per year---I'm not. I have miltiple pieces of equipment that I might haul at any time and ramps just don't work for some of them.

I've run big block Chevelles up on mesh gates that were properly spaced and never had a problem with them.

 

[AGRIMAN]

I can remember the time when I would have been happen with just having brakes on the truck forget about the trailer.

 

[joshuabardwell]

I don't plan on hauling 2 cords of wood, I don't even burn wood. I may go haul some wood if we get an ice storm and haul away some some brush and wood and clean up for people. I mainly will use it to haul my sub compact tractor John Deere 1026 with brush hog or blade and FEL. If the axles are rated at 7,000 pounds I think that would be enough to haul a car if needed to be.

This won't be an issue with your 1026r, which weighs in around 1500 lbs, but please do keep in mind my previous comment about the difference between 7000 lbs spread out all over the trailer and 7000 lbs concentrated over four contact points. If you've got, say, a two-ton car, each axle is carrying roughly 2000 lbs. That means that, worst-case, 2000 lbs is going to be bearing down on a single cross-member of the trailer (if you parked the axle directly over the cross-member). Your trailer is rated for 7000 lbs. It weighs maybe 1500 lbs, so its cargo capacity if maybe 5500 lbs. You're putting 28% of the trailer's gross weight capacity and 36% of the trailer's cargo capacity over a single cross-member. IMO, this is asking for trouble, and I would think twice.

The exact ratios will vary depending on how heavy the vehicle is, how many cross-members your trailer has, and the size of the cross-members, but please consider this. If you look at a 7000 lb car hauler or equipment hauler, you will find it is made with heavier channel, while utility trailers are typically made with angle iron. There's a reason why.

 

[Will_C]

I have had both, and agree with all the coments posted about the advantages/disadvantages of each. I loved the ramp I had on my single axle trailer. That trailer was used to haul a Kubota BX, an ATV, a ZTR mower, and many loads of furniture, refuse, etc.

I now have a 7k trailer for my B2620. I needed 18' to load the tractor and implements, and I also needed the weight capacity of the trailer. This also demanded slide in ramps-I have not found a gate that would handle the 4-5k loads this trailer will haul (I have hauled the tractor, cars, and other small tractors.)

I think the OP would be fine with a gate. I miss mine and actually might purchase a small single axle trailer with a gate to compliment my tandem for all the reasons I previously mentioned.

Will

 

[meburdick]

I have had both, and agree with all the coments posted about the advantages/disadvantages of each. I loved the ramp I had on my single axle trailer. That trailer was used to haul a Kubota BX, an ATV, a ZTR mower, and many loads of furniture, refuse, etc.

I now have a 7k trailer for my B2620. I needed 18' to load the tractor and implements, and I also needed the weight capacity of the trailer. This also demanded slide in ramps-I have not found a gate that would handle the 4-5k loads this trailer will haul (I have hauled the tractor, cars, and other small tractors.)

I think the OP would be fine with a gate. I miss mine and actually might purchase a small single axle trailer with a gate to compliment my tandem for all the reasons I previously mentioned.

Will

I've seen a couple of the heavier duty trailers with a two-piece fold-down gate. Each piece is built fairly heavy with a fair amount of support and expanded steel over the top. The reason that there are two halves is actually because one person wouldn't be able to raise the gate if it were one piece (too heavy).

Preference definitely comes into play in this size range. You do have options, and it's about what one serves you best.

 

[denverdave66]

TIMSWI, that is a fine looking trailer you have there, what is the GVW? Can I ask how much that trailer cost? I have seen doolittle trailers make trailers with a GVW of 9,800 pounds. I might call and find out how much they want for them. I know a trailer will just be like my compact tractor, once I get a trailer I will find out there are so many more uses for it than I thought, just like my sub-compact tractor. Thanks again, after hearing everyone's opinions and advice I know much better what I am looking for when it comes to buying a trailer, don't think I will find a used one like I want. Most of the used ones here in Missouri don't even have brakes and they still want $1,200 or more for them. I looked at a Doolittle the other day (Doolittle trailers are made about 20 miles from where I live) it only had brakes on one axle and all 4 tires were almost slick, and they wanted $1,600 for it!

 

[Soundguy]

i'd also add that I would go wood deck, not expanded metal deck, would avoid utility and landscape trailers and stick to a car hauler as a minimum. don't want a fall thru..

soundguy

 

[meburdick]

TIMSWI, that is a fine looking trailer you have there, what is the GVW? Can I ask how much that trailer cost? I have seen doolittle trailers make trailers with a GVW of 9,800 pounds. I might call and find out how much they want for them. I know a trailer will just be like my compact tractor, once I get a trailer I will find out there are so many more uses for it than I thought, just like my sub-compact tractor. Thanks again, after hearing everyone's opinions and advice I know much better what I am looking for when it comes to buying a trailer, don't think I will find a used one like I want. Most of the used ones here in Missouri don't even have brakes and they still want $1,200 or more for them. I looked at a Doolittle the other day (Doolittle trailers are made about 20 miles from where I live) it only had brakes on one axle and all 4 tires were almost slick, and they wanted $1,600 for it!

I would agree with you on the trailer use ending up being more than you plan for. I bought my trailer to move my tractor when necessary. Since buying it about three months ago, I've picked up a few dozen pallets, hauled three loads of firewood logs (1.5 - 2 cords each load), and toted home a "whole house worth" of used vinyl siding to put on my new shed. I've used it to move my tractor exactly once.

Next year, I plan to build out some sides for it that sit in the stake pockets and will drop some plywood over the board decking to create a more solid surface. Then I'll be able to load gravel, mulch, dirt, etc and drive right on with the tractor to scoop it off and move it around.

 

[s219]

I am very thankful for this message board. I have learned so much from it. I always appreciate the advice and opinions. I am new to all of this. I bought my 1st tractor even though it is a sub-compact I use it a bunch. Just like today I was cutting trees in the woods and after I cut the trees I pulled them up out of the woods to cut them up into firewood. Sure beats cutting them up and then breaking my back carrying the wood out. I bet my Dad sure would have liked to had one of these tractors when he was alive it would have made his life so much easier.

I sure struggled with many things before getting a tractor, and am thankful to have it. On our current house, I moved enough topsoil to cover a 1/3 acre lawn with a shovel and wheelbarrow, and really ruined my wrists (that was 12 years ago and they still hurt sometimes). I knew I needed to have a tractor while we're building our new place, and it has really saved the day.