Big Tex and PJ Trailers

[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.