Big Tex---Beware!

[Propjob]

Well; I picked up my new Big Tex 70CH Trailer this week after much reseach and information retrieval on the forums. Features that I liked are the slide out removable ramps which can also be used to load smaller tractors and ATV痴 from the side of the trailer. The surround rail in the front (which is not available on the 60CH) is a little extra protection and place to tie down smaller items such as tool boxes, tarps,ect. Stake down pockets are at very convenient locations on the trailer and leave no concern for tie down points for the large web straps that were purchased. The four wheels have electric brakes, and I needed to purchase a brake controller for my Tacoma, Now here is the downside! The wiring of this trailer, (also stated by other posters) is poor. I have spent more than thirty years wiring Public Safety vehicles and was astounded at the way these things are wired. To start, the wires are spliced with scotch locks and butt connectors. No silicon or sealant used. No loom is used on the wiring as it loops around the trailer and at points against the metal frame, which, will result in chafing. Although metal loops are welded on the frame utilizing plastic grommets, the wires on one side were looped over one of these, again a place of chafing concern. I have taken the time to seal the connectors with tape and also will use mastic. I have also put split loom on most of the wiring assuring the areas are protected from the elements and chafing. While under the trailer I noticed that the pine boards used were not of the best quality wood, definitely less than select with gouges in them and I am not sure if they are treated at all. These will get a coat of sealer or deck paint before it goes to far. The dealer, Joe, in Tilton NH was great, taking the time to show me the proper maintenance of the rig and going over the manual.
While on the outside, these trailers are well made, they are problems just waiting to manifest if not taken care of when bought. I knew what I was buying for the price and am able to ward off the seen problems. I caution all on their quest for a new trailer. Get under it! It is a shame that what is touted as one of the biggest manufacturers of trailers, has poor quality in such a critical area, as the electrical. Jim

 

[GreatWhitehunter]

Prop, first off welcome to the forum. I'm a master electrician and when first getting into trailers was very disgusted about all the trailer manufacters wiring. I looked at all the major brands. I was also less than thrilled about the paint jobs. Brand new trailer rusting in the dealers yards. Being New Englanders doesn't help either with all the road salt. But after but about a dozen trailers of all types and brands I found that the standards for the manufacters are low and the places not seen are the places where corners are cut. The wood is always place bad side down to hide imperfections. The wire is also another out of site out of mind issue. Let me stress to you they all wire trailers in this way. Why well because it works, at least till you get it off the dealers lot. I'm a PJ trailer fan, they do about a good a job as anyone on the wiring and the paint. That said I still make wiring upgrade to my trailers. Any splices get soldier together and heat shrink applied. Any area's where wire is in contact with metal gets loom and the metal gets a small piece of poly tubing. I've yet to have an issue with wiring since overhauling on all my trailers. As for treatment of the wood I think the manufactures get a lesser quality of pt and that why the boards are ok at best. I always wait till the pt is dry then apply a quality stain to them. Post some pics of your new toy.


Matt T.

 

[DavidVT]

My Big Tex car hauler is still running after 12 years.
In the Big Tex photos it looks like a 60CH 16'. I don't recall the model.
The deck needs to be replaced and I have a twist in the rear deck frame.
I have lost track of how many times I have rewired it.
Also the unprotected brake light fixtures have been replaced countless times.
The ramps stow from the side behind the wheels. Bad idea, nothing but problems with that 'feature'. I got home one night and found the driver side ramp was 3/4 out into oncoming traffic for god only knows how long..... Also the storage tracks for those ramps hit the ground alot on rough roads. Both of mine are badly bent up.

Would I buy another one, probably.
Would I bring it home new and flip it over with my tractor and then paint the underside of it, OH YES.
Would I at the same time clean up the wiring, oh yes.

Would I never loan it out as I did this one, probably never again...
Would I always block the rear of the deck to the ground to support it when driving anything onto the trailer, OH YES!!!


Enjoy, we got what we paid for if you think about it....
I am ok with that when I look back to what I've done with it and how much abuse it has taken.....

 

[Legdoc]

Propjob, I think the wiring job you describe is just typical of what you get in a mass produced trailer today. I have a 32' PJ tandem dual gooseneck that has the worst paint job I have ever seen. I have had wheel bearing problems(Chinese) no Timkens of course.
Legdoc

 

[wkpoor]

I too have noticed about all mfg use the scotch locks and basically wiring is in general a weak spot.I don't know why they haven't come up in the world and started using weather pak connectors like cars and tractors. Lighting has improved but the wiring to it is still same old crap.
As for the decking my last trailer H&S used full 2" rough sawed pressure treated pine. After 6 yrs it looks as good as when I purchased it. My new trailer on order Better Built is supposedly got the same.

 

[hosejockey2002]

The reason for the mediocre quality is the same reason that Walmart exists- people (including me at times) will buy a product on the basis of low cost alone. Many folks figure that a trailer is just four wheels and a frame and will buy the cheapest one they can find. Having said all that, I have owned a trailer wired the same way for five years and my dad for 15, and neither one have ever had a single issue with wiring.

 

[shimp]

ive had a big tex,bought new,for 8 years

never a moments prob,wiring or nething else

ill buy another

 

[plowking]

I have a PJ trailer,it has te scotch locks,butt connectors,etc. that you have described. I noticed that my snowmobile trailers seem to be wired a little better,you know they are going to be in the salt,snow all the time. plowking

 

[DavidVT]

"2" rough sawed PT pine..."

I want to re-deck mine but getting southern pine here does not seem easy.
I was considering tamarak but will look for that 2" PT you mentioned

 

[QRTRHRS]

"2" rough sawed PT pine..."

I want to re-deck mine but getting southern pine here does not seem easy.
I was considering tamarak but will look for that 2" PT you mentioned

Can you even find rough sawn PT pine? I would think that if milled PT was hard to locate then rough sawn might be impossible?

If you do locate PT pine, you will want to beware of the quality and the treatment rating. The ratings have changed since the industry changed the process due to health concerns. Due to being out in the weather, I would want something rated for ground contact.

Also available but also hard to locate is tongue and groove PT pine. The T&G make a strong deck. Associated with horse barns for stall use, that is the type of area where it is often available.

I just happened to have purchased some the other day for my barn but I had to order in a "half pack" of 64 pieces. That is more than I needed but they will not break a pack.

If weight is not a big issue, can you locate a local mill that can supply you with rough cut oak?

There is a business in PA that along with other selling trailers, etc., offers a redecking service. They have a wood available known as Apitong though I personnally know nothing about it.