Recommended Trailer Type for Materials Hauling and Occasional Vehicle Transport

[UOFan]

I’m looking at getting a larger trailer for hauling materials (think lumber, steel beams, pallets of block/quickcrete). I’d like the ability to haul vehicles occasionally (3025e, Tacoma, older cars), but the main work would be done with materials.

I’ve been getting by so far with my 8 foot bed and a 10x6 utility trailer, but looking ahead I’ve got some larger projects that would benefit from being able to safely transport things like 4000 lbs of 16’ lumber or 5,000 lbs of palletized retaining wall block.

I drive a 2000 Dodge 2500 with the 360 V8 Magnum.

Would getting a 7k-10k equipment trailer be worth it, or should I consider a deck-over? Thanks for any input!

 

[dieselscout80]

A deck-over makes loading from the side with a forklift much easier.

However, the load/deck is higher and longer ramps are needed.

 

[KennyG]

I've been using a 16 foot utility trailer but the sides make it difficulty to haul vehicles. (The tractor is OK because I have D-rings in the deck.) I just bought a Big Tex 18 foot car hauler. With the stake pockets, I've built 16" removable sides and I think it will work well for all uses.

 

[dieselscout80]

I've been using a 16 foot utility trailer but the sides make it difficulty to haul vehicles. (The tractor is OK because I have D-rings in the deck.) I just bought a Big Tex 18 foot car hauler. With the stake pockets, I've built 16" removable sides and I think it will work well for all uses.

That’s what I have other than the manufacturer and the fenders get in the way when loading from the sides.

 

[Runner]

The cargo you are listing is most easily loaded/unloaded with a forklift or pallet forks, and for that, I really like my 10,000 PJ 20' deckover.

 

[UOFan]

Thanks all, I think I’ll look at a deck over. Also Runner, that looks like a beautiful property

 

[Runner]

Thanks all, I think I’ll look at a deck over. Also Runner, that looks like a beautiful property

Thanks. Lots of work to do here.....

 

[nyone]

Deck over trailers are nice for pallet loading but also add to curb weight and price of the trailer.

I have had many pallets loaded over my fenders with hardly a scratch on the sheet metal. It's all about the operator.

My former trailer I made a set of sch40 steel tube fenders so loading stuff around them wasn't a issue. In fact I flipped the trailer over for maintenance 2x onto those fenders.

 

[dieselscout80]

However, it really doesn’t matter what the fenders are made of it’s that they are in the way when loading from the side.

If you want to load a bunk of say plywood or sheet rock (4’x8’ type material) it needs to have a lot of it over the axles and you can’t do it with a forklift.

I have heard of people making stands so the sheet material is at the top of the fenders, but it doesn’t seem like something I would want to do if hauling plywood often.

 

[dodge man]

If you think you can get by with 5000 pounds of payload a car hauler will be cheaper. Mine doesn’t have side rails but yes depending what you are hauling the fenders could get in the way.