Rugged Trailers

[nforktractor]

Just purchased a 6'x12' aluminum Utility Trailer with 15" aluminum wheels 781 lbs, from Rugged Trailers in NH.

I really liked their set-up, you can configure your trailer with or without the options you want.

They said 3 to 6 weeks to manufacture, they were done in 3 weeks, $5,200.

Got 6 d-rings, no sides, side mount jack, side cut-ins for addtional tie down points, spare tire and wheel, and slide under 4' ramp.

Had looked at all of them, Featherlite, Aluma, etc., all had more options, or less options than I was looking for.

Best part, trailer delivery was $200 to my home, (for me, NH to VA, 500 miles one way).

 

[scootr]

That looks nice. Aluminum trailers weigh in nice. We used them for horses. The weight reduction made a big difference. We found the aluminum frames were subject to cracking due flexing. That's something to keep an eye on.

 

[Too many Kubotas]

I really miss my aluminum trailer. Sold it to a friend for way too cheap.

 

[KennyG]

Aluminum trailers look really nice, but how many people are they really cost effective for? I just bought an 18 foot double axle Big Tex for $4K. A comparable aluminum trailer would have been twice that. I'd love to have one but probably never will.

 

[Too many Kubotas]

When I bought that aluminum gooseneck I only had a Ram 2500 gasser to tow with, so low weight was important.

Times have changed and now I have a more capable Ram 3500 diesel DRW. And speaking of changing...I paid $7,000 for that trailer in 2010. Was offered $21,000 the day after getting it home. Should've sold it right then and there.

 

[mrmikey]

I will admit that is a good looking trailer.
Aluminum trailers are nice but saying that, I'd never own one for the reason that Scootr mentioned, cracking and being a pia to repair when they do crack.
Got a question on the VIN tag weights. I assume the first line is GVWR at 2990lbs, where does that come from if the axle is rated 3500lb? They rate the trailer less than the axle weight, which is fine but just seems odd. No offense....just asking .

 

[Too many Kubotas]

It could mean that the trailer weighs 510 lbs.

 

[mrmikey]

If it is GVWR (first couple letters are missing is why I ask) it means Gross Vehicle Weight Rating i.e. total weight of trailer and cargo

 

[slckeys]

I will admit that is a good looking trailer.
Aluminum trailers are nice but saying that, I'd never own one for the reason that Scootr mentioned, cracking and being a pia to repair when they do crack.
Got a question on the VIN tag weights. I assume the first line is GVWR at 2990lbs, where does that come from if the axle is rated 3500lb? They rate the trailer less than the axle weight, which is fine but just seems odd. No offense....just asking .

It could have to do with certain laws... In PA, under 3k means no inspection and no brakes required. His state could have similar laws? Just a wild guess though

 

[mrmikey]

That makes sense.
We used to register 250's up to 450's to 4490KGS as anything 4500kgs or over had to stop at the scales. Mind you it didn't mean that 's all they were loaded to but if you got caught loaded over the max reg'd GVW, the fine was on you.

 

[nforktractor]

==> Yes, in VA if under 3,000 lbs, there is no yearly inspection and no requirement for brakes.

I had a steel PJ Trailer, 6x12, it was so heavy, being 68 years old, had a hard time moving it around, and just lifting that rear gate up and down was a work out. I really only haul around my riding mower and a side by side, so the aluminum should be okay for that, I'll be keeping a look out for any cracks.

"It could have to do with certain laws... In PA, under 3k means no inspection and no brakes required. His state could have similar laws? Just a wild guess though."

 

[mrmikey]

Thank's for the reply and clarification

 

[nyone]

Op that's a sharp looking trailer. I weighted my 6.5x12 with no wood deck at 1,100lbs. It's a landscape style trailer though.

I also bought a new 20' equipment trailer in 2022 for $5300 out the door.

 

[Renze]

We used to register 250's up to 450's to 4490KGS as anything 4500kgs or over had to stop at the scales.

Here in Europe anything over 3.5 ton gross needs a CDL. Most of the 5 ton Sprinters are registered as 3.5 ton as the fine on overloading a non-CDL vehicle is negligible. That is, IF! you ever get weighed in a LCV

When theres a refrigerated box on it with a tailgate lift, legal load capacity is only 300kg...

When i worked in the business, we went to DOT to get a tag, with pole rungs and dropside boards removed to get at least SOME load capacity on paper