Need a little advice on an ATV trailer, please.
What is your opinion on a 5 X 14 foot trailer, instead of a side-by-side loading trailer?
I pull a 4 X 8 trailer now. I like how it pulls, but it is a little difficult to back up.
With a 5 X 14, it will be more narrow than my truck. Would I have to swing wide for turns? I like the idea of putting both ATV's on a trailer instead of one on a trailer, and one in the back of the truck. (Note -- the 4 X 8 trailer is the first trailer I've ever pulled, and owned !!)
Any advice and response would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
Midget [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/img]

 

i have a 5x 14 and it is the best pulling trailer i have ever owned,make sure you don't go cheap,i got the double axle with brakes,it is always behind the truck,no swaying allover,like my old 6 x 12 did..we took it out west 3800 miles round trip,just absolutely awesome and it doesn't wear tires like the old trailer did.

 

I homebuilt a 6x10 sideload with folding ramp. I used pop-up camper tires on it for a short hieght with good load carrying capabilities. Very stable, straight running trailer, 100 mph tested and approved. I think I have about $650 in the whole thing including a spare, and it is a breeze to load and tie down.

 

14’ is not that long for a trailer. You may have to turn a little wider but you’ll get use to it. This new trailer will be easier to backup because you can see it better in the mirrors. The problem with a short trailer as you already know is by the time you see it moving left or right in you mirrors it’s already jackknifed and you have to start over.

 

What are you guys pulling your trailers with, I currently have a 4x8 trailer, and I'm going to have
to get a bigger trailer since we now have 3 atv, and will be getting our 4th in a few days (hopefuly).
I have a Ford F150 with the 4.2 v6, what I'm thinking about getting is a 16' dual axel trailer.. they
are right at $700.00 at a local tractor supply store, and the ones that are 14' & 15' are $100.00
to $200.00 more around town. Am I looking for trouble trying to pull this trailer loaded with 2
adult ATV's and 2 youth ATV's..

 

Midget, I've pulled long and short, narrow and wide, covered, and uncovered... so I feel I have enough experience to comment. Currently, I own a double wide all alluminum snowmobile trailer. The bed is 102 inches wide, and 10 ft long. I have to admit it is like an aircraft carrier out back. However, I can't think of another trailer that allows you to put 3 quads and 2 dirt bikes on it at the same time, and have it pull straight and true.

Now my old tow vehicle was a Ford Aerostar all wheel drive... it struggled with two quads. I now have upgraded to a new Dodge Ram 1500 quad cab with the Hemi, and it doesn't even know it is there. A lot of that is due to quality manufacturing and the light weight the all aluminum construction gives me. Steel would not perform as well. Aluminum does not rust either.

So what are the bad points? It sticks out on the side of the tow vehicle, so you have to really stay on top of your driving. Although the truck is a lot wider than the van, it still sticks out.

Longer trailers tow better, but do not react as quickly when manuvering or backing. The shorter the distance between the axel and tongue, the more reactive it will be. That can result in swaying at speed too. Almost all trailers will follow your tow vehicle's tracks when moving forward, but when backing they can all become a veritable witch. My suggestion is to pull what ever you are considering and back it around the lot before making any decision.

Take a look at the size of the wheels too. Load rated trailer or truck tires are better than the donuts you get on snowmobile trailers. The road speeds you expect to be travelling may exceed the recommended speed of the little wheels. I have been there done that, and ended up in the ditch when a trailer tire blew up while coming back from a national race. Of course I was young then, and I was pulling a covered double wide snowmobile trailer with a Pinto (Yeah I know, it was stupid, but it was all I had at the time, the trailer was actually bigger than the car) I have learned a lot over the past 30+ years I have been driving and towing my toys around.

What is the ultimate trailer? I have been looking at one of the covered ATV trailers that can haul 6 or more inside.... I just want one, but don't need it. I do know that is is a real pain in the butt to hook the trailer up, go ride, get home and have to back it back up the long driveway in the dark... Man what I would give for a driveway I can pull through... of course those neat new campers that can haul several ATVs inside also look very appealing to me. Now that I have the HP in the truck, I could realistically pull one.

Just think about what you tow with, as it is important part of the equation. Narrow is nice, but being able to throw you buddy's machine on the trailer next to yours comes in handy. Plus the chicks dig it... and yes even a 48 year old likes to look good for the chicks... hey someday you will find yourself suckin in the gut when a really nice pit tootsie strolls by and gives you the look... Don't knock it...

 

If that is a steel trailer, you are going to struggle with the 6 cylinder. Find one in aluminum, and it is much lighter. But probably around $2500. Still it is cheaper than a new truck

 

Dragginbutt- whats the mileage on the HEMI, mines is only 10.1, I think it's broken.

 

Just looked at a side loading trailer. very nice 68 inch wide 8ft 8inch in lenth. Made by carmate. But the tires are 8 inch tall and 8.5 wide (like the triton trailer tires. Any thoughts on the trailer and tire size? The trailer deck size is perfect,but the tires? Any replys would be great. Thanks,Midget

 

You need to look at the speed rating on the midget tires... as many of them are limited in their speed... Of course nobody ever pays attention to it until they end up in the ditch some time... I have had them over the years, and still do, but that doesn't mean I don't want something different...

One item I'd suggest to look into no matter what you buy, is a way to lock the trailer so it can't be stolen. I have one of the devices that acts as a wheel boot. It looks like a big J, and hooks into the wheel stud. (Special bracket included) It has saved me more than once. Also, there are devices to lock the quad to teh trailer too, like the club device. What ever you do, don't depend on a chain unless you get one of those that can't be cut with a set of bolt cutters. You invest too much in equipment to let some bastard steal it while you are sleeping or out riding.

That is one reason I am going to a closed trailer for my next round.... I don't want to keep worrying about some sleezball stealing the rig while I am out enjoying a ride. Plus it is the perfect storage shed as well.