I am looking at having a trailer made to haul 2 ATV’s, and I need some suggestions. I want something that is light, easy towing, and a single axle. The quads are Prairie 650’s with 27” tires, so they are not very small in size. To fit the quads sideways, one in front of the other, I will require a platform that is at least 9’ long x 6.5’ wide. I would really like to put 15” Radial tires on the trailer. In this configuration, 15” tires outside the platform would add another 2’ to the width. This seems very wide to me (8.5’), since it’s being towed by an S10 ZR2. These tires would also prevent me from loading quads from the sides. A 10” or 12” bias tire could fit under the trailer, but my friends tell me to go with the 15” radial, and stay away from bias. The bias tires don’t have the weight capacity or speed capability of a 15” radial.

Is 8.5' - 9' wide (102”-108&quot too wide?
Should I stay away from a 10” bias tire?
Any other suggestions would be appreciated.

 

Unless you spend a lot of money on aluminum,big trailer,big capacity, and light will not happen.Last year I built a 6'9" by 12' trailer from 3/16 thick 2x3 steel . I used a 3500 lb. torsion axle with electric brakes and 205 15 tires (radial trailer,heavy duty). I can put 3 full size quads side by side,or 2 end to end,but it is HEAVY!!,you can't get by that if you want decent load capacity. To tell the truth,with the big tires,it pulls like a dream, I have a full size truck,and with 2 quads on there,it pulls like almost nothing.Big tires make for much less rolling resistance,and fully loaded,don't squat at all. I used to have an S10, and have pulled big trailers, the horse power difference will show up,making a big trailer harder to pull,but staying with big tires on the trailer really helps. Electric brakes are a MUST, even a full size truck gets pushed around,I can really feel the trailer brakes grabbing when I hit the pedal hard,makes all the difference in the world.I hope this gives you some help in your decision. And remember,most states only allow 8'wide on trailers,mine is right on that with tires outside,thats why mine is 6'9",instead of 7'bed.

 

I built a 5x12 with ramp all steel, expanded metal floor. I pull with a Ranger v-6 so I hear you on the size/weight problem. I pull 3 quads at once {1 in the bed} but they all 3 probably weigh about the same as 2 Prairie 650s. Your truck should pull it ok. A 5x14 would do you ok {drive on,back off load} but would have to be heavier than mine due to length alone, plus all your quad weight would be in the trailer too. I got by with a 2000 lb axle but you would require a 3500 for sure. I used 15" Lincoln Town Car aluminum rims {warranty blems, I'm a Lincoln parts man} and 215-75-15 Michelins {also take offs} and they pull great,look good, and are light. A Ranger or S10 is about 5' wide so unless you want to load side style there is no point going any wider, I like drive on,back off loading personally. I would go 5x14, all metal {wood is HEAVY}, 3500 lb axle with 15" alum. rims {most trailer axles are 5 on 4 1/2, Ford car and Ranger pattern,easy to find in salvage yards} with a good quality trailer rated tire. Don't forget to put short siderails and plenty of tiedown loops on it too. Find a good trailer supply store in your area,I got everything but the steel at our local trailer store no problem. Let us know what you build or buy.

 

Just so you know 8' 6'' is max legal width here in the US and I believe the same up north.

Bought mine new 7' x 12' here for $650 then added the rear fold down ramp of my own design which added another $117 in steel. I'm licensed for 3000# and can run close to that with ease. By the way no trailer brakes.
Don't miss them either. I pull with a short bed 4x4 dodge.

 

I have a 6'5x16 old snowmobile trl....an old 4 place..twin axles....Its the only way to go,you will be a lot happier hauling 1 wide 2 deep...or u can load 3 or 4 machines sideways....Haveing a trl. thats long and narrow is a LOT better that short and wide....good luch

 

Thanks for the input guys. I’m going to go with the 5’x14’ with 15” tires, a single 3500# axle, and an 18” high railing. My builder is just a little concerned about only having 1 axle on a 14’ long trailer. I’m also going to go with a wood deck, since I can get it at a good price. I like the idea of loading from the rear, with a fold-down ramp, but they catch a lot of wind. I’m just going to use an aluminum ramp that can be stored underneath the trailer.

Thanks again.

 

Instead of a wood floor, why noy put in a steel grate type of material. It would be lighter and when you go to wash the quads the dirt will go right down the drain. If you need to haul dirt or sand you can always buy a few sheets of plywood.

 

I thought about steel grate, but I figured lumber would be cheaper. Any idea what kind of cost the steel mesh is when compared to lumber? I haven’t looked into it, but I can get lumber at a really good price. I also thought the solid floor would block the salt and crap of winter roads splashing up through the floor.

 

3/4x9 expanded metal is what you want to ask for. This will be ample as long as your cross braces are held to not much more than 24" centers. Cost varies greatly from place to place so don't be too disappointed if you have to give much more than the $38 I pay per 4x8 sheet.

Single axle is fine for 14' provided the axle is properly placed and the carried load is always balanced on the trailer.

 

650vTwin:
A single axle will be fine under a 14 ft trailer. You want close to a 60-40 split for things to balance properly. We load 2 quads on a 12 ft trailer, 1 from the side, 1 from the rear, by loading that way we can compensate by moving the rear quad foward or back to get the proper weight placement. Also there is room on each side in the rear for gas cans, or other gear, we put 12 inch high rail from behind the fender to the rear of the trailer, then 12 inches from the sides toward the center. Check on the price of 14 GA deck plate should be under $50 for a 4x8 sheet, it will not be much heaver than a 1 1/2 inch thick wood deck, and will outlast the wood. I have found expanded metal lets a lot material be thrown up on to the quads. Stay with 14 or 15 inch wheels, and a 3500 # axle.
Les