I am hoping to have an open-type utility trailer custom built to carry a single ATV, my '01 Warrior and wanted to see if anyone had some advice or opinions about what I am deciding on. I was quoted a price of $575 which seems decent for a custom built trailer with the options I will list.

I have deciding on the following:

4'X8' size

12" angle-iron sides

3500 lb axle

15" rims with new tires

treated wood floor with 3/4" spacing between slats

folding-type jack

4' removable rear drop gate


The items I considered but may pass on: (** Indicates my reason)

5'X8' size **a bit too wide for the space in my garage, the 4' width of the trailer will fit better. Also, my Warrior is about 43" at the widest point at the rear in this case, which leaves about 2.5" of space on either side of the tires while parked in the trailer.

2000 lb axle **for re-sale purposes, the 2000 lb axle may not be as desirable as a 3500 lb

[i]13" rims with narrower tires **won't last as long as the 15" size

[i]expanded metal floor **have heard these all sag eventually from hauling any weight and allow rain and road debris to get on everything you are hauling

fixed jack **not as convenient as swing-type

3' drop gate **will be steeper than a 4' gate


My main questions are:

Do you think I might regret not getting the wider width of 5' for the trailer? Is 2.5" enough of a gap between my tires?

Would a 3' gate versus a 4' gate be too steep for riding the ATV up the trailer? A 3' gate will probably ride better since it will be lower and not catch the wind as bad when driving.

Any other advice for the options I have decided?


Thanks in advance for any advice

 

I did the 4x8 fred meyer bargain trailer and put plywood for the floor and made slatted 1x6 sides. Dad says it looks like its for hauling goats. hey i dont care, i have less than 300 in it, paint and all. One thing i did that seems to be unique: I hinged the rear gate to use as a ramp and added a couple 2x6s to it that kinda stick up, but i dont care really. Instant ramp.
And for those days when I'm hauling 2 quads, i did the same hinge and ramp game to the front of the trailer, to lean forward. Now i hitch up the trailer, lower both ramps, ride one quad into the pickup. Lock up the front ramp, ride the second quad onto the trailer. Close the rear ramp. Hey I'm done loading while most guys are stick fiddling with the chains on their fold up ramps. I dont like those clanking things banging around in my truck anyway...its really quick, and those ramps sticking up help me know i still HAVE a trailer, since i cant see it behind the truck...and rem, the idea was a budget.....hehe
Plus, I used to pull it behind my Chevy Tracker so weight was a consideration...most trailers dont need all that angle iron anyway.
see me yer email addy and i'll send you some pictures. it works great and its simple!

 

Thanks for the great advice and hints airraptor and raptor8.