Trailer Size Advise

Bettercarpentry

I am looking to buy a haulmark trailer but I am not sure what size to buy. I am small time contractor just me and 1 other guy so I don't need alot of space. I was looking at getting either a 7x12 tandem or 7x14 tandem. Like I said I am not 100% sure on the size, I like the 7x12 alot though but I wanted to see what you guys thought from your experiences. I do alot of exterior work and some interior to, I want to make sure 7 x 12 will give me enough space for my tools and storage of misc materials. Let me know what you guys think and what you have experienced-

Thanks
Dan

__________________
Better Carpentry Co. LLC

Mike Finley

If you go 12 or 14 you might as well go 16, then you can put 16 footers in there.

SLSTech

Whats that saying about available space & it being filled, you will be amazed at how much equipment you really have & how quickly you can fill up a trailer. (Hopefully organized & easy to find)
What size is your largest ladder - I hardly ever use mine so I don't tow them around on a rack - its great to simply throw it in the back of a trailer for the jobs that require it or you could buy a V Nose?
What is your vehicle rated to tow - that may influence your decision.
Whats the largest piece of material you will haul? Trim, Studs, etc...
Are you planning on working out of your trailer? Mounted Miter Saw, panel cutter, etc... How much space do you need to be able to use those tools efficiently?
What type of properties do you work on - can they handle the size of trailer you are looking at? Can your vehicle & trailer make that turn, or have room to park?
Bigger is not necessarily better, but saving a few bucks for a smaller trailer can leave you fuming later.

__________________
Alabama Full Service Remodeling, Renovation, and Preservation by SLS Construction
Certified Energy Efficiency Audits, Ratings, Modeling, Verifications, & Consulting
Residential, Commercial, & Industrial Infrared Thermography Scans

KES

I bought a 6x12 this spring. It was huge!- when I bought it. I now have shelves on one side and a cart in the middle and on some jobs it is loaded so much I can not walk into it. I wish now that I bought a 16 ft. It is amazing how much stuff you have or get when you start loading it up. And if you are a tool junkie like me I am always getting more tools.

Peter

jstrand23

Still looking to buy? If you do siding, I'd go at least 14 since most steel and vinyl box stuff is 12'6". I'd also get the torsion axles on the trailer. Smooth ride. I just upgraded from a United 6x12 to a Haulmark 8.5x16. Love the extra width and length. Go as big as you can afford and bigger than you think is necessary.

__________________
Jason
Strand Carpentry
Glyndon, MN

mickeyco

Those torsion axles are nice, especially when you have a light load, I've had trailer with leaf spring in the air crossing railroad tracks.



.

__________________
Some people climb mountains. I take out the trash. But we both do it for the same reason.

Cole82

If you add shocks to the leaf sprung axles it helps a ton. But yeas as stated the torsion axles are the way to go.

woodchuck2

I bought a 7X14 v-nose which is actualy 16' long. It is ideal for what i am doing but i plan on a bigger trailer down the road and will be using both of them. The 14'er i can back in almost anywhere, carry extension ladders and/or up to 14' lumber. I can slide in my 12'6" trim brake with room to spare or i can carry two guardian generators. And this is with all my tools and supplies already loaded.

SCBBUILDERS

After having my former 6x12 Haulmark totaled (aargh) by a run-away truck/5th-wheeler this past summer, I was in urgent need of a new one. I bought a Lark 6x12 with ramp door (really like the ramp). Umfortunately, the inside only measures about 11'-9" so I can't fit the 12' ladders in there even at an angle. I'd love to go with a 14' or 16' but many of the neighborhoods I work in barely have enough room for the 12', and with a longer trailer I'm afraid I'd need to park too far away from the job site. Haven't found decent, affordable ladder racks for it, but still looking.

I definitely agree with all above regarding buy the largest you can afford, use, and park where you need it.

dougger222

About a year ago bought a 1998 Haulmark. It's a tandem axle 7x12. After a year of using it wish it would have been 2-4ft longer. It's got a construction box in the front which takes up some space though. It's got the ramp door which is nice. Really heavy duty and heavy to pull.

Best price is I only had to give $1,250 for it.