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Which is the preferred Enclosed Cargo Trailer Brand ?

460K views 71 replies 40 participants last post by  avenge  
#1 ·
I'm not sure if this is the right forum but i'm gonna buy a new enclosed cargo trailer in the 7'x14' size range. I may go 7'x16'. Which manufacturers would you all recommend. I know i'll get a lot of different responses and thats what i want. Could you also maybe include why you like any you suggest. Thanks for your time.
 
#34 ·
I LOVE MY TRAILER! That being said, I would buy a different one next time around! ha!:rolleyes: I have a 6x12 vnose and I could really spring for a 7x14. I'm a painting contractor, but carry enough tools to do almost any repair work or trim work that needs done. Now that the trailer is a little more organized I have plenty of room to hold what I need on a day to day basis. I LOVE my ramp door as I have the rigid mitersaw stand and a homemade workbench on casters that holds all my trim tools and misc. carpentry stuff (it's also very handy when you need to move things like appliances or lawn tractors;)). I work in mostly rural areas so I normally feel comfortable leaving the trailer on the jobsite if it's going to be a lengthy job. That way the tools can stay in the trailer and out of the workspace until I need them. I don't have the need to carry much in terms of supplies, but if I do I usually take them out of the trailer right away... otherwise it tends to get cluttered. When not at the jobsite mine stays in the driveway all locked up. I have a Bravo trailer by Duracraft and am not all that pleased with the quality, but its still waaaay better than what I had before ... which was nothing! The one thing I do like about the 6x12 is that it's still small enough to maneuver around most tight jobsites... even with my crew cab f250.
 
#36 ·
Parking, never a problem, we work in mostly residential areas. It can be on the job for one day to a few months. When possible I will back it right up to the door or where ever the project is. People don't seem to mind if I back it across their yards. I very rarely take it to the lumber yard, have truck and dump trailer for that. Stocking, well, if I was specializing in one thing I would stock up on things like you said, but we do soooo much that it would be impossible to stock it. I do carry 25# boxes of drywall screws, torx screws, paslode nails, hand drives in two sizes etc, etc.
I carry misc. caulking, spray bin, misc step flashing, some pieces of *****, vycore etc. etc.
You know, you have me thinking now, I carry a TON of stuff, mostly tools but there are so many other things in there that I just take for granted.
In the front I do have a craftsman roll around 4 drawer tool chest mounted permanently full of hand tools, fuel cells, sand paper, safety glasses, ear plugs, vinyl siding tools, etc. etc.
 
#38 ·
Thanks Dave! I'll continue on this thread: http://www.contractortalk.com/f41/trailer-customizing-ideas-needed-long-15369/index10/

Nhi

Parking, never a problem, we work in mostly residential areas. It can be on the job for one day to a few months.
...
...

I very rarely take it to the lumber yard, have truck and dump
In the front I do have a craftsman roll around 4 drawer tool chest mounted permanently full of hand tools, fuel cells, sand paper, safety glasses, ear plugs, vinyl siding tools, etc. etc.
 
#39 · (Edited)
Well, coming back to the original thread question: i think in my local area they have a couple of brands:

- interstate, comes in 3 flavors: victory (base), load-runner, & pro. Offered mainly (if not only) by trailer plus. Looked at load-runner 6x10 and liked it a lot
- cargo mate (not car mate): I saw PJ trailer in San Jose carries it, haven't checked it out personally yet
- pace American: heard good things about them from this forum. Other that I'm not sure how's it compared to others. Can't find local dealers yet. Saw some used ones on craigslist.
- Carry-Ons: heard from the dealers themselves: low ends. First hand experience: flimsy
- Carson trailers: square edges, I don't like the shape personally. Quality is low end also I think
- Continental Cargo: screw-less option was available at my local dealer (Orlandi Trailer)

Probably some others too. But that's pretty much what I see so far. Other than my dealer visit last Saturday, I don't have any knowledge of which one is good. I'm particularly looking for a sturdy/tough built doors, thicker siding. Load-runner from Interstate Trailer is an example. They asked for $2600 (6x10, barn door & side door, spring axle), roughly $3000 OTD.

Any opinion? :)

Thank you.

Nhi
 
#43 ·
I have a 7x12 Interstate enclosed trailer. I am not real happy with the overall quality of the trailer. The wheel well was never mounted to anything solid and pulled away from the trailer after the first day. There have also been a few other things that have show poor assembly. As far as the size, I think it's perfect. I don't always need to have everything with me at all times. You have to be a little more organized but It's nice to not have to upgrade from a 1/2 ton.
 
#44 ·
***Update*********** Got lettered yesterday.
have to keep things low key on my graphics..I park in a residential area and Code Enforcement is very pro-active...so I limited any real advertising to the rear gate as it is backed up to a fence when home and in your face if I am in traffic in front of you. Kept things legal with license information requirements as well on the V-nose.
Image
 
#46 ·
Depending on where you are will give you the opportunity to buy certain brands of trailers. I sell CarMate, Carry-On, American Hauler, ATC, Homesteader, US Cargo and others. I hate to say it, but you get what you pay for in the trailer world. Look for seamless roofs and some kind of durable coating on the frame. Torsion axles are also another feature to look at when examining a trailer. Thats not so say the some manufacturers will include the above mentioned parts but construct the frame and other parts poorly or skimp on certain materials.
 
#49 ·
I have had 3 trailers and my dad has had 2 trailers my first two were united trailers they rotted out in two years and had to be re skinned which meant then I had to have the graphics re done then I bought a Wells Cargo it is now 8 yrs old and still looks new less a few tree scratches. The new trailer is a 8.5 x 24 goose neck with a slight v-nose with 7' height through the back doors. I can carry a whole house full of windows and still carry all my tools. With it being a goose neck I have yet to find a drive way I can't get into. I will try to get you some interior shots soon.
 
#50 ·
I've got a Carry On Cargo. Can't really say anything bad about it. It's been on a lot of rough roads and is holding up well. In all reality the only damage on it is my fault. One piece of trim below the ramp door from backing into a curb. No big deal, a couple of self tappers fixed that.

It's a screwed exterior which makes graphics a little harder. But if all you want to do in simple lettering you can just remove the screws that are in the way and then run them back in through the lettering.

Overall I'm pretty happy, it has made my life a lot easier and looks very professional sitting on the job site.

The one thing I don't like about it is the color. White, shows everything, black streaks from the roof and road grime. I can wash it on Saturday and pull it to a new job on Monday and I swear it looks like I've never washed it. :laughing: If you have the option go with a color.
 
#52 ·
Which Is The Preferred Enclosed Cargo Trailer Brand ?

I've got a street stroller. Made by stroll corp. They don't exist anymore, and the trailer is a piece too. Frame rotting away. I'm gonna my to have to remove all tools and the floor to fix the frame or just cut my losses. Looking at "United trailers" for a new one
 
#53 ·
I've got a street stroller. Made by stroll corp. They don't exist anymore, and the trailer is a piece too. Frame rotting away. I'm gonna my to have to remove all tools and the floor to fix the frame or just cut my losses. Looking at "United trailers" for a new one
Read post #49 above about United Trailers before you decide. n:eek:
 
#55 ·
Need opinions on what brand trailer to buy

I am getting ready to start looking for another cargo trailer and I want to get opinions on what brand I should buy.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

i also found a site that has a list of trailer brands and give reviews about them. It also lists dealers for the brands. cargotrailerguide.com
 
#57 ·
All tubing frame worth it?

From what I seem most of the south ga trailers are built with I beam, maybe z post or hat post for walls.

Make send that all tubing with be much stronger and rigid. Has anyone on the board had a trailer with all tubing and do you think it is worth the extra money?
Thanks.
 
#59 ·
Steer Clear

Steer Clear of Continental Cargo trailers made by Forest River in Indiana State. I bought a brand new 6.5x12 V nose trailer with 1 year warranty. It sat in my driveway untouched for 11 days, leaked from the roof, screw heads on exterior popped off, diamond plate pulled away from exterior. Took it back to have it fixed, they sealed the roof again, very sloppy, placing rubber sealant on roof, still leaked but more filling up a channel where the wiring sits inside, the wires were soaked in water. After many phone calls to the local dealer and Forest River, they still did not want to return the trailer, had to threaten the Manufacturer with legal activity to get them to take it back. I paid $3300 for the trailer, and it was junk. As the dealer stated they are not made cheap, but put together very quickly, which to me means they cut corners. They are based on quantity rather then quality. I just ordered a 7x14 Carmate, that has a rounded roof, lifetime warranty on roof, lifetime warranty on floor. It is about $2,000 more but I think well worth it. Do yourself a favor and stay away from Continental Cargo.
 
#60 · (Edited)
Will Wells Cargo / Haulmark Warranty?

Been having a heck of a time getting American Cargo Group (they own Wells Cargo and Haulmark) to stand behind its trailer.

My 2020 6x12 has been driven only ~1300 miles, and has been sitting in my driveway rusting further as I wait for American Cargo Group (same trailer as Haulmark) to stand behind their product. Pictures show the condition after only 8 days.

I contacted the dealer about warranty, they passed me to the manufacturer. Wells Cargo has offered to have Por-15 painted over the currently rusted areas, but the dealer to which they referred me declined to do the work because they felt it was an insufficient repair and did not want to be liable for future problems. Alternatively, ACG said I could deliver/ship (at my "out-of-pocket" cost) it back to the factory in Ogden UT for them to do it.
 

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#63 ·
Added the photos of the Wells Cargo / Haulmark. Again, condition at 8 Days after purchase.

Update: It has been almost a week since the dealer informed ACG that they would not do the repair for the reasons in the original post. I've still not heard from ACG. Crickets.

Let's hope they do the right thing. Keep ya posted.
 

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