looking at a new trailer....
 

I have a 16' open trailer. It was built from a kit by the guy I bought it from. It's worked great, but doesn't have self storing ramps, and it's on mobile home axles, with 24.5" tires. I looked at a 20' open trailer recently, and liked everything about it except one thing: It has a 2" coupling that was made in China. That concerns me. My current trailer has a 2-5/16" coupling. I seldom trailer more than a combined weight of 5-6,000 lbs, and the rating for the trailer is 7,000. Am I concerned over nothing?

I like the idea that "big is best, more is better". There will be a time when you WILL over load that new trailer and break a spring or lose a wheel. If you are making the change get 8 bolt 16 inch wheels and tires 7000lb axles minimum and a 14,000lb trailer should have a 2 5/16 coupler. If you think you may ever load a dually truck then get a highboy/deck over trailer. One thing to watch for is the make of coupler that closes with a side lever and locks with a sleeve, I've had problems in the past with that kind and just this summer my BIL had a trailer with that make of coupler pop off the ball luckily the safety chains held. The newer heavier trailer now have adjustable height couplers that can be removed for some added theft prevention.

I would be more concerned about the mobile home wheels. They aren't made for every day use and unless you really know how, you'll never get them to bolt on without wobbling. It should be an easy swap to install proper brakes and hubs. Ther's plenty of youtube videos showing how to do that.

I've owned it for over 20 years. Those 14.5 inch tires are my biggest complaint. They don't last as long as they should and are a little hard to find. I thought about swapping in another set of axles, but the trailer is open in the middle, and I would like a solid deck. I don't use it every day, (or even every week!), but would love to have a more user friendly trailer. Thanks for responding!

I got back last night from my first trip with my new 22ft vee nose cargo trailer 2700km round trip and it towed really well for a bumper pull trailer even with the bad cross winds. I first started looking for used ones but chances are the brakes would probably need work and I didn't have enough time before the trip so I went with a new trailer. The price of flat deck trailers are so much cheaper in the US I don't see the point of buying used then having to replace brakes, springs, tires or even axles, plus it will be ready and serviceable for you to use when you need it.

The trailer I mentioned in my first post is new. My biggest concern was whether or not to trust the Chinese built 2" coupler on it. The biggest complaint with my current trailer is those darn 14.5" wheels, and not having ramp storage on it.

What isn't made in china? Try finding a log chain that you would use to secure something on your trailer that's not stamped made in china. I have been buying a new 18' car trailer every 2 or 3 years for the last 20 years I don't remember any of them having a hitch made in China but I could be wrong. I'd worry more about the junk tires that they use on trailers today more than I would about a hitch made in china.

I wouldn't be concerned about a 2 inch ball on a 7000lb trailer at all in fact my very first car hauler was a 7k one and it also had a 2inch ball hitch.

I haven't bought it yet. I had a rather costly repair to my tractor that took a bit more money than I had hoped. I've also found a couple of used trailers close by that may work. Thanks for the input, guys.