Im looking for a utility trailer.
What should I look for in construction on a 5000# plus tandem axle trailer (outside of full welds on all materials that are about the same size as the base metal)?
I also want something that has a track width closer to my truck (72" to 76").
Atleast one brake axle is a must, preferable two.

What is a reasonable price for a new trailer such as this?
What is a reasonable price for a used trailer?

 

I prefer the 5200 lb axles over the 3500 lb ones. They have much bigger brakes and they are stronger overall. The lighter duty ones have a 5 bolt pattern. Brakes on both axles is mandatory for me! But if you see one you like with single brakes you can easily add the second set by just buying the backing plate and drum assembly, then splicing into the brake wiring harness.

The carlisle radial 15 inch tires are way light duty and have a bad reputation. Get the 16 inch heavy duty wheels and tires if you can or, at least go with bias ply 15 inchers.

I don't know what you plan to use it for but I just got a PJ dump trailer and I really like it! Very well made. Some off brands have very poor welding and lousy wood in the bed, so look them over carefully.

 

I agree , 5200 pound axles are the way to go for basic running, tandem for the 3000 pound and up loads. is this an enclosed trailer? good durability on HIGHWAY 1 brands, bit pricey but you get quality you grew up with.
we have a 'night hawk' and someone just closed their eyes and told the boss they painted (rustproofed) it. great frame and wheels, brake set up but lousy careless construction. amazed at how cheap the walls are. that is why we rebuilt it. but for 2200 it was a good deal.

JMAX may be a local made true utility open trailer with gate that sets down for a riding mower or swings for a dirt haul. very heavy construction, industrial quality and stable pull. might be a little heavy if you get charged for registration like we do here in NY. a ton and a quarter for a 16 foot tandem with optional dump (pump ram) will cost 3400.00 i believe they may be 16 trailer tires though. at least a D wall.

B line , if still available, is the flat bed trailer we abuse! tandem 15inch wheels are the easiest for brakes, springs shackles and solid wood decks. real steel channel too! very long lasting and still good looking trailer! check them out, hope they are still around. i bought mine 14 years ago. still doing the heavy hauling. that was used at 2,000. hope you find what fits! good luck.

 

First, the trailer should be rated for what you plan to carry on it, so that will determine the axle rating you should consider. Personally, I prefer trailers that have pipe rails instead of angle iron rails.

Just bought a 70PI Big Tex trailer, 3500 lb axles, 16', complete with spare tire. Drive out price was $2,621.00.

Here's a link

http://www.magnumtrailers.com/bigtex_tandem.html

Good luck.

 

My frontier only has a 5000# tow capacity so tandem 3500# axle trailer will handle as much as the truck. This also means I dont want a trailer that weighs 3000# dry

Uses are for the occations when my load wont fit the bed of my truck (either width or length). Also, when hauling firewood, instead of three or four trips, it would cut down on the running back and forth.

 

I got my 20 foot flat bed for 3900. 14,000 lbs, 2 7k axles.

 

The Big Tex 70PI weighs 1800 pounds, which gives the trailer a maximum load capacity of 5200 pounds. Sounds about right for your Frontier's tow capacity of 5000 pounds.

 

so what should I be looking for in a trailer as far as materials and construction.