31 replies to this topic

[HoneyBadger - BrianW]

Thanks for the great advice so far. I have narrowed it down to a 24' trailer from one of three manufacturers, United Super Hauler, Haulmark Edge and Bravo Star. The United and Bravo I would have to order, there is a local dealer that has an edge in stock. My question is about e-track. I want 2 rows of e-track on both sides of the trailer, to both tie stuff down as well as using rafters for tire storage. The trailers that I have been looking at all have finished interiors. For the trailers that get ordered I can tell them where I want the e-track and they will recess it into the walls for a nice clean look. For the trailer that is in stock, does just mounting the e-track to the finished wall look ok? I have seem some painted e-track and am sure that would be better than the galvanized... Just curious.

Also, how useful are the spare tire storage compartments? The in stock haulmark doesnt have that, and I "think" I would like it.

Last thing (this trailer stuff gets complicated): For those of you that have awnings, do you like them? Is just using a free standing awning better?

[juliancates]

Also, how useful are the spare tire storage compartments? The in stock haulmark doesnt have that, and I "think" I would like it.

Last thing (this trailer stuff gets complicated): For those of you that have awnings, do you like them? Is just using a free standing awning better?

I don't know how useful the tire storage compartments are... for actually storing a spare trailer tire. Sucks when you have a flat and find you can't open the compartment unless you move the car first. I'd rather have the spare(s) hanging on the wall where I can get to them easily.

As far as the awning goes, my trailer came with one and I enjoy using it, as long as it's not crazy windy. If I were configuring a new trailer, I'd probably pass on it and get one of the 20' x 10' awnings that assemble with PVC pipe/conduit. For example: https://www.pegasusa...sp?Product=5430

[davew]

Thanks for the great advice so far. I have narrowed it down to a 24' trailer from one of three manufacturers, United Super Hauler, Haulmark Edge and Bravo Star. The United and Bravo I would have to order, there is a local dealer that has an edge in stock. My question is about e-track. I want 2 rows of e-track on both sides of the trailer, to both tie stuff down as well as using rafters for tire storage. The trailers that I have been looking at all have finished interiors. For the trailers that get ordered I can tell them where I want the e-track and they will recess it into the walls for a nice clean look. For the trailer that is in stock, does just mounting the e-track to the finished wall look ok? I have seem some painted e-track and am sure that would be better than the galvanized... Just curious.

Also, how useful are the spare tire storage compartments? The in stock haulmark doesnt have that, and I "think" I would like it.

Last thing (this trailer stuff gets complicated): For those of you that have awnings, do you like them? Is just using a free standing awning better?

First a disclaimer, Dbender is Danny Bender, Sm racer and the son of former Trans-Am racer Mitch Bender. I worked on Mitches cars back in the early 90s. Mitch used to own Pace trailers. He has sold the company and is now running Bravo Trailers (for when you choose to pull the best). I am now preparing Danny's SM car.

I have owned 2 of the brands you mention. My Haulmark was OK, nothing great, but it did not last like it should have. My 51 foot gooseneck is a United. I don't like it at all. Sways and flexes too much. Appears to be on the cheap side.

With Bravo, Mitch has gone the quality over quantity route. He told me 20 years ago he could build a trailer that would last forever, but no body would buy it. It would be priced above the competition. Bravo is his answer for a built to last trailer.

Get the big axles and tires. It is like money in the bank.

When I order my next trailer (Bravo) it will have floor compartments. But not for the spare tire. I will put clumsy items (control arms, spindles etc) in them. Never put the spare tire in an underfloor compartment. Imagine having to unload the trailer on the side of the road at 1 in the morning.

I carry 2 spares, 1 on each side, just inside the back door, resting on the floor but bolted to the wall. I also carry one of those ramp things for changing a tire. They look hokie but they really do work. I also keep one of my battery impacts and the correct socket easily accessable. Ask Tom Fowler about having a flat tire and not having the correct socket.

Just my biased opinion
Dave

[HoneyBadger - BrianW]

Dave thanks for your opinion, as long as the Bravo doesn't price me out of a trailer that will be my first choice. Out of curiosity, what model is the United? UXT, Superhauler or Xtreme?

[steveracer]

+1 on belly boxes, very handy for suspension parts, canopy weights, jack and jack stands, etc. My trailer has 3, I highly recommend them.

I would say get the 24' at minimum, don't even bother with a 20'.

I have a 24', I wish it was 28'...

[HoneyBadger - BrianW]

Any suggestions about mounting e-track to a finished wall trailer?

[steveracer]

1" self drilling sheet metal screws, biggest that will fit in the holes. Every other hole at minimum.

[HoneyBadger - BrianW]

Thanks Steve. My question was more about how it looks, having the e-track mounted on top of an aluminum wall and not recessed in.

[steveracer]

It's less "showy" than having it recessed, but for the cost and/or labor to recess it, it would seem to be money wasted to me IMHO.

Also, if you decide to add more later( which I've done twice now ) will you go to the trouble to recess it also?

Sometimes function is more important than form.

[GROOTS]

I am also looking into a new enclosed trailer. Has anyone ever had any experience with a Becker trailer ??

[Cnj]

Sometimes function is more important than form.

xplains a lot.

Cnj

[GROOTS]

Anybody. BECKER TRAILERS ??? EVER HEARD OF THEM ?