Trailer Questions

[Randy K. Crump]

I am a member of a local community concert band, a non-profit organization that provides 10 free concerts within out community each year. All traveling for the concerts is within the city limits and we probably travel no more than 200 miles per year. Currently, we haul all of our percussion equipment (bass drum, snare drum, 4 timpani, marimba, xylophone, etc.,) in band member's cars, vans and a very small open trailer. We are considering purchasing an enclosed trailer. Based on measurements, we can't find a trailer big enough to haul all of the equipment. We have looked at 6 X 12, 8 X 10 and 7 X 14. We wanted to go with a single axle to avoid having brakes, but those trailers are not large enough. We want to go with a trailer hitch at the rear bumper, not one in the bed like a fifth wheel. The trailer will be stored outdoors so we will need to go with an aluminum trailer. We have look at United brand trailers. We need to have a trailer that has a ramp in the back for rolling the equipment onto the trailer. Questions: Do all trailers larger than 6 X 12 require brakes? Is 7 X 14 the largest trailer available? Is United the best brand? Does anyone manufacture a self-propelled vehicle that looks like a trailer, with a ramp in the back for easy loading? Thanks for all suggestions.

 

[560Dennis]

I have towed trailers with total 7000 pound axles . With and with out brakes functioning trailer brakes . If you ever experienced the trailer not stopping and push your truck thru and intersection. You will always opt for trailer brakes.
Brakes are a must have in my opinion. Good luck in your quest.

 

[Jim.ME]

This sounds like a "we want something anyone with a trailer hitch can tow" deal. Not necessarily the best idea on the safety side of things.

Some locations/states have different requirements. Start by checking your local laws/requirements.

There are bumper pull trailers much larger than 7x14 available, but I would expect them to have multiple axles and brakes, as well as needing larger tow vehicles.

For possible van offerings check out U-Haul and see what they have so you have an idea of what to ask dealers about. You could also try out some of their trailers to see what works. Some have surge brakes which will work without the need for a brake controller on the towing vehicle.

 

[GChief]

Wireless BT brake controllers work great if your concern is different tow vehicles not having brake controllers.

 

[Tony in SD]

The first question I have is what are you planning on using for a tow vehicle? Most vehicles have a maximum tow capacity. You should not exceed that limit. For example mini vans have a max towing capacity of 3500 lbs where a 1 ton pickup has a max towing capacity of well over 35000 lbs. Realistically, a 1/2 ton pickup should tow the sized trailer you need with ease. In order to assure that which ever vehicle tows the trailer, I would recommend a surge braking setup that is part of the trailer hitch. That setup is similar to what U-Haul uses on their trailers. In fact an option that I would seriously look at if I were you would be a retired U-Haul trailer. They sell their retired equipment periodically.

 

[wh]

Have you considered a custom made trailer. Check with local tech school about welding program possibly building one. Sounds like you are not carrying a lot of weight. Maybe an enclosed car trailer would work.

 

[miner09]

What about a van. Like a bread truck as some call them. Probably buy something cheaper than a trailer.

 

[NDIHC]

At 10 uses per year how many years could you rent a Uhaul trailer or cube van before you met the cost of buying and maintaining your own trailer?

 

[Fixingfarmer]

If the trailer weighs 3000 lbs by itself or more the way I understand it is must have brakes

There are things that don’t but they are implements of husbandry not over 25mph

Like others have said it would be best to get something with brakes. If you really didn’t want to plug them in not going to suggest the options that are available but I’m sure you could figure that out.

the trailers you are talking about activate with the controller only there’s no need to build air or have power to release like brakes on a truck they freewheel around the yard with the skidsteer if they are locked on there is some sort of trouble

 

[moresmoke]

Wireless BT brake controllers work great if your concern is different tow vehicles not having brake controllers.

I have a trailer with a Prodigy RF wireless brake control on it. Works great. Mounts to the hitch, trailer plugs into the box, and then has its own cord to plug into vehicle. Has its own control that plugs into a power point inside the vehicle.

 

[GChief]

I have a trailer with a Prodigy RF wireless brake control on it. Works great. Mounts to the hitch, trailer plugs into the box, and then has its own cord to plug into vehicle. Has its own control that plugs into a power point inside the vehicle.

I use this one, works awesome.

Echo Mobile Trailer Brake Controller, 7-Way, Bluetooth® Smartphone Connection

The Echo® mobile trailer brake controller is truly a brake control for the modern age. It plugs into your vehicle and wirelessly connects to your smartphone, allowing you to control and monitor all trailer brake activity right from your own device. It comes with a customizable app for Apple or...

www.curtmfg.com

 

[Pete in Holland MI]

Note that a vehicle that has a towing capacity of some number, doesn't factor in the parachute effect of a big box trailer. If the trailer and cargo approach the tow capacity of the select vehicle, it will struggle at higher speeds. Towing a trailer does require some skill. Starting. Stopping. Navigating corners, and especially........backing up.

 

[charlie n]

Look into a used van style box truck. U Haul, Pensky etc. Everybody can drive, but everybody can't pull a trailer. Limited milage plate and liability for a nonprofit can be affordable.

 

[Scott 730]

Did some of you miss the part where the OP said the trailer would operate within the city limits, 10 times per year, and 200 total miles per year??? He needs to haul band equipment across town, not a max GVW load across the country.

 

[MarkB_MI]

The brake requirement is a function of the maximum trailer weight. Since pretty much all tandem axle trailers have a gross weight rating over 3000 pounds, they all have brakes. I would say don't worry about the trailer having brakes; you need something big enough to haul your equipment. If the only trailer you can find that's big enough has brakes, so be it. Adding a brake controller to most vehicles capable of towing a 3000+ pound trailer is usually a simple matter, since most are pre-wired for a controller. And since you're not going on the highway, towing a lightly-loaded trailer with inoperative brakes isn't really a huge problem; just make sure you've got a heavy tow vehicle.

 

[Dieseltech]

I WOULD NOT get a SINGLE axle trailer, they ride much rougher than a tandem axle will as the tandem axle steps over the bumps better.

 

[deeretails]

I think a key question is what does your equipment weigh? That will determine what trailer you need. Our club does pedal pull events and have all the equipment in a single axle van trailer, and it works fine.

 

[showcrop]

I have had trailers with brakes for forty five years and have never seen much of a downside to them.

 

[ss55]

I am a member of a local community concert band, a non-profit organization that provides 10 free concerts within out community each year. All traveling for the concerts is within the city limits and we probably travel no more than 200 miles per year. Currently, we haul all of our percussion equipment (bass drum, snare drum, 4 timpani, marimba, xylophone, etc.,) in band member's cars, vans and a very small open trailer. We are considering purchasing an enclosed trailer. Based on measurements, we can't find a trailer big enough to haul all of the equipment. We have looked at 6 X 12, 8 X 10 and 7 X 14. We wanted to go with a single axle to avoid having brakes, but those trailers are not large enough. We want to go with a trailer hitch at the rear bumper, not one in the bed like a fifth wheel. The trailer will be stored outdoors so we will need to go with an aluminum trailer. We have look at United brand trailers. We need to have a trailer that has a ramp in the back for rolling the equipment onto the trailer. Questions: Do all trailers larger than 6 X 12 require brakes? Is 7 X 14 the largest trailer available? Is United the best brand? Does anyone manufacture a self-propelled vehicle that looks like a trailer, with a ramp in the back for easy loading? Thanks for all suggestions.

Consider renting some different trailers and vans to find out what works best for your band before approaching the non-profit organization for money. Check if any rental companies have a non-profit discount.

Most non-profit organizations depend heavily on donations of cash and time. I suspect the non-profit will eventually ask you to purchase any trailer/van and tow vehicle that you recommend and will ask you to provide its use to the organization as a donation.

Some questions for you and the non-profit organization to consider:
Will the trailer be used to store some or all of the equipment between performances and practices or will it sit empty most of the time?
Currently, how do the band members transport their equipment to performances outside the organization?
Will the band stay together very long?
Can/will the trailer be used for organization activities other than the band?
Who will provide the money and be responsible to buy, insure and maintain the trailer?
Who is responsible for verifying any member provided tow vehicle is adequate for the job (or turning it down)?
How will the trailer be disposed of when it is no longer needed?
Could the organization be liable if the trailer is involved in a traffic accident or if an instrument gets damaged?

 

[ss55]

Wireless BT brake controllers work great if your concern is different tow vehicles not having brake controllers.

I agree, however not ever volunteer driver knows how to use a brake controller without some guidance or training.