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blakeas

Type of Trailer?

20 years ago

I now have a big yard - just moved into a home. I see that I need to get alot of mulch and dirt for my home. I would like to get a utility trailer or some sort of trailer for going to the dump to get mulch, getting things at home depot, etc. I will be pulling it with my saab sedan so I just wanted something smal. Can anyone give any suggestions? I am guessing something that can hold the mulch and not fall through the wire mesh?

Comments (5)

  • 20 years ago

    See what tongue weight with your choice of hitch attachment your car can handle (frame or bumper). That will give you an idea of how much total weight you can pull with the car.

    If you plan on using the trailer a bit don't cheap out on it. Get one with a good frame. Get better quality wheels, ones with good bearings and zerk fittings to grease them. Larger tires are usually better. A tailgate that can double as a light ramp is nice. Nice siderails, able to hold at least 1 yard of bulk material, carry 4x8's, brake lights all wired and harnessed. If all else fails, a good straight frame with a good axle, rims and tires is all you need. You can build the bottom and rails for cheap.

    Loading them up with bulk material is not a problem with the front loaders and CATs everyone has. Unloading them is where the work is done.

  • 20 years ago

    In my Mazda manual, it says under the "Towing" section - "It is not advisable to tow any trialer behind this vehicle". I'm not familier with Saabs and yours may be able to pull a trailer.

    You should look in your car's manual and check out the GVW towing. After subtracting the weight of the Saab, your weight, the wieght of a tank of gasoline, and the wieght of the trailer, you'll have what you can haul. It might be worthwhile to rent a truck as needed, have the mulch delivered, or trade for a bigger vehicle more capable of hauling.

    If you do buy a trailer for this vehicle, keep in mind that you don't have to title a trailer that has a GVW of less than 3000 lbs (that's why Farm and Fleet sells trailers that have a GVW of 2990).

  • 20 years ago

    I have already researched it and I know that my saab can handle it - it can pull a Uhaul and a 14 foot boat easily - so I know it can handle a utility trailer. Where can I find one? and what size should I get? 4x8?

  • 20 years ago

    My 2990 GVW trailer has a title, registration, license plate and yearly tabs.

    Is that a Wisconsin only thing?

  • 20 years ago

    Blakeas - The size is up to you. I'd get the biggest deck the car can handle and you are comfortable pulling. Maybe a 5 or 6'X8' would suit you well. Personally, I like to see the tires on the trailer in my sideviews. Doubtful you'd be able to see them on a 4 foot wide trailer.

    Look in the yellow pages under "trailers" for a local dealer. Get the best quality you can afford, which means avoid big box store trailers unless you're really tight with the budget and don't plan for a LOT of use. Masiman had a lot of good advice. If you can, get one with stake pockets for sides. If not, no big deal. You can buy them at any hardware store and bolt or weld 'em on.

    Unless you kinda know what to look for, I'd stay away from used ones. Lots of trailers out there have been badly abused and don't cost much less than new. If you find a used one for a song, look real hard under the deck at the frame. Any cracks or repairs should send you away. Look at the tires and, if possible, jack up the trailer and wiggle the wheel. If it's loose, the bearings should be repacked and tightened ot replaced. Not a big job if you know what you're doing but could get expensive if you have someone else do it.

    Machiem - I don't know. Maybe. I was told that by a trailer dealer when I went out trailer hunting. I was looking for about 3500 and he told me to get below 3000 and save a lot of hassle. I ended up buying a used 6000 GVW 6X10 Ditchwitch tilt deck that used to haul trenchers and had to title it anyway. It's pulled behind an F150 and is sometimes a bit big and mostly way too small. I hauled a John Deere B on it once. ONCE! :-)