Enclosed or Open Trailer

[Dan Fahey]

How much more does a Enclosed Trailer weigh over a Open Trailer.

Some of the Aluminum Open Trailers are about 1300 lbs.

What is the lightest of the Enclosed.?

What size vehicle would be needed for an Enclosed..?

D

[Dave Turner]

Dan, the length of the trailer will be an important aspect of your comparison. You don't mention the dimensions of the 1300 lb example in your post. My rough guestimate would be 2 1/2 to 3 times heavier.

You could safely tow a 20-22ft enclosed unit with a 1/2 ton truck or SUV. Anything longer than that, no matter the construction, and I would advise you to upgrade to a 3/4 ton.

I can't give you any input on the comparative weights of trailers from competing manufacturers...sorry.

[Dan Fahey]

Originally Posted by Dave Turner

Dan, the length of the trailer will be an important aspect of your comparison. You don't mention the dimensions of the 1300 lb example in your post. My rough guestimate would be 2 1/2 to 3 times heavier.

You could safely tow a 20-22ft enclosed unit with a 1/2 ton truck or SUV. Anything longer than that, no matter the construction, and I would advise you to upgrade to a 3/4 ton.

I can't give you any input on the comparative weights of trailers from competing manufacturers...sorry.

Thanks Dave;
That is good information.
The Aluminum Trailers were Featherlight and ACA 17.5 and 18 ft long.
My problem is storage of the Trailer.
Live in Germantown Md.
D

[HandOverFist]

Dan - I tow an open all steel trailer with a 2004 Silverado SB 1500. It has the 5.3 engine and 3.73 gears w/automatic. I have no idea of the trailer weight, but it has to be way heavier than a aluminum version. Trailer has brakes and the truck does very well, but I don't tow over 65mph. A recent addition of Helwig air bags made it much better to tow with...no more scissor action after road dips. I like to keep an eye on intervals due to what I feel is marginal braking with this set-up.

[Doug Domm]

Originally Posted by HandOverFist

Dan - I tow an open all steel trailer with a 2004 Silverado SB 1500. It has the 5.3 engine and 3.73 gears w/automatic. I have no idea of the trailer weight, but it has to be way heavier than a aluminum version. Trailer has brakes and the truck does very well, but I don't tow over 65mph. A recent addition of Helwig air bags made it much better to tow with...no more scissor action after road dips. I like to keep an eye on intervals due to what I feel is marginal braking with this set-up.

Might be an optical illusion but I'd say your tongue height is way too high! Level out that trailer and you will see yet another improvement.

[HandOverFist]

It sat level before the addition of the airbags...still handles really well. I will drop the ball a couple of inches next outing and see what it looks like. The bedliner coating is holding up well so far.

[Dan Fahey]

Originally Posted by HandOverFist

Dan - I tow an open all steel trailer with a 2004 Silverado SB 1500. It has the 5.3 engine and 3.73 gears w/automatic. I have no idea of the trailer weight, but it has to be way heavier than a aluminum version. Trailer has brakes and the truck does very well, but I don't tow over 65mph. A recent addition of Helwig air bags made it much better to tow with...no more scissor action after road dips. I like to keep an eye on intervals due to what I feel is marginal braking with this set-up.

This is a good idea. I like the Pickup Truck. My car with trailer will approach 6500lbs. 5700# at current estimation with a 1300# trailer.

Have a 1994 Caprice Wagon that I have been customizing and fixing up for a few years. It has airbags, Belstein Shocks, rebuilt the ABS and Brake systems at a good cost. New Trans lots of stuff. Have a new engine being built. The current engine has 212k miles but does not burn any oil. Use to leak but got all that fixed.

D

[Run to Rund]

My 21' Target open weighs 1370 lb. I can send you a pdf of the Wells Cargo brochure showing their lightest enclosed with 18' box is 2900 lb.

[Dan Fahey]

Originally Posted by HandOverFist

It sat level before the addition of the airbags...still handles really well. I will drop the ball a couple of inches next outing and see what it looks like. The bedliner coating is holding up well so far.

Wow nice trailer though.
What bed liner did you use?
D

[HandOverFist]

Originally Posted by Dan Fahey

Wow nice trailer though.
What bed liner did you use?
D

Rustoleum from AutoZone...$59 a gallon and I sprayed 2-1/2 gallons total on the entire trailer.