new enclosed trailer [maybe aluminum] feedback

jmcarter · 05-12-2020, 01:53 PM

While in the Elkhart area getting some MH warranty items taken care of I toured both the InTech and ATC facilities (tour the Newmar plant also in Nappanee if you have time). Both are top notch with completely different manufacturing approaches but I’d give the nod to InTech, their workforce is largely Amish and the craftsmanship is simply better. Beyond that I’d shop locally and support racers when possible, for instance in the west I’d call Jon Irving. In the Northeast I’d look at Chris Howe’s pick, in the Southeast I’d go elsewhere unless price is the #1 item on your list. In the Midwest, I’d second Dyno’s recommendations of talking to Randy at Flying A, they have something for every budget.

Dragsinger · 05-12-2020, 06:53 PM

Thanks to all for the info. I will follow up with these listed builders.

Ed Wright · 05-12-2020, 07:53 PM

I bought a 24’ ATC all aluminum trailer a few years ago. I would recommend ATC. I had a steel open trailer before, and the 24’ ATC is easier for my 2500 Suburban to tow. It does not feel any heavier than my old trailer, that was 2 ramps, not a steel flat bed trailer. My ATC came with electric brakes on one axle, I added brakes to the other axle. I did go to 16” wheels, with Michelin LT tires. Trailer tires, I learned, are speed rated to 55 MPH? Oklahoma Turnpikes’ speed limits are 75MPH. Trailer tires don’t like that. Don’t live well at that speed. LT tires are rated at 95 or 98?
Those 16” 6 ply LT tires (same as my ‘99 2500 Suburban uses, also are more stable. I tow the speed limits. I use 60psi in my trailer tires, same as my Suburban. Very stable.
My ATC came with nice aluminum cabinets & work bench. I would buy an ATC again.
I towed it with Jeanie’s 1500 Tahoe at first. Zero issues.

Kenney Kelley · 05-13-2020, 01:37 PM

One thing to think about with a 1/2 Ton truck is all the weight of the truck and the tongue weight of the trailer is supported by only the size of the axle witch might be only 1" to 1 1/2" at the bearing that's a lot of stress right at that point But with a 3/4 -1 ton truck the weight is supported by the rear end housing and not the axle. Just something to think about. Plus along with the weight of the car you will probably add the weight of a generator, air compressor, tool boxes, Battery for a winch and lights, tent with chairs, fuel cans, floor jack, Golf Cart or Pit Bike, Coolers with Ice. That's just a few items you might need before heading to the track. Kenney Kelley

63corvette · 05-13-2020, 04:03 PM

My experience over the years and owning both steel and aluminum trailers is aluminum is lighter to pull and if you buy quality aluminum you can not go wrong there.
There are steel trailers built with box steel frames which are strong and light.
Lightweight for towing is your best bet whatever you pull it with as we all load them down with all the things we carry. I carry much more than I should and probably need to.
I have owned Goldrush and they are expensive and other manufacturers are just as good if they use aircraft type aluminum framework.
The aircraft quality aluminum is the key to an aluminum trailer being trouble free and lasting. Some manufacturers cut costs by using cheaper aluminum for the frames.
I pulled a Goldrush 28 ft. box trailer which was equipped with most all the extras available with a HD 1/2 ton PU with the trailer package without any issues unless it was into a big headwind. With the big head wind I could not run over 60 to 65 MPH.
I now have a Rengegade stacker with a aluminum frame and have been fairly pleased with it. My issues with it were with some of the items Renegade bolted onto their box.
In any case buy quality as others have said you get what you pay for.
Good Luck in Your Search.
Rick Cates
Canyon, TX

Dave Casey · 05-14-2020, 01:23 PM

Love my Goldrush, 19th season , 26' , have towed it with every thing, 1/2 ton , 3/4 ton and 3 or 4 different motorhomes. They are expensive, but well worth it. People get silly and get every option, you don't need to. Before you buy a trailer, simply price out a basic Goldrush. They do make a v nose, but I don't think it matters much. Get a 4 ft side door . A friend of mine has a 20' that he loves.

novassdude · 08-10-2020, 10:12 AM

I purchased a new Lightning trailer last fall it is built by the same folks as Rance. mine is a 28ft+4v and with full finished interior (no cabinets) AC it weighs just over 4000# I would think a 20-24 would be considerably lighter yet.

I like it so far it is a brand I think is worth looking at. I did buy it from a racer but I don't think you want to come to Minnesota to get one. They seems to be all built in Elkhart IN no matter what.

05-12-2020, 06:53 PM	#2
Dragsinger VIP Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Liberty City [East Texas] Posts: 1,760 Likes: 5 Liked 99 Times in 60 Posts	Re: new enclosed trailer [maybe aluminum] feedback Thanks to all for the info. I will follow up with these listed builders. __________________ Larry Woodfin 471W

05-12-2020, 07:53 PM	#3
Ed Wright Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Sand Springs, OK Posts: 8,132 Likes: 896 Liked 390 Times in 170 Posts	Re: new enclosed trailer [maybe aluminum] feedback I bought a 24’ ATC all aluminum trailer a few years ago. I would recommend ATC. I had a steel open trailer before, and the 24’ ATC is easier for my 2500 Suburban to tow. It does not feel any heavier than my old trailer, that was 2 ramps, not a steel flat bed trailer. My ATC came with electric brakes on one axle, I added brakes to the other axle. I did go to 16” wheels, with Michelin LT tires. Trailer tires, I learned, are speed rated to 55 MPH? Oklahoma Turnpikes’ speed limits are 75MPH. Trailer tires don’t like that. Don’t live well at that speed. LT tires are rated at 95 or 98? Those 16” 6 ply LT tires (same as my ‘99 2500 Suburban uses, also are more stable. I tow the speed limits. I use 60psi in my trailer tires, same as my Suburban. Very stable. My ATC came with nice aluminum cabinets & work bench. I would buy an ATC again. I towed it with Jeanie’s 1500 Tahoe at first. Zero issues. __________________ Ed Wright 4156 SS/JA

05-13-2020, 01:37 PM	#4
Kenney Kelley Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Cocoa Florida Posts: 205 Likes: 181 Liked 72 Times in 36 Posts	Re: new enclosed trailer [maybe aluminum] feedback One thing to think about with a 1/2 Ton truck is all the weight of the truck and the tongue weight of the trailer is supported by only the size of the axle witch might be only 1" to 1 1/2" at the bearing that's a lot of stress right at that point But with a 3/4 -1 ton truck the weight is supported by the rear end housing and not the axle. Just something to think about. Plus along with the weight of the car you will probably add the weight of a generator, air compressor, tool boxes, Battery for a winch and lights, tent with chairs, fuel cans, floor jack, Golf Cart or Pit Bike, Coolers with Ice. That's just a few items you might need before heading to the track. Kenney Kelley Last edited by Kenney Kelley; 05-13-2020 at 02:53 PM.

05-13-2020, 04:03 PM	#5
63corvette Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Canyon, Tx Posts: 552 Likes: 128 Liked 358 Times in 103 Posts	Re: new enclosed trailer [maybe aluminum] feedback My experience over the years and owning both steel and aluminum trailers is aluminum is lighter to pull and if you buy quality aluminum you can not go wrong there. There are steel trailers built with box steel frames which are strong and light. Lightweight for towing is your best bet whatever you pull it with as we all load them down with all the things we carry. I carry much more than I should and probably need to. I have owned Goldrush and they are expensive and other manufacturers are just as good if they use aircraft type aluminum framework. The aircraft quality aluminum is the key to an aluminum trailer being trouble free and lasting. Some manufacturers cut costs by using cheaper aluminum for the frames. I pulled a Goldrush 28 ft. box trailer which was equipped with most all the extras available with a HD 1/2 ton PU with the trailer package without any issues unless it was into a big headwind. With the big head wind I could not run over 60 to 65 MPH. I now have a Rengegade stacker with a aluminum frame and have been fairly pleased with it. My issues with it were with some of the items Renegade bolted onto their box. In any case buy quality as others have said you get what you pay for. Good Luck in Your Search. Rick Cates Canyon, TX

05-14-2020, 01:23 PM	#6
Dave Casey VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Hampden, MA Posts: 1,201 Likes: 233 Liked 774 Times in 164 Posts	Re: new enclosed trailer [maybe aluminum] feedback Love my Goldrush, 19th season , 26' , have towed it with every thing, 1/2 ton , 3/4 ton and 3 or 4 different motorhomes. They are expensive, but well worth it. People get silly and get every option, you don't need to. Before you buy a trailer, simply price out a basic Goldrush. They do make a v nose, but I don't think it matters much. Get a 4 ft side door . A friend of mine has a 20' that he loves. __________________ Dave Casey 1330 STK

05-12-2020, 01:53 PM	#1
jmcarter VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Richmond Hill GA (and Port Ludlow WA) Posts: 4,296 Likes: 2,383 Liked 3,180 Times in 972 Posts	Re: new enclosed trailer [maybe aluminum] feedback While in the Elkhart area getting some MH warranty items taken care of I toured both the InTech and ATC facilities (tour the Newmar plant also in Nappanee if you have time). Both are top notch with completely different manufacturing approaches but I’d give the nod to InTech, their workforce is largely Amish and the craftsmanship is simply better. Beyond that I’d shop locally and support racers when possible, for instance in the west I’d call Jon Irving. In the Northeast I’d look at Chris Howe’s pick, in the Southeast I’d go elsewhere unless price is the #1 item on your list. In the Midwest, I’d second Dyno’s recommendations of talking to Randy at Flying A, they have something for every budget. __________________ Jim Carter 2340 Super Stock 2340 SST/2340 Stock Set another place at the table Last edited by jmcarter; 05-12-2020 at 01:55 PM.

08-10-2020, 10:12 AM	#7
novassdude Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: usa Posts: 752 Likes: 204 Liked 136 Times in 49 Posts	Re: new enclosed trailer [maybe aluminum] feedback I purchased a new Lightning trailer last fall it is built by the same folks as Rance. mine is a 28ft+4v and with full finished interior (no cabinets) AC it weighs just over 4000# I would think a 20-24 would be considerably lighter yet. I like it so far it is a brand I think is worth looking at. I did buy it from a racer but I don't think you want to come to Minnesota to get one. They seems to be all built in Elkhart IN no matter what.