1st Enclosed Trailer Advice

JCChildress · 08-28-2025, 10:21 PM

I'm way over my head financially, going stocker racing. My dad is getting up in age and I really need to get me an enclosed trailer so it's more enjoyable for him and my wife as well. I don't have a diesel truck. I have 2500 Ram with 6.4. I'm thinking a 24 ft with 5200lb axles. I'm not concerned about all the fancy interiors and bells and whistles. I can always add things inside as I go along. My question is, are there brands to absolutely stay away from ? I called a local place today and his 24ft trailers were around $10,000. !! I told him I had seen many for less than $7000. and his reply was " those are the disposable ones built in Georgia ". Should I just be looking at used ones ? I just don't want to but someone else's problem. Any advice is appreciated.

Stk4996 · 08-28-2025, 10:58 PM

I have a 30? Gold Rush for sale. Weighs 4400lbs. 24? of garage and 6? of small Lq. Has a small bed, A/C and shower.
Getting buffed and polished in 2 weeks. Then it?ll be ready for a new owner.

SDmopar · 08-28-2025, 11:04 PM

My opinion go with an older TnE, Goldrush, Featherlight, optima. Or buy a cheaper older atc or cargomate. The new cheap trailers in my experience are complete garbage. I had a 2012 cargomate that was cheap but decent. I bought a brand new one and it was absolute garbage. I now pull a 2007 32? optima bumper. It pulls way nicer and easier than any other trailer I?ve owned. I need to upgrade so I can haul two cars but I?m afraid I won?t be happy with anything after this one. I honestly don?t think there is a difference between the cheap bottom of the barrel trailer for $20k or the new cargomate or vintage for $40,000.

JCChildress · 08-28-2025, 11:05 PM

I appreciate it sir, but Gold Rush is a very nice trailer. They are WAY out of my league. It sounds like a really nice one.

Steve Grady · 08-29-2025, 08:15 AM

Buy the Best QUALITY trailer you can afford. The heavier axles and higher load rated tires the better. 6000 Pound axles with 8 lug 16" wheels preferably. Also invest in a Reese "Strait-Line" Dual Cam sway control weight distributing hitch. It absolutely makes a difference in towing the trailer.

Stk4996 · 08-29-2025, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JCChildress

I appreciate it sir, but Gold Rush is a very nice trailer. They are WAY out of my league. It sounds like a really nice one.

It?s not as high as most of them. I would Take $16500 after it is buffed and polished..

Steve Grady · 08-29-2025, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stk4996

It?s not as high as most of them. I would Take $16500 after it is buffed and polished..

Can't go wrong with a Gold Rush in good condition. And that is a fair price for one.

Run to Rund · Yesterday, 09:40 AM

I have been happy with my 24' Wells Cargo, 5200 lb. axles. I did get the thicker aluminum walls and 3/8" plywood inside. I recommend painting the inside as soon as you get a new one home, before dirt and grease get on the plywood.

08-28-2025, 10:21 PM	#1
JCChildress Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 208 Likes: 8 Liked 13 Times in 6 Posts	1st Enclosed Trailer Advice I'm way over my head financially, going stocker racing. My dad is getting up in age and I really need to get me an enclosed trailer so it's more enjoyable for him and my wife as well. I don't have a diesel truck. I have 2500 Ram with 6.4. I'm thinking a 24 ft with 5200lb axles. I'm not concerned about all the fancy interiors and bells and whistles. I can always add things inside as I go along. My question is, are there brands to absolutely stay away from ? I called a local place today and his 24ft trailers were around $10,000. !! I told him I had seen many for less than $7000. and his reply was " those are the disposable ones built in Georgia ". Should I just be looking at used ones ? I just don't want to but someone else's problem. Any advice is appreciated.

08-28-2025, 10:58 PM	#2
Stk4996 Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2017 Posts: 19 Likes: 1 Liked 10 Times in 4 Posts	Re: 1st Enclosed Trailer Advice I have a 30? Gold Rush for sale. Weighs 4400lbs. 24? of garage and 6? of small Lq. Has a small bed, A/C and shower. Getting buffed and polished in 2 weeks. Then it?ll be ready for a new owner.

08-28-2025, 11:04 PM	#3
SDmopar Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Milbank SD Posts: 102 Likes: 16 Liked 219 Times in 53 Posts	Re: 1st Enclosed Trailer Advice My opinion go with an older TnE, Goldrush, Featherlight, optima. Or buy a cheaper older atc or cargomate. The new cheap trailers in my experience are complete garbage. I had a 2012 cargomate that was cheap but decent. I bought a brand new one and it was absolute garbage. I now pull a 2007 32? optima bumper. It pulls way nicer and easier than any other trailer I?ve owned. I need to upgrade so I can haul two cars but I?m afraid I won?t be happy with anything after this one. I honestly don?t think there is a difference between the cheap bottom of the barrel trailer for $20k or the new cargomate or vintage for $40,000. __________________ Brian Anderson 5058 B/SA 99 Chevy Camaro SS

08-28-2025, 11:05 PM	#4
JCChildress Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 208 Likes: 8 Liked 13 Times in 6 Posts	Re: 1st Enclosed Trailer Advice I appreciate it sir, but Gold Rush is a very nice trailer. They are WAY out of my league. It sounds like a really nice one.

08-29-2025, 08:15 AM	#5
Steve Grady Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2023 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 81 Likes: 105 Liked 137 Times in 46 Posts	Re: 1st Enclosed Trailer Advice Buy the Best QUALITY trailer you can afford. The heavier axles and higher load rated tires the better. 6000 Pound axles with 8 lug 16" wheels preferably. Also invest in a Reese "Strait-Line" Dual Cam sway control weight distributing hitch. It absolutely makes a difference in towing the trailer. __________________ Div 3 Sales, Service and Tech for many manufacturers

Yesterday, 09:40 AM	#8
Run to Rund Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Henderson, NV Posts: 585 Likes: 9 Liked 54 Times in 27 Posts	Re: 1st Enclosed Trailer Advice I have been happy with my 24' Wells Cargo, 5200 lb. axles. I did get the thicker aluminum walls and 3/8" plywood inside. I recommend painting the inside as soon as you get a new one home, before dirt and grease get on the plywood.