Enclosed or Open Trailer
 

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

Re: Enclosed or Open Trailer
 

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.

Re: Enclosed or Open Trailer
 

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

Re: Enclosed or Open Trailer
 

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.

http://i434.photobucket.com/albums/q...psf634ee72.jpg

Re: Enclosed or Open Trailer
 

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.

Re: Enclosed or Open Trailer
 

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. :)

http://i434.photobucket.com/albums/q...ps7e81818a.jpg

Re: Enclosed or Open Trailer
 

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

Re: Enclosed or Open Trailer
 

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.

Re: Enclosed or Open Trailer
 

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

Re: Enclosed or Open Trailer
 

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

Re: Enclosed or Open Trailer
 

Rich is that an Econo-Trailer from PA?

Re: Enclosed or Open Trailer
 

I have no idea of the manufacturer Greg. I bought the trailer from a OMC training instructor in Atlanta in 1998 and it was well used then. He was upgrading to a enclosed trailer because he had no inside storage room at his home. The trailer was originally a full steel bed...I cut the center section out myself to lighten it up. It was handy as I even put a shift kit in the transmission of a '99 Camaro while loaded on the trailer. Winch, spare tire carrier and new fenders were added by me.

Re: Enclosed or Open Trailer
 

I have an enclosed trailer with the rubber diamond plate flooring. Does anyone know what you would clean the floor with? I've used just plain warm water and a mop and it does nothing..

Any help would be appreciated. Thank's......

Re: Enclosed or Open Trailer
 

That seems about right. I bought a 24 ft. Wells in '03, and if I recall the brochure correctly, it weighs around 3200 lbs. Its one of the best purchases I've ever made.
Danny Durham

Re: Enclosed or Open Trailer
 

Here are a few more Wells Cargo weights, from their brochure:
7700 lb. gvw, 7000 lb. axle gawr
18' box, 20', 22, 24'
2900 lb, 3100 lb, 3300 lb. 3500 lb.

10,000 lb. gvw, 10,000 lb. gawr
box length in feet--18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 32
2900, 3100, 3300, 3500, 4000, 4500, 4850 lb.

Note that thicker aluminum (.040") skin and 3/8" interior side plywood add weight. A lot of people use heavier floor materials instead of paint.

Re: Enclosed or Open Trailer
 

In regards to the rough weight of an aluminum enclosed, I recall Motorsports Trailers telling a friend of mine who was picking his up that they are about 100 lbs. per foot.
His 24 did work out to 2400 lbs. empty. That would bring the aluminum in about 500 lbs. lighter than the steel Wells Cargo's quoted earlier. Plus it won't get any rust or termites.