Ordering a trailer for hauling my LJ

LJtheunicorn

LJtheunicorn

TJ Enthusiast
Supporting Member
Joined
Dec 15, 2020
Messages
410
Location
Dallas, Texas
So I am about to order my trailer for hauling the Jeep and wanted to reach out to see what everyone has added to their trailers that I may want to add to mine.

My plan is to pull the trailer and Jeep with my F-150 3.5 ecoboost which I’ve already done and it handles great on a trailer identical to the one I plan to order. Eventually I will upgrade to a F-350 single wheel 7.3 gasser but that’s not in the near future. A buddies dad has the same trailer I am wanting to buy and I’ve borrowed it many times to haul the Jeep as seen here, haven’t used a Weight Distribution Hitch yet but not opposed to getting one.
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Trailer is a Kearney which is a pretty big manufacture here in texas
18ft (16 flat 2 ft dove)
5200 pound axles brakes on both axles
Jacks on both sides of rear
Storage box on tongue holding all parts to completely rebuild the axle and brakes on the road with extra lights
Spare Tires mounted on both sides of trailer (2 spares)
D rings up and down both sides for tons of tie down options
Possibly job box on deck to hold other gear if needed
EZ track across front to tie down fire wood generators and other smaller items
Receiver hitch mounted to front rail for future winch needs or to hold a bike rack


Something I’m looking into is recommendations for a non slip coating to put on the wood as the trailer will act as a deck when at camp, wet wood is a slip n slide. My concern with regular deck coating is how it will hold up to the tires rubbing while going down the highway. This can be eliminated by a plate or something mounted to deck where each tire falls.

Also looking into doing something like this in the future, if you’ve got something similar post it up!

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Thanks in advance!
 
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I hate wood decks. They don't last in the Oregon rain and damp. Get a sandbag of fine grain sand and mix a bunch into your choice of vinyl paint.

I like Mac's tie down rails. They also have weld on axle brackets. Good stuff for securing vehicles.

One thing to consider...is the trailer big enough for the truck? If the truck broke down could you emergency tow it with the Jeep?

Lots of boxes for spare parts, tools etc.

-Mac
 
macleanflood said:
I hate wood decks. They don't last in the Oregon rain and damp. Get a sandbag of fine grain sand and mix a bunch into your choice of vinyl paint.

I like Mac's tie down rails. They also have weld on axle brackets. Good stuff for securing vehicles.

One thing to consider...is the trailer big enough for the truck? If the truck broke down could you emergency tow it with the Jeep?

Lots of boxes for spare parts, tools etc.

-Mac
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Yes trailer is big enough to haul truck. 18 ft is overkill for the Jeep to be able to haul much bigger loads such as trucks and others.

I like metal idea but in Texas metal gets too damn hot and wood does lasts so it works out.

You’re the second reference to say sand in the paint, the other guy had only heard about it but never actually done it himself. Have you actually done it?
 
LJtheunicorn said:
Yes trailer is big enough to haul truck. 18 ft is overkill for the Jeep to be able to haul much bigger loads such as trucks and others.

I like metal idea but in Texas metal gets too damn hot and wood does lasts so it works out.

You’re the second reference to say sand in the paint, the other guy had only heard about it but never actually done it himself. Have you actually done it?
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Yup. Steps. Trailer decks. Plywood. It's wet most of the year here.
 
LJtheunicorn said:
Yes trailer is big enough to haul truck. 18 ft is overkill for the Jeep to be able to haul much bigger loads such as trucks and others.

I like metal idea but in Texas metal gets too damn hot and wood does lasts so it works out.

You’re the second reference to say sand in the paint, the other guy had only heard about it but never actually done it himself. Have you actually done it?
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There is a sand used for paint you should be able to find it in the paint section. I would consider using some type of stain or deck sealer. When paint peels you have to sand or scrape it. Stain or sealer you should be able to pressure wash and recoat.
 
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I had to purchase a new trailer in 2020 after my other one was stolen. I had an 18’ total length trailer with the 16’+2’ dovetail but went to an 18’ +2’ dovetail this time. It not only gives me a bit more room to move the Jeep around to get a proper tongue weight but allows me room for a few coolers and a dirtbike or quad. It also allows me to load my tractor with the brush mower attached. I’m really glad I got the slightly longer trailer. As for tie downs I use MACS for the Jeep and I have chains, binders and 2” cargo straps for hauling other things. I had a metal deck trailer and hated it. It was pretty but it was hot as hell. Slick as hell when wet or when oil etc got on it. My current trailer has a wood deck and metal covered dovetail. Some companies offer a rubber coated wood board. I can’t remember what it’s called. But I just stain my boards when I buy new trailers. Then restrain them as needed every few years. I used Happy Trailer sales out of Texas for my last two trailers even though I’m in Colorado. Saved me 2k even after the cost of the trip on this last trailer than purchasing the exact same trailer in Colorado and I didn’t have to wait two months for it to arrive.
 
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Rescue6 said:
I had to purchase a new trailer in 2020 after my other one was stolen. I had an 18’ total length trailer with the 16’+2’ dovetail but went to an 18’ +2’ dovetail this time. It not only gives me a bit more room to move the Jeep around to get a proper tongue weight but allows me room for a few coolers and a dirtbike or quad. It also allows me to load my tractor with the brush mower attached. I’m really glad I got the slightly longer trailer. As for tie downs I use MACS for the Jeep and I have chains, binders and 2” cargo straps for hauling other things. I had a metal deck trailer and hated it. It was pretty but it was hot as hell. Slick as hell when wet or when oil etc got on it. My current trailer has a wood deck and metal covered dovetail. Some companies offer a rubber coated wood board. I can’t remember what it’s called. But I just stain my boards when I buy new trailers. Then restrain them as needed every few years. I used Happy Trailer sales out of Texas for my last two trailers even though I’m in Colorado. Saved me 2k even after the cost of the trip on this last trailer than purchasing the exact same trailer in Colorado and I didn’t have to wait two months for it to arrive.
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I am already pushing my storage space with an 18 ft trailer, longer is always better but it won’t work in my current situation
 
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Not meaning to hijack, but do you all have any trailer brands to avoid?

I'm needing to add an equipment trailer and been looking at 14k lb bumper pulled ones.

I'm loving the canopy ideas btw. I've setup tents on trailers and stuff before, but never thought too much about some of these setups. We've got a couple truck bed campers as well sitting around.
 
BugoutJeep said:
Not meaning to hijack, but do you all have any trailer brands to avoid?

I'm needing to add an equipment trailer and been looking at 14k lb bumper pulled ones
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My buddy has a 20ft diamond c equipment trailer and it is a beast. We’ve drug it all over Texas and it’s done great, skid steers small tractors pallets and pallets of sod. It also has a recessed tool box up front for all straps spare tire and lots more room inside. Very good trailer.

Max’d and load trail also make some very good trailers. Load trail is owned by the brother of PJ trailers I believe
 
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@LJtheunicorn

Is the first pic exactly like the one you'll order? How did you have it tied down on that trailer?

I borrow a trailer from a friend whenever I want to tow and I wish it had d-rings or something that is straight in front of the front and rear axle so I'm not using the side rails. The last time I was tying down the strap was really close to the front tire. It isn't my trailer but I doubt he would mind if I paid for someone to weld on some extra pieces.

As for the heat, you're right, the steel trailers get damn hot during the summer. If you end up painting or staining the wood go with something light colored.
 
I mostly see Gatormade and BigTex trailers around here in that size range. My use for one isn't incredibly heavy or frequent, but when I need it I pretty much need it and it used to be easy to get someone to move something for a couple hundred bucks, but I can hardly beg someone to get anything for twice that now and I've been abusing my 7k lb utility trailer with our little tractors and random stuff I can't load properly with a fork lift because of the sides of the trailer.

I've been leaning toward getting a 20ft + dovetail, so I could tow a long bed ton truck. But I'd like to go with 14k lb so I can tow one of our bigger tractors that's ~10k lbs with a little bit of additional gear and I only need to tow it when it's broken.
 
BugoutJeep said:
I mostly see Gatormade and BigTex trailers around here in that size range. My use for one isn't incredibly heavy or frequent, but when I need it I pretty much need it and it used to be easy to get someone to move something for a couple hundred bucks, but I can hardly beg someone to get anything for twice that now and I've been abusing my 7k lb utility trailer with our little tractors and random stuff I can't load properly with a fork lift because of the sides of the trailer.

I've been leaning toward getting a 20ft + dovetail, so I could tow a long bed ton truck. But I'd like to go with 14k lb so I can tow one of our bigger tractors that's ~10k lbs with a little bit of additional gear and I only need to tow it when it's broken.
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Good trailers don’t come cheap. The diamond c car haulers are bad to the bone but they’re like 8k for an 18 fter

If you’re wanting a badass equipment trailer they’re be at the top of my list. Big Tex makes a good trailer but they’re mass produced and don’t like to do customer stuff as easily. Also wait time is a hassle and they go through a dealer. Kearney doesn’t use a dealer, 2 week lead time right now and fully customizable.
rhanna said:
@LJtheunicorn

Is the first pic exactly like the one you'll order? How did you have it tied down on that trailer?

I borrow a trailer from a friend whenever I want to tow and I wish it had d-rings or something that is straight in front of the front and rear axle so I'm not using the side rails. The last time I was tying down the strap was really close to the front tire. It isn't my trailer but I doubt he would mind if I paid for someone to weld on some extra pieces.

As for the heat, you're right, the steel trailers get damn hot during the summer. If you end up painting or staining the wood go with something light colored.
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I bought some lasso wheel straps from
https://www.autohaulersupply.com/
their warehouse is about 20 minutes from me in Dallas and it’s like a damn toy store, they have every strap you’ll ever need in there. They mainly work with hot shotters and truckers but they also do retail. They have a few warehouses throughout the country so they may have one in tennessee. Real good people and you actually get a human when you call.
 
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LJtheunicorn said:
Good trailers don’t come cheap. The diamond c car haulers are bad to the bone but they’re like 8k for an 18 fter

If you’re wanting a badass equipment trailer they’re be at the top of my list. Big Tex makes a good trailer but they’re mass produced and don’t like to do customer stuff as easily. Also wait time is a hassle and they go through a dealer. Kearney doesn’t use a dealer, 2 week lead time right now and fully customizable.

I bought some lasso wheel straps from
https://www.autohaulersupply.com/
their warehouse is about 20 minutes from me in Dallas and it’s like a damn toy store, they have every strap you’ll ever need in there. They mainly work with hot shotters and truckers but they also do retail. They have a few warehouses throughout the country so they may have one in tennessee. Real good people and you actually get a human when you call.
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I figured I'm in the $8k range if I'm going with a basic mass produced trailer. I really don't need much custom stuff besides a place to put my own tongue box/winch.

I've got 2 trailers right now for a total of $500 so I'm due to spend some money. Granted I've put about $1,300 back into them, but they just aren't suited for equipment and they are fairly rough.
 
BugoutJeep said:
I figured I'm in the $8k range if I'm going with a basic mass produced trailer. I really don't need much custom stuff besides a place to put my own tongue box/winch.

I've got 2 trailers right now for a total of $500 so I'm due to spend some money. Granted I've put about $1,300 back into them, but they just aren't suited for equipment and they are fairly rough.
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A good trailer is worth the money. I’ve used plenty of rough trailers but if I m putting my Jeep on it and traveling 2000 miles I want to make sure it’s in tip top shape! I think he paid around 10 for his diamond c but I don’t remember, that was a few drinks go
 
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LJtheunicorn said:
A good trailer is worth the money. I’ve used plenty of rough trailers but if I m putting my Jeep on it and traveling 2000 miles I want to make sure it’s in tip top shape! I think he paid around 10 for his diamond c but I don’t remember, that was a few drinks go
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The MSRP on the one I'd like for a Diamond C is just under $11k. Maybe that can come down a bit. It appears pretty much exactly what I want. I only checked a Gatormade dealer that was local so far and that was for a smaller trailer and the winch accommodation for me is a big deal, but they didn't address it when I talked with them, but I didn't really push them hard on it either. However considering I'm going to occasionally be dragging on a 10k lb piece of equipment, it's important for me. Also some of these claim to be powder coated so I'd rather not have to grind off the finish and weld in a plate either.

We have hotshots pretty frequently at our shop with all kinds of different trailers. I'm still shopping and I'm in no hurry, plus I need to replace the clutch on my truck. I went with a modest tune and my clutch is slipping anytime I use much throttle at all.
 
An 18’ 10K trailer is a good size to go with. You will find many other uses for it once you get it. I have a Load Trail wood deck and a Big Tex steel deck. I tow with F250/F350s and do not use a load distributing hitch but with a F150 it may be helpful.
My 2 cents:
Make sure you have walk on fenders.

You can not have enough D-rings. This gives you plenty of tie down options for other things besides your TJ.

I use frame hooks with flat hook straps. Mytee products has the best prices on these.

Do Not paint the wood deck as it will not hold up. I treat my deck with boiled linseed oil. I start with a coat of 1/3 copper wood preservative, 1/3 linseed and 1/3 paint thinner and then follow up with straight linseed oil until the wood stops absorbing it. The down side with this is that it takes a while for it to dry. I do not find this to be slippery but you can sprinkle #20 silica sand on the wet surface. I use a mason jar with holes punched in it for this and find it gives a good even spread.

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