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Small Cabin Forum / Off Topic / Best small utility trailer
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creeky
Member
# Posted: 28 Jun 2019 09:17
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Don't forget. The Tesla Model 3 is suitable for towing. 2000 lbs. In Europe you can order the tow kit pre-installed. In N.A. you have to install your own.

KinAlberta
Member
# Posted: 2 Jul 2019 20:58
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Should have loads of torque.

KinAlberta
Member
# Posted: 15 Aug 2019 23:11
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I finally ended up buying a 6x12 aluminum trailer made by ATC (aluminum trailer company).

It’s a bit bigger and more costly than I’d planned to buy but more versatile. It could use a few more tie downs/cleats but the railings are pretty sturdy square tubing.

On my last quick trip I noted that one wheel hub was warmer than the other so I need to pump some grease into it and check it again soon.

I’d considered getting another steel trailer but everyone I saw was rusty and the thought of regularly maintaining and painting it was unrealistic. Id just have been buying a “make work project”.

KinAlberta
Member
# Posted: 15 Aug 2019 23:22
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Quoting: Wilbour
You mentioned replacing your Subaru. Have you seen the 2020 Outback? Lots of nice stuff on this one. Better bang for your buck if you were otherwise looking at a full sized SUV, unless you haul for a living.

I did replace the Subaru. Ended up with a used Audi Q7 TDI (diesel).

Where the Subaru gas V6 was getting 12 L/100km the fair bit bigger Audi is getting about 7-8 L/100km and the range us close to 900-1,000 km!

Interestingly, towing the open deck trailer at about 100kph with the ramp sticking up vertical showed the fuel economy being cut nearly in half!!!! My gauge was showing fuel consumption jumping up to 17 - 18 - 20 l/100km so I stopped and folded it down onto the deck. The fuel economy fell much closer to where the vehicle is without the trailer attached. Must act like a big parachute.

Brettny
Member
# Posted: 16 Aug 2019 06:04
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Those ramps sticking up can do that. I had a little 4x8ft trailer with a really tall ramp. Even behind my 6,000lb yukon with 6L engine it felt like i had a brake on. I cut the ramp way down.

If you find your self not needing the ramp alot remove it. A set of aluminum ramps are not expensive and more versatile.

toyota_mdt_tech
Member
# Posted: 16 Aug 2019 18:48
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Or cover ramp with expanded metal (grate material) so it can breathe

KinAlberta
Member
# Posted: 17 Aug 2019 01:35
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The one on mine folds flat onto the deck which helps when you don’t have a load.

Brettny
Member
# Posted: 17 Aug 2019 12:05
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That only helps half the time. Unless your driving around with an empty trailer alot.

KinAlberta
Member
# Posted: 28 Mar 2022 19:30 - Edited by: KinAlberta
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So as i said earlier, the aluminum utility trailer i bought could use more tie downs.

Has anyone used “E-track” or “L-track”?
Any good or bad experiences?

I’m thinking that they would greatly improve the situation. Right now I spend too much time trying to secure loads due to the design.


My ATV trailer is very similar to this one:

6X12 ATC UTILITY TRAILER
https://orlanditrailer.com/inventory/7355/atc/aluminum-trailers/6x12-atc-utility-trai ler

gcrank1
Member
# Posted: 28 Mar 2022 19:39
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I pick up those broke-off ends of the webbing tie down straps laying on the road; like the ones that are at least 2.5' long with a hook on.
I turn them into 'extension' ties, either tie a loop on the off end (and a hard, tight knot on the very end to prevent pull though) or make one big loop as a 'loop thru' with the hook to hook another on to.
They work great on roof rack rails or any place I can on my little railer that is shy many attachment points.

darz5150
Member
# Posted: 28 Mar 2022 19:51
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I have these on the walls and a couple places on the floor of my enclosed trailer. Also have used them on one of my utility trailers. You just pop out the tie down rings when not needed.
They work pretty good.
Ring tie down
Ring tie down


ICC
Member
# Posted: 28 Mar 2022 21:12
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Quoting: KinAlberta
Has anyone used “E-track” or “L-track”?


I have been a huge fan of both for a long time. We first used E-tracks on assorted ranch wagons, carts, trucks many year ago. I also like the L-track. The narrower L-track suits some applications better. I like both because you can place the actual tie point where you want it, as long as the tracks runs close by. Any other fixed points are often in the wrong place, or you need too many of them.

In part it depends of whether or not the task is best served with 2" wide straps (E-track) or if 1" wide straps (L-track) will do the job.

Some people like the narrower size of L-track better, but that is aesthetics and aesthetics should not enter into securing a load.

darz5150
Member
# Posted: 28 Mar 2022 23:24
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Quoting: ICC
Some people like the narrower size of L-track better, but that is aesthetics and aesthetics should not enter into securing a load.

In a previous life, I helped build 52 foot professional racing trailers. The E track was the go to in most of them.

Asher
Member
# Posted: 29 Mar 2022 01:24
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If you can swing it, I would look at something in the 5x10 or 6x10 range. I have had alot of trailers and the one that is handiest was the 5x10. Even better was that it had a truck tool box mounted up front allowing tools, syraps, etc to sway out of the weather and secured. Also make sure your gate can fold forward and lay on the floor when empty, those gates are like parachutes.. I would lean towards a good angle iron steel frame, it will last plenty long and not stress crack and quickly as aluminum. If it does anyone can weld it. There is a reason that 80% semi trucks are running steel frame trailers instead of aluminum.

cbright
Member
# Posted: 6 Apr 2022 09:47
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I also have a Touareg and a small (4' 1/2 x 8') Snow Bear (Canadian brand) trailer. Works great for most things (lumber,etc.), but I kind of wish I had a slightly bigger one. Maybe a 5'x10'.

Touareg tows the trailer with a full load (1500lbs) like it isn't even there.

KinAlberta
Member
# Posted: 12 Apr 2023 18:09
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Well I bought some E-track and am looking forward to installing it.

The front-to-back orientation of the aluminum deck channel will present some mounting problems. I plan to use long bolts through to additional e-track I’ll be using as backing plate under the deck.

Brettny
Member
# Posted: 13 Apr 2023 10:26
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If your mounting steel parts to a aluminum trailer you should use stainless bolts and lay down some rubber or plastic to keep the parts separate. Alot of issues with steel contracting aluminum making the aluminum corrode.

travellerw
Member
# Posted: 13 Apr 2023 12:17
Reply 


E-Track is amazing.. and fairly affordable at Princess Auto (although it has risen quite a bit recently).

If you are loading an ATV/UTV I will suggest the wheel basket straps. Once you have secured an ATV with those you will never use anything else. ATV is fully secured and suspension is free to do what it does, no worry about popping a strap off!

Brettny is right about the corrosion. The e-track will eventually corrode the aluminum if you put it directly on it. However, it will take a long time in Alberta's dry climate.

gcrank1
Member
# Posted: 13 Apr 2023 12:20
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Think they make a goo for that separation too

Jackson
Member
# Posted: 26 May 2023 21:23
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I use E Track on my trailer for my SxS. One strap over a front tire and one over a rear tire and it's locked down. Quick and easy.

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