Best Length Utility Trailer

vbprsx

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Looking to get either a 10’ or 12’ utility trailer for hauling 4wheelers, construction materials/tools, etc. Any recommendation on which length works best with the 4Runner? I’ve read a good bit on folks pulling way more than they should so it’s not a question of capability but that of convenience and handling. Thanks!
 
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Looking to get either a 10’ or 12’ utility trailer for hauling 4wheelers, construction materials/tools, etc. Any recommendation on which length works best with the 4Runner? I’ve read a good bit on folks pulling way more than they should so it’s not a question of capability but that of convenience and handling. Thanks!


I am personally a fan of Felling tilt trailers, double axle, 10 feet in length. No ramps! Have electric brakes, my work trailer had wood decking. Was super nice and new.


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my 18' tandem axle 12k hybrid dump trailer seems to be the ticket, it currently has 3k worth of trimmings in the dump body, plus a 1k mower and all my other equipment on the front deck. but i pull it with the f250 :shrug:


seriously though, if youre stuck on 10 or 12, just go with the 12' one. tandem axles help tongue weight alot, might as well get brakes on it. make sure you can fit sheets of drywall/plywood easily if its enclosed. Tractor supply had some tandem axle open deck trailers that looked decent enough for DIY/weekend warrior type.
 
Agree on the 12' trailer. Shorter trailers with no fold down ramps makes is hard seeing where the trailer is going when backing up, but having a longer trailer helps see where that trailer is going via side mirrors.

If you do decide to get double axle, be sure to add e-brake module to your 4Runner. It's easy to not realize how much weight you end up hauling once you start using your trailer more often. It's plug and play with Redarc Tow Pro Elite. I like them because it's a nice clean profile when installed.
 
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If you do decide to get double axle, be sure to add e-brake module to your 4Runner. It's easy to not realize how much weight you end up hauling once you start using your trailer more often. It's plug and play with Redarc Tow Pro Elite. I like them because it's a nice clean profile when installed.

Just a reminder that the latest years of 4Runners come with an e-brake harness. I found mine in the glove box.
 
Does length even matter? I've hauled regularly for years with my airbagged GX, 8' and 14' (mine), and 16' (company) trailers. Never noticed a difference in handling as long as the weight front:rear was correct. Too much weight on the rear of a trailer and it sucks no matter what you're pulling with. With springs you'll need to be more mindful of tongue weight, definitely consider getting a weight distributing hitch, and make sure that one will be be compatible with your trailer, so no surge brakes or crossmember where the bars bolt to trailer frame
 
Buy the one that is at least 2' longer than what you think you need. I have purchased two trailers and both would have been much better if there was an extra amount of space. :)

Steve
 
I use a 5'x8' for my Honda Rancher. I went small because I was originally pulling it with a 2015 Highlander. If I had known I was going to get a 4Runner, I'd have gone with a 12' so I could put a box on it for my dog training gear. I may still upgrade in the future.
 
6X12 with a ramp always go for 12ft long. if you get a single axel make sure you get a spare tire and wheel. I paid 950 for my 6x12 trailer with a ramp, it was brand new. good luck
 
Does length even matter? I've hauled regularly for years with my airbagged GX, 8' and 14' (mine), and 16' (company) trailers. Never noticed a difference in handling as long as the weight front:rear was correct. Too much weight on the rear of a trailer and it sucks no matter what you're pulling with. With springs you'll need to be more mindful of tongue weight, definitely consider getting a weight distributing hitch, and make sure that one will be be compatible with your trailer, so no surge brakes or crossmember where the bars bolt to trailer frame

length matters (lol) especially cause it gives you flexibility on where to load up say a rzr. you can place it on the axles instead of having to put it all the way to the front killing your tongue weight.
 
I faced a similar choice a while back when I was deciding between a 10’ and 12’ utility trailer for my 4Runner. Both can work, but it really depends on what you're hauling most often. The 10’ is easier to maneuver and park, great for smaller loads like 4-wheelers or lawn equipment.

But I went with a 12’ because I sometimes haul construction materials, and that extra space really comes in handy.

I've found that my 4Runner does fine with a 12’, though you do need a bit more space for turns and backing up. When I was looking for a trailer, I checked out Boom and Bucket's used equipment offerings and found a good deal there. It saved me a lot compared to buying new.
 
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12 will tow easier than an 8 for reference. 16 tows easier than a 12. Loading larger items on a larger trailer gives more room to distribute the load and even it out. Larger trailer generally leads to overloading however, so obviously watch the tongue weight. If the choice is 10 or 12, unless something restricts you from parking the 12', id do the larger 10/10 times.
 
I've got an old, 2,500# capacity, 6' box trailer that my late father picked up back in the 1970s at an auction. I've had it since 2009. It's rusted, ugly but solid, has full size 10 ply trailer tires. It's light but heavy for its size, tows like a dream.

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I use it mainly for taking my trash cans and other refuse to the dump, bringing home pallets with a ton of heating pellets, hauling items too large and dirty/smelly to put in the back of the 4Runner. Being short, it is quick to turn in reverse. There are times I wish for a larger trailer, but not enough to justify the expense of buying a new or used unit.
 
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Looking to get either a 10’ or 12’ utility trailer for hauling 4wheelers, construction materials/tools, etc. Any recommendation on which length works best with the 4Runner? I’ve read a good bit on folks pulling way more than they should so it’s not a question of capability but that of convenience and handling. Thanks!

I have a 5' X 8' utility trailer (full size tires) that carries my ATV just fine behind my 4Runner. Hardly notice it is there. Also light enough to push by hand if needed, like backing into a tight parking space.
 
I have a Triton Elite 16-101 aluminum with ramp in the back that stores underneath, trailer weight is 1000lbs, can haul 4000lbs, has dual Dexter Tortion axles with 10" tires and brakes on both axles if needed. Matches the 5000lb towing capacity of the 4R perfect. This trailer is a V nose so it has extra room on the deck. Has tie down rails for ATV's or sleds.Dual axle is more stable when towing.
Large deck comes in handy at Lowes or Home Depot.
 

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