Towing an exclosed trailer

[4x4v8]

I'm looking into getting an enclosed trailer. I am looking in the neighborhood of a 5 or 6ft by 10ft long.

1. I don't believe weight will be an issue but does anyone have any problems towing it comfortably? I tow a 6x10 trailer and have it stacked up and towed it no problem. But with this enclosed trailer I am going to have tools in it and pull it for an hour at a time.

2. Should I go single axle or tandem? I dont think my load will ever be heavy enough that I will need electrical brakes.

3. With a 6ft wide trailer do, will I need to get goofy trailer mirrors? I would rather go less width and get a longer trailer.

The 2 that I am considering...
Miska Trailer Factor - Superior Quality Trailer Manufacturer.

http://www.miskatrailers.com/enclosed/cargo_trailerdetails.asp?cc1=3&cc2=2&cc3=3&pid=9

Anyone know anything about Miska enclosed trailers? I have a utility trailer by them and it is solid. BTW, my budget is around $2500 CDN. But all the used ones on craisglist and kijiji are all closer to $3000 and have been worked.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

If you are planning going any distance and 5ft is wide enough I'd do the 5ft. I have towed two open utility trailers, one 5ft and on 6ft. No comparison! The 5ft makes the track about the same as the T4R and the difference in wind drag is huge. The difference in MPG is substantial in my experience with those two open trailers.

How much does the wedge front cost? I'd look at that too.


Unless you're hauling loads of Poly-fil to the local quilting fest don't skimp on trailer brakes.

 

[4x4v8]

If you are planning going any distance and 5ft is wide enough I'd do the 5ft. I have towed two open utility trailers, one 5ft and on 6ft. No comparison! The 5ft makes the track about the same as the T4R and the difference in wind drag is huge. The difference in MPG is substantial in my experience with those two open trailers.

How much does the wedge front cost? I'd look at that too.


Unless you're hauling loads of Poly-fil to the local quilting fest don't skimp on trailer brakes.

Yea, I have a a utility trailer that has a 6ft wide bed, but the wheels stick out and I cant put it in the garage. Ideally I would like to put it in the garage. I am not too concerned about gas costs as long as it isnt a ridiculous amount. I think I can get away with a 5ft wide trailer.

Do you think I am going to be able to put my quad (Kodiak 450) into it as well?

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Yea, I have a a utility trailer that has a 6ft wide bed, but the wheels stick out and I cant put it in the garage. Ideally I would like to put it in the garage. I am not too concerned about gas costs as long as it isnt a ridiculous amount. I think I can get away with a 5ft wide trailer.

Do you think I am going to be able to put my quad (Kodiak 450) into it as well?

Kodiak 450 is listed at 43" wide, 5ft is 60 inches.

Get it in the garage I'd look at the overall height of the trailer vs the height of the opening on the garage door. Many standard garage doors may not allow for a tall, closed trailer.

 

[4x4v8]

Kodiak 450 is listed at 43" wide, 5ft is 60 inches.

Get it in the garage I'd look at the overall height of the trailer vs the height of the opening on the garage door. Many standard garage doors may not allow for a tall, closed trailer.

Yea, well I will need to check them out as well to see the finish on it. Nobody I have asked really knows much about the Miska Trailers...

 

[jetboy1975]

A 6x10 should be no problem to tow at all unless you're going to load it with cement. Dual axle will always tow better ie less sway, bounce etc and safer if you have a blowout.

Most provinces require seperate brakes for trailers over 3000lbs and mirrors are a good idea. The police have been crcking down here in Ontario on roadside mirror tests. How many fingers is the officer standind at the back right corner of your trailer holding up kinda thing.

Whatever you get, make sure it's insured proper with the tools and have a good hitch lock for when not in use. Lots of construction trailer get stolen. Good luck in your search

 

[4x4v8]

Dual axle will always tow better ie less sway, bounce etc and safer if you have a blowout.

Those are good things to keep in mind. Since I will be doing mostly highway driving with the trailer I think I should go with a tandem in case of a blowout. I definitely don't want to take chances when running around on the major highways.

 

[TechWrench]

Two things to consider, the overall width includling the wheels, and the tongue weight when loaded. From the links you gave, the 6' unit is 92" wide (7.6'), and the 5' unit is 81" wide (6.7') The overall width will determine if you can fit it into the garage. The factory specs indicate either 110 or 100 lbs tongue weight, but that is empty. Considering the placement of the single axle, the tongue weight will increase as you load the trailer in front of the axle. Both units are near 5K with the maximum rated loads, which your 4Runner is rated to tow, but I would recomment a WD hitch setup, with sway control. Since you have a V8, I am assuming you already have the WD capable,frame mounted, factory receiver. A single axle trailer is more prone to sway problems than dual axle models, and if you have side wind conditions, sway could become a problem. As for electric brakes, I would suggest you get them. There is nothing more scary than trying to to stop a loaded trailer, that is pushing you, in a hurry.

 

[4x4v8]

Two things to consider, the overall width includling the wheels, and the tongue weight when loaded. From the links you gave, the 6' unit is 92" wide (7.6'), and the 5' unit is 81" wide (6.7') The overall width will determine if you can fit it into the garage. The factory specs indicate either 110 or 100 lbs tongue weight, but that is empty. Considering the placement of the single axle, the tongue weight will increase as you load the trailer in front of the axle. Both units are near 5K with the maximum rated loads, which your 4Runner is rated to tow, but I would recomment a WD hitch setup, with sway control. Since you have a V8, I am assuming you already have the WD capable,frame mounted, factory receiver. A single axle trailer is more prone to sway problems than dual axle models, and if you have side wind conditions, sway could become a problem. As for electric brakes, I would suggest you get them. There is nothing more scary than trying to to stop a loaded trailer, that is pushing you, in a hurry.

Yes, I know what you mean. I have never pulled an enclosed trailer on my 4runner so I have no idea how much sway and such there will be. The only time I pulled an enclosed trailer was in a F250 diesel pulling a 26ish ft trailer fully loaded with tools and material. Needless to say, the trailer never budged. I don't see pulling power being an issue as much as stopping power. I do property management so the trailer shouldn't be that heavy even with all my tools. I just want to make sure I don't have any regrets after getting it or grow out of it.

 

[WNY 4Runner]

Another thing to remember is that loading a quad (or whatever) in a single axle trailer - when not connected to tow vehicle can be a little scary ... unless you have stabilizer jacks in back. Always seemed to be a pain in the a$$ to hook the trailer up to the truck to load/unload drag bike. My dual axle 6x17 trailer did not need to be hooked up to load/unload.

I have towed a 6x10 enclosed trailer with my '97 V6 4runner with a 1993 Harley Heritage Softtail Classic in the back from NY to PA and had no problems. It was a single axle trailer w/ no electric brakes, no WD hitch, no sway control, etc.

One other thing I have learned ... no matter how big your trailer is ... it is NEVER big enough !! I am sure you wont have any problems.

 

[4x4v8]

Another thing to remember is that loading a quad (or whatever) in a single axle trailer - when not connected to tow vehicle can be a little scary ... unless you have stabilizer jacks in back. Always seemed to be a pain in the a$$ to hook the trailer up to the truck to load/unload drag bike. My dual axle 6x17 trailer did not need to be hooked up to load/unload.

I know exactly what you mean. I friend had an atv trailer and we tried to load up a quad thinking that it would be okay without it being locked onto the truck. Needless to say, the trailer flipped back and crushed his license plate. We weren't very happy but later laughed at our stupidity.

Thanks for reminding me of stabilizer jacks. I think I am going to look for one with a tandem axel (if I can find one at a good price).

 

[Big_John]

as far as towing goes we tow a JAyco camper, it is a light weight camper and is just over 7' wide, and I do not use extra mirrors, @ 8' it would be needed.
As far as tandem and singles, singles are great and perfect for your use. I keep a log, and at 3 years I replace the tires, 5 years I repack the bearings and have to have ever had a problem.
If you look on etrailer, they sell a prodigy brake controler, and the adapter cable that ties right in with the Toyota 4runner ready to go plug that is under the dash on the drivers side. If your going to be towing anythign that weighs half or more of the UNloaded vehicle weight you should get one and a trailer that has brakes. The last things you want are trailers that push you, or god forbid come around on you.

 

[kustinkase04]

I'm looking into getting an enclosed trailer. I am looking in the neighborhood of a 5 or 6ft by 10ft long.



The 2 that I am considering...
Miska Trailer Factor - Superior Quality Trailer Manufacturer.

Miska Trailer Factor - Superior Quality Trailer Manufacturer.

Anyone know anything about Miska enclosed trailers? I have a utility trailer by them and it is solid. BTW, my budget is around $2500 CDN. But all the used ones on craisglist and kijiji are all closer to $3000 and have been worked.

I would be careful of Miska Trailers. They are not good to their customers. Have a look: at the Unsatisfied Miska Customers group on Facebook: Login | Facebook

 

[4x4v8]

I would be careful of Miska Trailers. They are not good to their customers. Have a look: at the Unsatisfied Miska Customers group on Facebook: Login | Facebook

Well....that gives me something to think about now...

 

[unixadm]

I tow a 2008 5x8 Haulmark DS2 V-Nose enclosed trailer, and empty I hardly notice it's back there. The width is only slightly more than the T4R, and it even didn't affect my MPG much at all.

 

[jacal]

I have this open trailer:
Metro Centre Ltd. Trailers, trailer parts and service, marine dock and accessories
(the one at the top - light duty landscape; 5x10). Primary duty is hauling my ATV, which has tracks on in the winter.

It is okay, but certainly not overbuilt. These seemed very overbuilt:
Saturn Industries

A friend down the street has an enclosed trailer, I forget which brand, for his sleds. Because it was enclosed, it had small fat wheels, which I don't like the idea of. I have not towed it but I really really like the idea of enclosed.

Best of luck! I think metro actually comes from Toronto.


JG