Am I on target? Buying trailer-Xcountry move

Hi...grab a couple of beers..this is long!

I have researched- researched and yes researched but...before I pull the trigger...a smart man asks before shelling out $5k-$6k.

So...
Moving Xcountry from Cali to Florida:

Have a 2008 TRD Dbl cab 4.0 non 4x4 (w/ tow package)
Adding Bilstein 5100 in a week or two. (+ .85" as I want a lil rake)
Had the TSB for leaf springs done years ago.
Adding Brake controller. (undecided on brand)
WILL add air bags if needed after buying trailer...we shall see.

I am and will be a painting contractor so I will use trailer when I arrive in FLA.
I will be towing back n forth to Connecticut 2x a year to work on Mom's house. (its what men do right?)

After looking for last 2 months at 'previously owned trailers' here in s cal and az I have figured this. I may save $1000 on a trailer but odds are after tires, seals etc I am really saving $300-400 max so...buy new and with a warranty.

I want:
tandem axles with brakes on both axles
7'x14'
QUALITY (3/4" floor, under coating, 1/2" walls, rv hitch length etc)
Thinking 16" tires so I can get LT "E" rated tires and better tracking
Some misc interior things like welded tie downs etc.

Soooo long ass post even longer...
I am finding that I would get better value having a trailer built...

http://www.aztrailboss.com
The Ranger series would have everything I mentioned above and run $4900 plus tax/reg (and gas to drive there and back to pick up)

(see attachment brochure)

I prefer the slant nose over the V-nose for better tracking. (its not a flat face)

It would weigh 1,880 with a 7,000 lb limit.

Add 2nd axle brakes +$180

The color choices are white, white or I think the last choice is white!

Welded Tie down rails (1' high and 4' high on sides and front) $80

1/2" walls and 3/4" floor ( I believe 24" on center but...)

16" wheels, spare and LT "E" rated tires +$375

and a 5, yes FIVE year warranty.

$1000 deposit and 2 months to build

My belongings with equipment and furniture etc etc MAYBE at 2,400 lbs max but hell lets call it 2,600 lbs. (always measure over right?)
My dog is 70 lbs and
I am 210 lbs.
My target is/was trailer loaded at or under 5,000 lbs for this trip. The Tacoma will take that in a heartbeat (in my personal experience)

So people...
what am I forgetting here? What am I over looking?

I also want to say that this website and the people here are fantastic and have saved me hours, money and from making mistakes! Thank you ! !

 

Ok... after another conversation with AZtrailboss... going with someone else.

 

before and after... lights next....

 

wow I need to redo the inside of my trailer

 

You should. It's what us 56 year olds do!!
Remember bondo is your friend on holes.
I'm a painting contractor so....
Anyway it will do for ride to Florida from CA.

Sell it once there.
I should have mentioned its a 7x14 RC Wedge nose

 

Nice job. I like how you brought the floor paint up onto the lower baseboard on the wall.

 

Thanks...seen it both ways on internet. Went with the baseboard look.

These new advanced alkyd paints are awesome for these kind of projects and they dry pretty hard. (touch up great too)

 

A weight distribution hitch should be on your list, one that is going to offer sway control as well. How well your truck rides will depend on how you pack the trailer and weight the tongue. I pull a 22' flat bed with farm implements (about 4000#) on it and w/o the WD it is a bumpy ride. My camper has WD and it is a good ride and one hand driving. I use: http://www.equalizerhitch.com/ it has work great and I have never had a sway problem. Make sure you adjust the brakes and set them correctly with the trailer loaded before you get out on the road.

 

Ya the WD hitch is a do I or don't I thing.... This trailer is getting sold once in FLA so I don't know if it is worth dropping another $600-700 and selling once there.

Before you say it yes I value my life but I am in no rush on this trip and will just cruise along. (Me and the dog)

As for the brakes...absolutely! As for packing I am going to stage pack in garage before I load trailer as I get thing packed up. The heavy crap is going over the axles and getting tied down.

Is the WD hitch really a worth it for a 1x haul?

 

I’m going to steal your baseboard idea. Just setting up my MC trailer right now.

if you load your bike, but are you using for a tiedown setup?

 

The base idea was from Google images/photos

I am dropping 4-8 tie downs in floor.

 

Why are you selling if you said you will tow it to Connecticut twice a year?

 

After dragging it around here it will be too big for my purposes(work) so I will get a 7x10 single axle or something like that.

My equipment is 1,000-1,200# at most.

 

Got it

 

Testing the new lights. Dropped a little flood light over back ramp. Pretty surprised the interior lights are so bright!

 

The WD hitch is a must! Makes towing soooo much safer and enjoyable. Get it coming.

 

I like the interior bright white. That trailer should tow just fine, no need for a WD hitch, and I towed far more than that on single axle behind my 94 toy pickup, 4 banger, five luger standard cab six speed.

 

Thanks! Yes I am passing on the WD hitch

 

How well does the tacoma pull the 7x14? Interested in one myself.

 

2375 lbs and pulls fine... the wedge nose while may/may not help gas mpg does imho help the feel of towing a little. I will check back after Christmas (can I say that word here still?? lol) and let you know after 5,000 lbs and 3,000 miles