Thread: A trailer

Originally Posted by DaveVman

It looks like a new single axle trailer is around $1,500. Plus rego.
A similar trailer rental for 9 hours is nearly $60.
So if I use it 25+ times then it has paid for itself.

New trailers can be had for a lot less than that. Quality will vary of course.

Rent money is gone.

Trailer is still worth good money after even a few years.

I would prefer a braked tandem trailer for safety reasons but I couldn't justify that expense.

I want one large enough to transport a few sheets of plywood or collect a stack of pallets.
It is frustrating they still talk of trailers in feet because I'm left mystified which size I really need.


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The trailer sizes have not changed just what we call them. I work in operating theatres and mothers having babies want the weight in Imperial.

Originally Posted by DaveVman

I would prefer a braked tandem trailer for safety reasons but I couldn't justify that expense.

I want one large enough to transport a few sheets of plywood or collect a stack of pallets.
It is frustrating they still talk of trailers in feet because I'm left mystified which size I really need.


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If it is only plywood or pallets you don''t need brakes. Sheets of ply are 8' x 5' and from what you describe a single axle is sufficient. You should be able to pick something up for under $1700 new.

I was given ($0) an old 6x4 trailer that had a fair bit of rust in it. I have just rebuilt it and probably *wince* spent ~$500 getting it ready for its blue slip... it now looks a million bucks, but perhaps would have been better spending the money on a new one... However I am quite sure it will last as long as any new trailer (perhaps longer as it is now very well built) and I would definitely make my money back if I were to sell it.
Bottom line, if you are willing to "fix" one up, then if you can get an old one for "cheap" it is probably worth it, as they appear to hold their value!

I definitely think it is worth owning a trailer, even for the few times they get used. I have in the past borrowed trailers for junk removal etc. and being able to have the trailer parked and fill it up slowly (even over a few days) is great, stressing about getting the trailer back in a defined hire period is not worth it! All the best!

Originally Posted by DaveVman

I would prefer a braked tandem trailer for safety reasons but I couldn't justify that expense.

Just be aware that Tandem trailers are a right PITA to move around by hand, especially around tight corners.

Originally Posted by BobL

Just be aware that Tandem trailers are a right PITA to move around by hand, especially around tight corners.

The good thing is they are a delight to reverse . But yeah , forget by hand .
A good little trick I discovered was to winch the trailer to the tow ball with its
hand winch, rather than get in and out of the car trying to get it spot on. I don't
do it all the time like that but it has proved a handy thing to do sometimes.
like if the trailer is a few feet a way from the tow ball and my keys are somewhere else.

Rob

Here's a tip for trailer and van owners.

You know how it is impossible to see the ball and the hitch when reversing.
To assist I added a small Al socket to the hitch into which slides the end of an old fishing rod.
The rod is visible in the rear window on most vehicles so you can at least line up and get closer to the hitch.
When not needed the rod is removed and it takes up very little room in any vehicle.

IMG_1683p.jpg

Originally Posted by BobL

Just be aware that Tandem trailers are a right PITA to move around by hand, especially around tight corners.

Tandem trailers also need a yearly inspection/pinkslip.

Not in Victoria

Originally Posted by BobL

Here's a tip for trailer and van owners.

You know how it is impossible to see the ball and the hitch when reversing.
To assist I added a small Al socket to the hitch into which slides the end of an old fishing rod.
The rod is visible in the rear window on most vehicles so you can at least line up and get closer to the hitch.
When not needed the rod is removed and it takes up very little room in any vehicle.

IMG_1683p.jpg

I have seen a modification of this where a second stick is mounted on the tow ball bracket. When the sticks touch you're on target.

In my case the car has a reversing camera so this part is easy although strangely it is slightly disorientating until you get close. The sense of distance is missing or something.

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Originally Posted by DaveVman

In my case the car has a reversing camera so this part is easy although strangely it is slightly disorientating until you get close. The sense of distance is missing or something.

Thats because a camera is equivalent to monocular vision.
To judge distance you use both eyes (binocular vision) and your brain processes the image and makes a distance estimation.
To do the same with cameras you would need 2 cameras and a 3D display.

Yes. When you point this out it is now obvious. But up to now it just seemed odd. Probably because it is an occasional experience. Thanks.

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