Trailer Suggestions

[Brew-B-Q]

I'm on a spending spree apparently, so I need some advice on a trailer. I purchased a new Superior Smoker and it weighs in around 600 pounds. I'm looking for a trailer to haul it and my stuff around to competitions. I would like to have room to work in the trailer during inclement weather, but I don't want to get into a full kitchen set-up. Well I would like to, but I am on a budget.

Here's what I'm thinking so far.
6x12 enclosed trailer
7' interior height is important as I'm 6'3 and my team mate is 6'5
Barn doors since I have trailer ramps and I want to keep the footprint within 20' at comps

Plan is to have a table or two, maybe a mobile cart with tools, some shelving / cabinets for storage.

Also, what's the main difference between a torflex or leaf spring axle?

I'm torn between a single and tandem axle. Leaning towards the tandem as that will allow my ever growing pile of competition stuff to keep growing without worrying about the weight, but it adds about $1k from what I've found. Also, what's the main difference between a torflex or leaf spring axle?

Brands - Anyone familiar with Haulin'? They are made in IN so I could save some cash by picking up at the factory.

Other things I should consider? I know I'll need to do some updating and have budgeted for flooring, basic electric down the road, etc. I don't plan on having 3 bay sinks or heated water due to the size. Cleanup stations will be outside, rain or shine.

I'm watching the used market, but finding one we can stand up in seems to be a major roadblock.

Any opinions would be greatly appreciated.

I have a Nissan Titan 4x4 which is rated for 9,000 pounds or so.

EDIT - Here's a quote I have for the Haulin' 6x12, single axle
Torflex 3,500# axle
15" radial tires
7' interior height
2 12v lights, 1 switch
1 piece roof
3/4" floor on 24" centers
3/8" wall on 16" centers
Side door, barn doors, jack stands
.03 aluminum exterior
24" stoneguard

Pick up for $2,685 (4 hour drive)

[beam boys bbq]

look on e bay
this is where i found mine
i have an 38 foot toy hauler bought on an salavage title and rebuilt my sellf and it came with an generator tolet shower
picked it up for 6,000.00
went to texas to get it but it was worth it if you see it now

[River City Smokehouse]

Originally Posted by beam boys bbq

look on e bay
this is where i found mine
i have an 38 foot toy hauler bought on an salavage title and rebuilt my sellf and it came with an generator tolet shower
picked it up for 6,000.00
went to texas to get it but it was worth it if you see it now

Come on York.....show us some detailed pics of that trailer. I'd like to use them for my thought processing.

[smoke-n-my-i's]

In my opinion you do not need the 12 volt lights unless you are planning on getting in the trailer at night while you are traveling.... I haven't even used mine... a waste... since it is a 7ft tall one, it will most likely be a special order. Tell them you do not want them.

I have the leaf springs, I have heard problems with the torx, but only rumors.... costly to repair.

I have the single axle, it is ok loaded... if I went with tandem, I would go a minimum of a 14 footer. Also, consider a 7ft wide... I wish I had.

Stay away from Lark... I have problems with the sealant on mine, and they don't want to warranty it...

The price is plenty.... shop around. You should be able to find one cheaper than that these days... call several dealers, tell them you are shopping and to quote you price... you never know... you might just find one on a lot that they are willing to move for a good price. I shopped for abt 3 months, and that is how I found mine. It was already on the lot...

Good luck.

[beam boys bbq]

this was my e bay find i put an ton of work in to it to bring it back fron the dead this trailer came un hitched and bounced off an concreat wall
it is an 38 foot bumper hitch trailer

the owner before me was an film producer for nascar

there is an 7foot by 7 foot deck on top

bath room - shower - 26 flat screen bunk beds and an couch that folds out to an bed

17000W generator in it
spicewine -large
trigger grill
oven
three hole sink
preptable
indoor and out door sound system
frezzer
refrig

can i say one thing i love this trailer
i rebuilt the whole thing fron top to bottom

dish net work is getting instaled next week

this is why everyone that has seen this thing said i was at the right place and the right time
i bought it for 6000.00 then put another 5000.00 on rebuilding it
and a lot of sweat equity in it


york

[Big Ugly's BBQ]

Here are two sites that may help ya out,

www.internettrailer.com (Haulmark)

www.extremebbqtrailers.com

I got mine thru internettrailer.com, and was able to get what I needed. They customized it to match the truck, and was done in less than 3 weeks.

[Dave98]

Brew-B-Q,

Like you, I am on a budget. I just recently bought a 6 x 12 trailer with a torsion axle suspension. The advantage of the torsion suspension is the ride is better and it is closer to the ground. My step into the back of the trailer is about 4-6 inches less then a leaf spring set up. My trailer was used, I spent about $1300. It is a steel frame (top and bottom) and fiberglass coated wood sides. Very robust compared to SOME aluminum trailers out there. I was able to find a used stainless steel table that is only 14 inches wide and it is taller than normal. Easy on my back! It is bolted to one side of the trailer. I also bought some used motorhome windows on ebay and have installled them. They were $25 a piece.

Before you buy yours, I would ensure that the tie downs will be stout enough to keep 600 pounds in check.

Good luck!

[Brew-B-Q]

Thanks for the info everyone. I'm thinking I will be more comfortable with a tandem axle set-up. I added up the weight of my stuff and it's close to 1500 pounds. That doesn't include any additional flooring, cabinets, other stuff that will inevitably be added, etc. I don't want to worry about overloading, especially with the hefty smoker.

I've come across a few models of interest, but nothing stands out yet on the used market. I hate to buy new, so I just need to be patient and hope something shows up.

[Solidkick]

Nice trailer unit York owns....and he brings my dance partner with him!

[smoke showin']

take it from someone who built there own make sure your counters are at least 40 in high saves the back and neck I also am tall and that was the best move we ever made although the weather part is not much issue down here,our shelves arefold down supported by simple chain like on flouresent lights so they are stow and go

[blues_n_cues]

well i may sell mine... it's 12x7 w/ 7 ceilings, wired for 20a ext cord or 30a everything w/ a ramp down...... pm me for details & pics
..... i need to go bigger

[beam boys bbq]

Originally Posted by Solidkick

Nice trailer unit York owns....and he brings my dance partner with him!

this pic was that morning she is looking an little ruff
she wanted to dance till the sun came up if she had it her way


york

[Brew-B-Q]

Originally Posted by Dave98

I would ensure that the tie downs will be stout enough to keep 600 pounds in check.

Ok, so how does one add tie downs after the fact? Is it just bolt them through the plywood floor? Is it more complicated than that? I assume if I use some heavy duty ones that will work.

I will add that the smoker is not on wheels. It has 2 large wheels on it, but you have to tilt it to bring them into play. I assume that will make it a bit more secure in transport.

[getyourrubonbbq]

If you're only going to tie it down while your moving install recessed E channel in the trailer walls. One up around the top of the cooker and one about 3/4ths down. Two rachet straps and your good.

[beam boys bbq]

my thailer has tye down on the floor that bolt in to the fram rail
my larg spice wine has never move

but here is one thing i have learned get it over the axel or it is an pain in the a** to pull
the trailer wants to move on you all the time


york