advice about a trailer

[LAairhunter]

Dear Gang,

I've been perusing this forum for the past couple of months, and I've now ordered (but not received) a 4 seater Pioneer. I'm not too savvy about trailers so I thought I'd enlist y'all's help.

I'd like a good quality trailer (aluminum?) that I can fit the Pioneer and possibly even an ATV on; yet, I'd like to also be able to tow the trailer behind the Pioneer occasionally.

Any thoughts or insights? Are my desires about towing the trailer with the Pioneer realistic?

TIA for any advice,
Mark
Mobile, AL

 

[Admin]

 

[bdech15]

I have an Aluma 6812 H I just got and I love it. Aluminum is the only way to go if you don't like staining wood and painting steel every year

 

[ohanacreek]

With as much salt in the air as y'all have down there, ALUMINUM. I a have wood and steel 12x6 dovetail but no salt air here, gives me enough room to have good angle on the tie downs.

 

[fishin2Dmax]

I agree aluminum is the way to go (albeit a pricey). The smallest size I would go with is a 6' x 10'. The ideal size is a 7' x 12' since this size allows for any future accessories or add-on's; and it allows more ability to find the "sweet spot" on the trailer ( front to back). Ideally, you want to position the Pioneer to have enough hitch tongue weight (approx. 15% of trailer load) yet place the majority of the weight over the axle(s). Finding the sweet spot on the trailer will minimize sway and bounce will towing and greatly improve handling. The other thing to look for is a minimum of 3500 lb rated axle and 15" wheels. I've had bad experiences with the cheap (China bomb) trailer tires that are being sold out there. I've had blow outs on my boat, 5th wheel, snowmobile and utility trailers. All were the low quality mainland China made (including Goodyear marathon) tires. I've upgraded all my trailer tires to load range D or E ST tires ( Maxxis brand) and have never had a problem since. While towing the Pioneer compared to my previous ATV's, the center of gravity is higher due to the Pioneer being taller. I have noticed a bit more side to side sway, so it is very important to have the Pioneer located on the sweet spot of the trailer.

 

[Hondasxs]

Merry Christmas LA and welcome to the community.
About hauling the Pioneer + an ATV. This is currently my challenge as I just bought a 7x12 last year so I could haul 3 atv's. Now only the Pioneer will fit. :-(
I'm looking for a 7x14 trailer but that may be tight fit if you have a large size Atv turned sideways.
A Foreman or rancher should fit fine with normal wheel specs.

Pioneer is just under 10ft long bumper to bumper.
ATV is 4 ft wide.

As for pulling the trailer behind the Pioneer. No problem. It can handle it for normal work. It's rated to pull 1500 lbs but will pull more on flat ground.

Hope we helped you and would love to see what you finally buy.
Thanks.

 

[rellison110]

I have an echo trailer and could not be happier. It s heavy duty but light weight, drop down ramps and it is designed for off road use. Pricey, but worth every penny.

 

[Hondasxs]

@rellison110.
What size is it? Single or double axle?
Thanks

 

[b4hntn]

I bought a 77" x 16' tandem axle with brakes on the rear axle, ramp gate. In addition to the p4 I want to be able to haul the 300, or Swisher trailcutter or disc. Harbor Freight strap winch is welded to the front.

 

[foggy]

I have owned an Aluma trailer for many years. Mine is 5'x 10' long…..and has a ramp tail gate and a torsion axel that is rated to 3000 lbs. My Pioneer just fits on this trailer…..and it is towed very nicely. Yesterday I hauled my fish house onto the ice with the trailer behind the Pioneer. Worked slick. The trailer is not too big for the Pioneer.

The only issue I see is that if I get bigger tires or want to use a snow plow on the Pioneer…..then I will need a bigger trailer. (but I also own a cart trailer) If you stay "stock" your golden with a 5x10' aluminum trailer (if you buy the right axel and GVW).

Aluminum trailers are the way to go…..IMO. They may cost more…..but they last longer and you can tow it better with the Pioneer.

If I were buying a new trailer, I may go a foot wider and two feet longer (6x12) as I could then haul with a snow plow and could use wider tires…..but I would need to investigate a bit more. I sure like NOT having too large of a trailer…..and mine follows in my vehicle wheel tracks and is easy to tow.

 

[pipefighter577]

I have an all steel 5x10 tilt trailer with 15" wheels and an expanded metal floor in it. My Pioneer is about 1/2" too wide to fit on it. I plan to widen it soon. I wouldn't be a bit afraid to tow it behind the Pioneer, I move it around by hand all the time which should explain how light it is.

 

[rellison110]

It is a 10 footer. Room for just te utv. Single axle. I tow it behind a 2013 explorer and have had it on some long trips. It runs at 75 or better and even with the single axle, the suspension is such that you don't get the bounce at the hitch. There you have it. I would buy it again.

 

[bdech15]

Pioneer on aluminum trailer

 

[Hondasxs]

bdech15,
Nice trailer there. Looks like it would pull nice.

?
Have you painted your Pioneer?

 

[ohanacreek]

I like the Black! A new color is emerging.

Is it ok to use the winch as a tie down? I have never hauled a vehicle with a winch before the P4 and considered it. However I am worried about the significant dynamic loads added when accelerating, cornering and stopping. I am using (2) 2" 2000lb ratchet straps.

 

[Jerry3]

I would be afraid to use the winch just because I feel it would eventually add unwanted stress to it. Ratchet straps are cheap...

 

[ohanacreek]

What figured just had to ask.

 

[bdech15]

I plasti-dipped it, based on the results from another user in this forum. Turned out great, we will see how it holds up. Very cheap too! 5.98 per can and it peels off if you don't like it or want to change colors.

 

[ohanacreek]

Yeah I put two cans on mine, it was 12$ a roll of tape and an old newspaper.

 

[idahohntr]

Just bought a Big Tex yesterday. Well built trailer- shy away from Carry On, just look at the welds and attention to detail. There are two 12' Alumas (no rear lift gate, just ramp load) for sale in Kimberly Idaho. She is asking 1795 each in new condition. Might have went that route, but when I did not here from her until after I purchased the Big Tex.