Trailer advice for a newbie with a 1000-5?

[Driftless]

I'm a new member and and a newbie to SXSs and trailering. I recently bought a 2022 1000-5 Deluxe and now need a trailer. The trailer will mostly be used on short trips on generally flat land but we hope to take the occasional long trip (e.g., 10 hours) to fun destinations, including going to Colorado and driving over mountain passes. We'll be pulling it with 2022 Honda Ridgeline. Towing capacity of the Ridgeline is 5,000 pounds. Based on reading on this site and other places, I want a tandem axle and breaks. Maybe overkill, but I want them for peace of mind. I'm looking at 14 footers, though maybe I'd go with a 16 footer just because it is more versatile and might be easier to sell down the road if it turns out we don't use the SXS much. I like the aluminum trailers because they are lighter and which would be easier on the Ridgeline, and are easier to move around. But they get very pricey. Now I'm looking at steel utility trailers like a Big Tex 60 PI or a similar PJ model. (They look pretty similar to my untrained eye.) I found a Big Tex 60 PI 16 footer for $4,300 (trailer weighs 1535 pounds) and a 14 footer for $3,800. Then I stumbled on to Carry-On all aluminum 6x14 (Model 6XAGGW7k) for $5,000. It's tandem axle and has brakes. This trailer weighs 1340 pounds, which isn't a big weight difference. This price for an all aluminum trailer is tempting but perhaps because that's because this isn't such a great trailer? I will rarely, if ever, use a trailer for anything other than hauling around the Pioneer, so maybe it's fine for that.

Any thoughts and advice on my situation, these specific trailers, or other trailer recommendations are much appreciated.

 

[Dirtstiffs-1000]

Search this site -
upper right search symbol.
Search Trailers, Trailer recommendations, covered trailer, cargo trailer.
Should yield some good discussion and options. Trailers
Get something with electric brakes that can stop you and your load.

 

[NTCPrezJB]

Dual axle, brakes, radial tires
6x12 is good for a P1K5
You can go bigger if you want just watch that 5k limit. You are better off staying well under max if you can.

Quality Wheel straps on all 4 tires to strap the machine down.

I’d only get an enclosed if you need to store the SxS in it at home. You’d be limited on size because of the tow vehicle to use it as a camper IMHO.

 

[NH Rider]

Here's my 2 cents after owning more trailers than I care to count. There is going to be a substantial amount of drag with an enclosed trailer. Your honda is not going to like it. Keep it as light as possible. That means no longer than you need. Definitely aluminum if you go the enclosed route.

Resale value should not be much of a concern because if you don't have exactly what you need now then you will regret it for years to save a few hundred bucks on resale.

Trailers hold their value very well regardless. Just don't smash it up.

If it rains or snows an open trailer will result in a wet, machine coated in salt and road spray. Also it puts your machine on display if you need to pull into a s***ty motel for the night. With an open trailer I had a windshield blow off going 65 on the highway when a gust of wind hit me. After that I took the windshields I owned off for transport per the manufacturer recommendations.

An enclosed trailer is a small investment to transport and protect a machine that costs over 20 grand. Heck you can even camp in it if you wanted to.

Edit: the 5000lb towing has me concerned. A machine with accessories could put you around 2000 or more, an enclosed trailer like a 14 foot stealth still weighs in at about 1500lbs. You have 1500lbs left over so you would need to watch your gear. spare tire, jack etc. People and pets, all that goes into the gcvwr. They might be rating 5000lbs towing with a 150lb driver. If you mostly stay local and don't do the pass very often then that is one thing. If you do you are going to want a truck.

 

[SILVER_ALERT]

First of all, welcome to the club. I have a P500 and a 10 ft. Big Tex (steel) trailer. The trailer is well made and I would buy it all over again. I can make one suggestion to save a little weight if you go with the steel trailer. I'm guessing that my ramp gate on my trailer weighed well over 100 Lbs. On the Big Tex 60PI steel trailer that you are looking at, I am guessing it could be twice that. I removed the ramp gate and bought a pair of 5ft. aluminum ramps, that probably don't weigh 25 lbs. total for both. I can haul them on the trailer or in the pickup bed.

 

[ChadD]

Welcome from the👍 (Michigan)

P.O.I.D.H

Just ask @Remington

 

[Remington]

Welcome from the👍 (Michigan)

P.O.I.D.H

Just ask @Remington

Thats affirmative!
@Driftless

 

[Smittyp]

Personally, I’d stay away from aluminum trailers. I have not come across one aluminum trailer manufacturer that has done a good job on the Welds and that’s where an aluminum trailer always breaks. I would order a single axle trailer with a 5200 pound axle with brakes. The single axle trailer will keep it much lighter.

 

[TxDoc]

Just an idea. I went with a tandem axle so I could possibly avoid changing a tire on the side of the road and a blowout would mean less chance of losing control. I have a beaver tail so the gate can be smaller. And Blackwood deck that is non slip, even when wet. I have trailer brakes, a Warn 4500 pound winch with wireless remote, fold down aluminum step and a custom detachable handle that fits in the stake pockets to help me climb up and down. The gate is heavy and I have a Double Barrel lift assist that uses a chain drive. It's easy to lift and lower. Sorry if it's too many pics.

Sent from my motorola edge plus 2023 using Tapatalk

 

[oldfortyfive]

My rule of thumb for towing more than 25 miles: Truck can't be too big, trailer can't be too small/light.

Your Ridgeline won't last on cross country runs. Your milage will suck too. My F150 drops to 12-13mpg (at 70+ mph) going out west.

 

[osobad]

Taking your vehicle into consideration I would not go more than 6x12 single axle. Single axle is fine as long as you get a heavier axle. Stay with Big Tex or Triple Crown or better quality.

 

[Mopower58]

Welcome from Mississippi. @GovtMule recently bought a tandem axle aluminum trailer. He might have some insight. I have a 6.5 x 12 single axle steel trailer with a removable ramp gate. We haul the zero turn mower on it and it also doubles as a trailer for the P1K. No brakes.
#NTC
This is what we use with a wood floor. It’s our

do all for smaller loads.

 

[Driftless]

Lots to think about and thanks for all the suggestions. Now I’m thinking of just going with a quality single axle, 12 foot trailer to keep the weight down. That will handle 90% of my needs and trips of 60 miles or less. Question: I don’t see many trailers like this with brakes. Are they just necessary with this size of trailer? Can they be added as an option?

 

[Mopower58]

Lots to think about and thanks for all the suggestions. Now I’m thinking of just going with a quality single axle, 12 foot trailer to keep the weight down. That will handle 90% of my needs and trips of 60 miles or less. Question: I don’t see many trailers like this with brakes. Are they just necessary with this size of trailer? Can they be added as an option?

Depending on the axle capacity you can buy them.

 

[Remington]

Can they be added as an option?

Only if your having the trailer built.
One things for certain here, pics aren’t and option😉
Right @ChadD

 

[Smittyp]

Lots to think about and thanks for all the suggestions. Now I’m thinking of just going with a quality single axle, 12 foot trailer to keep the weight down. That will handle 90% of my needs and trips of 60 miles or less. Question: I don’t see many trailers like this with brakes. Are they just necessary with this size of trailer? Can they be added as an option?

You’ll need a trailer break kit a breakaway kit, and all the wiring

 

[TxDoc]

If you can self install, E Trailer and Northern tool online sell trailer brake kits. E Trailer has good customer buying assistance.

Sent from my motorola edge plus 2023 using Tapatalk

 

[CID]

Lots to think about and thanks for all the suggestions. Now I’m thinking of just going with a quality single axle, 12 foot trailer to keep the weight down. That will handle 90% of my needs and trips of 60 miles or less. Question: I don’t see many trailers like this with brakes. Are they just necessary with this size of trailer? Can they be added as an option?

Make sure the axle is brake compatible, I'm pretty sure there's a flange welded on the ends of the axle to attach the brake parts.

 

[ChadD]

Still waiting for pictures of your ride 🙄🤦‍♂️

 

[Driftless]

Here’s my ride …