Cargo Trailer recomendations

[flyct]

I previously posted a thread here about efficiency when towing. https://www.f150lightningforum.com/forum/threads/enclosed-trailer-towing-limits.33725/ I am about to buy an enclosed trailer and looking for firsthand experience. I would really like to get a 7'x14' with dual axles if the truck can handle it weight wise. I prefer not to need a Weight Distributing hitch if possible. What can I realistically tow without a Weight Distributing hitch? Does anyone tow anything similar with a Lightning? And if so do you use a WDH.

The trailer would be primarily used to move things about 25 miles at a max speed of 45 MPH from current house to new house over the next few months. It will also be used to move some things from my cabin to the new house a few times at 60 MPH about 125 miles one way. I can stop half way to add charge if needed.

What max trailer size is safe an reasonable?

2nd question is, If I need a WDH what do you recommend that doesn't break the bank?

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[RickLightning]

5,000 pound trailer withm500 pound tongue weight.

Cheap and quality aren't synonymous.

 

[flyct]

5,000 pound trailer withm500 pound tongue weight.

Cheap and quality aren't synonymous.

I was thinking maybe a trailer with a GVWR of 7000 lb but loaded to a max of 5000 lbs and a 500 lb tongue weight.

I am now looking a 6x12 with GVWR of 2990 lb and a payload of 1790 lbs It is a single axle. The down side is it's a 4-pin wire connector and I don't think it has brakes.
https://www.righttrailers.com/unit/6x12-hook-and-line-cargo-trailer-738770

 

[RickLightning]

https://www.rvtravel.com/trailer-brake-laws-50-states-1100/

 

[flyct]

https://www.rvtravel.com/trailer-brake-laws-50-states-1100/

I guess that is why the 6x12 has a GVWR of 2990. Brakes not needed in most states with a GVWR of less that 3000. It still make me uncomfortable witout brakes on a trailer.

 

[Newton]

How much weight and how much experience do you have?

I don't have a huge amount of experience towing but have seen many overloaded vehicles coming to where I live (a tourist area) and would advise that you get a weight distributing hitch , brakes, and the best double axle trailer that you can afford. You can sell it later.

I overloaded my work truck once and ... won't make that mistake again. It isn't much fun when you turn the wheel and it has little effect on your direction. Keep your speed down even though it feels comfortable, the line between OK and not OK is very small.

Either that our rent a U-Haul truck like I did for my big moves. They are not terribly fun to drive but are made for the task. It would be cheaper than buying a good trailer, unless you are planning on building and landscaping your new home in which case it could make sense.

Edit: if you are moving in stages, use the money you save from not buying a trailer on a good waterproof canopy like ARE, and use it to move the smaller stuff with one big load in the U-haul. I'm a fan of canopies, It is amazing how much you can cram into even our short bed pickups when you have the extra height.

 

[flyct]

How much weight and how much experience do you have?

I don't have a huge amount of experience towing but have seen many overloaded vehicles coming to where I live (a tourist area) and would advise that you get a weight distributing hitch , brakes, and the best double axle trailer that you can afford. You can sell it later.

I overloaded my work truck once and ... won't make that mistake again. It isn't much fun when you turn the wheel and it has little effect on your direction. Keep your speed down even though it feels comfortable, the line between OK and not OK is very small.

Either that our rent a U-Haul truck like I did for my big moves. They are not terribly fun to drive but are made for the task. It would be cheaper than buying a good trailer, unless you are planning on building and landscaping your new home in which case it could make sense.

I have more than the normal towing experience. I towed a 8000 lb RV for years with a F150. Then graduated to a 14,000 lb 5 th wheel RV towed with a F350 SRW then towed with a F450. I haven’t towed with the Lightning.

Renting a U-Haul will get expensive with as many trips I expect to do. I expect that I will be using the trailer several times a week in the short trip over the next 6 months and maybe 6-8 times on the 125 mile trip. Our new property is 5 acres and the trailer will be very useful for temp storage also.

Bottom line is I need a trailer.

 

[PA Lightning]

I use open trailers but went from a 16' to a 12' because of tail drag.

It appears you are in FL where things are relatively flat but if you want a longer trailer be mindful of the tail drag at your ingress or egress points.

Hearing the rear end scrape is worse than nails on a chalk board

 

[TaxmanHog]

I've towed my 7x14 dual axle with electric brakes and didn't need a load distribution hitch because my cargo is around 2K on top of the 2k dry weight of the trailer.

Load management to keep the tongue weight in check is doable if you get the hitch with built in load scale to make sure you aren't overloading the trailer.

Since this is a long moving process you're already planning multiple trips, take your time.

 

[gbuydos]

I towed a 5x8 enclosed trailer with a Hyundai Tucson across the county twice. Your overthinking this. Its a 1/2 ton pickup.

 

[flux capacitor]

I have thought about buying a cargo trailer and did a little searching. For my purpose a 7x14 tandem axle is what I am thinking about, but with an aluminum frame for the lightest empty trailer will hopefully help with the range a little. Also being able to add a little more cargo. The aluminum frame cost a little more but I think it is worth it. Also holds its value better and very easy to sell when you don't want it or need it anymore.

 

[21st Century Truck]

IMHO trailer brakes are like Winter aka "Snow" tires... they aren't needed until they suddenly and unpredictably are needed. The 5% or so of unpredictable situations when it makes a difference, are akin to car insurance in my book.

 

[flyct]

OK, another thought. My Tesla Model Y can tow up to 3500 lbs. That makes a 6x12 a viable option. Especially for towing the 25 miles locally between the old and new house.

Here is one example. https://www.righttrailers.com/unit/6x12-hook-and-line-cargo-trailer-738770

what do you think?

 

[Wattsgas]

I have a 6 x 16 double axle trailer. I feel like the trailer brakes are a must. Having a balanced load, meaning 10% of trailer load on the hitch is important to avoid an unstable trailer. Also recommend having a Tire Pressure Sensors on the trailer tires. You can have a flat and trailer damage and not even feel it. For my boat and my cargo trailer I don't use the Weight Distribution hitch. But, I do use it with my travel trailer. As long as you have enough weight on the hitch you don't need it. Having too little load on the hitch can induce trailer sway. Having too much load on the hitch lifts the front end of the truck. The truck tows well. Weight is not so much a factor as height of the trailer. I have hauled 7500 pounds and 1600 pounds and the miles per kilowatt was the same. Having a dual axle trailer makes changing a tire easier, and they also track straighter.

 

[TaxmanHog]

OK, another thought. My Tesla Model Y can tow up to 3500 lbs. That makes a 6x12 a viable option. Especially for towing the 25 miles locally between the old and new house.

Here is one example. https://www.righttrailers.com/unit/6x12-hook-and-line-cargo-trailer-738770

what do you think?

Certainly a good option if you'll be using the Model-Y and the Lightning as the situation warrants.

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