Brain Trust Help - Cargo Trailers

I need some advise.
We need to haul two John Deere Gators (825i) from our college to neighboring high schools, farm shows etc. I have done a lot of research on the Internet, but there's nothing like real life experience. That's where you come in.

I have narrowed my choice down to a 20' or 24' foot x 8.5' wide cargo trailer from USA Cargo.
This trailer needs to have 12" (84" minimum) extended height to get our Gators in with the GPS units attached.
I would like the "beast package" (5200# torsion axles, 15" radial tires, extended tongue, and bulldog coupler).
For securing cargo, e-track on the walls and floors. This trailer will have a "V" nose.
Does anyone have experience with this brand? Other thoughts or recommendations.
Thanks very much! Larry

This only a suggestion from a person who loads up and tows tractors. I have a open trailer, two axles, All cover bottom on the trailer and good solid loading ramps. This might be over kill for what you want and need. I hauls on my trailer nothing less in weight of 3,000 pounds to 6900 pounds of load. What I like about two axles is they tow nice plus if you get a flat tire it still gives you time to pull off the road and change tire. I would like to add one more thing just remember when you buy this trailer you might be towing it more than what you think. So take your time and buy some thing you will really enjoy using.

Thanks Brent,
I forgot to say above that this would be a two axle trailer.
I wholeheartedly agree with your assessment.
Larry

2 years ago I bought one from that company but is a 16" deck between the wheels to replace a trailer that a car did not stop at stop sign and wrecked. Both were 16' of same design with 2 3,500 axles. The one that got wrecked weighed 1,750#, the Cargo weighs only 1,500# and you can easily see the difference in weight. And that translates to you can just see the trailer flex while pulling it The one that got wrecked I could haul my Ford 2N tractor with no problems, I had that tractor on the new one once and never will again. And the old one had an efective load carrying rate of 5,250#, the Cargo has a rate of 5,500# but I will not load 3,000# on it as I can see in the mirror when pulling it how much it flexes with half the load it is rated to carry. And that is the weight of that tractor. For my heavier hauling I got out an older homemade trailer and rebuilt the floor and that is what I use and it hauls that tractor easier than the one that got wrecked and way better than the Cargo that I will no longer put the tractor on. The one I bought is a 2015 model that was one year old when I bought it new from dealer and last fall loading a small grain drill (narrow enough to just push on by hand) and wheels 4' diameter and way less than a thousand pounds and one went through the floor, only to be cought by the cross pieces that are spaced twice as far apart as they should be. So with my experiance I say stay away from that brand. Wish I had never bought it. Loading ramp was week on one that got wrecked but this is way weeker. And I could drive a riding garden tractor on to that trailer, cannot due that with the new one as ramp is weeker but also shorter and trailer sets higher so has a lot more loading angle.

I have two different types of trailers over here at my house. I have a open trailer for hauling tractors and a close trailer for cargo hauling. When they say that you can put ATCs in to them please do not get me wrong there great I guess but when it comes to tractors and size with cabs and mufflers. Some times closed trailers do not work. Make Shure you have electric brakes on it not surge control. I have had problems with a surge brake units on two trailers so I never buy a trailer with that set up. You are on the right path good luck.

Don't know what you have for a tow vehicle but if you went with a gooseneck or fifth wheel they tow 10 times nicer than a bumper pull.

With enclosed trailers you usually have to special order flooring heavy enough for wheeled vehicles, That also applies to the gate/door, so make sure you get that. V-tongue trailers pull a little easier and have extra storage up there, but they also are more unstable in the wind. So if you are going to be driving in the wind a lot it may not be best. If your in the rust belt then standard enclosed with steel frame will rot quickly from the salt. I've seen them rotted through on the sides in as little as 4 or 5 years. So if you live where there is salt and you will use it much in the winter you may want to go with an all aluminum trailer so you don't get the corrosion between the steel and aluminum sides. And you can't really let them just rot away either, especially on one that long, as the sides are what do the work and not the main rails as on open trailers.

Thanks Jon,

Don't think we will be using it when salt is on the road, but good to know.
A "V" nose being unstable in the wind was a surprise to me, that may definitely be a factor.

Thanks for your insight.
Larry

Thanks everyone for your input.
I may have to rethink this and go with a flat deck equipment trailer instead.
The reason for the cargo trailer was we could use it as a classroom in the "field".
Also the college maintenance department would like to use it to haul furniture etc on campus.
If I had an equipment trailer I don't think anyone else would "borrow" it.
It will have to be a bumper pull as we do not have goose-neck capability.

Thanks again, Larry

I had a Royal Cargo 22' trailer until it got rear ended back in March. It had upgraded axles to 6,000 with 16" E rated tires and 12,000 GVW. It had floor, wall, and ceiling cross members on 16" and upgraded to the heavy duty ramp rear door. They are made in Middlebury Indiana. You might give them a call. I talked with Lynn Weaver. After insurance paid, I looked on Craigs List and found an Interstate 24' at a great price so bought it. I hauled a 1966 Fairlane and a Kawasaki 4 wheeler in the RC and it towed real nice. If you go with an open trailer, everything is out in the weather and prying eyes. If you go with an enclosed trailer at least you can lock it up and make it a little more effort to damage or steal things.