Trailer advice - Pro and cons of different trailers

[Forestboy1978]

Hi fellas,

Planning on getting a trailer later in the year. I did buy a cheap 8 x 4 box trailer and mounted a wooden laddered frame to it for stowing on top and climbing on it. Was cheap and did the job but was a bugger getting stuff in and out cos it was only 4 ft high or something.

Anyway, snapped the sub frame so it's gone. I have a crew cab transit caged tipper and I've taken the back seats out so we are managing ATM but really want a nice trailer.

Problem I have is I have to reverse down a long S shaped drive way and on to a minor rd every day. I'm proficient at this but at the end of a hard day, particularly in winter in the dark it's too much hassle and I don't want to jack knife and dent the trailer. I'm considering getting a remote control for maneuvering the trailer independant of the truck. Other consideration are;

I would like a box cos I'm thinking along the lines of a mobile workshop type thing. I want to take all my tools, all the time cos I'm sick of having to drive home for stupid things like a hammer or something. So large, 12' x 7' x 6.5' height. remote control is a must.

But I was thinking it would be nice to have tipper capacity also for the odd occasion. Wondering about caged but with some kind of covering that could be detached along with the cage when necessary. It's left in a "safe" area where thieves will be heard day or night and I'll get a driveway anchor to lock it to. Tipper capacity is not a priority at all though, just would be an nice extra if it's feasible.

Twin axle is a must. I would like to be able to drive small plant onto it so a ramp hatch is ideal and also would like a front or side door on the box.

I'm just thinking ahead of time cos I can't afford it right now and I don't want to get it until I can afford the remote control parking, ground anchor, excellent wheel clamp etc. So it could take 6 months to a year. I know this will cost a bit and will be an extremely desirable thing to steel.

On the subject of wheel clamps. I had before bought a bulldog I think it was, wheel clamp for 100 ish and it was a right pain to fit and in the end the key lock seized and I have to cut it off with a disc cutter. So any advice on good wheel clamps also.

So any info you guys can provide would be great. Anything on the trailer, insurance options, weight limitations etc. I can tow, I think, braked 3.5 tons inc trailer. I think that's if I don't have anything on the tipper itself. Though not sure.

Cheers

[Dave_L]

My goodness, that's a fair list of wants and desires from one trailer - I think you are going to struggle on this one. I think you are going to need a caged/sheeted trailer and a plant trailer alongside to tick 90% of the boxes you require.

[Forestboy1978]

OK forget tipper capacity. I know it's a bridge too far.

But surely a large twin axle box trailer would be sufficient for small plant as well if I took out tools. Having 2 trailers isn't a financial option and I couldn't store them if I could afford them.

[Dave_L]

If security is OK where you store it, then a caged sided trailer with a fitted top tarp cover might be an option? The tarp can then be removed to load taller items and plant.

[GB_Groundworks]

I think the actual weight a transit double cab can tow legally is less than 1700kg

We had a custom plant trailer built by batesons trailers near us in Marple to take our 3 ton dumper

Think the custom route will be the only way

Or get a cheap van and use that along side your tipper

[Forestboy1978]

Both good options. Funny thing is I hadn't even considered a van. Might be a little more longer term but if the 1.7 ton things is right it might be the way forward. I'll need to assess whether it's justifiable over this next year.

[GB_Groundworks]

we just bought a long wheel base vw crafter 57 plate 150k miles £4k bargain beats a trailer albeit we have fleet policy that lets anyone drive it so lads can drive it

[Dave_L]

VW Shafter - Known for DPF problems Giles, I take it still has it there otherwise it will cost ££££ at MOT time.

[GB_Groundworks]

It does, can get them for £250 which isn't that bad

[Forestboy1978]

"If" I was to go the van route it would totally make sense to lose my crew cab tipper and get a truck with greater tipper/ load capacity.

The problem is my truck (touch wood) is running nice and giving me no hassle and I don't get any luck with vehicles. Always nervous when changing vehicles but to change 1 for another equal and buy a cheap van would raise my stress levels.....