Truck or Trailer?

[jp57]

you would love the goldens.. super low ash....paid 265.00 ton last year..

Just need to find a place up here that has them. The few places that do carry Energex only seem to have the green bags and not the Goldens.

 

[Tonyray]

Just need to find a place up here that has them. The few places that do carry Energex only seem to have the green bags and not the Goldens.

Yeah.. they are a 1 shot deal with my stove dealer..
anyways,
decided getting a used truck is out..
rather get a small trailer that even if it sit's most of the time, there will be less parts to replace not counting Insurance costs and many other reasons..

 

[alternativeheat]

Mine sits a lot. Besides pellets I use it for an annual multi dump run clean out or clean up ( varies from year to year but somehow it seems to occur. I haul the kayaks to water on it, in fact this year I want to build a carry rack that slip into the bed. I haul the garden tractor in it along with other lawn attachments. Last year it went to Maine with us, the stepson borrowed it to haul his motorcycle on it. We have brought home garden timbers in it-several times, lumber other times. I haul the generator in it, just roll it up the ramp/tail gate, no lifting !! It's just handy to have around for the sake of keeping the tires well inflated.

Incidentally, the sides are not high on it at all, maybe up to my knees if that. A pallet of pellets if not unwrapped just sits there. If unwrapped that's another matter, now they want to slide all apart, better off to break it down in that case.

The only problem with the trailer ? The wife knows that if she dreams up some project to do we can probably haul stuff for the project in the trailer, opening one more door to her already very vivid imagination !! LOL

 

[tiger]

Here is my exact trailer Now $449
http://www.tractorsupply.com/en/store/carry-on-trailerreg;-4-ft-w-x-6-ft-l-mesh-floor-trailer-1700-lb-payload-capacity

That seems like an exceptional value. But I could not imagine hauling mulch in it (we do three trailerloads/year) or our regular Costco purchases... all would blow out. I guess it comes down to what one hauls.

 

[jp57]

That seems like an exceptional value. But I could not imagine hauling mulch in it (we do three trailerloads/year) or our regular Costco purchases... all would blow out. I guess it comes down to what one hauls.

I have the next size up from his...it's a 4x7 1675lbs rating w/a fold down ramp. I added pressure treated plywood to the bottom and sides.

Works well for my needs...Just starting to get the hang of backing it up.

Here it is with a load of firewood at our last house...

It will easily handle a full scoop of mulch too...

 

[MtDew]

That seems like an exceptional value. But I could not imagine hauling mulch in it (we do three trailerloads/year) or our regular Costco purchases... all would blow out. I guess it comes down to what one hauls.

Well I haul my mulch in the bed of my truck. This trailer works great for my pellet hauling needs. I haul 5 ton for myself and 4 ton for my son. Trailer has more than paid for itself over the last 7 years.

 

[Arti]

I think you would be surprised at how much you would use a trailer, Moving most anything bulky is much easier. Also it will be a great way to make new friends as soon as they discover that you have a trailer everyone will want to use it or have you help them move stuff......

 

[Tonyray]

I have hauled pellets from Harrisburg to my house with this set up.(1.5 hrs one way) No issues. I live about 10 miles from Bucks Pellets.
You will be charged more in tolls if you use the turnpike pulling a trailer.

on other question:
i HAVE SEEN A FEW USED ONES ONLINE,similar to yours but realized if I go to check it out and buy, , I can't tow it home since I am not set up yet with lights/tow ball.
if I buy a tow kit 1st, how do I know which size ball to get while searching....I understand the're are few different diameter sizes..

 

[rona]

on other question:
i HAVE SEEN A FEW USED ONES ONLINE,similar to yours but realized if I go to check it out and buy, , I can't tow it home since I am not set up yet with lights/tow ball.
if I buy a tow kit 1st, how do I know which size ball to get while searching....I understand the're are few different diameter sizes..

You can buy a the ball attachment that has two choices 1 7/8 or 2 inch . If you are going heavy duty they also offer 3 choices which would include 1 5/16 th ball plus the smaller ones. Two inch is the most common.
Start out by buying the actual part that fastens to car or pickup- then there will be a choice 2 inch receiver or 1 inch for it . After that there will be another choice, 5/8th or 3/4 bolt on the bottom of the ball hitch Then comes the choices of which will fit the trailer. real small trailers take 1 7/8, med trailers take 2 inch and large will be 2 5/16.

 

[alternativeheat]

Most average utility trailers will take a 2" ball.

 

[MtDew]

My trailer from TSC takes a 1 7/8" ball. I usually carry a 2" ball for the same hitch just so I'm ready if I need the larger size for a different trailer or tow dolly.

Yes if you have def decided to go the trailer route with your existing truck, get the hitch parts for your truck first.
Also if any of those used trailers are local, maybe you could ask the seller if they could drop off at your house for you.

 

[alternativeheat]

My trailer came from HD, to which they no longer sell this model in typical HD fashion ! It has a 2" ball as does my boat trailer.

 

[Tonyray]

My trailer from TSC takes a 1 7/8" ball. I usually carry a 2" ball for the same hitch just so I'm ready if I need the larger size for a different trailer or tow dolly.

Yes if you have def decided to go the trailer route with your existing truck, get the hitch parts for your truck first.
Also if any of those used trailers are local, maybe you could ask the seller if they could drop off at your house for you.

where would I pick up the electric harness for lights.?

 

[Ranger72]

Uhaul store carries most harness connections. Or Amazon.

 

[Ranger72]

If your truck does not come equipped with a factory harness connector, you can wire one in off the taillight:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0002Q8036/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1427402437&sr=8-2&keywords=1992 toyota tacoma trailer harness&dpPl=1&dpID=41uUYi9bhML&ref=plSrch&pi=AC_SX200_QL40

 

[MtDew]

where would I pick up the electric harness for lights.?

ebay, uhaul, etrailer.com, or amazon.

 

[Tonyray]

ebay, uhaul, etrailer.com, or amazon.

btw:
did your rig for TSC come in boxes to be put together or did u pick it intact?

 

[Bucks Pellets]

The EasyBlaze are not bad, pretty decent heat. My stove it making a big pile of clinkers (I guess that's what they're called) after about 12 hours with these pellets...having said that, it will do that for just about any pellets I've used with the exception of the Energex's. Those burned hot as all heck and were pretty low on ash. I'll probably order a couple tons of those in a couple months

I'm just glad Bucks had the EasyBlazes last month since everyone up here in the Lehigh Valley was out. It was a haul to get there, but it made for a pretty good road trip on a Saturday afternoon with my wife, so it worked out well. And like I said, the truck handled it with no problems.

Having a small utility/landscape trailer is probably the way to go. My wife made me buy one when we got the truck and I've used it quite a bit more than I thought...mulch, stone, dirt, fire wood, and our stuff when we moved. Comes in very handy.

JP, thanks for your business. We're expanding our delivery area to all of Bucks, Montgomery, Lehigh and Northampton counties this upcoming season starting with our spring buy. We'll also be making deliveries in Hunterdon county, NJ. If we have a pellet that you like and can't find up your way, you can save yourself the money of buying a trailer and just have us haul them up there for you.

 

[MtDew]

btw:
did your rig for TSC come in boxes to be put together or did u pick it intact?

They come fully assembled ready to tow home. The ready to assemble kind can be found at places like Harbor Freight. I had one of those years ago. The one from TSC is a much better quality trailer than the put together types.

 

[Tonyray]

They come fully assembled ready to tow home. The ready to assemble kind can be found at places like Harbor Freight. I had one of those years ago. The one from TSC is a much better quality trailer than the put together types.

this one is about 20 miles from me but I think TLC has same size for lower price..also with wood floor.. Although only be able to Haul 1 ton with 5x7 or 4x6 which is cheaper.]
(broken link removed to http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/cto/4944136083.html)

 

[Tonyray]

So Tonyray, whatcha thinking your going to get?

Trailer now for sure..

 

[bags]

Tony, Have you looked for a military surplus trailer? They are heavy duty and have small ones that can handle all the weight you can throw at them. They can usually be found cheap also. Just a thought or another option. Many are pintle hook hitches though which is no big deal. I run pintle hook hitches on my large equipment trailers. I have a set up that is a 2 5/16" ball and also functions as a pintle hook too. These hitch set ups will cost a bit more overall than a standard one with a 2" ball. Much quicker and easier to hook up too. Another perk is less people ask to borrow them. LOL!

Most of these utility trailers are 2" balls. The 1 7/8" comes into play with the very light duty models mostly. The 2 5/16" balls come into play on larger trailers which you do not want to pull with your truck.

I have a 6 x 12 smaller trailer I use a lot also. It has a 2" hitch and is a single axle. Comes in handy for many things. I bought it from a local farm supply and equipment dealer here. It was $1,195 but is heavy duty as well. Many landscapers use this very trailer for their zero turns. I just picked up a golf cart for a friend with it. I haul my motorcycles on it mainly but also use it for work or whatever. It is much easier to deal with than my big ones.

As mentioned above you can find bolt on trailer hitches at TSC, most auto parts stores, U-Haul, etc; Get one with the 2 inch receiver then you can get the slide in hitch. This is a widely used set up. You can buy balls and such anywhere.

Speaking of that Wally World even sells hitches and receivers etc; You can likely find what you need there and they can install it. I would stick with your truck and a good small trailer. With my big trucks and trailers it is a PITA to maneuver about town. Especially with the crew cab and long bed. Just that truck alone sucks to park and find parking spots for. It's like driving a school bus and not the short one either.

Trailers do fine sitting and require no insurance etc; Your homeowners would cover theft if that occurs. Just grease the bearings, air the tires, and replace bulbs as needed. Keep it clean and condition the tire sidewalls so they do not dry rot.

Most trailer paint jobs are sub-standard at best. They will look good for a few years and then want to start to rust so that is another thing to keep up on. I have one 7-8 ton trailer I bought new in 2003 that is looking rough now. Just bought a new lighting kit for it and plan on spending some time on it this spring or summer. It needs to be repainted also. Much easier than shelling out $5-$6 grand for a new one though. Equipment trailers tend to take a beating at times so it is what it is. Needs 4 new tires too. Yippie! I have been using another and neglecting it for some time.

 

[bags]

No problems with a ton of energy logs in this trailer of mine behind my old beater '96 Explorer 5.0L AWD.

https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/upgraded-my-wood-hauling-capability.92474/#post-1213633

t
That is a nice little trailer and would be great for hauling pellets or firewood. It is similar to the military trailers I was referring to.

 

[Tonyray]

Tony, Have you looked for a military surplus trailer? They are heavy duty and have small ones that can handle all the weight you can throw at them. They can usually be found cheap also. Just a thought or another option. Many are pintle hook hitches though which is no big deal. I run pintle hook hitches on my large equipment trailers. I have a set up that is a 2 5/16" ball and also functions as a pintle hook too. These hitch set ups will cost a bit more overall than a standard one with a 2" ball. Much quicker and easier to hook up too. Another perk is less people ask to borrow them. LOL!

Most of these utility trailers are 2" balls. The 1 7/8" comes into play with the very light duty models mostly. The 2 5/16" balls come into play on larger trailers which you do not want to pull with your truck.

I have a 6 x 12 smaller trailer I use a lot also. It has a 2" hitch and is a single axle. Comes in handy for many things. I bought it from a local farm supply and equipment dealer here. It was $1,195 but is heavy duty as well. Many landscapers use this very trailer for their zero turns. I just picked up a golf cart for a friend with it. I haul my motorcycles on it mainly but also use it for work or whatever. It is much easier to deal with than my big ones.

As mentioned above you can find bolt on trailer hitches at TSC, most auto parts stores, U-Haul, etc; Get one with the 2 inch receiver then you can get the slide in hitch. This is a widely used set up. You can buy balls and such anywhere.

Speaking of that Wally World even sells hitches and receivers etc; You can likely find what you need there and they can install it. I would stick with your truck and a good small trailer. With my big trucks and trailers it is a PITA to maneuver about town. Especially with the crew cab and long bed. Just that truck alone sucks to park and find parking spots for. It's like driving a school bus and not the short one either.

Trailers do fine sitting and require no insurance etc; Your homeowners would cover theft if that occurs. Just grease the bearings, air the tires, and replace bulbs as needed. Keep it clean and condition the tire sidewalls so they do not dry rot.

Most trailer paint jobs are sub-standard at best. They will look good for a few years and then want to start to rust so that is another thing to keep up on. I have one 7-8 ton trailer I bought new in 2003 that is looking rough now. Just bought a new lighting kit for it and plan on spending some time on it this spring or summer. It needs to be repainted also. Much easier than shelling out $5-$6 grand for a new one though. Equipment trailers tend to take a beating at times so it is what it is. Needs 4 new tires too. Yippie! I have been using another and neglecting it for some time.

Just that truck alone sucks to park and find parking spots for. It's like driving a school bus and not the short one either.
my buddies long bed Chevy is what your talking about/.
always wondered why at work he would back the truck into a parking space instead of pulling in forward.

 

[bags]

They stick out of a spot too. With the crew cab and long bed it's somewhere around 22 to 24 feet long. Kids have a couch and half of a living room in the back. LOL! I back mine in mostly also. A trailer is a much less expensive route if you just want to haul things occasionally. In KY we don't need to tag trailers for personal use. If used for business it's another story. I have farm tags on both of my trucks and can pull 26,000 lbs no questions asked. It used to be 38,000.

They figure out ways to beat money out of people some how. We get hit hard on vehicle usage and personal property taxes here on vehicles. They tax farm trucks if they hit the roads too where they used to be exempt.