First time trailer buyer. What to look for?

[150class]

Looking at getting a 16' tandem axle pull behind trailer but I'm seeing prices from 1400$ up to 5000$ so was curious what to look for and what makes the prices fluctuate so much? I'm assuming materials is a large part but was curious on features I may not be in the know about.

Trailer will primary be used to haul the Mule around and other miscellaneous things.

Appreciate the help.

[Fmjag64]

Good floor, no issues with lights, check trailer brakes and for rust, is my general check list.

[150class]

Good floor, no issues with lights, check trailer brakes and for rust, is my general check list.

Appreciate it!

Also, this may be a new or used purchase so not sure if that effects anything. Do trailers values decline pretty quick going off the lot to the point I should look real hard at used?

[forced-2-work]

check the weight of the axles also. Some have heavier axles and some have lighter axles. The biggest thing I have seen with price variation is 1, axles capacity, 2, width of trailer, 3, the heavy duty-ness of the rails and construction of it and 4, as stated above how solid the floor is.

[deerplanter]

Make sure it has a wrap around tongue, where the channel iron runs from the hitch to the first axle in kind of a s curve. You will not need brakes for pulling mule but if you do get one with brakes then it will have to be inspected like your truck each year. Floors are easy to replace so if you find a good deal on one that needs a floor is not a big deal. Check for rust is the main thing, lights are easily fixed also.

[crash8005]

Pipe top is usually higher that angle iron top.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

[Traildust]

Crawl up under it. Look at how the wiring is run. Look at the welds and fits.
Bulldog hitch and fold up / slide up jack are a must. Hidden, lockable ramps. D rings every 24" if you have one built!

[Kenner97]

Look at Blue Star Trailers if you have one if you area. I just went to look at them and they seem to be built well. 2" tubing top rail, ramps that slide under trailer. 4" C-channel that runs all the way to the axel, brakes.
Price is $1,995 plus TTL

[gig one]

RanchKing

[quarterback]

Make sure the wheel bearings have been greased.

[jdg13]

Angle is easier to strap things to unless you have lots of tie down points. Expanded metal sides are nice for keeping little things in. A bulldog style hitch is much easier to deal with when hooking up. Good wiring and good ramps are a must. A board on the front helps block rocks from being thrown up on your buggy.

[S-3 Ranch]

Make sure the walls around the window aren’t rotten so you can frame in a good window unit a/c

[Blank]

Lots to consider. Will you only use it in Texas? Texas allows trailers up to 4500# without brakes, most every other state requires brakes for any trailer with a gross weight over 3000#. Get one with LED lights if you can - they are brighter, last longer, and don't tend to fail if they get wet. Axles should be at least rated for 3500# each. Tandem axle if you can, it tows better and safer, easier to balance loads, and if you have a blow out, you can safely get it stopped without destroying the wheel.... I always look for, or install Load Range D tires, instead of C. The type of hitch is less important, as long as it is properly adjusted and locked.

[TX03RUBI]

If it’s a UTV hauler, or anything that sees “off-road” use, then slide up or fold up jacks are an absolute must. Everyone I know with stationary jacks on a UTV hauler have torn them off or bent them up where they are now unusable.

[PROD49]

If it is home built and there is no VIN or title be prepared to spend some time getting it weighed, then a VIN assigned then registered. It's a royal pain in the A**