Trailer Prices 5er vs pull behind bumper ???

Why are 5er trailers so much more expensive than a regular pull behind trailer. I've built trailers in the past. As far as cost to build its no real big difference. But when you go to a trailer dealer they wan't at least 1000 to 1500 more for a 5er. This is a regular flat bed trailer with the same load capacity.

I want to get a 5er flat bed but the price is so much.

I want a trailer with at least a 22 foot bed with drive over fenders. With drive over fenders the height of the bed is at least a foot lower.

 

I think that you are refering to a goose neck trailer. I am by no means very knowledgeable about this, but I don't think they build flat bed trailes that use a 5th wheel hitch. The goose neck hitch is much stronger. I suspect that the price is higher because of the additional structure in the front of the trailer... that and what the market will pay.



good luck.

 

The way it was explained to me (as Klenger pointed out) is the extra welding and structure that goes in to the front is a big part of it. That, and the trailer's structure is generally square, and 5ers usually have a much taller profile = more materials and in turn money. In my opinion though, the extra $$$ is money well spent.



Kev

 

Jeff;



There was a glut of 5'ers over 25 feet on the local market. The Minnesota DOT double rule allowing a trailered boat/ATV/snowmobile/etc. behind a 5'er less than 26 feet caused alot of owners to dump their units in order to qualify.

I'm seeing less and less lately.



Now is a good time to shop for a TT. Winter approaches and the thought of paying yard storage fees until next year may make a seller more willing to negociate.



Good luck

-John

 

Dad found me a trailer. So I went up to look at it. Its alot bigger than I'm looking for. Its an older one. Trailer must have at least a 30' bed. No suspension axles mounted to the frame. Deck is shot. Rubber is worn. Ouch feels like a rough pull. Looks like a good project to work on.

I see a for sale sighn in front of it. But no number to call. I'll probably stop up in a few weeks. If it has not been sold I'll make an offer.

 

I do agree with the 5er and gooseneck pulling much easier than a tagalong or bumper pull type trailer.

 

Embarrassed retraction here.

I thought Jeff was asking on 5'er travel trailers, not flat beds.



The reason a 5'er is usually more money is than a flat bed is that the gross capacity is usually more. Fall is usually a good time to shop for them, too. I know people that have picked used horse trailers for a song and converted them to suit the needs. Check auction sales for postings.



<font size=1>John</font>