Lamar vs PJ utility trailers

[gostovp]

So I'm in the market for a new utility trailer to haul my SxS (2023 Can Am Defender regular cab). Use cases are day trips here in the Midwest, and one or two hunting trips out west, plus Menards runs, hauling stuff around home, etc. I'm looking at a tandem axle 83"x16'. My budget is keeping me in the steel trailer realm (plus some of the horror stories I hear about aluminum welds cracking...and Aluma and Triton are WAY out of my budget)...I know that steel trailers rust like crazy in the midwest here, so I'm planning to Fluid Film the frame each year.
I'm thinking 16' foot in case I want to haul extra stuff on the trailer (like another ATV, a mower if I head up north, or coolers and elk racks if we get lucky...)
Narrowed my choices down to Lamar and PJ. Both are essentially the same price with the same/similar features here in my area.
Does anyone have any experience with either of those two manufacturers?

 

[cnelk]

Not in your short list but I’d go Big Tex trailers

 

[Beendare]

I own PJ and have had a Big Tex...no Lamar.

The Big tex is very light duty compared to PJ....no comparison really. We use the tilt PJ for a Bobcat rack machine and Excavator- bulletproof trailers.

 

[Snowhunter11]

Have used Lamar, PJ, and Big Tex in utility trailers from 10ft-24ft. All have been good to us. In saying that we seek out PJ trailers more often than others. They are constructed well, durable, and affordable at least in my area.

 

[gostovp]

The more research I do I sounds like PJ and Big Tex are the same company now and the utility trailers are welded in the same factory

 

[gostovp]

Throw into the mix now I found a new 82x14’ Rance aluminum locally for a pretty good price…

 

[Nine Banger]

PJ guy here.

3 dump trailers.

1 flat bed.

1 utility.

They're all good.

My utility trailer is a 5x14 custom order for my clay throwers. It's over the top quality for what it is.

We have a dealer that's easy to get to.

I can get pics tomorrow if you're interested.

 

[Svivian]

Another PJ user. Started with a Big Tex.

This is for 24’ deck over and 40’ dove tail trailers. Not as familiar on the utility trailers

 

[Beendare]

The more research I do I sounds like PJ and Big Tex are the same company now and the utility trailers are welded in the same factory

Probably...but the Big Tex we had was much lighter duty made with lesser materials.

 

[Weldor]

PJ

 

[spike camp]

Make sure you can open your doors, with whatever trailer you go with.

 

[Bannedinshortorder!]

LOL

 

[Nine Banger]

Heres my PJ utility trailer.

Pics to show excellence in electrical and beefiness.

Same effort as their big expensive trailers.

 

[Billy Goat]

Lamar is independent, PJ is part of American Trailer World, guess if you want to support an independent versus a portfolio that can matter.


For me probably come down to the dealer. Hopefully don't need it, but warranty or any work that might need to happen the dealer can make a difference.

Size you are looking at, probably not much difference with any of them besides things you see.

 

[HuntHarder]

Pj here as well. Its been flawless for 10 years. 14' tandem axle.