Need help picking a new trailer!

[gostovp]

I am in a complete conundrum here on what trailer I should buy so I need some feedback/help .... long post coming so bear with me...

I recently purchased a 2023 Can Am Defender HD10 XT (factory glass windshields, factory 1/2 doors, 30" tires), so I had to sell my old 6.5x10 steel utility trailer....machine weights about 1800 lbs with accessories and full tank of gas

I'm torn between the following
1. Single Axle Steel Utility (7x14) with 5500# axle, brakes, and 3700# payload (new locally $3300 plus tax)
2. Tandem Axle Steel Utility (7x16) with two 3500# axles, brakes, and about 5000# payload (new $4200 plus tax)
3. Tandem Axle Aluminum Utility (7x16) ... similar specs to steel, little bit more payload (new about $5800 'ish plus tax)
4. Enclosed Trailer - 8.5 x 16 ... steel is gonna run me about $9k, aluminum frame about $12K to $14K depending on options....

I have a 2016 F150 XLT 4x4 with the 2.7L EB with factory tow package (trailer brake controller, etc....not the MAX tow package....factory rated to pull 8K..but my guess is 7K is more realistic. I also have a truck-cap/topper on it so I do have that to keep things dry and secure.

My use cases:
1. I live in WI, so road salt and corrosion are an issue, but I don't really plan on hauling in the winter all that much.
2. Two to Four hour day or weekend trips here in the midwest to go trail riding or up to our whitetail deer camp here in the midwest.
3. One or Two trips out west to hunt each fall. Mix of earlier season archery and possibly some later rifle seasons (so snow/weather are possible). Would like to trailer the side by side out west as my F150 just gets beat to crap on a lot of Forest Service roads.
4. We currently use a 10x14 Kodiak Canvas Tent for base/truck camp hunting and do have spike gear if we are going to be in the backcountry.
- We have been very happy with the Kodiak as a base camp tent.

My son wants to go in on an enclosed trailer with me as he thinks it would be better to haul gear and camp in that the Kodiak. I'm not so sure...Unless we get an enclosed that has windows and good venting, it just seems like it's a big unventilated box. (There is a new enclosed near me configured like we would want...two 30x30 windows, roof vent, Salem vents, RV door with screen, but its $14K +plus tax...)

I know that an enclosed is great for keeping gear secure and out of the elements, but pulling an 8.5 x 16 enclosed could be a pain with my f150, as I expect the gas mileage would drop to around 10mpg or less, and controlling it in a crosswind with that truck could be interesting. Plus I'm not sure I'm going to use the enclosed enough to justify the cost...I know my wife isn't likely going to want to use it as a camper...she'd rather rent a VRBO near a trailhead. Or she'd rather get a camper van and pull the side by side.

I know that an open utility trailer will not hurt my MPG as bad, is cheaper, is easier to maneuver, is easier to store at my house, but any gear we put on it is open to the world (dirt, dust, theft, etc).

I know a tandem axle pulls better on the highway, and is safer in the event of a tire blowout, but they are a little harder to maneuver around the yard, etc

I know that steel is has a cheaper initial cost, is much easier to weld if repairs are needed, but here in the midwest they can rust pretty badly, but aluminum if not properly built can crack and doesn't have the fatigue resistance of steel.

I literally waiver back and forth each day. HELP!!

 

[The_Jim]

I have 16 with the 3.5 and it really doesn't matter what I pull - the mileage sucks once a trailer is hooked up. On a good trip with a single axle and a honda pioneer I'll get around 11 or 12. I'll strap a canoe to that little single axle and still only get 12mpg. If I'm bucking wind its more like 8 or 9. I wouldn't factor fuel mileage and just know its just going to be bad.

 

[Wheels]

Might consider a 14+2 dovetail trailer, the shorter tailgate will help with wind resistance for fuel mileage. I have one that the tailgate folds flat back onto the trailer bed, even with the Ranger crew there’s room to lay it down.
Aluminum is nice for weight standpoint but the strength of steel wins. Keep it clean and it’ll last.

 

[wyosteve]

I initially got an Aluma 68x12 for my Can Am Commander. It was fine for short trips, but longer trips always concerned me with dirt, debris, rocks, hail, theft and vandalism. Invested in a 8.5 x 24 enclosed with 6 inches extra height and haven’t looked back. Keeps the machine clean and gives some peace of mind if I have to stay overnight somewhere. My feeling is spend the extra for an enclosed and you can always sell if you’re not happy with it. I strongly suggest going 8.5 wide for enough room to get in and out when in the trailer.

 

[IdahoBeav]

Can't you coat the underside of a steel trailer with Fluid Film to prevent rust?

 

[gostovp]

Can't you coat the underside of a steel trailer with Fluid Film to prevent rust?

Yeah That’s what I was thinking … put some on each late summer early fall

 

[IdahoBeav]

Yeah That’s what I was thinking … put some on each late summer early fall

Galvanizing may also be an option, either by purchasing a model that is galvanized or paying for the service. On an existing trailer, it may require cutting/drilling some weep holes.

 

[OverInfinite]

Tandem 16' would be my choice!
I have a 14' single axle, a 16' tandem utility, a 20' enclosed, dump trailer, goose necks... but the 16' tandem is my favorite trailer to pull and load. I wish I didnt have the rail on it though. I end up using my goosenecks for pallets and things, but the 16' is my go to for any UTV, fourwheeler, even a couple dirt bikes. the single axle is so touchy with tongue weight and constantly wiggles and gets the same mileage.
the enclosed trailer is nice but its used to haul cars and stuff and is stiff to pull in the wind and can take a bit of a wiggle with semis.
I really dont want to put my muddy or dusty utv inside a trailer, just seems like another thing to clean.

 

[gostovp]

thanks for the responses. I'm leaning towards a tandem 16'. One of my biggest issues with open air towing the SxS was damage to the unit while trailering, and the biggest risk there is the glass windshield taking a rock. I found a place near me that makes padded windshield covers meant for trailering for like $200, which would alleviate that issue. Now to determine if I want steel or aluminum....

 

[Blockcaver]

Open single axle trailer with a Yamaha quad or Honda Pioneer 520 SxS only cuts my 2015 5.0 liter F150 with cab height canopy mileage by about 20%. My enclosed over-height 6'x12' single axle Cargo Mate cuts my truck mileage nearly in half.

That said I like the enclosed as mentioned for security, a living quarter with the atv/SxS removed, keeping road grime off the unit, a decent place to store the bike at home, etc.

I remove the Pioneer SxS front window for open hauling. Also when I am using it here in the west when the trails and logging roads are dry. Otherwise dust build up on the window is brutal...you can't see out.