I agree with one of the commenter's, you don't want an RV latch. You can yank one of those out with a crowbar in 2 seconds. For the roof leaks, try eternabond tape. Once that tape is on there it will never leak but it will never come off either. Very good walk around video.
I learned with the RV latch a long time ago it popped open hitting hard bumps in the road when I came to a stop the door swings open. So I like the RV latch but I also must have a bar lock over it for traveling!
Don’t know if you’ve already done it on the wood on the underside, is get some boiled linseed oil and spray it on. Wood sealer doesn’t penetrate the wood. It’ll end up flaking off where the linseed oil gets “Into” the wood and repels all moisture. You can even thin out the oil a bit. As far as I know the oil doesn’t come in a spray can so you’d have to set up a compressor and spray gun. You can see on the inside where oils been on the wood. Just that alone will repel moisture, but linseed works better and cheaper than wood water sealer in cans. Good vid for those not looking for new.👍
Good walkaround. I’m so glad I bought a cheap enclosed as my first trailer - it taught me everything that I wanted and what was important when I upgraded. I now have a 24’ ATC and got exactly what I wanted.
Nicely thought and executed. I purchased an "economy" trailer from south Georgia a few years ago. Drove down and picked it up. The lack of quality control was surprising. However, my venture was price driven. Still, the poor quality was unexpected. So, the process of addressing short cuts and attending to matters which are suited for my needs has been a task. A couple of items to point out are the blasted holes in framing for wiring. It would be reasonable to conclude that the rough holes will likely cut wire insulation. Another is the design of disimular metals contacting one another. That would be the aluminum skin and metal framing. Your insight into hanging heavy objects from walls is wise. Gotta' remove the two spare tires! They'll go in base cabinets which are supported from the floor. During my dance with the South Georgia folks, a rep mentioned they had not had a failure/leak from the seemed roofing but roof vents can be problematic. With that in mind, wall vents merit consideration. But alas, no illumination. Then there's rust. My experience is there's no waste of paint as the points not viewable were not primed or painted. Rust was quick to appear. Your model of buying used is viable given bringing a new trailer up to reasonable standards can be resource intensive. Thanks for the vid!
@@bigjake352 Nope not Empire. Eagle Cargo. Probably little difference from shop to shop, if pricing is the priority. Gotta' wonder if most buyer's have the knowledge to look at build quality. However, quality takes more labor hours, higher skill levels and better/more expensive materials. The result is higher cost but longer service life, of course. Again, buying used and renovating the trailer likely results in a better trailer.
My cousin has that on his. Here's the potential problem with that design and why I'm going to forego it. If the trailer is loaded and you get a flat, how hard might it be to get to the spare? Because I plan to long haul this one and carry more than wheeled vehicles, I'll have both spares where they can be accessed easily.
This is one of the most helpful videos that I have watched on trailers. I am planning to buy a new one in a few days. This tutorial told me a bunch of stuff to look at. Thank you.
Up north where I live they get economy trailers with fiberboard in them which is heavier and worse than plywood even! They are charging $10,000 for the size trailer and it is a piece of junk. I personally ordered my trailer from Georgia and spent $6,000 and got upgraded 16 on Center framing everywhere extra height and poly core siding for 40% less money. The trailer Market is very deceptive in you have to watch out it is a very tricky Market to navigate. Great video! There aren't many videos on UA-cam showing the build qualities of these trailers in the differences between the manufacturers.
By far the best video on UA-cam!!! I’m a subscriber now. Love your upgrade ideas and plan to do some. I hope you posted videos on what you did and how you did it. Thank you for your attention to detail and time you put into making this video! 😊
The bar lock is the upgrade from the RV latch and an extra charge for all of the trailers that I've shopped. As for your awning and porch light ... you will exceed the legal width limit for all interstates and a lot of state roads too. I doubt they'll give you too a lot of crap for it but they can.
Great walk through - thanks. Seeing what a reasonably used 10 year old one of these looks like makes me SUPER happy that I've gone this exact route for my new trailer. I'd rather put the $$$ into accessories and setup with reasonable maintenance than having a "better" trailer that I then can't afford to outfit, which, by the way, will still require maintenance! Haven't clicked on your "show more" in the description yet, but am hoping you've linked to some of the sources for good stuff cheap, especially the LED floods.
when I bought my 28' new I painted the floor before anything was put in it. getting used a different story ... with deckover from HD not slippery. and walls with a fence paint wanted to be able to hose it out. and not take a month to dry plus it looks much cleaner.
Very nice walk-through. I would consider putting automotive sound deadener like Killsound. That would make the interior more comfortable and I also would consider putting a relatively small solar panel on top where people do not see it and an charge controller so you can keep the batteries charged up. That would also allow you to get a battery minder for the small battery for the brake-away battery. I like you idea of lights on the ramp for loading in the dark and also the awning for shade in the hot noon-day sun.
I'd love to give you one...but I have been overcome by life events. I have the awning on, the winch installed, the led floods and a good start on the electric. I have video on most, just need time to edit.
Hey buddy appreciate the video. I'm buying a trailer to turn into a concession-style coffee trailer up in NE Ohio and was set on a manufacturer down in Douglas GA until I saw some pretty shoddy examples of their craftsmanship. Now I'm looking more toward a well-built stock trailer (more $$ for sure) and modifying it myself. Which is a little scary, but watching your video is encouraging that things are probably not as difficult as I imagine.
Not much of a roof. It seems like something that thin and bouncing around would cause problems. A lot of info about how these are made. You got a lot for the money. Thanks.
Very helpful walk around. Almost a year later are you still happy with the trailer? Any further problems? One concern I've seen on other videos is the wiring not being protected from rubbing on the frame below
I wouldn't get an rv latch. They sell universal keys for them online. You can buy key code locks but nothing beats the door handle lock bar. My trailer has both and it was one of the cheapest very happy with it.
So how about some recommendations on some dealers that sell quality trailers? I want a trailer to turn into a camper where I can live in it while camping.
It is all about the weight you plan to carry. Another consideration is how much tow vehicle you have. I can stop a much larger load with my 1ton duelly than I can with my El Camino. Most small utility trailers and single axle enclosed don't have them from the factory. I wouldn't consider a trailer the size of this one without brakes. ~P
Yes! I have a 12' with no brakes. I also use a friend's with brakes, same size. Huge difference. I have an 06 Silverado 1500. Even empty the trailer probably weighs 1000 pounds +/-. That's weight that's pushing you if you need to stop quick. Brakes are worth every penny.
Solid walk-thru and helpful preparing me for my upcoming purchase. Its spring 2022 now, I realize this video is over two years old but do you have any tips on sourcing a trailer that is similar size / condition?
It was all about patients. I looked for about 8 months before I found this one and I had to drive 3 hours to get it. If you have an immediate need, this won't help but it is what I did.
@@sbirdranch Thank you for your reply. I have plenty of patients (still working on tolerance). Did you use anything special or just craigslist, fb marketplace, ebay?
@@mondavou9408 I used FB marketplace. I found (didn't know) that as I continued to scroll down, it was increasing my search radius. That turned out to be the trick that got me to this one. ~P
I looked in the typical places. Craigs List and FB Marketplace. In the end it was Marketplace and here is why. When you do a search, you supply a radius to look in. BUT, if you get to the end of the list, it will show you more, outside the radius and as you go, it will continue to search out further. That is how I found this one. The other thing is patience. I looked for almost a year. In that time, I passed on several and missed a couple. Hold out for what you want. I'm glad I didn't settle for a 7500# version. ~P
What is your measurement from the centerline of where your ball goes, back the the body of the v-nose along the top of the two tongue frame rails. I’m looking at one that is similar from Georgia and want to know if my equalizer hitch spring bars will fit.
Am I looking in the wrong spots because the cheapest trailers I'm seeing are about $9000 for a 16' (new)? I'd be fine with used but it doesn't look like I'll save much - just trying to find my first enclosed trailers for track days.
I can't imagine what this trailer would costs if I tried to buy it today. This video is pre-insanity of covid, real-estate crazyness...etc. It is more important now to know where the corners are cut with prices even higher. Good luck.
Great walk around. Any issues with leaking in at the ramp door? I was really hoping for a close up of the weather stripping on the ramp. Mine has a 1" rubber strip on the sides and bottom but not the top. There is a rain gutter about 4" above the door. All this means that it leaks like crazy in the rain. I'm wondering if they mounted the door upside down. Why have weather stripping at the bottom and not the top? If water did get in, I wouldn't try to prevent it from getting out at the bottom. What's your weatherstripping setup?
Sorry, I just saw your comment. I don't have any leaking issues back there. Kinda surprised by that to be candid. There is a 1 inch strip of simple weather stripping around all three sides and a small gutter at the top. The gutter on mine is only a couple of inches above the edge of the ramp door. ~P
some of the uploaders seemed a little tight lipped about that question, but the CheapRVLiving guy said a new one ( smaller than this model presumably) is about $3,000 and up, to start. Used ones are almost the same price.
Polycore is the new way to side a trailer. 4 times thicker siding. All the Georgia companies in 2024 all have dual electric brakes on their axles. I have looked at the cheapest economy trailers and cannot find any that do not have dual electric brakes anymore. You also need to look at frame cross members because some of the more expensive trailers have cross members every 24 in on Center and the cheaper ones are actually 16 on Center which is stronger and a better build quality. You really have to do a lot of research nowadays because you're overpaying for less quality with some Brands and you are getting a much better deal on others paying much less. The bottom line is you really have to do your due diligence and learn what you are purchasing when it comes to trailers!
too bad hurricane went bust. i think they were a step above. i bought a new one from them with screwless exterior. i loved it. since hurricane was gone i went to diamond trailer for another trailer. big mistake what a pos.
Hat post wall studs and Z post tops are the cheapest and worst quality parts. If they use those I would stay away from them. The tube are much stronger and better quality.
For what you paid, you got a pretty good deal. This is not the best video to show 2020-2021 cheap rip-off cargo trailers. Georgia yahoo's are building some some buyer beware trailers.
I agree with one of the commenter's, you don't want an RV latch. You can yank one of those out with a crowbar in 2 seconds. For the roof leaks, try eternabond tape. Once that tape is on there it will never leak but it will never come off either. Very good walk around video.
I learned with the RV latch a long time ago it popped open hitting hard bumps in the road when I came to a stop the door swings open. So I like the RV latch but I also must have a bar lock over it for traveling!
Don’t know if you’ve already done it on the wood on the underside, is get some boiled linseed oil and spray it on. Wood sealer doesn’t penetrate the wood. It’ll end up flaking off where the linseed oil gets “Into” the wood and repels all moisture. You can even thin out the oil a bit. As far as I know the oil doesn’t come in a spray can so you’d have to set up a compressor and spray gun. You can see on the inside where oils been on the wood. Just that alone will repel moisture, but linseed works better and cheaper than wood water sealer in cans. Good vid for those not looking for new.👍
Good walkaround. I’m so glad I bought a cheap enclosed as my first trailer - it taught me everything that I wanted and what was important when I upgraded. I now have a 24’ ATC and got exactly what I wanted.
Good for You! Good job .
You can cover roof with an elastomeric roof coating. I have a vid on it
Nicely thought and executed. I purchased an "economy" trailer from south Georgia a few years ago. Drove down and picked it up. The lack of quality control was surprising. However, my venture was price driven. Still, the poor quality was unexpected. So, the process of addressing short cuts and attending to matters which are suited for my needs has been a task. A couple of items to point out are the blasted holes in framing for wiring. It would be reasonable to conclude that the rough holes will likely cut wire insulation. Another is the design of disimular metals contacting one another. That would be the aluminum skin and metal framing. Your insight into hanging heavy objects from walls is wise. Gotta' remove the two spare tires! They'll go in base cabinets which are supported from the floor. During my dance with the South Georgia folks, a rep mentioned they had not had a failure/leak from the seemed roofing but roof vents can be problematic. With that in mind, wall vents merit consideration. But alas, no illumination. Then there's rust. My experience is there's no waste of paint as the points not viewable were not primed or painted. Rust was quick to appear. Your model of buying used is viable given bringing a new trailer up to reasonable standards can be resource intensive. Thanks for the vid!
Did it happen to be an empire? Just had a nightmare with empire
@@bigjake352 Nope not Empire. Eagle Cargo. Probably little difference from shop to shop, if pricing is the priority. Gotta' wonder if most buyer's have the knowledge to look at build quality. However, quality takes more labor hours, higher skill levels and better/more expensive materials. The result is higher cost but longer service life, of course. Again, buying used and renovating the trailer likely results in a better trailer.
Great walk through, thank you. One of the upgrades I’ve seen is putting the in the under carriage with a trap,door to access when needed.
My cousin has that on his. Here's the potential problem with that design and why I'm going to forego it. If the trailer is loaded and you get a flat, how hard might it be to get to the spare? Because I plan to long haul this one and carry more than wheeled vehicles, I'll have both spares where they can be accessed easily.
thanks! you just helped me avoid buying a used trailer that could have issues i rather not deal with!
Thanks for the heads up on some upgrade issues. Great post....nice barn.
nice walkaround of a used 'racecar trailer'! I am converting mine into a sleeper/workshop and this was quite helpful.
a trick: watch movies at Kaldrostream. Me and my gf have been using them for watching lots of of movies lately.
I have the same kind of thin I beam on my cargo trailer and it has cracks and split in the axle areas . Great video and great information .
Thanks for the info! I'll watch for that over time. ~P
Beautiful, ready for the camper conversion.
Great video helping me decide which of the 2 trailers I’m interested will be the one
This is one of the most helpful videos that I have watched on trailers. I am planning to buy a new one in a few days. This tutorial told me a bunch of stuff to look at. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
I appreciate your input definitely going to save me a lot of time with roof leak issues and locating the cause
Your welcome.
Up north where I live they get economy trailers with fiberboard in them which is heavier and worse than plywood even! They are charging $10,000 for the size trailer and it is a piece of junk. I personally ordered my trailer from Georgia and spent $6,000 and got upgraded 16 on Center framing everywhere extra height and poly core siding for 40% less money. The trailer Market is very deceptive in you have to watch out it is a very tricky Market to navigate. Great video! There aren't many videos on UA-cam showing the build qualities of these trailers in the differences between the manufacturers.
Where did you buy yours?
Very thorough! I'll be much more informed when I'm searching for a trailer.
By far the best video on UA-cam!!! I’m a subscriber now. Love your upgrade ideas and plan to do some. I hope you posted videos on what you did and how you did it. Thank you for your attention to detail and time you put into making this video! 😊
LED tape around the inside perimeter provides plenty of light for me, efficient on the battery
Well done with the video and audio. Information well done. I would also like to see an update video. Thanks
The bar lock is the upgrade from the RV latch and an extra charge for all of the trailers that I've shopped. As for your awning and porch light ... you will exceed the legal width limit for all interstates and a lot of state roads too. I doubt they'll give you too a lot of crap for it but they can.
Thank you, dev one of the better walk around videos and info I was curious about. Great video again !
Great walk through - thanks. Seeing what a reasonably used 10 year old one of these looks like makes me SUPER happy that I've gone this exact route for my new trailer. I'd rather put the $$$ into accessories and setup with reasonable maintenance than having a "better" trailer that I then can't afford to outfit, which, by the way, will still require maintenance! Haven't clicked on your "show more" in the description yet, but am hoping you've linked to some of the sources for good stuff cheap, especially the LED floods.
when I bought my 28' new I painted the floor before anything was put in it. getting used a different story ... with deckover from HD not slippery. and walls with a fence paint wanted to be able to hose it out.
and not take a month to dry plus it looks much cleaner.
Very helpful video. Good edits, audio & motion without dizziness. Thanks.
Thanks for a thorough video. Very well done.
Informative video. Nice job shooting and audio. Many thanks!
You can use an oscillating micro-tool with a wood with embedded nail bit to remove the screws.
Very nice walk-through.
I would consider putting automotive sound deadener like Killsound. That would make the interior more comfortable and I also would consider putting a relatively small solar panel on top where people do not see it and an charge controller so you can keep the batteries charged up. That would also allow you to get a battery minder for the small battery for the brake-away battery. I like you idea of lights on the ramp for loading in the dark and also the awning for shade in the hot noon-day sun.
I like the small solar battery maintainer idea. I have added the rear lights and the awning. I have a video coming on the later.
Well done. I am looking for something just like this. Thank You for helping me with this video
Glad I could help
Would like to see an update video with everything done. If you’ve had a chance to do most or all of them. Thank you for the video.
I'd love to give you one...but I have been overcome by life events. I have the awning on, the winch installed, the led floods and a good start on the electric. I have video on most, just need time to edit.
Hey buddy appreciate the video. I'm buying a trailer to turn into a concession-style coffee trailer up in NE Ohio and was set on a manufacturer down in Douglas GA until I saw some pretty shoddy examples of their craftsmanship. Now I'm looking more toward a well-built stock trailer (more $$ for sure) and modifying it myself. Which is a little scary, but watching your video is encouraging that things are probably not as difficult as I imagine.
Check out o'quinns trailer sales for a new trailer
Not much of a roof. It seems like something that thin and bouncing around would cause problems. A lot of info about how these are made. You got a lot for the money. Thanks.
Great info and things to consider! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for sharing your experience.
Excellent savings 👌 👏 👍
Man you got a great deal on the trailer👍👌😀😀
Very helpful walk around. Almost a year later are you still happy with the trailer? Any further problems? One concern I've seen on other videos is the wiring not being protected from rubbing on the frame below
tongue light is nice too, get another porch light or two since its a vee.
Hmmmm...I hadn't thought about a tongue light. I like the idea and I think I'll do that. Thanks. ~P
I wouldn't get an rv latch. They sell universal keys for them online. You can buy key code locks but nothing beats the door handle lock bar. My trailer has both and it was one of the cheapest very happy with it.
So how about some recommendations on some dealers that sell quality trailers? I want a trailer to turn into a camper where I can live in it while camping.
AT 14 seconds into the video - Oh my gawd. Look how far forward those axles are!
What type of steel is the frame?
Serious question from a trailer newby but do i really need brakes on my trailer if it a small guy like 12' or less? Ive heard mixed answers.
It is all about the weight you plan to carry. Another consideration is how much tow vehicle you have. I can stop a much larger load with my 1ton duelly than I can with my El Camino.
Most small utility trailers and single axle enclosed don't have them from the factory.
I wouldn't consider a trailer the size of this one without brakes. ~P
Yes! I have a 12' with no brakes. I also use a friend's with brakes, same size. Huge difference. I have an 06 Silverado 1500. Even empty the trailer probably weighs 1000 pounds +/-. That's weight that's pushing you if you need to stop quick. Brakes are worth every penny.
Solid walk-thru and helpful preparing me for my upcoming purchase. Its spring 2022 now, I realize this video is over two years old but do you have any tips on sourcing a trailer that is similar size / condition?
It was all about patients. I looked for about 8 months before I found this one and I had to drive 3 hours to get it. If you have an immediate need, this won't help but it is what I did.
@@sbirdranch Thank you for your reply. I have plenty of patients (still working on tolerance). Did you use anything special or just craigslist, fb marketplace, ebay?
@@mondavou9408 I used FB marketplace. I found (didn't know) that as I continued to scroll down, it was increasing my search radius. That turned out to be the trick that got me to this one. ~P
@@sbirdranch Thank you.
where is the best place to look for 2nd hand ?
I looked in the typical places. Craigs List and FB Marketplace. In the end it was Marketplace and here is why. When you do a search, you supply a radius to look in. BUT, if you get to the end of the list, it will show you more, outside the radius and as you go, it will continue to search out further. That is how I found this one. The other thing is patience. I looked for almost a year. In that time, I passed on several and missed a couple. Hold out for what you want. I'm glad I didn't settle for a 7500# version. ~P
What is your measurement from the centerline of where your ball goes, back the the body of the v-nose along the top of the two tongue frame rails. I’m looking at one that is similar from Georgia and want to know if my equalizer hitch spring bars will fit.
I just saw your question. I can go takes a look later this morning. As I recall, my equalizer would fit if I wanted it to.
Am I looking in the wrong spots because the cheapest trailers I'm seeing are about $9000 for a 16' (new)? I'd be fine with used but it doesn't look like I'll save much - just trying to find my first enclosed trailers for track days.
I can't imagine what this trailer would costs if I tried to buy it today. This video is pre-insanity of covid, real-estate crazyness...etc. It is more important now to know where the corners are cut with prices even higher. Good luck.
Great walk around. Any issues with leaking in at the ramp door? I was really hoping for a close up of the weather stripping on the ramp. Mine has a 1" rubber strip on the sides and bottom but not the top. There is a rain gutter about 4" above the door. All this means that it leaks like crazy in the rain. I'm wondering if they mounted the door upside down. Why have weather stripping at the bottom and not the top? If water did get in, I wouldn't try to prevent it from getting out at the bottom. What's your weatherstripping setup?
Sorry, I just saw your comment. I don't have any leaking issues back there. Kinda surprised by that to be candid. There is a 1 inch strip of simple weather stripping around all three sides and a small gutter at the top. The gutter on mine is only a couple of inches above the edge of the ramp door. ~P
@@sbirdranch so you have the weather stripping at the top, not the bottom? On the door or on the box?
Very informative and helpful!
What is a reasonable or common price range for a trailer like this?
some of the uploaders seemed a little tight lipped about that question, but the CheapRVLiving guy said a new one ( smaller than this model presumably) is about $3,000 and up, to start. Used ones are almost the same price.
Definitly do your homework on these trailers. Especially buying used older ones. even though they are still going for a premium these days.
Could you please share a link to the inset lights your
Here's the link for the 110v version I bought and have installed. There is also a 12v version. ~P
ebay.us/Na6zcg
If not anything else up grade the back ramp door to 6000 lb capacity 3000 is not a good idea
Polycore is the new way to side a trailer. 4 times thicker siding. All the Georgia companies in 2024 all have dual electric brakes on their axles. I have looked at the cheapest economy trailers and cannot find any that do not have dual electric brakes anymore. You also need to look at frame cross members because some of the more expensive trailers have cross members every 24 in on Center and the cheaper ones are actually 16 on Center which is stronger and a better build quality. You really have to do a lot of research nowadays because you're overpaying for less quality with some Brands and you are getting a much better deal on others paying much less. The bottom line is you really have to do your due diligence and learn what you are purchasing when it comes to trailers!
What year is this trailer?
2010 or 2012. I don't remember (and not at home to check).
Update?
I just bought a 28ft American Hauler race trailer.... I'm scared its going to be awful...
that taper isn't aerodynamic, it actually decreases aerodynamic efficiency
too bad hurricane went bust. i think they were a step above. i bought a new one from them with screwless exterior. i loved it. since hurricane was gone i went to diamond trailer for another trailer. big mistake what a pos.
That’s a 32k trailer new in Canada
But if you get the RV latch you cant keep the Mexicans in.
just priced a budget 7x12 wells tandem axle cargo trailer for 8300.00. such a rip off.
Do you need a CDL to pull this bad boy
Hell no brother this is America we’re livin in
6 bolt does not at all mean they would be 10,000lb axles. Not even close.
It’s a combined figure, each axle 5200lb
sometimes i dont know why they manufacture CARS the way they do
Hat post wall studs and Z post tops are the cheapest and worst quality parts. If they use those I would stay away from them. The tube are much stronger and better quality.
For what you paid, you got a pretty good deal. This is not the best video to show 2020-2021 cheap rip-off cargo trailers. Georgia yahoo's are building some some buyer beware trailers.
Real men don't use brakes.