I need a new stock trailer

[Curly]

Hey folks, I have another question for the gang.

The bumper pull stock trailer we've been using is all used up. I'm going to get another one the end of next month. I'd like to get one that I can haul a dozen steers. Any recommendations on a well built trailer that will last a while?
I've looked at the Titans and I like them but they are going for close to $8000 right now!! I was hoping to pay closer to $6000. I'd like to get new if I could.

Thanks guys!

Curly

[Manitoba_Rancher]

Try Denny on here he builds sharp looking trailers that are well built.

[Curly]

I will. Any other suggestions guys?

The beat up trailer I am replacing had a metal floor with rubber over it. It seemed to hold up good. The new trailers I am looking at all have wood floors. How long does the wood last on a well used trailer? Is rubber over it a good idea or will that keep the wood damp and make it rot?

Last question, how big of a trailer do I need to haul 10 or 12 average steers?

[gcreekrch]

The only thing I can suggest is to forget about a bumper pull for the amount of weight you're wanting to pull. A gooseneck or fifth wheel is the only way to go for ease of handling AND safety purposes.
As far as brands go you just have to find the right trailer at the right price. I have a 20 ft SWS flatdeck with tandem dual 10,000 lb axles that I built steel and plywood racks for, it's tough and multi-purpose. The sides go on and off in one piece in about 10 minutes with the loader. I can haul 11- 1200 lb cows for space. Only drawback is I have to use a loading chute, it is too high to ground load.

[John SD]

I agree with gcreekrch. If you're gonna trade up to a new trailer, go with a gooseneck. Easier pulling, easier riding, better control on the road.

That said I have two trailers and I bought both used. First one is a '73 WW 16' pull type. I think I gave $1100 for it at a farm sale quite a few years ago and have probably put that much into it. It is a darn good trailer for its age. New treated rough lumber floor, rebuilt center gate, misc welding and rewiring make it as roadworthy as a new one.

The old split ring 15" wheels are a PIA. Although the bolt pattern is the same, the hub centers on the trailer are just big enough I'm not sure that 6 bolt GM pickup wheels would fit. I'm sure aftermarket white spokers would!

I bought a '94 Titan 20' gooseneck a few years ago at another auction. Paid $4000 and haven't done a thing to this trailer. Came with excellent 14 ply radial rubber. The wood floor is in good shape and has rubber mats over it.

The secret to keeping any steel trailer with a wood floor in good shape is keep it clean. The power washer is your friend. Take the mats up, clean'er up good and let everything dry well before you put the mats back down. When you have good rubber mats you don't have to mess with sand, gravel, or bedding.

I'm not sure what you mean by "10 or 12 average steers". Calves or yearlings? I can get 12 - 5 weight steers in the 16 footer. The 20 foot trailer would be real tight for any distance with a dozen 800 lb+ yearlings.

[Curly]

Yearling steers is what I will be using it for mostly. I know the goose necks pull better and I may go up to that but the bumper pulls have sure worked well for me... thats something I will need to decide asap

[John SD]

I have squeezed 10 big calves/small yearlings (700lbs +/-) in the 16' trailer for short trips to pasture. I wouldn't want to go 100 miles on a hot day with them.

Even if such a thing is made I doubt you want any bigger than a 16' trailer as a pull type. Just too much weight on that back hitch/bumper no matter how heavy duty the pickup pulling it is. And after using a bumper pull, towing a gooseneck will spoil you fast!

[leanin' H]

A gooseneck is lots easier to turn around and back-up. But bumperpulls can be cheaper to purchase. I really like the WW 20 foot stock. It is built well and holds up good. And the aluminum trailers are light to pull. But just my 2 cents!

[Denny]

The 80"x20' Gooseneck stock trailer are the most common we sell.They are nearly the same price as a 16' or 18' they all need the same axels, jack's.tires and raw materials.They all have the same amount of gatesetc.You won't get a new gooseneck for $6000.00 though as raw materials have really went up in the last couple years.A new 20'gooseneck will cost you $7900.00 I would buy a used 6x20 for $1500 plenty good..

[alabama]

[Curly]

My truck is a dura-max 3/4 ton so it would pull a goose just fine. If I looked for a good used goose neck I could probably find one in nice shape thats in my price range.... Other than Craig's List what's the best way to find a used trailer? The used ones I've looked at have all been beat to hell.

[Oldtimer]