Received the following SLRA Trailer discussion items from Don Hanson, who along with David Pape and Dan Welling are investigating Trailer options for our club.
After more exhaustive research, I am leaning heavily towards a single axel trailer.
Main reasons are: payload capacity Tow-ability Availability Affordability
Key question is just how much cargo capacity do we really need.
Single Axle payload is 1515 lbs with the Haulmark, and 1770 lbs on the Arising, Triple R and Legend.The Tandem axel payload capacity is 4960 lbs and will ride like a Tank unless it is loaded with less than 2500 lbs resulting in a miserable ride for the tow vehicle. Every bump puts a jerk on the lower back of the driver.
...this based on my experience of towing a 3500 lb payload rated trailer with less 2000 lbs of cargo. The other Tow-ability issue is the 2 5/16 ball and a State Requirement of a Brake Controller on the Tow Vehicle. The cost to install a controller on my E150 is $330.
There are many more trailers available in the area with single axles. And they are less expensive.
Single axle Triple R is only $2650
Single axle Arising is only $3075
Single axle Haulmark is $3495
The better built trailers cost a little more, but have a better chance of less leaks and longer lifetimes. I am especially in favor of less side panel screws, as in the ARISING model ...or none, as in the LEGEND model and a 1 piece seamless roof.
Spec sheets attached: 1) Triple R, 2) Arising, 3) Haulmark