SHOPPING FOR A NEW TRAILER? WATCH THIS FIRST! [COSTLY MISTAKE $$$]

[@fredsystra7584]

Been watching and commenting on this guys channel for many years and although he may go over similar things, he’s always adding additional info as he himself gains experience! Great stuff

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Thanks Fred

[@jeffgootjes8418]

Put 2- 5,200 pd torsion axles under it and it should last a number of years. The self adjusting trailer brakes are nice too. EZ lube axles make maintenance easier too.

[@acesh5606]

I ordered 7x16 12 Inch on center, 2x 52k axles and 2x6 main fram, build like a tank

[@mikesmith-ek1il]

100% put two 5,200 lbs axels on. Bigger tires, bigger brakes and bearings all last longer. It’s pretty easy to load up an enclosed trailer to 6000-7000 lbs of total weight daily. Running at max weight daily shortens life span.

[@acesh5606]

@@mikesmith-ek1il exactly my trailer can hold over 10.000 pound and can't never go wrong with overkill trailer, and will never load more than 6500 pounds on that trailer

[@wesleydean4228]

@@aprilgeneric8027 you are full of shit. 😂

[@kblessing93]

I upgraded my axles on my trailer best idea ever. Has gotten me 3 more years so far no issues

[@dawsont4328]

That’s crazy expensive for axles. Just had a 3500lbs axle replaced was $400 on our small trailer. Taking our 16’ mow trailer to get bearings repacked today.

[@MC-rr3ew]

Switched to a 14 ft box truck 10 years ago...Best move ever

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

😍

[@kevinabley4512]

I prefer an open trailer but to each his own. Sidenote: I watched a guy get 6 yards of mulch loaded into his 5x8 single axle utility trailer yesterday!🤣I saw him lose at least a yard pulling out into the road and probably lost another before he got to his destination.

[@brianbierenga7009]

We went with an all aluminum trailer which saved 820 pounds of trailer weight. Allows us to have that much more equipment on board. Appreciate the video!

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

That’s a solid choice!

[@byronn.2885]

I agree with 5,200 lb axles and I would add brakes on both axles too. 8.5’ wide and extra height regardless of length. It makes loading and unloading much easier.

[@justa.thought2281]

I have had my single axle enclosed trailer since 03' and upgraded the axle in 11' to 5200 lbs and was the best move! Bought my 3rd enclosed 7x14 v nose single axle 5k axle runs like a dream!!

[@aaronhoughtaling6829]

Good video, always push yourself on trailer/equipment/truck purchases. Like a growing kid, your parents buy your pants a little loose because you’ll grow into them and get more miles out of it in the long run. Also don’t be afraid to buy and sell/adapt equipment as things change… change with it. Our shiny stuff is not the business. We are the business. They are tools. Plain and simple. Right tools for right job and if jobs change, let the tools change with it.

[@revfred2008]

New trailer for sure. I love your transparency and authenticity.

[@paulburwell8155]

12” spacing on crossmembers in the floor and walls are helpful as well. Minimal cost to upgrade. More stable floor with less sagging over time and more support to hold tools on the walls.

[@conorsmith5471]

The frame on the trailer I bought with my business cracked severely in the first year of my business. I did not have the money for another trailer at the time so I opened a new business card with 0%apr for the first year. I got a 8.5x20 with heavy duty flooring, more bracing and heavy duty axles. Tell Paul I paid the balance of the card off in ten months and paid no interest. Trailer is still in excellent shape. Its going to be a great spring, lets do it!

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Nice man! Way to make lemonade out of lemons!

[@antoniobryant2516]

Great content I have a 8 1/2 x 16 as well but now wish for a bigger trailer. I do carry 3 mowers and never thought about the weight. It’s time to upgrade definitely. Thanks

[@Alex.AL_26]

That is crazy that you are going through axles that fast. I would say go for the 5200 lb axles this time around and they should hold up well. My first trailer that I ever purchased in 2012 was a small 6x8 that had a 1600 pound capacity and with 1 zero turn and some handheld equipment I was loading it to max capacity for the first 5 years of my business, I still have it to this day and use it an an extra trailer and it is still on its original axle which is crazy for me to think because of how hard I worked it and it never let me down.

[@Pantelifts10]

Got a dump trailer last year that has 2 style gate. Either open in half or down as a gate so I can load up my mowers. Best desicion ever since I do lawn care 2 days and garden work 3-4 days. Was a bit pricey but definitely worth it!

[@danwilliams6830]

I'm in northern Michigan first trailer was a steel big Tex 18', next was Legend Aluminum only way to go. You can pull in winter and do not have to worry about rust

[@karldawnlang8936]

Watched a few videos. I do more logistics than lawn care; however, totally understand. Current business tempo + current business need(s) + current budget equals at least a starting point.

[@brianhefley9147]

Good content I would do the 5200 lb axles and make it work save the money and plan for a new trailer in a year or so. When I bought my flat bed I was going to get a 16 footer fig the 18 would be to much argued with Ying and yang over that so my motto now is just when you think you know what you want ?go for the next size up and the heavier duty axles that's what I did and. Now Im Glad I did and even somedays I wish I woulda went to a 20. Unfortunately it's never ending. we all feel your pain.. I just try to buy once cry once these days. Thanks for your awesome content videos.

[@christopherjilek5467]

I made this same mistake with a flatbed. I knew I messed up as soon as I loaded a skid and the tires were almost flat. Since then I wont buy a trailer unless it has a minimum of a 14k gvw. I have wasted so much money not planning for future growth. Good advice in this video Brian.

[@jsmitty2011]

When I ordered our last trailer right before COVID hit I ordered a 8.5x20 with a vnose "regret that decision now" I added one foot of length to to the tongue to help with maneuvering the trailer 5200lb axles E trac in the floor welded into the floor frame 2 fuel doors on the driver's side reverse lights and loading lights on their own switch. $7800 prior to COVID wish I would have gotten 2. I learned from my first trailer what all I wanted in the next one. Only thing I would change is I'd have made the man door on the passenger side wide enough for a walk behind

[@meadowviewlawncarellc8079]

100% correct on the trailer advice. Very easy to overload a trailer that size and not even realize it.

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Yeah one mower and racking/tools and believe it or not you’re already at 5,500-6k!

[@meadowviewlawncarellc8079]

@@BriansLawnMaintenance definitely. Got the exact size trailer and axles as yours but it’s a Pace inclosed, had the same wear on my tires also. I actually broke one side of the back axle a few years ago. The spindle sheared right in half. Thankfully I was in a parking lot when it happened and the tire just rolled to the curb. Could’ve been really bad! If you do the axle upgrade would definitely like to see a video on it if you can.

[@briangay9402]

Great video. Good tralier advice. Good luck on fixing it or getting a new one.

[@Ron-ih9hz]

Brian is the one that got me into wanting to do lawcare. Love the videos and great info

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@jandblawncare8570]

While there's no one perfect set up, for us we started with a 24ft 10k rated V nose enclosed trailer and it housed everything we had, I was a rolling all in one stop landscaper (everything from mowers to chain saws and everything to fix them on board). That trailer lasted us about 7-8 seasons and while I loved the space it was a very long trailer and took up a lot of parking. Our trailer now is a 20ft 10k rated enclosed V nose and it's about the perfect size, it holds a 60" Laser Z with bagging system, 48" walk-behind and a 21" mower under the shelving across the V nose plus all the stuff hanging from both sides. Our is a Stealth Trailers (not sure if they're still in business) other than a few small "custom air vents" punched in the sides of the V nose part from employees jack knifing it, its held up fine. It has the usual wear like trim pieces falling off inside due to cheap staples but all these trailers seem to have common issues. One thing to look for is like on ours, it has a lifetime guarantee floor and is made of a marine grade plywood that has plastic mixed in and is waterproof and it's held up great. In a nutshell, it's like building a garage....in trailer terms try to get a couple feet longer than you. think you might need and Id always go for a 10k rated trailer AND it being a car hauler (a ton more room inside). Only thing you need to watch is when buying a equipment trailer so you dont go above a CDL with the trailer rated numbers, my F350 dump is rated for 14K GVWR and both our dump trailer and equipment trailer are rated 15K so technically we're over a non-CDL license.

[@grumpy1311]

Good stuff Brian! It's not all glamorous!

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

You got that right!

[@Akovski]

buying a new trailer this week! thanks for the advice!

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Congrats in advance man!

[@revfred2008]

Keep old and buy new. Leave one for second crew or just landscaping. But rock both zero. You spent decent money wrapping that out. Great billboard bro. Luv ya B.

[@markmilan01]

Another one! Thanks for all the insight on trailers Brian!

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Any time!

[@WillsLawnService]

Go with the 5200# axles. There’s no real huge difference in the construction of the trailers from a 7k to 10k rated trailer. I don’t think you’d have anything to worry about stepping up. Worst case they might have to do some fab work to the fender wells to make them work but that’s what I’d recommend. I went through 2 3.5k axles on mine, both broke due to poor road conditions. So I stepped up to 5200# axles and have had no problems

[@matthewvukelich9504]

I have an 8 1/2 x 20 and I love it it’s great trailer you can fit a couple more than there enough space for a lot of things to hang up but I’d rather have a sure track those things are the ultimate trailer ever

[@derrickbell3087]

Keep the trailer no matter what. I would replace the axles. You have ATVs so it’ll come in handy anyways and you can use it for storage also.

[@_codyBurch]

Hey man love all your videos, great work. Do you know what brand of hat that is that you are wearing, it looks really good.

[@MGMG007]

Changing the axels would be the best choice, but also just getting exactly what you need with a new trailer would be a good choice, because in a few years when you want another one, it might be double the price lol

[@acesh5606]

I ordered 7x16 polycore screwless glued with airplane glue, 12 Inch on center, 2x 52k axles and 2x6 main fram, build like a tank

[@michaelshallue1801]

I put a second set of springs on my trailer and more tube steel to support the weight the axile was taking.... The right fab place will weld those axiles straight and make them stronger!! Find a farm equiptment trailer shop.

[@jasons5607]

You should just buy a new trailer, keep the red setup as a backup. Make sure you are greasing the axles every 12,000 miles or 1 a year. If not definitely go with the 5200 axles. Love the content.

[@malcolmlinch5868]

You never can buy a big enough trailers to buy the biggest one you can afford that can alter the most weight. I started out with a 8 by 20 enclosed trailer figured out this funny big and find out later it wasn't big enough

[@Sutherland420]

I remember you always saying go with the 7x14 or bigger trailer. Always with trailers go with what you will grow into. For us, factoring in parking space, price, repairs, etc. A double axle 6x12 trailer with two 32" stander B's, a 30" toro, 21" toro, three trimmers, two back pack blowers and one hand held battery blower, is the perfect set up. Because we have space to move in and out quick and back-ups just in case. The big riders are dying in my area. All these new tear down and rebuild homes are building 34"-36" gates to the backyards. Not many want to pay the new inflation price and many existing customers are trying to cut back expenses. We need to keep overhead down, windshield time down, and go after the "prime" customers!!!

[@f7m001]

Why do you have a 21" and a 30" push mower on the trailer

[@benhillman2751]

Bought a 7x14 to start wish i got the 16 haha about to buy a covered trailer this year definitely going to look into the upgraded axels

[@strykerv1620]

my first trailer was 5*10 with 3500 axle. lasted 7 months and sold it as soon as my 6*10 with 5200 lb axle. i did ask for 7k single axle but hes have to beef the frame.. my avant now weighs 3600 roughly so im pushing yhat trailer. 6*12 woth single 7k acle will work with 2 52 mowers but want a equipment trailer or deckover for my avant

[@dancuthill4822]

I put the dual wall axles 3500 lbs on my camper. I wouldn’t over load them per se but was told they up it to about 4200 lbs per axle. Definetly way better axle in my opinion.

[@musimowingmoreinc9031]

Brian, I would upgrade to the heavier axles. The rest of the trailer can handle, axles just need a little help. Just my 2 cents.

[@aarondavis3509]

I ended up going with a bigger trailer as well I had a 6x12 and went to a 7 1/2 x16 makes a huge difference

[@cameronjudge3390]

Pat is the man!

[@brendonpartridge6362]

Hey bryan lawn maintenance a nother awesome videos on your channel alot u definitely my favorite KZbinr i bought my enclosed trailer used and had to replace a bent axle

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Thanks pal!

[@brendonpartridge6362]

@@BriansLawnMaintenance u are so welcome buddy

[@lamontgraves1054]

Awesome Info Said.

[@willoleary6084]

Very helpful love your videos Brian.

[@brandontriplett5968]

I actually just went and bought a new trailer and my transmission in my truck goes out! Yay me!

[@TheLandscapeGiant]

Hard decisions for sure. If it was me I think I would upgrade and not reinvest in a trailer that I have out grown. Super hard choice. I feel like you could toss a few small jobs on and make up the difference since it’s spring time. If this was fall I would hold out tell spring hit and money started to flow. Killer video as always the IRL behind the business stuff people don’t get to see. Big help as always.

[@mattd8411]

You know you made it when you say business was small 150k year. Lol congrats buddy. I got a 8.5 by 18 I really love enclosed with a hidden dove tail. It does leak a little but new I got it for 6k so I can't complain. The 8.5 is so nice esp with the 60 in mower in it you can move around in it.

[@ABC_Landscape]

I’d say fix and keep your current trailer. ( you can never have enough trailers) and order another one with heavier axles. Mine is 18’. And I have two diesel grasshoppers and a stander in it. That takes up the whole thing. If you look hard enough there are always good used trailers that someone has bought and never really used.

[@peterfreeman3299]

Always buy bigger. Mine is 24 with a 2 ft v. Two 61 inch mowers, 48 walk behind and all the hand tools and fuel

[@floridalawncareexpertsllc2817]

How is the mulch mate? Would you recommend it fr mulch and stone? Sturdy?

[@jonburgess30]

with a PJ utility trailer, you can bolt on and off the side railers, which is good to get a few extra inches but, on mine, all of the bolts are rusted and stripped, and all of the bolts is a lot shorter than when I bought it just from cleaning up the stripped areas. so at some point, the rails will be too loose to hold any weight. it looks like you cant buy new bolts because they weld the head onto the rails. probably cheaper than welding everything paid about $2,000 back 2019. don't quote me, but it looks like you cant buy replacement rails on their online store.

[@ikonoutdoorsolutionsllc4178]

This is one of the reasons I decided to purchase a landscape box truck. I’m tapped out of repairing and buying trailers. It’s a thing of the past for me. I will use my trailer as my spray rig and back up. Hopefully my truck will be ready at the end of the month!!! Good luck on whatever you decide.

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Man I would love to do something like that or a Cab Over, but we plow snow and trucks are just super versatile

[@jeffgootjes8418]

We have 2 of the Isuzu cabover crew cabs with the Wilro ramp decks. They work great in the summer and we use them in the winter for the sidewalk crews.

[@firstname6208]

Thats exactly what I did. 2020 npr 16' box. Made the ramps. Screw that trailer crap. Best way to lawnscape.hands down. Back down dead ends, turns around on a dime, easy to maneuver in stupid narrow streets they build on these days. Easier on the freeway. Plow snow? whats that?

[@ikonoutdoorsolutionsllc4178]

@@firstname6208 Man you some it up!!!! I will still keep my trailer fir back up and for spraying. Most part box truck will be used on a daily basis.

[@NickHPatterson]

Damn lol I have 2 lazer z on my trailer 3 trimmers 2 baggers blowers 4 gas cans open utility surtrac trailer and original axles from 2014 no issues so far outside of a wiring harness but definitely landscape pro coming soon

[@Andrew_Garcia1]

Listening to your situation. If I were you I’d put new tire on it and run it for half the season then rotate the tires. Then you have some time to figure out and budget for what you are wanting to do in the future. Just my 2 cents.

[@chrisreddick36]

Ok so you can only go with the axels that’s on the trailer from the factory. The GVWR is probably 7k. If you upgrade to say 5200 lbs axles the Manufacturer with have to change the VIN plate that’s on the trailer. Now since it’s a 10k trailer now in most states you will have to have a cdl on a trailer that’s 10k GVWR or greater. So legally you can’t go with bigger axels that will change the GVWR without the manufacture changing it and approving it. Now if you do change the axels and get into a accident and a lawyer inspects the trailer your insurance will not cover you because under DOT laws you cannot use a modified trailer for commercial use unless the manufacturer makes the changes or approves the changes. So with all that being said replace the current axles with new ones. Next time buy a 14k trailer and have the manufacturer downgraded it to 9990 GVWR so you don’t have to have CDLS to haul it. Once CDLS are involved then insurance coverage changes and it goes up as well. Just my 2 cents worth.

[@coachtl1888]

Good Job 👍🏽

[@mikedeiana1504]

Brian, I told you before box truck it’s the cheapest in the long run the Mitsubishi but easy to fix you could not go wrong. If you were against that then I would buy a new trailer that could hold the weight correctly in case something bad happens, do you wanna have the correct equipment for the weight you’re carrying think about legality just a tip my friend

[@clevercloverlawncare5066]

Thanks, bud.

[@k.d.h.landscapingsnowplowi6229]

Remember also tho Brian u have to get what u have the room to store it in also . Keep the videos coming tho

[@l0n3d4nger4]

I think they are kind of pulling your legs on the trailer to be honest as long as they are not bent they are dexter axles bearings and parts are available joes trailer or something in livonia

[@DaveMedicus]

Are you weighing the trailer hooked up to the truck? If not you are getting inaccurate information. Split the two axles on the scale and then the truck on another zone. You may be able to haul more than you think if distributed correctly.

[@0469ib]

I started with the 8.5 x 18. I have already outgrown it with a 36” 60” and a 52”. Just bought a 61” and I still don’t have the baggage system yet. I’m in the middle of growing pains. I do need a lot of help and advice.

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

I feel ya man. As we grow I think an 18-20’ would work best. We just need to make sure we can fit in cul-de-sacs and between residential drives. Lot of subdivision work!

[@0469ib]

@@BriansLawnMaintenance I had to start blocking my clients driveway in some areas, but I haven’t had any problems so far. Now when I get the F-350 dual rear with an 8 foot bed. Then I’ll see how that’s going to work.

[@firstname6208]

Look at the front of your trailer. Do you have three beams comming to the hitch? Yes? Put on the 5200 lb axels. 12" brakes, bigger bearings, 16" 6 bolt rims, higher rating tires. A trailer that size should have had them from the factory.

[@Bigb9298]

Great video and good Information. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@jaymeyers950]

Ever think about going out of state looking for heavy duty trailer

[@williammoore5452]

Picking up a 20 footer tomorrow In Tennessee

[@shanewinebrenner6369]

Great video, I currently have a 6x12 and just picked up a multiforce to add to my trailer and ik I will surely be over weight! Might have to stick it out for at least half the season! Also. When are you gonna have a shop LoL can't wait for that shop tour

[@aldonco]

as others stated put new axles on it.your house comes first. i bought a 8.5 by 20 car hauler for my stuff.

[@mattslandscaping4246]

Put a set of 5200 pound axles on it Cause you already need one tire anyway New tires new rims new brakes new axles Like a new trailer

[@kendavisbiz]

Buy 10 big dump trailers. They will last 20 years and add versatility of hauling big debris to your business. 150 grand invest can make you big $$ and will work some in the off season

[@jsolemi3281]

Ordering the next trailer with 2 7k axles and 14 ply tires

[@JSTEALTH]

Hello from Central Michigan

[@jazlawncare7126]

I would upgrade the axles I have a 8.5 x20 convente trailer with two 3500 pound axles I upgraded my trailer to two 7000 pound axles and what I did I had them install 6000 pound wheel hubs because like your trailer tires are run inside the wheel well if you go to a 7000 pound axle your tires will be 18 inch rims. your tires will rub in the fender, well I kept a 15 inch rim and six lug which fits perfectly inside the wheel well and will not rub

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

That’s a solid setup!

[@jazlawncare7126]

Hey Brian just follow up on our conversation just confirming it was you we text

[@Jacob-mm8xq]

How much are you paying for that storage unit? Everything around me is so expensive.

[@proamericanlawncare6403]

If I were in your shoes I would go ahead and trade in the trailer you have for a bigger one. They are only going to get more expensive. Plus you will recoup that money and then some after this mowing season.

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Yeah I figure I’d just bite the bullet, retool, and upgrade for a new trailer come spring 2024. This would be a great trailer for a second crew or even backup setup.

[@chrisegan9670]

Unfortunately there is not a 1 trailer that is good for everything… but like the info I would say my one thing for enclosed trailers is get screwless exterior

[@gregbrosmer306]

Hang in there Brian

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Always!

[@MRPlow-gj4qg]

This is all things you should do in the fall before you put things in storage. Wash your mowers before you put them away.

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Lol ok. Thanks for having it all figured out.

[@robertframe7310]

Can I ask you a question how do you start a mowing business

[@todd3090]

Sell it and get the new one. Used trailers have good value. Adding larger axels and everything you have to will really add up. Your running over on that, which is no good. So, sell it and buy a new one, or add an additional used one with more capacity and keep that one.

[@roberthufcutjr603]

When I bought my trailer I paid the extra for a 12,000 pound bwise trailer and derated it to 9990. Wanted to know when skid loader was on I wasn't maxing it out

[@matthewmoran7228]

Always always always…..overbuild your trailers for what your doing I ran into the same issue when I bought my first trailer at 7k axles destroyed it than bought a 10k trailer

[@schofieldlawncare]

Any trailer we buy for multiple mowers is always 10k, right now we run a 2011 8.5x22 deckover with 3 3500 pound axles. They are all original and not bent.

[@schofieldlawncare]

Edit on this comment, we have since broke an axle #triaxleproblems

[@mikeh1564]

Sell your current enclosed trailer. I think you would get a good return. Then buy a new one. Obviously you would have to do another wrap, but I bet your net cost out of pocket wouldn’t be anywhere near $16K (probably only $8K - $9K total, and you have a new factory warranty). I just sold my 2020 Sure Trac Pro enclosed trailer for $2K more than what I paid for it, because like cars, trailer prices have increased significantly.

[@lifeofoscar4234]

18ft trailers are insanely expensive. There about 18k new about 10k increase since covid

[@matta3888]

I wish our current lawn mower trailer was 18' long.

[@mrdavebach]

I'm going to have to respectfully disagree that every lawn service needs that big and beefy of a trailer. Five years ago I invested approximately $2600 in a new single-axle 6x12 enclosed trailer. It is rated to handle just over 1700#s of payload. It is perfect for a one mower operation. In our state because of its lower weight rating, compared to a tandem axel trailer, it does not need license plates and registration saving at least $100 annually. The cost of a similar trailer today is about double what it was just five years ago so it's even more important that buyers really do their research before just throwing unnecessary money out the window.

[@TLC13009]

I say that you should get the 5200 lb Dexter axles

[@mcbrock86]

How does one know what your trailer capacity is? Axel’s capacity?

[@kevinabley4512]

There is a placard on all trailers with the GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) which is the max weight total of trailer and cargo. There will also be a max weight of cargo and tire pressure on the placard as well.

[@mowerjeff8990]

Seems kind of steep for two axles.They better polish the wheels for that price.

[@ryanpolomis3232]

Put 3,500# back on it. Keep that trailer and buy a new 8.5x20 with 10k. You’ll regret selling that to upgrade.

[@Blaine.352]

How many lawns were you doing for $100,000-150000 revenue?

[@dustingorsich9139]

We switched everything to 5200 from 3500 , takes 3hrs

[@PCGonline]

i love Kelleys trailers but man do the put a dent into the bank account sometimes

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Buy once cry once 😂

[@phillip4984]

Lol omg I couldn't help but notice that Rob is eating a raw steak 🤣 dam... man at least cook it a Lil bit 😂

[@vickicasale791]

I need your help. Lotta questions I need to be answered.