purchasing a tool trailer / lessons learned

[@sdsconstruction]

Your video came up on my feed and I hadn’t seen it a while so it was great to revisit your tour and trailer discussion. You make great points in this video. When you discussed axle rating….I have a 6x10 v-nose enclosed trailer built out like Ron’s SMART trailer like yours. I had a 3500lb single axle but found I was pushing 4000lbs. I went ahead and swapped up to a 5000lb axle and am incredibly happy I did. Like you said…..they usually gain weight, not lose it. Next trailer will be an 8 x 12 v nose all aluminum with a SMART build out and 10k or 12k axles. Thanks for the video

[@realworldcarpentryremodeli5868]

Another really great video. I recently purchased an all aluminum 7x14 trailer. I am building it out now. I agree with you . I should’ve done the upgrade to 2- 5200 lb axels. I think I’m going to be at maximum weight. Keep the videos coming . It looks like you do really high quality work .

[@fenloebellllc]

yes, we will see. maybe there will be an axle swap video in my future. Thank you,

[@thomasault445]

Really appreciate your video. Thank you!

[@russalbright4213]

This was a great video! You are right that there are not a lot of videos out there that talk about the trailer itself. You are very good at explaining your thoughts and feelings when looking for a trailer, and are honest with what you would do again. I subscribed immediately and wish you great success with your channel!

[@fenloebellllc]

Thank you

[@4stinkypaws]

Thanks very much for taking the time to make this video. I'm building a 7.5x16 aluminum trailer, and was on the fence between the 3500 and 5000lb axles.

[@freedomfighter2911]

You touch on a lot of great points hardly anyone else does..... thanks

[@fenloebellllc]

Thank you!!

[@RenovationsandRepair]

Great video. Great points. Next trailer I am getting will be rated at 12k all aluminum of course. Good to see other contractors take pride in their organization.

[@fenloebellllc]

Thanks. 12K is a up there in capacity. That would definetly do the job!

[@bigtime37ja]

Excellent video sir. Thank you for the insight on what to look for in an enclosed trailer/mobile workshop... Especially the floor/weatherproofing.

[@gregorymacneil2836]

I have the aluminum EZ Hauler - I live on the East Coast so road salt is always a corrosion issue. I put a rock guard bed liner product on the underside of the floor - I took the floor out - coated it - and then reinstalled.

[@barryspencerbmx]

Attach plastic panels on the underneath ,screw and silicone them. That way you still breathable space while keeping water from splashing up. Nice set up and thanks for the video

[@chefsteven34]

Your trailer looks great! Please keep us posted on what you decide to do for the undercoating. I’m also in the Pacific Northwest, so I understand the moisture management issues. I’m building out an Alcom 7-1/2’ X 14’ V-nose with ramp door. I just finished the electrical system today. Much success to you friend.

[@MrTimdtoolman1]

Great video, I just updated my trailer from a 12' to a 14' and am building in out now. I am surprised that a trailer as nice as your has OSB on the floor deck. My old trailer had 3/4" marine plywood and my new trailer has just 3/4" BC plywood on the floor. Nice job building your trailer out though.

[@htownelectrican]

Just started my electrical contracting business. I went with a 7x16 with a 2’ v nose. I also purchased the proven lock coupler lock. I noticed you tucked your chains in there 2. I need to learn that move.

[@engdarfatgalalyelectrical1076]

Your work is very beautiful

[@gregfraser3852]

Great video! Nice to see someone talking about GVWR, I found out that is important so my last trailer I went to 20,000 lbs and run around 15,000 lbs with tools. How is your trailer hold out for wear and tear?

[@christianbrewer3564]

Great video!!! Nice job on the trailer!! I have the 7.5'×14' v-nose aluminum EZ Hauler trailer with the ramp door. I also built it out (with some modifications) using Ron's plans. I love being so organized now. I haven't weighed it yet, I know it's heavy though. You have me thinking I need to go get it weighed...ha. I live in NW also (North of Seattle) and am also worried about the floor. I haven't notice any water issues after 2 years...fingers crossed! Thanks for sharing.

[@fenloebellllc]

Nice! I was originally looking for a 7.5 wide but I was having trouble finding one and settled on my 8' wide. The 7.5 just has a little better visibility backing up which would be nice.. thumbs up to the NW location too. Im on the olympic peninsula

[@tfbuild.oregon]

Recently got a 6x10 EZ Hauler. Have been thinking about coating the floor with Prosoco before I build it out. It’s already got walls so I wasn’t planning on insulation there, but was unsure if I should do the lid. Trailer came with two vents down low in opposing sides. One in front, one back. Going to build some Paulk benches and then design my trailer. Thanks for the advice.

[@davidbeau6715]

I just bought the ez hauler 6.5 x 10 and the floor is 5/8. a little spongy for me so I have to put another layer of 1/2 inch on it

[@dennylangmack7452]

I was watching this and couldn’t put my finger on what I kept noticing but it was the hat hahaha my grandpa built the store and the houses around it awesome to see someone else from around the area

[@fenloebellllc]

That is very cool about your Grandfather. I like all the history in this area.

[@kristoffscuba5466]

Great trailer and fit out. That OSB seems such a strange choice on such a nice trailer. Some sort of composite panels would eliminate any rot issues, but would obviously need to be swapped in before the interior is built out.

[@ryanrockwell916]

Cargo Mate offers 3/4 marine grade plywood, only way to go!

[@fenloebellllc]

Yes, In hind sight I would have swapped them or if I had more time I could have ordered it custom from the factory with a different floor option.

[@matttang1907]

Great trailer build! Would love to see the electrical system you put in. Please make a video on that!

[@fenloebellllc]

Thanks for the input. I'll work on that! It's nothing fancy, but I'll detail what I did.

[@dakotachapman9151]

@@fenloebellllc I would love to see these details, too. Amazing job. I am using your video as a resource for planning my trailer build. Thanks for making the video available to the public.

[@udavidism]

Excellent trailer and video. I agree to order larger axles that come with heavier rated tires. One thing you did not point out is when ordering a trailer be sure to take whatever the standard wheels and tires are that come with the trailer. Many people want to upgrade to Aluminum wheels and radial tires but if you check the price on these upgrades you can buy those items yourself and have them shipped to your home for the same money. Some are saying so what? Well you just gave up the standard wheels and tires for nothing, most dealers will give you zero credit for the wheels and tires that were already on the trailer, they just keep them. Order your own later and have four spares that are free to you. When you order a new truck you can usually buy upgrades cheaper than you can buy them yourself, not so with a trailer. If you want a better jack, stabilizers, extra lighting and especially extra wiring you are almost always better off doing it yourself. Finally, guard that trailer closely, it draws thieves like drug addicts to crack cocaine. Even when you have it at home and especially when you go on vacation make sure someone is nearby. You can buy Auto alarm systems for cars that run on 12 volts and will alert you with a siren if the trailer is moved or broken into. I have heard of thieves moving a trailer by the safety chains only, they could even bring their own chains. Great trailer and good luck.

[@michaelforster4148]

Nice video and a nice work trailer. Did you build your work benched yourself? I am looking for something like that for storage underneath but be able to work on top. I do not need to top cubbies.

[@sawdustadikt979]

Great video, no one does after thoughts, those are the MOST valuable. I know someone that has that trailer you have. I was so envious of the ladder rack set up. I have a bravo and the ladder rack is garbage. In this field, you really want to think about what you need, then go bigger for you to grow into. Both trucks and trailers. I know a handful of fellas that break springs on their half ton trucks by over loading them. My bravo is a similar size and I had them put dexter torsion axles on it 5200lb each. I’m listed at 10k for the trailer. I have mine set up so I can load materials in it as well as my gear. I’m hoping that the light weight plywood he used will ship out to me, looks like a real nice product. I’m gunna be building another trailer, 20ft this time. I’ll be applying all I learned from the last one. I had tree fall on my current trailer so I didn’t want to get one but here I am. I look forward to seeing more stuff from you, this was great,keep on posting that content!

[@fenloebellllc]

I have been thinking about an axle swap to 5200lbs dexter torsions myself. did you have leafs before? can you notice the difference? ouch! about the tree vs trailer. That hurts just thinking about it.

[@sawdustadikt979]

I ordered it with them so no swap experience. The easy lube feature is awesome, I’m all about maintenance. I have towed quite a few trailers. The torsion axles give waaaaay less feed back through the hitch. I’m saying that with certainty due to driving an old 2500 ram. If there is anything janky, you really feel it in a single wheel truck. As long as the frame of the trailer can support the weight, as in it’s just an axle swap, I say go for it. Also that the swap will not exceed you trucks tow capacity as well. Everything seems fine till you need to stop quickly. May your jobs be straighter, faster and more profitable than the last one.

[@robpendegraft3576]

You are 100% correct. Working out of 7,000lbs trailer now it’s a 2015. Just picked up a 2020 10,000lbs trailer. It is flat worn out.. Old trailer in use so building new in spare time. I wish I seen this video 6 years ago. Definitely do the under coating and up grade leaf springs

[@fenloebellllc]

Yes, I need to do both soon and stop putting it off.

[@PSModernKitchens]

Thanks!

[@fenloebellllc]

Welcome!

[@stich1960]

As someone that has worked out of both ramps are nicer 95% of the time, every once in awhile that extra couple feet sucks. But having space to swing doors can be q pain sometimes and with all the wind around here the come loose all the time

[@tomintheshop]

That trailer's got to weigh 3500 dry, not 2000.

[@fenloebellllc]

Trailer is 2,000lbs empty before I built it out. It is an all aluminum trailer