I'm in the market too & have been all over the web getting advice from various places. Here's what I've learned:1) Don't buy cheap! It'll rattle itself to death & simply won't last. 2) Buy at least 1 "size" larger than you think you'll need. You'll be surprised how quickly space gets taken up. 3) make sure the siding is at least .040 thick . Believe it or not, the skin does help stiffening the trailer up. 4) Get a 1-piece roof. the less expensive trailers won't have this & can be prone to leaks.5) electric brakes-- while surge brakes may be easier, electrics allow you to adjust for the load. 6) 16in. tires--- whle it may seem like overkill, the thicker,stiffer sidewalls they come with last longer. 7) winch---make sure it's large enough to pull the car in if you break a rearend. 8) Lighting, preferably LEDs as they last longer. Make sure they're positioned to help you load & secure the car. Nothing is more annoying than to lie under a car at night & realiize you can't see where to secure your straps 'cause you forgot to place lighting down low on the interior walls. In short, you can never have too much lighting. 9) A/C--a luxury & a mixed blessing as you'll be surprised how many people will start hanging around your trailer if/when you have it. 10) Leftside access door-- the open cockpit guys really don't need it, but unless you're built like a stick-figure (& I know you're not
) , the extra room it offers makes it a bunch easier to get in-and-out of a "doorslammer". 11) Steel vs. aluminum? While everyone agrees aluminum is easier to tow with, unless you find a high-dollar one for sale cheap, keep in mind it could be prone to "wandering" when not loaded & that aluminum isn't as durable as steel so if you're going to use it alot or share it with someone, aluminum may not be for you. Also, if it needs repair, it's going to be more expensive. 12) Flooring--pressure treated plywood, covered with vinyl/linoleum, aluminum (although it can get hot) or the thick rubber matting used in truck beds or garages. Don't settle for a sprayed in/rolled on flooring as the texture is too rough, it can hiide flaws in the wood and, IMO, you simply won't like it. If you find a trailer that has it but you really love the trailer anyway, consider aluminum planking where the car will roll to help strengthen the flooring. 13) Electrics--again while it may seem like overkill, a 50-amp box is desirable. Have at least 2 220v oulets at the front& rear of the trailer should you need to weld. 110v oulets should be placed at the front, middle & rear of the trailer (outside) for recharger/power tool use & on the inside. one near the main side-door, one by the loading door & at least 2 by the workbench upfront.
If price was no object, my choice would be a steel framed, 30ft enclosed with .060 siding, rubber covered flooring LEDs along the baseboards & sides (inside), 16in steel wheels, 2 ext. lights for pit-work, 4500# winch, 6500watt generator, 8 D-rings evenly spaced on the floor, 50amp circuit box.
There's alot more I could come up with but I think you see where I'm at. Feel free to swing by & we can re-hash some ideas on this as I said, I'm in the market, too.......
