Need car hauler trailer advice

[Primered86XLT]

Hi everyone. I'm looking to pick up either a new or used trailer for hauling cars/trucks purchased at auctions. I'm planning on starting my own P/T business of selling used cars/trucks or parting out. I attend both regular and salvage auctions a couple times a month.

I live about 20min outside the city. The average cost to have a vehicle delivered/removed to/from my residence is about $100-150.

I've never purchased a trailer before and have no idea what to look for! What is a good size/weight rating? Some of these vehicles may not be running and I will need to have a winch mounted to the trailer. What is the best scenario for this? The vehciles will range from small import cars to 1 tons. I currently have a 95 F250 5.8L, auto, ext. cab, long box, 4x4, with stock class 3 bumper. I am wanting to upgrade to a 99.5-2003 F350 PSD, auto, crew, 4x4 within the next year.

Can anyone offer me advice on size or style of trailer? What should I look for in used trailers? What are average costs in the different sizes?

Thanks so much!

[Joshs1100]

Ever need to haul more than one car at a time? For a single car, I'd get something like this. My trailer with ramps is really a pain to load low cars. Have to carry extra boards to make the ramp long enough not to bottom out. If you want to haul something as big as a F350 CC, I would get a 10-14K gooseneck trailer 24' long. My 20' is a bit too short to fit a crew cab.

[Primered86XLT]

thanks for the info, I've gone through PJs site and see some interesting trailers.

I can see what you mean by getting a car onto your trailer!

[bbess00]

I got a 21' steel floor PG with the 2-3' dove tail... I love it and I have pulled alot of cars.
my .02

[Solo2puller]

I like my rollback, but it's only rated for 7K lbs. I don't know if you can get them in heavier ratings or not, but I've never smashed a finger on a ramp, and I've never had anything bottom out when loading. The loading angle is very shallow, so it's easy to push something on it that doesn't run. The only drawback is the empty weight. It's 2200 lbs empty, so it's fairly heavy, even without a car on it.

You can see a pic of it HERE and HERE

[Primered86XLT]

I really like the tilting trailers! I just can't find one big enough. Anyways How much would a 20-24' goosneck beavertail run used that's 3-5yrs. old? I see the prices jump all over...

[Joshs1100]

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I really like the tilting trailers! I just can't find one big enough.

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How about this one.

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How much would a 20-24' goosneck beavertail run used that's 3-5yrs. old?

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New, mine wasn't much over $3k, but that was a couple years ago. When I bought mine, all the used ones were selling for the same price as new, or were poorly home made.

[cbmoore]

http://www.mcelrathtrailers.com/tilttop.htm

Here is a company that we have dealt with in the past with great results. They will custom build any trailer for you.
They are located in Upstate area of South Carolina

Good Luck,
Brian Moore

[patrickcampbell]

Start with this: how many cars will you be hauling at a time?

[GEM]

Another source to consider HERE.

GEM