Trailer questions ????

[Dave Tackes]

I am looking at enclosed trailers for the upcoming season. I presently use my open utility trailer with my dekes in 6 slot bags and just enough room for my quad, when it rains or snows it is a mess, loading and unloading is time consuming, plus salt spray from the roads is always a problem.

So, I've been searching and reading alot of the previous posts regarding enclosed trailers and I have learned some things I wouldn't have thought of, but I still have some questions.

I noticed that alot of the setup options are fairly standard; shelves versus "hangers", single axle versus double axle. The one option that is still of question is the rear door(s); double barn doors or ramp. I tallied all the pros and cons on this forum, and some respected other sites, and it is about dead even between the two styles.

I understand the ramp is nice to walk in and out of the trailer, but can get dented when lowered in corn stubble. Has anyone ever installed a strip of aluminum checker plate where the ramp door meets the ground? Also several commented the ramps become slippery, but is industrial friction tape an option or does it come off too easy? Can't drive around with ramp door open during setup and teardown, can the ramp be suspended off the ground using short chains for short moves during these times? I have nothing against either style, and I think for hunting use the barn doors are a safe selection, but the ramp door is extremely nice for other reasons as well. I know guys who use portable ramps out the back with the double door style for their quads.

I'm just thinking out loud since I'm not one to make a fairly major purchase ($5500) without thinking through all the options. I am leaning toward a 14' or 16' tandem, v-nose, w/ e-track securing system. It will only be used for hunting, but since we can't always drive into the fields I need to have the ability to load my quad due to the larger spread we put out. Right now I have 60 Avery fullbodys and 18 Avery shells, but this number could grow to around 100/120. The trailer size I am proposing may be a bit too big in some eyes, but I am guessing that a bit bigger is better.

By far this site has probably given me more ideas for tricking up a trailer than any other, so possibly some may offer their pros and cons for rear doors.

[RyanBarthel]

I guess my vote would go for the barn door style. I have a 7x16, and like you, haul my ATV on ocassion. For loading and unloading the ATV, I have 2-2x10 planks that just slide in and out. On the same token I see how a ramp door has both pro's and con's. I guess the only must have option on a trailer is a side door! It makes life much easier.

[Rick "Willis" Turch]

We use a 16' w/ a ramp style door. It seems to work well getting the decoys out as well as loading and unloading the ATV. Like Ryan mentioned, both have there pro's and con's to them.

[jimmy wren7]

Dave

I'm with the others on the back doors I would go with the double barn doors.And if you were going to be haulin your fourwheeler you could get a side ramp door it makes for awsome access to the Quad .It enables you to get to the ATV with out unloading every that you dont need to.At the same time it saves on space (the ATV is side ways)and the weight is in the the foward region of the trailer for a better tow(smoother).Hope this helps.

[Jason Connellee]

Having owed both types of trailers, I would have to say that the ramp door is my favorite style door. Both types have their pro's and con's. One reason I like the ramp style is that you don't have to worry about the doors slamming closed on you while picking up or putting out while the wind is blowing. Yes, you can latch the doors, but I have seen a lot of doors with ripped off latches and catches and not repaired. With a ramp rear door, you don't have to worry about that issue. Jim made a good point about the ATV. But, you want to be careful not to put to much weight on the tounge area. I all boils down to one thing, "What are you comfortable with and get what you want".

Good Luck.

[Tony Vandemore]

For me the double barn doors are the only way to go. We open open the back door and put somebody in the back kicking out decoys, then pull ahead a ways and kick out another pile, so on and so forth. Would be a hassle with the ramp doors. Get whatever suits the way you hunt.

[Scott Turpen]

I like the ramp just for ease of walking up and down with a bunch decoys on your arm. If you're worried about corn stalks just knock them down before you let the ramp down. But everybody's got their preferences.;)

[Barry Schindle]

Also shopping right now, if your thinking about spending upwards of $5500 ya might want to think about Aluminum. You can get 7x14's for around that in Aluminum with ramp doors and they are nice and light for pulling. Otherwise for the gear you have/planning on having you could probably get away with a 6x14 and still fit the quad. Have been pricing them out and you can get a nice one for around $2700. Just remember since you live in IL there is probably 10 plants within a nice drive from your home so you can save cost on delivery. If you want some #'s of guys I have been working with that will cut you a good deal shoot me a PM. Just remember if you order a trailer expect to wait 4-8 weeks till built, if you buy off a lot expect to pay $250-550 for the delivery charge.

[Nate Tegtmeier]

I think that tony said it get what fits the style that you hunt. If you hunt and put dekes out and move put more and move go with the barn doors. But if you just drive in unload and carry your dekes to there location then go with the ramp. I think with the 6 slot bags its pretty nice just to park and unload everything but then again thats me. But once again get the kind of trailer thats fits your style of hunting. Id also go with the 16 foot trailer!!! you can use that 2 foot for an excuse to buy more decoys!

[Paul Cupka]

I love my ramp door. But then again I don't employ 1400 FB Snow Decoys on a regular basis. I think 14' with a V-Nose will suit you fine. I currently have a 16x7.5 flat face and am looking at downsizing to a 14x7 with the V-Nose. I do really like my 4' side door on my trailer now though.

[Michael Weiss]

Here is a pic of my trailer. It is a 7x16' V-nose with saloon style doors on the back. Corn fields can be a pain with a ramp style door. I am not saying they are bad, but I love my trailer and how it functions for me and my style. Also, make sure the fenders are to the outside so you are not fighting them in the dark morning on the inside. They can be real shin busters!!!
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