Car-Mate or Haulmark?

[Jason Mears]

Guys,
Im looking at buying a trailer here in the very near future and Ive got it narrowed down between a Car-Mate and a Haulmark. Both trailers seem like pretty good trailers but Car-Mate has the lifetime warranty on the roof and floor and a 5 year on the axle. Haulmark has only a 3 year warranty and it is also a little cheaper. Just wondering what your opinions are on both, good or bad?

[Bob "Chappy" Chaplin]

Jason,
I just bought a TC Trecker made by Wellscargo. I'll try to get some pictures up. I like it alot, it was very affordable too. You can check them out at:
www.wellscargo.com

[Jason Mears]

Thanks Chap, I'll definitely check into them. Gonna call the dealer at lunchtime.

[freshshooter]

my family owns a trailer business here in ohio, even though we now mostly sell semi trailers, we have sold many enclosed trailers. a few years ago we bought a 6x12 cargo mate. haulmark makes very good trailers if you are looking for a larger say 8x20 or larger, but it seems that their smaller trailers just arent built up as well. i have heard good things about featherlite but you are going to pay a bit more for the name. take a peak under the trailer and see how it is made, many people do not do this. hope this helps

[David Rearick]

One thing always to consider about a trailer, especially a steel trailer, is how long will it last. From personal experience the cheaper the trailer, the cheaper and thinner the metal. Also the walls and flooring tend to be thinner and will not readily support shelving weight. They also tend to "skimp" on the frame/axles paint, and what they may call rustproofing will not last. No matter what you buy, spend the 100 dollars and have it undercoated professionally. It will save you a bunch of maintenance in the future. It still is not as good of an option as aluminum IMO, but it will help things hood up better. For me the added cost to go aluminum is well worth it.

Secondly, Car-Mate is by far a superior product to Haulmark. When you make a purchase like this you want it to last, and Car-Mate will do that and then some. It still needs a good undercoating, but the interior features and diamond plate etc are top notch. Not only that but it will hold its value as well.

Your best bet, make a checklist of features you want and hash them out with the dealer. Make sure that that everything lines up and one isn't using 3/8" plywood instead of 3/4" etc.

[Jason Mears]

Thanks for the input guys, I'll be sure to take these things into consideration, good advice.

[David Rearick]

Jason, I thought you may like this.. It was in the Butler Eagle:
Carmate 2002 forest green 5x10 cargo trailer. spare tire with cover, roof vent, insulated roof used for crafts about 20 weekends a year since 2003, excellent tires, has barn doors in back, $2,000. 724-776-2987

[Brian Laux]

Jason I bought a carmate from a dealer right in your neck of the woods. I realy like it and I would recomend it to you.

Storage in Motion
153 South Johnson Road
Houston, PA 15342

[CurrituckBoy]

dont know much about the name itself but I would spend the little bit extra and get a better warinty. It is hunting and things get beaten up a bit.

The welscargo trailers are very nice

Michael

[Jason Mears]

Thanks again guys.

Dave, I'll definitely check into that. Thanks for the info.

Brian,
Talked to Storage in Motion the other day just getting prices. He remembered you guys buying the trailers off of him. He seems like a good guy. If I buy a new Car-Mate, I'll probably end up there. He had the best prices.

[Erik Nilsson]

J man what size are you looking for? The guys down the road from me have trailers Cargokings, pretty heavy duty tows. Construction grade ,all the bells and whistles thick walls, good strong floors diamond plates undercoated right from the factory for some competitive prices. A good steel trailer will last ya a long time. I ordered a 16'er V nose off of them for this season . You still got my #? give me call and I will check out prices for ya, plus It will give us a chance on planning to get after them preseason boys. There's a good stock Fri for in season I'm going on, I want to see what bruisers they're putting out. :)

[David Rearick]

Yup, a good steel trailer will last a long time if you take care of it, no doubt, just make sure to take as many precautions as you can.

The other issue with steel over aluminum is the extra 1K of weight behind the truck when we are talking something over 14' long. Definately kills the gas mileage and makes the truck work twice as hard pulling into down farm roads etc.

[Jason Mears]

Erik,
Thanks for the input. Im more or less looking for a 6x12. That should be good enough for the set-up I have plus when I go to Canada in August I can get a quad and some gear in there.

I'll give you a call. Make sure you take pictures when you go on that stocking. Where are they stocking?

[Erik Nilsson]

I'' try and get some pics, theyre doing N.Butler and also in the Bruin area
Bear crk
Silver crk
Bonnie brk
and NB SR crk

brooks and browns :D

Im pretty sure those guys have a 12' instock 1 white and 1 blk I'll check

[Jason Mears]

Thanks Erik.

Im not too familiar with the creeks in that area. Brooks and Browns, my favorties to catch! Im really starting to get the itch to get out and do some trout fishing.

[Joe Robison]

I've hauled around a Haulmark for the past 6 years a 6x12 trailer. It's been to Canada every year and all around Michigan. Knock on wood I have not had a problem with it yet. I payed $2350 for brand new 6 years ago. Hope this helps.

[Bob "Chappy" Chaplin]

Jason,
Whaat ever you end up with make sure you geta V-nose. It may be a little more money, but you'll save it in gas just pulling the trailer around.

[Jason Mears]

Chappy, thanks for the advise, that did cross my mind. The V would also be a good place to hang waders, etc.