Utility Trailer

[Kuan]

I need to get a utility trailer for hauling wood, sand, gravel etc. I don't really know much about towing so should I be looking at 4x8 utility trailers, 5x8 utility trailers... or does it just matter how much I put in (weight)? Is a 5x8 trailer too wide?

Any knowledge and suggestions appreciated :D

Thanks

[delicanuck]

Hi Kuan,
I'm a trailer pulling rookie but here's a few things I learned over the past year:
I added a hitch to my deli and then got a really nice little trailer frame and built a collapsable box for it so I could take the box apart and store the whole trailer under my porch. My box is just big enough to carry all my gear and its almost un-noticable when I'm driving. Its so small in fact, that I can't see the trailer out the back window. That makes reversing really exciting and not in a good way. Also, my tongue (on the trailer) is quite short so the little trailer will be almost jackknifed before I see it in either wing mirror. Have that in mind when choosing your trailer. Maybe hook the trailer up, sit in the drivers seat and check to see if you can see it before you buy it.
A trailer that is a bit narrower than your car won't give you that "stunt-kite" effect and also won't block your wing mirror field of view. Trailers that are wider than your car can sometimes start to wag back and forth behind you, especially on the hiway, for example, watch someone pulling one of those tent-trailers! Its like trying to ride your bike home in a cross wind with an empty refridgerator carton under one arm.
A trailer that is taller than your car ... well, your driving a Delica so that's not likely to be a big concern but just the same, if you get a horse trailer, it should probably be somewhat aerodynamic at the top or it will add a lot of drag.
Gotta run. I have some trailer modifications to do.

[BCDelica]

It can help adding a couple of flags or posts to your field of view to see your utility trailer position behind vans and trucks. The backup mirror on the Delica's is a great help for backing up, including hitching up. I put a spot of bright orange marking paint on the top of each tow ball to make lining a breeze, and I don't have to get a helper to hook up a trailer. Also you can put a line marking paint on the top of the utility trailers tongue, one look in that rear mirror tells you where you trailer is.

I can't believe how easier trailing is with that mirror, I'd get one for whatever vehicle I get next (SUV or van). The mirror even lets ya triple check your connections, one look back tells me if the; wiring harness is connected, chains are both hooked up, ball is dogged down, and if the leveling bars are still in the right place on the rougher roads.

At the very least get the 4x8 trailer, big enough to fit a full sheet of plywood and the Delica has a surprising amount of pulling grunt.

Now the big question I have is where to get mirror extensions for towing a vehicle wider then a Delica?

Kev - finds the Deli a great towing rig.

Added - http://fishbcforum.com/index.php?showtopic=42286&hl= (This is what mine looked like 12 years ago!

[ATOSrider]

the trailer wagging phenomenon is probably due to light or negative tongue loading, it would be easy for the tent trailer folks to load too much behind the axle, and unload the hitch - scary stuff!
once I get my Deli, I'll be looking for a minimum 4 x 8 utility trailer too, so I'm glad to hear the Deli can deliver some pull

[asorensen]

Just so you know the delica will fit plywood inside as well!
I have carried atleast ten sheets of 5/8" ply without any concern.

[Kuan]

Thanks guys for the info. I'll see what I can find on the used market.

[josh]

The Delica can also carry 12 foot long 2x4's... from the dash to the end... and still close the gate. There is a lot of room in these vans!

Josh

[Pete and Jackie]

Trailers, I've got 4. The one with the longest reach (lenth of tongue) is by far the easiest to back up. The concrete mixer on wheels with the shortest reach jacknifes with alacrity and skill. Its so good at it that I swear its out to get me!