This will depend on how much gear you have got to pack. There are lots to chose from but I would certainly do some research and be prepared to spend some money. There are some decent second hand ones on ebay but I would look for a trailer that you can get relatively cheap extra's for like side extensions. They soon fill up so be mindful of this - I bought a franc one a few years ago and have had to build my own framework to extend it as our gear has expanded - this was cheaper than buying a new bigger one. Personally I would go for the bigger trailer so you're not pushed for space. Good luck anyway...
I agree with Fitzydan, if you get a small one you will soon be wishing you had more space ! I have an Erde 163 ( just a little bigger than a 142 but 13 inch wheels and built like a tank.) and we are already wishing we had the top lid for it to make a little more room!
The larger wheels are better for long distance touring, if you think of the greater circumference of a 13 inch wheel as against an 8 inch you will understand it does not have to rotate anything like as many times per mile .... so less tyre and bearing wear. Tyres and bearings are the two things to look at if you buy from Ebay, if you stick to a well known make then obtaining spares becomes far easier. Erde parts are so easy to find on the net, as are the extra bits you can add to make things easier. Parts like the jockey wheel make moving the trailer when unhitched so easy, it just rolls up like a three wheeler to the car and once located over the hitch you only have to lower the jockey to make an easy hitch.
Check it has a secondary link to the vehicle, simply a chain that goes over the ball hitch on the car so that if the ball hitch should fail the chain keeps it from going freelance ( a legal requirement) . Check the electrics work , break lights, indicators and lighting for the number plate are legally required.
When we bought ours ( second hand from E Bay) we asked the guy if we could hitch it up and take it for a drive round the block to listen to the bearings etc , he was happy to allow that and we felt we had peace of mind.
Make sure you get a cover for it , and remember to leave a small portion of the budget for a wheel clamp, if you leave it for the day on the campsite it may be difficult to get your stuff home if it is not there when you get back.
I have no idea of your budget so its hard to be more specific but if I were looking I would be after an Erde 142 with cover and jockey at least ( £200 - £250 ) if I was a bit more flush, and was not using a Nissan Note to tow it I would look towards either the 142 with an ABS hardtop or the Erde 193 on Ebay at the moment with 1 bid at £400 .... new it would cost you around £1000 !
we have the Erde 142 with extensions and jockey wheel
------------- canvas for the wind,
a roof for the rain
and tea beside the fire.
Laughter to cheer you,
those you love near you
and all that your heart might desire.
We went for a Trailer with "A" frame design, which made it easy to add a "Trailer Tongue Box", for holding our two 907 CampinGaz cylinders, along with wheel clamp, hitch lock, and 2mts of 18mm heavy chain, along with bottle jack, and other tools.
Would have liked to have gone for a Ansemms trailer, or box trailer, which are probably better suited to camping gear, but at £2k+ were well over my budget, unless buying seconhand.
Picture of my 5ft x 3ft 7" trailer (13" wheels), in gallery, for ideas.
Hi Rubarbs, keep your eye on e-bay. I would advise to buy as big as you can with the maximum budget you can afford. We got really lucky on e-bay last year. Thought I could never fill the trailer I bought. Now have it filled to the max!!!!
Set yourself a rough budget, find a suitable trailer and........... GET THE NEXT SIZE UP.
You will outgrow your first trailer, or you can add height to your existing trailer (be careful about towing weights and visibility), we outgrew our 4X3 and added 16" of extra height and we still fill the dam thing along with a roof box......!
Forewarned is forearmed
------------- Thats my tent, THE ONE WITH THE CANADIAN FLAG...!
Look out for a nice old trailer . Get them cheap a easy to do up. Don't like these indespension one's, you can't beat a leaf spring. Think of a size and go bigger.......
We bought a Venter Trailer a few years ago and think it is fantastic. They are made in South Africa and the quailty is superp. Since the top is hinged with gas struts, the interior is fully waterproof and strong enough to support 4 bikes on top. (With optional bike rack).
We saw them at the NEC one year but were put off by the high price (but probably fair for the spec 'though). We stumbled upon one on ebay - an ex showroom display model and managed to fight off the competition.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Trailers
